Basic Class Information & Syllabus

165 Syllabus 

Summer 2020 Drawing for Digital Animation Course Syllabus 
6/15-7/23, 2020

ARTDM 165-2051 Units: 3 Instructor: Arthur S. King

E-mail: aking@dvc.edu 

Phone.# 925 969 2245        

Class Blog: http://165-166.blogspot.com

Class/Times: M-TH 12:50-2:50pm Online            

Help Sessions: M & W 2:50pm-3:20pm online

*Every class day at 12:40pm, students will receive a link to that days Zoom class meeting.

Description: 

Objectives/Student Learning Outcomes: This class will serve as an introduction to the art of cartoon animation through the instruction of traditional drawing techniques.  At the end of the semester students will be able to:

Objectives:

1. Discuss basic drawing skills, color manipulation, and design principles unique to animation and the creation of character pages and storyboarding.

2. Describe and explain "sequential art" as it relates to the 12 principles of animation.                                               

3. Discuss interdisciplinary fundamentals, techniques, and concepts related to cartooning.

4. Critique their artwork and the artwork of others.

5. Describe significant eras of the history of animation.

Student Learning Outcomes:

1. Students completing the course will be able to describe and explain Sequential Art

2. Students will be able to create a fully developed cartoon ready for animating

3. Students completing this course will be able to produce a more complex journalistic project that would be appropriate to use as a work sample in a job application.

The above will be accomplished by focusing on character development, layout design, story boarding, script writing, rendering techniques, visual aesthetics, art history and contemporary forms of cartoon art that appear in 2-D form. Students will also apply these techniques to traditional newspaper strip panels and political cartoons.

Students will create 6-8 animatics, some will be hand drawn and others will be created using the Adobe animation program. The animatics will focus on timing, visual weight and movement. 

Students will be expected to keep a sketchbook which will be graded for completeness as well as technique. The work in the sketchbook will be a combination of direct observation of models, handouts, class notes, the internet & any other scribbles you might think of.  Sketchbooks must be brought to every class. Artwork created in the sketchbooks must be kept in sketchbooks, never throw anything away, never tear anything out.  NO LINED NOTEBOOK PAPER SKETCHBOOKS.

Tutoring:

If you need help with online tutoring try these DVC sponsored resources
https://www.dvc.edu/current/tutoring-services/online-tutoring.html (Links to an external site.)
https://www.dvc.edu/current/tutoring-services/academic-support-center.htm

  

Inclusivity Statement:

Every student in this classroom, regardless of personal history or identity categories, is a member of this group. Your experiences are important and you should share them as they become relevant to our class. No student in this class is ever expected or believed to speak for all members of their group(s). 

In this classroom, you have the right to determine your own identity. You have the right to be called by whatever name you wish. You have the right to be referred to by whatever pronouns you wish. You have the right to adjust those things at any point in your education.

If you find that there are aspects of course instruction, subject matter, or class environment that result in barriers to your inclusion, please contact me privately without fear of reprisal.

Evaluation: 

50% of student grades will be determined by averaging grades on 6-8 evaluative class assignments and one final exam. The final exam will consist of a drawing test,

30% of the grades will be based on the completeness of sketchbooks. (They will be checked daily.) 

20% of student grades will be based on class participation. Students must attend class in order to effectively participate. If you miss a class, ask your neighbor for the notes. This is a hands-on class.......we will always look at and discuss the work.

 

Basic classroom decorum:

1. Cell phones must be set at vibrate or turned off.

2. Talking about your work during art making is important, but your conversation should be polite. Please do not talk over anyone else, raise your hand and you will be able to give your opinion or ask a question.

3. No Music playing in the background as it may be disturbing to others or cause you to miss information.

4. Late Work: All work will be due at the specific dates that are handed out and specified in class. If you do not complete the work in-class or are absent, then exercises must be submitted via e-mail or to the class discussion board on canvas.

5. Lectures, demos, and discussion: Take notes at lectures and demonstrations. participate thoughtfully in class and ask questions during discussions and critiques. (No e-mailing, phone calls)                                                               6. Backing Up Your Files: Losing work due to failed media or overwritten files is not an excuse for late work, even if I saw you working on the project in class. Students are expected to have an effective backup strategy for saving all of their files. Students should purchase a thumb drive or use an online storage.

7. In this class, I would like us to cultivate “excellence of thought” by creating a learning environment that supports a diversity of thoughts, perspectives, and experiences, and that honors all our identities (including race, gender, class, veteran status, sexuality, religion, ability, etc.). With this in mind, let’s discuss what we all need in order to slow down, recognize our own positions (including unexamined biases), and take another look at someone’s ideas, experiences, or values. How can we listen and hear different opinions, even if we don’t accept them or understand them, with an open heart and mind? In this class, let’s practice these skills together.

