Art Degrees Online

Course Descriptions
CRN Course title Emphasis Credits
ANIM 112 Fundamentals of 2D Computer Based Animation Animation 3

ANIM 202 Art Studio 1: Life Drawing Animation 3

ANIM 212 Art Studio 2: Drawing for Animation Animation 3

ANIM 300 History of Animation Animation 3

ANIM 303 3D Animation in Maya Animation 3

ANIM 310 The Business of Animation Animation 3

ANIM 313 Character Design, Rigging, and Animation Animation 3

ANIM 403 Advanced 3D Animation Techniques Animation 3

ANIM 413 Graphics for Television Animation 3

ANIM 416 Culminating Project Animation 3

ANIM 423 Special Effects for Film and Television Animation 3

ANIM 480 Production Practicum Animation 1 to 3

ANIM 490 Independent Study Animation 3

COMU 100 The Christian Role in the Arts Today Animation 3

COMU 200 Survey of Communication and Popular Culture Animation 3

ANIM 343 History of Animation Animation 3

ANIM 450/ Special Effects for Film and Television Animation 3

Animation Core Requirements (51 credits)
COMU 100 The Christian Role in the Arts Today (3)
CTVU 102 Cinema-Television Equipment Workshop (1)
CTVU 210 Storytelling and Scriptwriting (3)
CTVU 258 Audio Production (3) (3)
CTVU 270 Editing Theory (3) (3)
CTVU 356 Non-linear Video Editing (3) (3)
ANIM 103 Introduction to Digital Art (2) (2)
ANIM 112 Web-Based Graphics and Animation (3) (3)
ANIM 202 Art Studio 1: Life Drawing (3) (3)
ANIM 212 Art Studio 2: Drawing for Animation (3) (3)
ANIM 343 History of Animation (3) (3)
ANIM 303 3-D Animation in Maya (3) (3)
ANIM 310 The Business of Animation (3) (3)
ANIM 313 Character Design, Rigging, and Animation (3) (3)
ANIM 403 Advanced 3D Animation Techniques (3) (3)
ANIM 413 Graphics for Television (3) (3)
ANIM 416 Culminating Project (3) (2)
ANIM 450 Special Effects for Film and Television (3) (3)
Electives (20 credits)
Elective credits can be taken in any discipline (100-400 college-level courses)
Total Degree Hours: 120

Your Computer Animation training includes the following courses
Fundamentals of Graphic Design
History and Business of Animation
Animation Drawing Basics
Photoshop for Animators
2D Animation I
2D Animation II
3D I: Modeling
3D-II: Animation
Movement for Animators
Special Topics I
Special Topics II
3D Studio I
Life Drawing
Drawing for Animators III
Ink and Paint
Animation Studies Elective
Advanced Animation Techniques
Textures, Terrain and Fractals
Special Topics III
Special Topics IV
Production Studio I
Self-Promotion
Special Topics V
Special Topics VI
Production Studio II
Externship for Computer Animation
Drawing for Animators I
Drawing for Animators II
Storyboards and Scripts
Studio Techniques I
Studio Techniques II
Studio Techniques III
Studio Techniques IV
Introduction to UNIX

* Curriculum subject to change.

What is Animation?
Animation is a discipline that includes everything from traditional, character-based narrative to experimental work. It is an increasingly malleable and sophisticated art form that is well-positioned to take full advantage of ongoing technological development.

Why study Animation at UArts?
The University of the Arts offers a broad base in traditional hand-drawn animation, computer animation, and under-the-camera animation (clay, puppet, cut-out, paint-on-glass, etc). The UArts Animation degree program encourages the development of well-rounded artists in possession of a strong sense of personal vision and solid, technical competencies in all aspects of content creation.

What’s the Animation degree program like?
• Sophomore year: an introduction to the techniques of drawn and under-the-camera animation, 2D and 3D computer animation, and live-action film via a series of exercises and two final projects.
• Junior year: creation of a short personal piece, as well as client-based and interdisciplinary group projects.
• Senior year: studies culminate in a thesis project that demonstrates the ability to successfully complete a longer, festival-worthy piece.

What Animation facilities are available?
You will have access to excellent facilities for 2D, 3D, stop-motion, and other animation techniques, including:
• State-of-the-art 2D/3D computer animation lab
• Animation classrooms equipped with iMac workstations
• Digital audio sound studios
• Multi-format dub room
• Digital imaging lab
• AVID digital video editing systems
• Master Series Oxberry animation stand

Are the faculty practicing animators?
Yes. They include award-winning artists whose animation work has screened both nationally and abroad, notably at the Philadelphia Museum of Art; New York’s Museum of Modern Art; the Philadelphia, Ottawa, and Hiroshima International Animation Festivals; and many others. Our instructors come from a diverse mix of fine-art and commercial backgrounds, combining technical expertise with a strong sense of personal vision.

