MA C124 Web Animation

CATALOG COURSE DESCRIPTION

In this hands-on course the student will master the skills needed to design and reliably deliver professional quality web content that includes bitmap graphics, vector animation, streaming media, audio, form input, and interactivity.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

Upon successful completion of the course, the student will be able to:

1. Examine and categorize the significant events in the development of Web Animation.
2. Evaluate selected commercial animations, addressing; social content, historical significance and artistic technique.
3. Compare the foundations of life drawing, composition, background, set and character design as they relate to the production of web animation.
4. Select, edit, and employ digital media elements to create an interactive web animation.
5. Visualize and implement an animation storyboard that visually depicts the treatment, outline, navigation map and determines the art style of the film.
6. Visualize and construct a vector based model.
7. Visualize and construct a vector based scene that depicts the treatment from a script.
8. Create and edit the art, motion, and sequence of an animation.
9. Select original media and organize a portfolio, including; sketchbooks, storyboards and web based animations.

DETAILED TOPICAL OUTLINE

1. Introduction to Web Animation
   1. Web standards
   2. Accessibility
   3. Interactivity
   4. Metaphors and Transitions
   5. Streaming
2. Overview
   1. Interface
   2. Interactivity
   3. Storyboarding
   4. Production Planning and Management
   5. Proposals and Budgets
3. Tools
   1. Vector Drawing
      1. Tools and Modifiers
         Drawing Tasks
         Color
   2. Text
   3. Sound
   4. Bitmaps
   5. Symbols
   6. Library
   7. Layer
4. Creating Animations
   1. Timeline
   2. Scenes
   3. Using Digital Video
   4. Interactivity
   5. Multiple Movies
   6. Scripting
5. Output
   1. Testing
   2. Delivery Methods
   3. HTML
   4. Plug-ins
6. Portfolio
   1. Storyboards and Sketches
   2. Animations

READINGS

Macromedia Flash MX: Training from the Source, by Chrissy Rey, Macromedia Press, ISBN 0-201-79482-9

ASSIGNMENTS

1. Reading Assignments: The text book reading assignments will be discussed in class in order to assist the student in developing a sequential theoretical understanding of the techniques and processes required to accomplish the computer based laboratory assignments.
   
2. Typical Writing Assignments: Write a short animation concept treatment, write a short animation script, and write a critique of a commercial animation.
   
3. Typical Outside Assignments: Draw character and layout sketches, research current trends in the industry, or visit a production studio and observe the processes of producing web animation.

TYPICAL EVALUATION AND GRADING SCALE

Students will be evaluated based on drawings, design projects, written quizzes, and a written exam. In order to achieve a grade of “C” in this course, the student must complete all assigned design projects.


Typical evaluation criteria may include:
Planning Projects 10%
Design Projects 60%
Quizzes 20%
Final Exam. 10%
Total 100 %

A typical grading scale is:
90-100% A
80-89% B
70-79% C
60-69% D
0-59% F

5.6.2003

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