Attendance Policy:

Students are expected to attend all of every class meeting unless they have received prior permission from the instructor. Attendance will be taken at the beginning of every class meeting. Anyone absent when attendance is taken will be assumed absent from the class. If you are late to class it is your responsibility to make sure your attendance is acknowledged by talking to the instructor. If a student misses two weeks of class without being excused, it can be assumed that the student is intending to drop the class. It is your responsibility to drop the class. If you wish to do so but do not, you may receive an F for the class. 

Wellness:

Several resources are available to meet the wellness and mental health needs of DVC students. These include access to a mental health counselor and short-term personal counseling. These also include access to Contra Costa County Supported Educational Services, which can help actively-enrolled students find and access appropriate community resources. For more information, or to make an appointment, you may self-refer in person to the Counseling Office in the student services center (SSC-201) or via e-mail at Wellnessdvc@email.4cd.edu

Class Philosophy:

“Find out what is it that truly ignites you. Don’t be afraid of failure. Try to learn something new every day from different fields … know you are on the journey, so learn and grow!”  -Stephen Silver                                                                                                                    

Summary:

The above class curriculum focuses on, 1. Producing 2. Presenting 3. Revised Practice

Class Supply List Required for 165 Students: 

1 9”x12” spiral bound sketch book. (Blank for all drawing assignments

1 12” ruler 1 “Click” white eraser 

1 Extra fine point sharpie-BLACK (Or any other extra fine point marker you use).

1 fine point sharpie-BLACK (Or any other extra fine point marker you use).

1 Photo Blue Pencil (I find the best one is the “Steadtler” brand, it’s not to waxy). 

1 Ticonderoga Erasable carmine red 425T Pencil (Office Depot carries them).

1 USB Flash Drive 1or 2 Gig.

Textbooks:

The Animator's Survival Kit: A Manual of Methods, Principles and Formulas for Classical, Computer, Games, Stop Motion and Internet Animators by Richard Williams ( This book will be given to you by the instructor, no need to purchase)

*The Silver Way: Techniques, Tips, and Tutorials for Effective Character Design By Steven Silver (This book needs to be purchased)

*Both books are available in the DVC Bookstore, online, traditional bookstores.

Software: 
Once you are enrolled in the class and have been issued a student ID# you can then go to the top of the blog and select the tab called "Getting Adobe at home." Follow the directions to install the program onto your computer. Only select Adobe Animate. This will work for the duration of the class.

________________________________________________________________________________


166 Syllabus

Summer 2020 Drawing for Digital Animation Course Syllabus
6/15-7/23, 2020

ARTDM 166-2053 Units: 3 Instructor: Arthur S. King

E-mail: aking@dvc.edu 

Phone# 925 969 2245        

Class Blog: http://165-166.blogspot.com

Class/Times M-TH 12:50-2:50pm Online             

Help Sessions: T & TH 2:50pm-3:20pm Online

*Every class day at 12:40pm, students will receive a link to that days Zoom class meeting.

Description:

Objectives/Student Learning Outcomes: This class will serve as an introduction to the art of cartoon animation through the instruction of traditional drawing techniques. At the end of the semester students will be able to:

Objectives:

1. Discuss the historical development of animation.

2. Distinguish between traditional and non-traditional animation styles.

3. Analyze and deconstruct an animation production.

4. Discuss the application of the 12 principles of animation theory to animation projects.

Student Learning Outcomes:

1. Apply the 12 principles of animation theory to projects.

2. Apply traditional and non-traditional animation styles in their own work.

3. Produce an animation demonstrating animation theory.

The above will be accomplished by focusing on character development, layout design, story boarding, script writing, rendering techniques, visual aesthetics, art history and contemporary forms of cartoon art that appear in 2-D form.

Students will create 6-8 animatics, some will be hand drawn and others will be created using the Adobe animation program. The animatics will focus on timing, visual weight and movement. 

Students will be expected to keep a sketchbook which will be graded for completeness as well as technique. The work in the sketchbook will be a combination of direct observation of models, handouts, class notes, the internet & any other scribbles you might think of.  Sketchbooks must be brought to every class. Artwork created in the sketchbooks must be kept in sketchbooks, never throw anything away, never tear anything out.  NO LINED NOTEBOOK PAPER SKETCHBOOKS.

Tutoring:

If you need help with online tutoring try these DVC sponsored resources
https://www.dvc.edu/current/tutoring-services/online-tutoring.html
https://www.dvc.edu/current/tutoring-services/academic-support-center.htm

Inclusivity Statement:

Every student in this classroom, regardless of personal history or identity categories, is a member of this group. Your experiences are important and you should share them as they become relevant to our class. No student in this class is ever expected or believed to speak for all members of their group(s). 