Fine art principles and practices are the essential forces guiding the mission of the Program in Experimental Animation—a course of study designed for independent and adventurous artists who are interested in personal expression and who regard animation as a highly dynamic, ever-evolving art form. This program offers a framework in which students explore, develop and refine intellectually demanding, aesthetically progressive concepts and professional practices in their personal cinematic artmaking.

The curriculum begins by building a foundation understanding of a variety of animation techniques and concepts. Courses in 2-D drawn and direct animation, stop-motion, and 2-D and 3-D computer animation blend practical knowledge with creative stimulation, while animation history courses provide a detailed examination of all forms of animation art—with a special emphasis on the history of experimental forms. Once foundation studies are completed, students work closely with their mentors and other members of the program’s accomplished faculty as they experiment with and extend their own unique artistic visions. At the advanced levels of the curriculum, students chart a more individualized course of study in consultation with their mentors, who help to custom-tailor coursework according to each student’s particular interests.

The Program in Experimental Animation enjoys a long-standing international reputation for excellence in innovative animation production. Its faculty, students and alumni have consistently won top awards at film festivals in the United States, Europe and Asia, and are widely credited with helping to define the art of animation as we know it today.

What is Animation?
Animation is a discipline that includes everything from traditional, character-based narrative to experimental work. It is an increasingly malleable and sophisticated art form that is well-positioned to take full advantage of ongoing technological development.

Why study Animation at UArts?
The University of the Arts offers a broad base in traditional hand-drawn animation, computer animation, and under-the-camera animation (clay, puppet, cut-out, paint-on-glass, etc). The UArts Animation degree program encourages the development of well-rounded artists in possession of a strong sense of personal vision and solid, technical competencies in all aspects of content creation.

What’s the Animation degree program like?
• Sophomore year: an introduction to the techniques of drawn and under-the-camera animation, 2D and 3D computer animation, and live-action film via a series of exercises and two final projects.
• Junior year: creation of a short personal piece, as well as client-based and interdisciplinary group projects.
• Senior year: studies culminate in a thesis project that demonstrates the ability to successfully complete a longer, festival-worthy piece.

What Animation facilities are available?
You will have access to excellent facilities for 2D, 3D, stop-motion, and other animation techniques, including:
• State-of-the-art 2D/3D computer animation lab
• Animation classrooms equipped with iMac workstations
• Digital audio sound studios
• Multi-format dub room
• Digital imaging lab
• AVID digital video editing systems
• Master Series Oxberry animation stand

Are the faculty practicing animators?
Yes. They include award-winning artists whose animation work has screened both nationally and abroad, notably at the Philadelphia Museum of Art; New York’s Museum of Modern Art; the Philadelphia, Ottawa, and Hiroshima International Animation Festivals; and many others. Our instructors come from a diverse mix of fine-art and commercial backgrounds, combining technical expertise with a strong sense of personal vision

Year one modules
• introduction to technologies and equipment • animation techniques • development and delivery of digital content • cultural and ethical impact of digital technologies • contemporary animation and media practice • animation and moving image • specialism

Year two modules
• theories of creative practice • new media • film/video theory • critical methods • drawing, rendering and creative realisation

Year three modules
• creative practice • dissertation • professional placement (subject to availability) • animation/film making workshops • collaborative projects

Animation plays an important role in a range of media including film, TV, entertainment software and the Internet. It is a widely used advertising tool and the media industry is always looking for new content to capture the imagination of viewers. You develop your skills in • concept art • designing • modelling • texturing • rigging • animating • post-production. We have a strong history of media production, ranging from fine art and graphic design to film making and interactive media. Our state-of-the-art workshops have specialist equipment, which include the latest industry software and hardware, film production equipment and modelling facilities. You gain experience in animation techniques, which includes • traditional methods such as stop frame animation – used in films such as Wallace and Gromit • Flash animation – used on the web and in interactive gaming • 3D computer animation – used by companies such as Dreamworks and Pixar, and games software companies such as Codemasters and Sony You learn to use digital animation software packages such as • 3D Studio Max • Maya • Zbrush • Houdini • MotionBuilder and digital compositing. Our editing software includes • After-effects • Shake • FinalCut Pro • AVID • Pro Tools. We also have a facility for standard and super 16mm origination on film. You play an important role in producing at least three short animations. Applying via route A or B Route A is normally for students coming direct from A levels. Route B is normally for art and design students coming from foundation, vocational or access courses. You can apply through route A or B with UCAS, but not both. All students attend a selection event with a portfolio of work to demonstrate their ability. Provided you meet our minimum entry requirements, we base our offer on your application, interview and work portfolio. If you are not sure what sort of work we are looking for we are happy to offer advice. We normally hold interviews between January and the end of May.

