Meeting Time & location: T/ Th 1:20 - 3:50 am Montgomery Hall 049
Professor: Jessye McDowell
Email: jpmcdowell@smcm.edu (response time within 36 hours M-F)
Office: Montgomery Hall 140A
Class website: https://sites.google.com/smcm.edu/art-233-animation/home
This course will introduce students to the tools of a contemporary animation workflow, through projects that incorporate traditional methods with digital imaging and software applications. The course emphasizes the development of an experimental art practice. Lectures, readings, and screenings will introduce students to the history and principles of animation, and facilitate the exploration of form, method, and content in the artistic use of technology in time-based art production. Art 246/347: Spring 2022 will concentrate on creating 2D animation using Adobe Photoshop and After Effects.
+ All readings will be posted on the class website.
+ We will be using software in the Adobe Creative Suite for this class. The applications are accessible for use in the classroom and the library Mac lab. Adobe is also making these products temporarily free for students, and I recommend taking advantage of this and downloading the software to your personal computer. Follow the instructions provided by SMCM IT.
+ Equipment such as tablets for drawing digitally, cameras, tripods, and audio recorders will be made available for check out.
+ Recommended for use in the Mac lab/ classroom: External hard drive or thumb drive. Mac-compatible and AT LEAST 64 gigs recommended. These are available at Best Buy, Target, and are available online as well.
+ 3-Button mouse (supplied)- Unless you have one of your own (or really prefer the Mac mouse) you will be provided with a mouse that will be yours for the semester. Get in the habit of always bringing it to class. This is both for sanitary reasons, and because this mouse is more user-friendly for the type of computer work we'll be doing.
+ Sketchbook for taking notes on in-class presentations, and for pre-visualization, sketches, and process notes
+ Headphones/ earbuds
+ + Note: Lost files or technical disasters are not viable excuses for late or incomplete work. Those issues are part of the intrinsic nature of working with digital media and should be anticipated in your work practices. It is the student’s responsibility to bring/ have any items necessary for work on the current project. This means that even if you have started a project on your laptop at home, or if you take a bunch of pictures on your camera, you need to bring the media to class. Being unprepared will affect grades.
By the completion of Art 346/347, students will:
Convey movement through analog and digital means
Articulate aesthetic goals and find ways to express them through movement
Gain understanding of historical and contemporary approaches to animation, and incorporate that understanding in analysis of a variety of animated films, as well as in student critiques
Develop a workflow through pre-visualization and testing, to compose motion graphics and moving imagery
Grading: A standard scale will be used. A >94; A- 90 - 93; B+ 87 – 89; B 84 - 86; B- 80 – 83; C+ 77 – 79; C 74 – 76; C- 70 – 73; D+ 66 – 69; D 64 – 66; D- 60 – 63; F 0 - 59
A Consistently superior work in all respects including concept, craft, creative problem-solving, and interaction with peers and instructors
B Above average work, based on the above criteria
C Average work; meets the standards and goals of the assignment
D Below average work; does not display initiative to explore the assignment, and does not meet a majority of assignment stipulations
F Inadequate work/ progress, based on the above criteria as well as failure in timeliness and preparation for final presentation of work
FA Failure due to absences (6 or more)
Grades will be based on completion of all tutorials, exercises and assignments, creative and technical level of projects, time commitment and willingness to take creative risks, and effort to challenge oneself artistically, conceptually and technically. There is no extra credit in this class.
Grades will consider the following:
Commitment and curiosity: do you produce the highest quality work you can?
Demonstrated comprehension of technical tools
Your level of participation in discussions, critiques, and written assignments
Your technical and conceptual growth over the course of the semester
+ Creative Projects (50%) are designed to allow students the opportunity to apply the tools and techniques of animation in projects that build in complexity. Thus, the assignments are meant to allow students to learn and experiment with new tools, while also foregrounding creativity in approach and aesthetic considerations.Students will be assessed on their willingness to take creative risks, and to challenge themselves artistically, conceptually and technically. Process is a key part of these projects, and each project will have (at least) one previsualization or work-in-progress deadline. Previz assignments will be 10% of the final project grade.