In this classroom, you have the right to determine your own identity. You have the right to be called by whatever name you wish. You have the right to be referred to by whatever pronouns you wish. You have the right to adjust those things at any point in your education.

If you find that there are aspects of course instruction, subject matter, or class environment that result in barriers to your inclusion, please contact me privately without fear of reprisal.

Evaluation: 

50% of student grades will be determined by averaging grades on 7 evaluative class assignments and one final exam. The final exam will consist of a drawing test

30% of the grades will be based on the completeness of sketchbooks. (They will be checked weekly.) 

20% of student grades will be based on class participation. Students must attend class in order to effectively participate. If you miss a class, ask your neighbor for the notes. This is a hands on class...we will always look at and discuss the work. 

Basic classroom decorum: 

1. Cell phones must be set at vibrate or turned off.

2. Talking about your work during art making is important, but your conversation should be polite. Please do not talk over anyone else, raise your hand and you will be able to give your opinion or ask a question.

3. No Music playing in the background as it may be disturbing to others or cause you to miss information.

4. Late Work: All work will be due at the specific dates that are handed out and specified in class. If you do not complete the work in-class or are absent, then exercises must be submitted via e-mail or to the class discussion board on canvas.

5. Lectures, demos, and discussion: Take notes at lectures and demonstrations. participate thoughtfully in class and ask questions during discussions and critiques. (No e-mailing, phone calls)                                                      

6. Backing Up Your Files: Losing work due to failed media or overwritten files is not an excuse for late work, even if I saw you working on the project in class. Students are expected to have an effective backup strategy for saving all of their files. Students should purchase a thumb drive or use an online storage

7. In this class, I would like us to cultivate “excellence of thought” by creating a learning environment that supports a diversity of thoughts, perspectives, and experiences, and that honors all our identities (including race, gender, class, veteran status, sexuality, religion, ability, etc.). With this in mind, let’s discuss what we all need in order to slow down, recognize our own positions (including unexamined biases), and take another look at someone’s ideas, experiences, or values. How can we listen and hear different opinions, even if we don’t accept them or understand them, with an open heart and mind? In this class, let’s practice these skills together.

Attendance Policy:

Students are expected to attend all of every class meeting unless they have received prior permission from the instructor. Attendance will be taken at the beginning of every class meeting. Anyone absent when attendance is taken will be assumed absent from the class. If you are late to class it is your responsibility to make sure your attendance is acknowledged by talking to the instructor. If a student misses two weeks of class without being excused, it can be assumed that the student is intending to drop the class. It is your responsibility to drop the class. If you wish to do so but do not, you may receive an F for the class.  

Wellness:

Several resources are available to meet the wellness and mental health needs of DVC students. These include access to a mental health counselor and short-term personal counseling. These also include access to Contra Costa County Supported Educational Services, which can help actively-enrolled students find and access appropriate community resources. For more information, or to make an appointment, you may self-refer in person to the Counseling Office in the student services center (SSC-201) or via e-mail at Wellnessdvc@email.4cd.edu

Class Philosophy:

“Find out what is it that truly ignites you. Don’t be afraid of failure. Try to learn something new every day from different fields … know you are on the journey, so learn and grow!”  -Stephen Silver                                                                                                                     

Summary:

The above class curriculum focuses on, 1. Producing 2. Presenting 3. Revised Practice

Supplies 166 Students:

1 9”x12” spiral bound sketch book. (Blank for all drawing assignments

1 12” ruler 1 “Click” white eraser 

1 Extra fine point sharpie-BLACK (Or any other extra fine point marker you use).

1 fine point sharpie-BLACK (Or any other extra fine point marker you use).

1 Photo Blue Pencil (I find the best one is the “Steadtler” brand, it’s not to waxy). 

1 Ticonderoga Erasable carmine red 425T Pencil (Office Depot carries them).

1 USB Flash Drive 1or 2 Gig.

Textbooks:

*(you should have this one from the 165 class)

The Animator's Survival Kit: A Manual of Methods, Principles and Formulas for Classical, Computer, Games, Stop Motion and Internet Animators by Richard Williams

*Available in the DVC Bookstore, online, traditional bookstores.

*(you should have this one from the 165 class)

*The Silver Way: Techniques, Tips, and Tutorials for Effective Character Design By Steven Silver

*Available in the DVC Bookstore, online, traditional bookstores.

*(This is a classic)

Cartoon Animation, by Preston Blair

*Available in the DVC Bookstore, online, traditional bookstores.

Software: 
Once you are enrolled in the class and have been issued a student ID# you can then go to the top of the blog and select the tab called "Getting Adobe at home." Follow the directions to install the program onto your computer. Only select Adobe Animate. This will work for the duration of the class.