This class will introduce students to the gamut of animation thinking and making through classroom instruction and hands-on practical experience. Lecture and film screenings will emphasize the process, theory, and practice of animated filmmaking to illustrate each technique and related aesthetics. Hands-on supervised studio sessions will guide students to an intuitive understanding of the process of producing animation and students will use this understanding to analyze various animated works. Each student will develop their personal vision through assigned projects utilizing the material discussed in class. **This course has a facilities fee for non-CAD students to use cage equipment.**

This course provides an introductory overview to computer systems and to principles associated with motion picture technologies. Topics covered include computer history, basics in computer architecture basics, operating systems, HTML and networking. Human vision and perception, image capture and display technologies (both analog and digital), digital image processing and post-production equipment and software are also covered. The course focuses on exposing the students to basic principles necessary to proceed with subsequent courses with production or animation focus.

This course not only examines the creative construction of various types of dramatic work, but also the less tangible elements of the art, including theme, truth, factual accuracy, social responsibility, dramatic license, philosophy, and the role of the dramatist in a rapidly changing world. Students will engage with a variety of writing methodologies and practices through screenings of feature films, documentaries, historical adaptations, limited series, one-hour dramas, and half-hour TV comedies that help illustrate the lessons within the topics.

This course will teach students the basics of Adobe After Effects. Students will learn production theory as well as gain practical experience in 2.5 D animation production.