+ Reading & Writing Assignments :: (25%) This category includes reading & writing assignments, including some assignments that require you to watch animation on your own time. Unless otherwise directed, all of your written assignments will be turned in via your blog. Despite the online venue, writing should follow the same formal rules as assignments submitted in any other class. This means that stream-of-consciousness writing, cursing, and colloquialisms should be eschewed in favor of complete sentences and thoughtful reflection.
While this is not a writing class, I don't assign writing just to give you something to do. It is an opportunity to think deeply on a topic, make connections, notice things, and I need to be able to tell if you understand something or have an idea. Therefore, simply turning something in is not enough. When grading your writing, I will consider the following:
Demonstrated comprehension and depth of thought, either of the main points of the reading or the topic/ artwork under discussion.
Clarity and coherence - I need to be able to understand the point that you are making.
Spelling and grammar - watch out for typos! I recommend composing in a word processing program, then copy/ pasting into your blog. Do not write on your phone.
+ Technical Assignments & Exercises :: (25%) In-class demos and exercises, and occasional tutorials to work through at home, which will complement in-class instruction. These will be graded out of 1 point.
Late Work :: Late homework is (almost)* always accepted, but points will be deducted. Late homework that is turned in the week it was originally due will have two points deducted. Two additional points will be deducted each week the homework is late, up to ten points.
Assignment Submission: Unless noted otherwise:
Homework is generally due by 1pm on Tuesday or Thursday. Any evidence that you were working on homework during class will result in 5 points off.
Submission instructions are included on every assignment page, but in general: Creative projects will be turned in via a Google Drive folder provided on the assignment page, and will also be uploaded to your website. Written assignments and work-in-progress assignments will be turned in via your blog.
Blackboard will be used for grading. I give a lot of written feedback via Blackboard grades, so make sure you check this frequently.
Attendance:
Attendance in all class meetings from start to finish is required for all classes. Per the College Attendance Policy, you are allowed to miss two classes without penalty; there is no need to inform the professor, and you are fully responsible for all material covered during class.
assignments and projects are still due even if you are not in class, unless you provide valid documentation.
To be counted as present, you must stay for the entire class period. I always give a 10-minute break around the middle of the class period.
Arrival or departure more than 15 minutes late/ early counts as 1/2 absence.
For each absence beyond two, 2.5 points will be deducted from the final course grade
6 or more absences – for any reason – will automatically result in an F for the course.
Should you have a true emergency, contact me as soon as humanly possible—ideally before class. I will do what I can to help you catch up. That said, understand that while getting sick, having roommate problems, and needing to study for a big test are stressful things, they do not constitute an emergency.
* The exception to this is work-in-progress . I don’t accept WIP assignments after the final project deadline, for hopefully obvious reasons.
Course schedule and changes to the syllabus:
Our health and safety are of the utmost importance. Therefore, I reserve the right to revise or amend this syllabus if the in-person environment becomes unsafe at any time. If any student does not wear a mask upon entry, class will be dismissed.
Communication:
Most course materials will be accessed via this website. The exceptions to this are that I will use Blackboard for grading (including written feedback) and announcements.
It is your responsibility to regularly check your email and/or the Blackboard course for class announcements, and to stay apprised of assignment due dates on the class schedule here on the website. We all need to work together to stay on top of deadlines!
Please check your email daily, and communicate with me about anything that might affect your ability to succeed in the class.
Students will be using computers and technology in this class. However, this does not mean that use of social media, phones, or email for non-class-related purposes are allowed; they are most explicitly not allowed. Students will be penalized if they violate this rule by being counted as late for class that day.