New software and hardware in the animation field is creating exciting opportunities in the entertainment, advertising, special effects, education, science and information technology fields. Be part of the excitement as you learn cell animation, puppet animation and traditional animation. Designed as a program that will lead directly into employment, this degree can also be transferred to a 4-year.

First Semester 16.5 Credits
1 cr
ED100 College Seminar 1 cr
3 cr
FA103 Figure Drawing 1 3 cr
3 cr
GC101 Foundation Drawing 3 cr
3 cr
GC133 Introduction to Animation 3 cr
3 cr
GC134 Digital Applications for Animators 3 cr
3 cr
EN101 English 1: Composition 3 cr
.5 cr
PE Physical Education .5 cr
Second Semester 18.5 Credits
3 cr
EN102 English 2: Ideas & Values in Literature 3 cr
3 cr
FA113 Figure Sculpture 1 3 cr
3 cr
GC126 Basic Photography 3 cr
3 cr
GC144 Digital Animation 1 3 cr
3 cr
GC146 Storyboarding 3 cr
3 cr
GC205 Cartooning 3 cr
Third Semester 15.5
3 cr
GC145 Digital Animation 2 3 cr
3 cr
GC231 Advanced Animation Techniques 3 cr
3 cr
MA108 Concepts in Mathematics 3 cr
Art History Elective
Social Science Elective
.5 cr
PE Physical Education .5 cr
Fourth Semester 15.5 Credits
4 cr
GC233 Animation Production Workshop 4 cr
4 cr
GC234 Professional Practices for the Animator 4 cr
Art History Elective
Science Elective
.5 cr

ANIM 103 Introduction to Video Art 3 CR
In this film video art course, students will learn basic video operation, cinematography, and non-linear editing with Mac, Final Art, Movies, DVD, and DVD Studio programs. Emphasis will be on comprehensive understanding in the art of the movie image. Students will be challenged to develop their own ideas and showcase skills and techniques. Lab Fee
ANIM 104 Introduction to Sound, Recording, and Editing 3 CR
This sound, recording, and editing class will teach basic studio sound recording, on-site sound recording, composing sound, and digital sound editing. Lab Fee
ANIM 233 Introduction to 2-D Animation Techniques 3 CR
Students will study the basic principles of animation with an emphasis on the analysis of motion. An overview of the evolution of animation techniques will provide the student with examples of independent film work from early productions to the present day. Students will develop an understanding of basic animation terminology and will complete several individual animation exercises, as well as work on a group project. Appropriate software will be discussed and introduced within the context of each exercise. [48-48-96] Lab Fee
ANIM 233E Introduction to 2-D Animation Techniques 0 CR
Same description as ANIM 233. [48-48-96] Lab Fee
ANIM 234 Introduction to 3-D Animation Techniques 3 CR
This course will explore the foundations of 3-D animation environments, as well as animation techniques unique to digital imagery. Students will develop a series of projects using software designed for the Internet, as well as other 3-D computer-based platforms. Projects will explore a variety of possibilities for 3-D interactive design. Special regard will be given to portfolio development. [48-48-96] Lab Fee
ANIM 234E Introduction to 3-D Animation Techniques 3 CR
Same description as ANIM 234. [48-48-96] Lab Fee
ANIM 235 Intermediate Animation 3 CR
Prerequisite: ANIM 234. Character development in a variety of methods will be explored by students in this course in order to enhance students’ understanding and appreciation for the effect of strong visual techniques, Further depth in the concepts of storyboards and production design will be explored. Students will learn layout scenes around character action, work with camera fields, deal with issues of composition, and create mood. While advance instruction on the principles and concepts of character development will be used, students are encouraged to develop their own aesthetic. [48-48-96] Lab Fee
ANIM 235E Intermediate Animation 0 CR
Prerequisite: ANIM 234 or 234E. Same description as ANIM 235. [48-48-96] Lab Fee
ANIM 236 Advanced Animation 3 CR
Prerequisite: ANIM 235 or 235E with a grade of “C” or higher. Using the techniques developed in the first three animation courses, the student will complete an animated project demonstrating knowledge of both 2-D and 3-D animation techniques, through motion studies, storyboard composition, character development, refinement of timing, use of exposure sheets, and basic lip-synch techniques. Final projects will be retained electronically for portfolio development. Other current technology will be introduced to direct the shooting, digitization, and efficient inclusion of the project into interactive formats. [48-48-96] Lab Fee
ANIM 236E Advanced Animation 3 CR
Prerequisite: ANIM 235 or 235E with a grade of “C” or higher. Same description as ANIM 236. [48-48-96] Lab Fee