ART 106O 2D ANIMATION COURSE SYLLABUS

DESCRIPTION

ART 106O is a project-centered studio course that introduces 2D animation concepts, history, techniques and contemporary practices, production strategies, processes, and tools from a practical approach rooted in a historical/theoretical context. During each project's development, students research artists working within relevant categories and/or topics of animation, presenting findings to assist in their creative process. May be repeated for credit.

COURSE Introduction

I.1 Welcome SUMMER SESSION 2020

Welcome to 106O - 2D Animation. I am your instructor, Kristen Gillette (pronouns She / Her or They / Their), and am very excited to be teaching this course for Summer Session 2020. For this intro module content, I will be introducing the course format and basic weekly schedule, as well as the online learning system, called Canvas, that we will be using to do everything for this course. The Intro Assignments due for this module - which include reviewing this syllabus - are short practice assignments to get everyone comfortable with using Canvas to submit projects, and going through a few basic operations on your computers. These assignments will be graded based on completion only - so you will receive full credit for each assignment submitted correctly.

This course was always designed to be completely online - and because of this, the format might be a bit different from the remote courses you have been taking due to the COVID-19 pandemic. A plus side is that all of the content and projects are tailored and designed to fit the online format. I will still probably need to adjust some things, however, to accommodate the fact that everyone is now attending all courses remotely. This will be discussed further in the Course Policy section below.

I.2 Course Teaching assistants

This quarter we will be joined by TAs Shimul Chowdhury and Steph Layton. Each TA will be in charge of 1 section for grading, but they will both participate on the technical discussion boards and host weekly Studio Hours that anyone can attend. Your TAs will be assigned end of Week 1, and a bio page will be posted to Canvas with their contact info, discussion post moderation schedule, and more info about their professional experience and individual animation and motion graphics practices

I.3 Using Canvas

Canvas is the “Learning Management System” we will be using to host this course. Think of Canvas as the door to your classroom or lecture hall - every time you are doing any work for this course, you will want to first log into Canvas, which will then link you to our course site via your Canvas Dashboard. You will be using this site to do everything for this class - including access videos, tutorials and content, submit assignments, post discussion questions, view the course schedule, and view all course updates and announcements.

Before you go any farther, if you have not logged into Canvas, go to canvas.ucsc.edu to do so. Once logged in, go to Account, and then click Notifications and ensure that all 106O announcements will also be sent to the email you will be checking throughout the summer session.

I.4 Module Format

This online course will use “modules” to organize lectures / animation viewings, assignments, participation credit assignments and other course components, centered around the 4 course projects. Access modules via the “Module” menu option on the left of the Canvas page, or, by linking through to each on the course Home Page.

Most modules will feature a lecture page, project tutorial videos and a corresponding project, and some different discussion boards that require weekly written participation. The modules will be organized by week and listed in order. After Week 1, the modules will also overlap slightly.

i.5 Contacting Instructor + TA’s

Contact us via email with any non-technical questions, with “ART 106O” in the subject line, including any general inquiries about the course and policies, extension requests, or questions about grades, assignment requirements or course subject matter or material.

During the week, M-F from 9AM to 5PM, please allow 8 - 12 hrs for a response - it will usually be quicker, and sometimes a general concern might be addressed via an announcement - if this happens, it means that multiple people had similar issues. Over the weekend and after 5PM, response time and availability is limited, but always email anyway, as this will allow you to "timestamp" any serious issues.

Course Requirements + Assignments

Below is the category breakdown for Art 106O

5% Intro Module Exercises (1 pt each)
12% Lecture Review Assignments (3pts each)
8% Participation Credit - Either Discussion Posts (2 posts per module, 1pt each post) OR Zoom Studio Hours
40% Projects (10 pts each)
20% Peer Workshops (5 pts each)
10% Project Re-Work (10 pts)
5% Course Attendance / Engagement (1 pt per week)

C.1 MODULE STRUCTURE + DUE DATES

When you decide to work on assignments, view course content and videos, and participate on discussion boards is totally up to you throughout the week. All required assignments within modules will have weekly due dates which will be specified under each individual assignment (including discussion posts).

Modules unlock on each Monday morning of Weeks 1 - 4. Below is a sample structure for Module 1 - All Modules follow the exact same format:

Week 1 Monday - Module 1 unlocks
Week 2 Monday - Module 1 Participation Credit assignment + Lecture Response assignment due - 5pts total
Week 2 Wednesday - Module 1 Project due - 10pts
Week 2 Friday - Module 1 Peer Workshop discussion responses due - 5pts

The Monday + Wednesday due dates are intended to give folks the weekend to work on the projects, but it is not recommended to wait until Monday to start working on things - these projects require time and effort, and cannot be completed in a single session. Additionally, keep in mind that these Modules do overlap - starting Week 2, as you are completing the tail end of Module 1, you will need to be starting on Module 2. All due dates + deadlines will also be outlined in the schedule and the Module lists.