Accommodations and Accessibility:
SMCM is committed to providing access to the educational experience to students with disabilities and health conditions that impact learning. If you have received a letter from the Office of Student Support Services (OS3), which outlines the academic accommodations to which you are entitled, you MUST meet with me to review that letter and discuss how your learning needs intersect with the course expectations. If you suspect that you have a learning need that could benefit from academic accommodations, you should contact the Office of Accessibility Services, who can help you learn more about how to proceed in this instance as well.
Office of Student Support Services (OS3):
The Office of Student Support Services (OS3) connects students to the resources, activities, services, and programs that can help students be successful, thrive, and persist to graduation. They offer student success videos, one-on-one coaching (both academic and outside-the-class support), advising, transition programs, access to tutoring, etc. and work with students holistically. OS3 staff will reach out to students when faculty members are concerned about a student’s welfare (due to absences, poor performance, etc.) to offer assistance. OS3 can notify professors if a student will be absent due to a family or medical emergency. Students needing help with Academic Policy petitions, Academic Probation, incompletes for a semester, etc. can work with a staff member in OS3. Students who are homeless or who do not have a safe place to go during a College break can receive funds to help pay for food when the Great Room is closed. Contact OS3 at 240-895-4388 to schedule an appointment.
Wellness Center:
If you find yourself struggling with your mental or physical health this semester, please let me know. I am one of many people here at SMCM who care about you and your welfare. The Wellness Center (240-895-4289) provides numerous confidential health and counseling services including a 24/7 Counseling Helpline and same day/next day connections to counseling by calling 240-895-4289 or emailing the Director, Laurie Scherer, at lkscherer@smcm.edu. To learn more about Wellness Center Services please go to their webpage at https://www.smcm.edu/wellness/
Title IX and Sexual Misconduct:
The College prohibits sexual or gender-based harassment, discrimination or misconduct, which includes sexual assault, sexual harassment, relationship violence, and stalking. If you or someone you know has experienced sexual harassment, you may contact the Title IX Office (www.smcm.edu/title-ix) or Title IX Coordinator Michael Dunn (mkdunn@smcm.edu) for more information about resources and options. Faculty members are required to share reports of sexual misconduct with the Title IX Office to make sure the College responds appropriately to address the health and safety needs of our community. Confidential support is also available through the Wellness Center (https://www.smcm.edu/wellness/).
Academic Honesty:
The policies on academic honesty and misconduct as outlined in the SMCM Student Handbook will apply to all assignments in this class. Students who violate College rules on academic honesty are subject to disciplinary penalties, including failure of an assignment or the course, and/ or penalties determined by the Judiciary Board. Plagiarism will not be tolerated; please ask if you are unsure about specific circumstances. For more on plagiarism and how to avoid it, consult this guide. Beware: I will Google your writing immediately if I think the material is suspect. Proof of plagiarism will have dire consequences.
The Writing & Speaking Center will be operating online only for Fall 2020, but it will continue to offer free peer tutoring in writing and speaking. The peer tutors are students themselves, but they have completed extensive hands-on training to learn how to assist their peers at any step of the process (planning, drafting, or revising) for any writing or speaking assignment, and they have also now been trained how to deliver this help via Zoom sessions. Although the peer tutors cannot diagnose issues or make revisions for you, they can work collaboratively with you to discuss ideas, consider options, and find solutions so that you can continue solo. This collaborative approach is one of the best ways to help students develop their abilities because all writers and speakers need audiences—just ask the peer tutors, who often schedule tutorials with each other. If you are unable to attend tutorials via Zoom, the Center will also be providing “Draft Drop-Off” tutorials where you can submit your draft online and receive feedback via e-mail.
To schedule a Zoom or Draft Drop-Off tutorial, please visit the Center’s website (www.smcm.edu/writingcenter) and click the “Make an Appointment” button. The Center’s website also has videos of sample tutorials, helpful handouts on different writing elements, an FAQ section with more information, and details for how to become a tutor. If you need assistance scheduling or have additional questions, please contact the Assistant Director of the Center, Mandy Taylor, at apheatwole@smcm.edu.