Fall 2007 - 3 credit hours
Tuesday, Thursday 2:00-4:50pm
Instructor: Ben Kirkby

Course Description:

This course is an introduction to the various elements of digital animation. Through individual and group assignments students will explore various tools and techniques while developing characters, scenery and story lines. This course will experiment with the use of interactive text, graphics, photography, sound and video as it relates to digital animation.

Objectives:

Process and Research (building upon initial ideas in a manner that shows progression of ideas)
Design and Layout (the conceptual and formal)
Presentation and Technique (clearly explain concept and subsequent choices and craft/production)
Time Management and Professionalism (meeting deadlines)

Required Textbooks:

Class handouts and other readings

Recommended Supplies and Software:

Adobe Flash
Adobe After Effects
Adobe Photoshop
Apple Final Cut Studio
Adobe Illustrator
Digital camera
Digital video camera
Flatbed scanner

Content:

4-6 visual projects
process notebooks and storyboards for each project
assigned readings from handouts and text
Note: On some occasions it will be possible to rework a project for a better grade

Attendance:

This is a studio/lab course and will entail a great deal of work and experimentation in and out of class. Class attendance is mandatory. Absences will have an effect on grades. At 4 absences your final grade will be dropped one whole letter grade. 3 lates or early leaves will result in one absence. If you miss a class you must find out from a classmate what transpired. You will be responsible for all work due the next class period. Please notify me of absences due to official university trips and religious holidays in advance.

Grading:

A (4.0) Excellent - One who performs consistently at a superior level meeting all deadlines.
B (3.0) Good - One who answers all requirements at a level that is above average.
C (2.0) Average - Meeting all the requirements, but stopping short of thorough exploration.
D (1.0) Unsatisfactory - Unacceptable on all levels
F (0.0) Failure
I A grade of Incomplete is given only when student’s work has been average (C) in quality but, due to reasons beyond his or her control, has not been completed.

+ and – grades may be given on individual projects to help you gauge your standing and progress. For example, a B– would be recorded as a straight B but the – lets a student understand they just barely made it and need to continue working to stay at that level. Likewise a + would indicate to a student that with continued work they are close to getting an A.

Office Hours:

Wednesday, 2 - 4:00pm
ART, Room 207
Please arrange any office visit one day in advance.

Contact Info:

Ben Kirkby
email:
class web site: www.benkirkby.com

Classroom Behavior:

Student Code of Conduct: “The aim of education is the intellectual, personal, social, and ethical development of the individual. The educational process is ideally conducted in an environment that encourages reasoned discourse, intellectual honesty, openness to constructive change and respect for the rights of individuals. Self-discipline and a respect for the rights of others in the university community are necessary for the fulfillment of such goals.”

Cell Phones:

Cell phone ringers must be set to the off or vibrate setting at all times during class. Text messaging or instant messaging is not allowed in class at any time. Students who answer phone calls in class will be asked to leave and will receive an absence for the day.

Code of Academic Integrity:

“Integrity is expected of every student in all academic work. The guiding principle of academic integrity is that a student’s submitted work must be the student’s own. This principle is furthered by the student Code of Conduct and disciplinary procedures established by ABOR Policies 5-308/5-403, all provisions of which apply to University of Arizona students.”

Fall 2007 - 3 credit hours Tuesday, Thursday 2:00-4:50pm Instructor: Ben Kirkby