c.2 Lecture Pages + Viewing Content

Each module’s lecture content is centered around a specific 2D animation technique or concept: Frame Animation, Stop Motion Animation, Animated Text and Building Narratives. Each of these lectures will explore the development and history of each technique or concept, introduce key artists, provide technical information, and present and discuss a range of related artworks, short film clips and, of course, animations. These lectures are a mix of written text, image galleries and videos, and are viewable on a range of devices, including mobile platforms. At the end of each week, a short 2-3 point, lecture review assignment will be due that requires brief written analysis of lecture materials and concepts in relation to your plans and ideas for that module’s project.

c.3 Module Projects

Each Module Project explores that module’s thematic technique from a technical and a conceptual standpoint. The project tutorial videos provide hands-on, step-by-step instruction centered around each of the project’s technical requirements. As an upper division studio course, these projects make up a large portion of the anticipated workload, and the video instruction time is not the only time that will be dedicated to these projects. Expect to spend time planning projects, exploring different visual options, practicing techniques and completing steps or processes demonstrated in videos.

At the end of the session, during Week 4 + 5, you will choose one project to “re-work” and/or improve to submit for an additional 10 points, like another project. This Re-Work is an opportunity to improve or make changes based on instructor or peer workshop feedback, or to explore a project in greater depth.

c.4 Peer Workshop Discussion Boards

Since this course is totally online, the critique and peer review process of projects will also happen online, via discussion boards. These peer workshops will be supported via TA and instructor moderation, as well as guided review questions that require peers to leave specific, targeted feedback. This feedback / review process is a critical part of the course and is worth 20% of the final grade (5 pts for each project). There will be specific instructions and due dates posted under each of these workshop assignments.

When providing feedback, please remember that everyone is coming into this class with different levels of experience with animation techniques and processes, as well as different levels of experience with creative studio environments.

c.5 Asking for Technical Help with Programs

For this course, there is a procedure for asking technical questions about Photoshop, Illustrator and After Effects. I define “technical questions” as any question about a program or tool presented in the project tutorial videos, or any process required. It is not realistic or efficient for the TAs and I to answer individual questions about a program or a process via email - because of this, we ask students to utilize the Technical Discussion Boards and the Zoom Studio Hours for these types of questions. Doing this also earns required “Participation Credit” for each module.

Reminder - this is for technical questions only, and does not include things like questions about the course, grades, projects, extension requests, issues accessing your course portal, DRC accommodations or any other course concerns. Any questions like these should be sent directly to your TA and me.

c.6 Required PARTICIPATION credit

For Modules 1 - 4, you will be required to complete a Participation Credit assignment, which is worth 8% of the final grade. There are 2 ways to earn this credit each Module - posting to the Technical Discussion Boards OR attending the Zoom Studio hours.

Technical Discussion Boards

Post twice to each MODULE’S technical discussion board by the Monday night after the module unlocked. Exact due dates will be listed under each module list. You will receive 1 point for each post, up to 2 points total per board. You will not receive extra credit for posting more than twice, but keep in mind, the more that you use these discussion boards as resources, the more beneficial they will be to everyone. You can answer your own question, as well, if you ask and then find a solution. If you do not have any questions, you can answer other posts, or post helpful tips and tricks for required processes, or links to other ways of completing a requirement.

These posts are intended to be a quick way to earn credit, and gain assistance, and should not take more than 10 - 20 minutes per discussion board. As long as they are thoughtful, respectful, and on-time, you will receive full credit. Short threaded replies, however, such as "me too", "same", "ditto", "thanks" etc, while welcome (and helpful for us in terms of knowing what is most challenging for folks), are not substantial enough to earn credit or be consider a “post”.

These posts will not be graded for spelling or grammar, but its in your best interest to be clear because you want your question to be understood. When answering your peer’s questions, please remember that everyone is coming into this class with different levels of experience with (not to mention access to) these tools, processes and programs.

Zoom Studio Hours

Each TA will host 2 Studio Hours at different times each week for 4 total options. You can attend any of the 4 sessions, regardless of your assigned TA. You only need to attend 1 session per MODULE. In order to receive credit for these Studio Hours, you will need to attend from the beginning of the posted starting meeting time, and then complete a short corresponding Attendance Quiz that will cover specific content presented in the Studio Hour. These quizzes will by very short and simple, and will only check to see that you attending the Zoom meeting, and paying attention to the basic information presented.

Course Rules + Policies

p.1 Discussion Board Conduct

Discussion posts will not be graded for spelling or grammar, but its in your best interest to be clear because you want your question to be understood. When answering your peer’s questions, please remember that everyone is coming into this class with different levels of experience with (not to mention access to) these tools, processes and programs.

Any disrespectful communication, bullying, trolling will be immediately deleted and will subtract 1 pt from the student’s 100 point final grade. Any hate speech or directly violent speech will also be deleted and further grade penalties and additional disciplinary action will be applied.

If anyone is feeling bullied, uncomfortable or unsafe with a discussion board communication, please do not engage or reply, and email me and your TA immediately.

