Digital Animation

Associate in Applied Science Degree

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Digital animators create graphics for entertainment, advertising, special effects, education, science, information technologies, and the internet. Animators entertain, inform and communicate. 

For television, film, video, presentation graphics, and the internet, animators are creating new ways to understand and enjoy the world. The contemporary opportunities to animate are boundless.

Traditional animation techniques, including cell animation, claymation, paper graphics, scratch-on, and puppet animations, are being used in the profession. New digital animation effects, software, and hardware are developed every year. Animators must learn about and master these new technologies. Before graduation, students in Digital Animation must develop proficiency in both traditional and digital animation techniques. Team-building and professional portfolio development prepare students for the digital workplace. One High School Mathematics Course or its equivalent is required.

Goal 1 To prepare the student to communicate effectively

  • Students will implement team building skills
  • Students will produce and record a demo reel using video editing software and equipment

Goal 2 To equip the student with research and development skills

  • Students will research and produce projects that move beyond their routine interests

Goal 3 To prepare students to transfer or enter the field of Digital Animation

  • Students will create a quality portfolio consistent with industry practices and standards
  • Graduates are accepted at a four-year school

Goal 4 To prepare students to interact in a diverse society

  • The student will demonstrate the ability to manage conflicts peacefully
  • The student will demonstrate skill in negotiating differences and working toward consensus
  • The student will demonstrate openness toward diverse points of view

Goal 5 To provide students with the knowledge of a valid critiquing process

  • Students will assess the aesthetic value of their work as well as that of others

Goal 6 To provide students with the knowledge of relevant file management

  • Students will effectively manage files and document assets

Goal 7 To provide students with the essential knowledge of a variety of software packages pertinent to digital animation

  • Students will demonstrate competency in a variety of software packages pertinent to digital animation

Goal 8 To equip the student with quantitative problem solving techniques

  • Students will demonstrate competency in selecting various frame rates and corresponding time configurations

Goal 9 To prepare students to demonstrate information literacy

  • Students will use traditional and contemporary information technology
  • Students will identify, access, and appropriately use authoritative sources of information

Total Credit Hours: 64

First Semester

This course is an opportunity for students to develop the skills necessary to be successful in college. Students learn the importance of the faculty-student and advisor-advisee relationship, develop time management techniques, apply effective study skill techniques, recognize the implications of living in a diverse society, utilize college resources, and explore career and transfer requirements. Collaborative projects are included. Students matriculated in a degree program must take this course in their first term of study.

This course introduces students to the fundamental principles of creativity with an emphasis on understanding historically significant art styles. Students explore various types of visual expression and apply creative problem-solving principles to both two-dimensional and three-dimensional projects in a variety of media. Students are introduced to the masters, practices, and careers of painting, sculpture, graphic arts, graphic design, animation, film, digital media, illustration, and photography.

This course introduces the tools, media, and theory used in drawing for visual communication. Coursework includes both the study of fundamentals of perspective and the theory of light and shade, as well as a survey of graphic representation. Classroom work consists of drawings that show line, value, tone, form, texture, space, and proportion. Studio laboratory fee: $20

This course provides the foundation of traditional animation techniques. These techniques are mastered before moving on to digital animation. Techniques in portfolio projects are used in the second year.

EN101 English 1: Composition C-3 Cr-3

This course focuses on several kinds of writing-self-expressive, informative, and argumentative/persuasive, and others. A minimum of five essay compositions are required. The course emphasizes the composition of clear, correct, and effective prose required in a variety of professions and occupations.Prerequisites: The required developmental reading (DS051 Essential Reading & Study Skills, or SL115 ESL4: Advanced Reading), and/or writing courses (EN099 Introduction to College English or SL116 ESL4: Advanced Composition) or permission of the instructor or designee.

This course introduces contemporary text manipulation, digital imaging, and digital illustration software. Students produce projects demonstrating their knowledge of both the software and the interfaces between page layout, raster graphics, and vector graphics. No previous software knowledge is required.

