Communication Studies and Multimedia
MMEDIA2H03: INTRODUCTION TO ANIMATION
Thursdays, 2:30PM - 4:20PM
Course Outline Fall 2009
September 10 – December 3
Instructor: Robert Hamilton, TSH-329, ext. 27955
Office Hours: Mondays, from 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM or by appointment
URL: http://www.humanities.mcmaster.ca/~hamiltr
Email: hamiltr@mcmaster.ca Course Description: This class will begin with an introduction to the history, types and basic principles of animation. Students are expected to create a significant work of animation in which they display a variety of techniques. An accompanying test will reflect on the theoretical, artistic and technical issues raised by animation in general. Students will be expected to attend screenings. The class will investigate various forms of animation that have become integrated with the popular media. The class will view and discuss animation that is currently used in television, film and interactive media. In the context of these lectures, projects and screenings students will develop a firm grasp of animation fundamentals. Students will also learn basic animation skills in creating their own animation. Course Format: The class will be a mixture of discussions, lectures, screenings and demonstrations. Required Texts: - “Animation Art” Jerry Beck (Available at Titles Bookstore)
Software:
Students will use a variety of software, including the following:
- Maya
- Photoshop
Assignments: Detailed descriptions of individual assignments will be circulated in class. You are encouraged to begin working on assignments well in advance of their due dates.
- Assignment 1 (Flipbook) 20%
- Assignment 2 (Maya modeling) 20%
- Assignment 3 (Maya animation) 30%
- Test 20%
- Participation 10%
Grading Criteria: Grading will be based on the student’s demonstrated competence with the software as well as the general quality of the submitted work. The participation grade will be determined by the student’s contribution to a supportive and critical atmosphere during class. Late assignments will be penalized by 5% per day of the week (weekends included). Extensions will be given if requested before the assignment’s due date and if the instructor considers the reason legitimate.
Academic Integrity consists of misrepresentation by deception or by other fraudulent means and can result in serious consequences, e.g. the grade of zero on an assignment, loss of credit with a notation on the transcript (notation reads: “Grade of F assigned for academic dishonesty”), and/or suspension or expulsion from the university. It is your responsibility to understand what constitutes academic dishonesty. For information on the various kinds of academic dishonesty please refer to the Academic Integrity Policy, specifically Appendix 3, located at http://www.mcmaster.ca/senate/academic/ac_integrity.htm
The following illustrates only three forms of academic dishonesty:
1. Plagiarism, e.g. the submission of work that is not one’s own or for which other credit has been obtained.
2. Improper collaboration in group work.
3. In this course, we will be using a web-based service (Turnitin.com) to reveal plagiarism. Students will be required to submit their work electronically to Turnitin.com and in hard copy so that it can be checked for academic dishonesty. Students who do not wish to submit their work to Turnitin.com must still submit a copy to the instructor. No penalty will be assigned to a student who does not submit work to Turnitin.com. All submitted work is subject to normal verification that standards of academic integrity have been upheld(e.g., Google search, etc.). To see Guidelines for the Use of Turnitin.com, please go to www.mcmaster.ca/academicintegrity
Accommodations for Students With Disabilities: If you require special accommodation for learning or have any special needs please let the instructor know of them as soon as possible in order that arrangements can be made. Students with disabilities are encouraged to register with the Centre for Student Development.
Email: It is the policy of the CSMM Department that all email communication between students and instructors (including TAs) must originate from their official McMaster University email accounts. This policy protects the confidentiality and sensitivity of information and confirms the identities of both the student and instructor. CSMM department instructors will delete messages that do not originate from McMaster email accounts.
The instructor and university reserve the right to modify elements of the course during the term. The university may change the dates and deadlines for any or all courses in extreme circumstances. If either type of modification becomes necessary, reasonable notice and communication with the students will be given with explanation and the opportunity to comment on changes. It is the responsibility of the student to check their McMaster email and course websites weekly during the term and to note any changes.