P.2 Zoom Conduct

If attending a Zoom Meeting, please use respectful communication and language, dress as you would if attending an in-person lecture, and do not engage in any disruptive behavior or communications. Be sure to mute audio at all times except when speaking or asking a question. Disruptive behavior will result in loss of Zoom access and potential further discipline or grade penalties. All Discussion Posts and Written Communication content rules above also apply to verbal or chat communication via Zoom.

P.3 Time Management, Computer Issues + Internet Access

As a professional in the digital design field, I know that some of you are going to encounter equipment issues - like internet outages, or crashed or stolen computers - at probably the worst times. I have found this happens more often with the COVID-19 pandemic. These issues do not automatically excuse late assignment submissions. If something does come up, complete the following steps:

1. Take screenshots of any error messages or issues, or photos of any equipment malfunctions.

2. Email me and the TA with the issue and any of the above documentation ASAP, even if it over the weekend

3. For internet connection issues, you will need to show a documentation of a network outage from your internet service provider

Each issue will be considered on a case-by-case basis - communication and pro-activeness is very important with these kinds of problems, in both the academic world and in the professional world, and will weigh heavily on our decisions to grant re-submissions or extensions. For example, if you notice your computer crashing a few days before an assignment is due, check the computer lab hours and figure out a troubleshooting or repair plan as soon as possible.

P.4 Late work

Unless granted an extension, late work will be docked points based on the following outline. Any late work submitted 1 week (7 days) after the deadline must be approved by a TA. If attempting to submit or start projects a week after they are due, please contact your TA prior to starting.

• Late lecture review questions will be docked by 1 point

• Late technical discussion posts will receive 1/2 credit

• Late projects will be docked 1 point each day they are late or 1/2 credit (after 5 days)

• Late Peer Workshops will be docked 1 point each day they are late or 1/2 credit (after 2 days)

P.5 Extension options

The last few months have been filled with unprecedented challenges as many individuals, families, and communities have been navigating the ongoing dual and intersecting pandemics of COVID-19 and systematic racism, violence and oppression. While nothing new, this violence and oppression has been amplified against many folks and communities, protestors and/or activists, in response to their voices and actions speaking out against police brutality and violence.

We understand that all of this is happening in addition any individual’s more “typical” set of challenges. For all of these reasons, we want to make it very easy for folks to utilize extensions for late work for the course. Below are the 2 types of extensions granted to each student.

1. Each of you are allowed to turn in any 3 single assignments throughout the quarter up to 24 hours late without any penalty. This is to accommodate any unexpected, more temporary issues. You can use this for a Studio Project, or Participation Credit.

You do not need to request this ahead of time via email or message. When you submit, just note that you are using this option in a comment, and if it is your 1st, 2nd or 3rd time.

2. Each of you are allowed 1 module throughout the quarter to submit all assignments and studio projects by the following Sunday Night without penalty. This is to accommodate any illness or other more disruptive issues or circumstances.

As with option 1, you do not need to check in BEFORE using this option, but it is important to let your TA know as soon as you decide to utilize it, and to also let them know once you have submitted your assignments so that they can re-grade. If you find yourself needing to utilize this option more than once, you must check in with us prior to using it a second time for approval. We will review these requests on a case-by-case basis. This option will need to be modified for Module 7, in order to accommodate final grades.

P.6 Grading scale

Grade Scale:
98% - 100% A+
97% - 94% A
93% - 90% A-
89% - 87% B+
86% - 84% B
83% - 80% B-
79% - 77% C+
76% - 74% C
73% - 70% C- Considered not passing
69% - 67% D+ / 66-64% D / 63% - 60% D-
59% - 0 F

COURSE SOFTWARE REQUIREMENTS

Course projects will require Adobe Photoshop for Weeks 1 - 4 and Adobe After Effects for weeks 3 - 5. Below are the recommendations for 2 different subscription options. All current subscription and pricing options are posted at Adobe.com

1. If you plan on using these tools and any other Adobe programs for courses or projects over the next several months: I recommend purchasing an annual subscription to Adobe CC, with a student discount. This subscription gives you access to all of the programs included in the Creative Cloud Suite (including Photoshop and After Effects), and is only $20/month, which is a HUGE discount, but it does require an annual commitment.

2. If you do not plan on working with these tools after these 5 weeks: I recommend purchasing a 1-month subscription to Adobe Photoshop during Week 1 and Adobe After Effects starting Week 3 (about $30 each). Timing it this way, you will only need a single month subscription for each, a $60 cost total.

When possible, use trial options just in case you need additional time - remote access via UCSC computer labs is also an option for some students, which I will discuss more during Week 1.

When considering the educational discounts, be sure to note that a year long commitment is required. Additionally, keep in mind that with these subscriptions, you can install each program on two different computers.

Please contact me with any questions regarding these software subscriptions and requirements. Adobe After Effects has higher minimum requirements than Photoshop (such as computer memory) - for students who are able to install Photoshop, but not After Effects due to system limitations, there may be alternative methods to use to complete course projects with prior instructor approval and documentation of system limitations. If you are interested in using an alternative program, please check in for approval by the end of Week 1.