Take any Physical Education Course

Second Semester

This is an introductory course in drawing the human figure, focusing on the body’s geometric and anatomical structure. Classroom work consists of drawing from the live model and plaster sculpture casts. A hierarchy of form, working from general to specific, is emphasized. Studio work is supplemented by lectures and critiques on the principles of accurate representation of the human form in pictorial space, including gesture, proportion, anatomy, and light on form. Studio laboratory fee: $20

This course introduces digital imaging and digital illustration techniques, and software used by the animator. It explores the aesthetic and technological potential of digital imaging and digital illustration software. The use of digital media and the creation of computer-based imagery are emphasized. It includes advanced technical instruction in the use of software and peripheral devices (scanners, printers, file storage, and other technologies).

This course covers the developmental elements of computer animation. Topics include user interface, various 3D modeling techniques, texture mapping, and timing. The course builds on the basic principles of traditional animation with the techniques of computer animation and production processes. Prerequisites: CG133 Introduction to Animation.

This course introduces current sculpting techniques used by the animation industry for character creation and design. Work is done with traditional 3D media, digitized models, and 3D animation software. Earth clays, polymer clays, and foam sculpture are used. Armatures are used to study stop-motion, maquettes, and the digitizing process. Character types range from realistic to imaginary. Prerequisites: FA101 General Drawing.

This course encourages a deeper understanding of human nature and the human condition through the study of ideas and values expressed in imaginative literature. Emphasis is placed on the use and development of critical thinking and language skills. Library-oriented research is required. Prerequisite: EN101 English 1: Composition or EN106 English 1: Composition and Reading.

Take any Physical Education Course

Third Semester

This course further develops digital animation skills and techniques. Topics include character modeling, mapping, materials, animation, and production techniques. Prerequisites: CG144 Digital Animation 1

This course introduces the principles and techniques used in the creation, practice, and production of storyboards for animation, multimedia, and filmmaking. It covers scriptwriting, along with the fundamental principles of storyboarding through traditional techniques and practice. Drawing skills and composition are applied to set location, cinematography, sound, special effects, and character actions along with fluid storylines in a variety of genres. The results are more proficient visual communicators in industry applications, including animated films, cartoons, commercials, documentaries, live-action feature films, industrial and institutional films, and video gaming. Prerequisite: FA101 General Drawing

This course incorporates full production animation techniques. It expects advanced exploration of storyboarding, set design, cinematography, sound, and finished character development. Contemporary digital recording and editing systems are synthesized with traditional animation techniques. Prerequisites: CG133 Introduction to Animation.

Students must consult with their Academic Advisor.

This course is a survey of mathematics for students in those programs that do not require a mathematics sequence. It provides an appreciation of mathematical ideas in historical and modern settings. Topics include problem solving, logic, geometry, statistics, and consumer mathematics. Prerequisite: An appropriate placement test result or MA090 Essential Math Skills or MA091 Introductory Algebra, or MA096 Mathematical Literacy.

Take any Physical Education Course

Fourth Semester

This course uses a production animation environment in which students are expected to work in groups to produce animations specific to an assigned topic. Projects may include animation for advertising, entertainment, educational, and scientific applications. Corequisite: CG234 Professional Practices for the Animator.

This course emphasizes the completion of a professional demo reel, which demonstrates a student’s strength within 3D animation. Students complete a three-minute animation. Prerequisite: CG145 Digital Animation 2. Corequisite: CG233 Animation Production Workshop.

Acceptable Humanities Electives include: HU186 Music Appreciation, HU187 Art Appreciation, and HU188 Film Appreciation, HU204 History of Art 1, HU205 History of Art 2, or other art history courses (which must have General Education status) with permission of the Associate Dean of the Art Department.

Any General Education Natural Science course

Any General Education Social Science Course

Take any Physical Education Course

(a) Students must consult with their Academic Advisor

(b) Acceptable Humanities Electives include: HU186 Music Appreciation, HU187 Art Appreciation, and HU188 Film Appreciation, HU204 History of Art 1, HU205 History of Art 2, or other art history courses (which must have General Education status) with permission of the Dean of the School of Art.