Animation Capstone 1

Course Description

This course is the first of a two-part capstone for the BFA Studio Art concentration in Animation. Students will work collectively to prepare a story and concept art, then begin the production of an animated short film or interactive game. Prerequisite: At least two (2) of the following courses completed: ART 383, ART 398, ART 399; BFA Studio Art students concentrating in Animation, or permission of instructor.

Syllabus

Student Learning Outcomes, Goals, Objectives:

Students successfully completing this course will be able to:

  • Experience the full production pipeline
  • Learn how to work in groups and collaborate successfully with peers
  • Contribute meaningfully on a project. Boost your creative skills to elevate the work
  • Learn story writing
  • (if working in animation) Learn how to use an animatic as the foundation or template for a project
  • (If working in game design) Learn how to develop a blueprint for the mechanics and gameplay objectives

Course Grading Information:

Activity/Performance Measure Percentage/Points
Project 1: Pitch 50 points. 9%
Project 2: Story 100 points. 18%
Project 3: Concept Art 100 points. 18%
Project 4: Portfolio Website 100 points. 18%
Project5: Animatic & Proof of Concept Shot 200 points. 37%

Grading Scale

Percentage Letter Grade
94 - 100A
90 - 93.99A-
87 - 89.99B+
84 - 86.99B
80 - 83.99B-
77 - 79.99C+
74 - 76.99C
70 - 73.99C-
67 - 69.99D+
64 - 66.99D
61 - 63.99D-
0 - 60.99F

Attendance/Participation:

Attendance will be taken at the start of every class. Over two unexcused absences will result in the loss of a full letter grade off of your final grade. Additionally, 4 unexcused absences will result in an automatic failing grade. I will be particularly strict on attendance in this class.

If you are sick, then in the interest of everyone’s health do not come to class. Instead, please notify me ahead of time via email. Visit student health services (https://shs.uncg.edu/) or your doctor.

If you have a religious holiday, message me beforehand, and we can discuss accommodations.

Absences will be considered excused if accompanied by a note from a doctor or health service, or a note on school letterhead from a coach, professor or administrator.

Three unexcused late arrivals or early departures will equal one absence.

Course Materials Purchased by the Students:

Sketchbook/Pencils. Please bring these materials to every class. Make certain your sketchbook is large enough to support proper visual exploration. I also recommend having tracing paper, as it allows you to hone and develop a character design, without having to start over. If you use a tablet or iPad as your sketchbook, make certain it is fully charged with stylus and ready for use before coming to class.

Scholarly Perspectives

This course engages diverse scholarly perspectives to develop critical thinking, analysis, and debate and inclusion of a reading does not imply endorsement.