DM24B     Cartoon Animation                          Spring 2008 syllabus
4 units lecture/lab      Prerequisite: DM24A    
 
Instructor: Clyde Johnson    Telephone: 476-4372     E-Mail: clyde-johnson@redwoods.edu
Class website:   http://isweb.redwoods.edu/instruct/johnsonc/DM24B/

Class Times: MW 9:30-11:00AM (Mondays in FM108, Wednesdays in FM106)
Office hours (AD100P):  tba
Instructor Lab times:  tba

Students learn animation principles, techniques for line control and quality, and computer animation basics in DM24A. Assuming they have acquired these basic skills, DM24B provides students opportunity to follow a standard production process to develop characters with lifelike movement in animation scenes using professional-level 2D animation software (ToonBoom Studio).

Required Textbooks and Other Materials:
1. Required Textbook:   ToonBoom Studio V4 User Manual in CR bookstore
Students will also be using the DM24A required textbook: The Animator's Survival Kit by Richard Williams  
2. Required materials: 20lb. bond paper for sketching, #2 pencils, eraser, red and blue pencils - hard lead  (CR bookstore), ink pens
3. Recommended materials: sketchbook (5x7 to 8.5x11), pencil sharpener
4. Recommended software for home if you can afford it: ToonBoom Studio 4.0 (student pricing available for $139)
5. Recommended Textbooks not in CR bookstore and not required or specifically used in class, just recommended:
       The Mechanics of Motion by Chris Webster
       Prepare to Board! by Nancy Beiman
       The Illusion of Life - Disney Animation by Frank Thomas and Ollie Johnston   

You will need to bring sketching materials to every Wednesday class session - red, blue, black pencils and 20lb. bond paper. You will be expected to read the textbook, complete all in class and out of class assignments, participate in classroom discussions, take notes during class lectures and exercises, and participate/produce as a team member in the cartoon development process by providing what is expected at the time it is expected.

Course Objectives:

• Create and develop from sketches, cartoon animation sequences using professional-level 2D animation software with computer drawing tools and frame-based timelines;
• Understand and apply the principles of animation as defined by Disney animators.
• Digitize and edit digital graphics to be used in animation sequences;
• Use problem solving techniques to create accurate in-between sketches;
• Associate animated movement and expression to real-life movement and expression;
• Define and chart frame based animation sequences showing keyframes, backgrounds, audio, and fx timing.
• Define and sketch basic character structure and proportion and create a cartoon character through a series of sketches.
• Apply expressive gestures and facial expression to cartoon characters.
• Create a mouth shapes set and apply frame-based movement synchronized to dialogue.
• Analyze published animation in terms of content and design.
• Apply understanding of basic visual design to produce animation sequences that effectively communicate ideas
  
  Assignments and quizzes
  Assignments will be posted on the class website and the key to receiving full credit in the assignments is read and understand assignment, providing specifics and details described. Everyone gets one late assignment, after that all late assignments are 50% credit. There will also in-class exercises and not attending class will result in 0 points for these exercises. There are no make-ups for the in-class exercises. There will be a maximum of three quizzes and they may or may not be announced. Make-up quizzes are not available unless previous arrangements are made. All text assignments must be word processed unless otherwise specified.
  
  Attendance
  Class attendance is required. If you miss class it is your responsibility to find out what you missed from your classmates. Handouts will be provided on the class website after the initial handout date. Three absences can lower your final grade one letter, five absences two letters lower, and seven absences can result in an F grade for the course. Arriving more than 10 minutes late or leaving 10 minutes early counts as a half absence.
  
  Grading:
  Assignment grades will be posted on the class website throughout the semester. The last 4 digits of your student ID will be used in grade rubrics and charts.   Assignments: 80%, Quizzes: 10%, Participation: 10%     
  Grade Scale: 90 -100% = A, 80 - 89% = B, 65 - 79% = C, 55 - 64% = D, 54% or less F
  
  Incompletes   
  Incomplete grades are for extenuating circumstances such as medical or family emergency, please talk to me at the time of the problem. Incomplete grades are not given if you ask during the last 2 weeks of school. In order to get an incomplete grade; you must be receiving at least a C grade at the time of the problem.
  
  Disqualification:   It is your responsibility to drop the class if that is your choice. Instructor may also drop you from class early in the semester based on attendance and homework.
  
  Equipment check-out
  Light boxes will be available for check out at various times during the semester. You must have a current grade of C or above to check out equipment. There is also one light box in the DM lab that you can use any time the lab is open or during other class times by instructor permission.

The above schedule and procedures are subject to change due to extenuating circumstances.