Animation Curriculum & Courses
Animation is imagery in motion, whether it is based on a story or a non-narrative expression. It’s as much a reductive process as it is a creative one. Which images to add, which perspective to use, where to begin and end and pause the sequence? As an animation major at AIB, you will be immersed in a rich educational experience from your first year through graduation. At AIB, you will not only learn how to use the ever advancing technology, but most importantly how to create effective, compelling “stories” through animation techniques. You will gain essential animation and cinematic skills in an intimate and collaborative studio setting in Boston.
Animation BFA Degree Requirements Total Credits: 123
Advanced Professional Certificate Program Total Credits: 60
Foundation Year First / Second semester: 33 credits The first year of the Bachelor of Fine Arts program in Animation involves requirements in the Foundation program and Liberal Arts. Refer to page 147.
First Year First semester: 15 credits Animation Basics Computer Animation I Anatomy and Figure Drawing Principles of Illustration General Elective
Second Year First semester: 15 credits Animation Basics II Computer Animation I Anatomy and Figure Drawing Principles of Illustration I History Elective
Second semester: 15 credits Drawing For Animation Animation Basics II Computer Animation II: Maya History of Animation General Elective
Second semester: 15 Credits Drawing For Animation Animation Major Elective Video I History of Animation Math Requirement
Second Year First semester: 15 credits Concept Creation Animation Projects Animation Major Elective Video I General Elective
Third Year First semester: 15 credits Concept Creation Animation Major Elective Studio Elective Science Requirement Liberal Arts Elective
Second semester: 15 credits Business of Animation Senior Animation Project / Senior Jury Animation Major Elective or Internship Advanced Art History Elective General Elective
Second semester: 15 credits Computer Animation II: Maya Animation Projects Art History Elective Liberal Arts Elective General Elective Fourth Year First semester: 15 credits Animation Projects II Animation Major Elective Studio Elective Advanced Art History Elective Social Science Elective Second semester: 15 credits Business of Animation Senior Animation Project / Senior Jury Animation Major Elective or Internship Liberal Arts Elective General Elective
Focus Areas Animation majors may also add a focus. Please see your advisor. Illustration Focus 15 credits Use 2 studio electives and 2 general electives. Principles of Illustration (required) Techniques 1-Color & Composition, Techniques 2-Demos, Pick 2: Illustration Major Elective, Op-Ed, Sequential, or Alternative Projects Creative Writing Focus 15 credits Use 2 liberal arts electives, 2 general electives, and Senior Animation Project. (3) 3.0 credit Writing electives Final Animation/Writing project includes the following: (1) 3.0 credit Independent Study (with liberal arts faculty) (1) 3.0 credit Senior Animation Project
Drawing for Animation 3 credits IANIM 2470 This course includes drawing the dynamic structure of human and animal figures, and other lively objects, from the initial quick execution in sequential key poses through a series of revisions. Characters are designed in precisely drawn model sheets, and figures and backgrounds are composed in meaningful, dynamic cinematic sequences, expressed in storyboards, from rough to polished. Prerequisite: IANIM 2480. Animation Basics 3 credits IANIM 2480 This introductory course covers the fundamentals of animation. It explores a variety of animation types and techniques, forming a basis for further work in animation. Among the topics covered are: drawn, collage, photo-sequential, and object animation; calculating animated motion; rotoscoping; key frames and in-betweening; backgrounds and cycles; use of acetate cels; equipment training. This course may substitute Principals of Illustration II for animation concentration students only. Animation Basics II 3 credits IANIM 2490 Animation Basics II covers more advanced animation techniques, especially for drawn figure animation, including use of exposure sheets, moving backgrounds, digital ink, and paint. It also covers production of short, animated pieces from cinematically meaningful storyboards. Prerequisite: IANIM 2480.
Motion Painting 3 credits IANIM 2500 Motion Painting introduces majors and non-animation students to the cornucopia of animation techniques available to impart the dimension of motion to their artwork. “Animation” here is a means of creating “paintings” that move, or “music” that is purely visual. There is a long history of using animation to produce “fine art” or “experimental film.” The animated works of Dada artists like Hans Richter, Viking Eggling, and Walter Ruttman; and the works of modernists like Oscar Fischinger, Len Lye, Robert Breer, Paul Glabiki, as well as contemporary animators are viewed. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing. Stop Motion Animation 3 credits IANIM 3450 This course explores various techniques of 3-D animation including clay, objects, puppets, and the animation of people (pixilation). The history and aesthetics of this genre are also examined. Students produce short 3-D experiments. Prerequisite: IANIM 2490. Computer Animation I 3 credits IANIM 3490 In this course, students become familiar with Procreate Painter and Adobe After Effects. Adobe Premiere and Avid Elastic Reality are also used. Together, these programs offer a powerful set of tools to facilitate the creation of a variety of 2-D animation, whether based on digital video, drawing, or both. Prerequisites: IFNDN 1615 or IFNDN 1620. Concept Creation 3 credits IANIM 3500 The course introduces student animators to story-telling and non-narrative structures in animation and cinema, expressed in written treatments, drawings, storyboards, and animatics. Creation of character personalities and their dramatic environment is also covered. Overall, the course explores methods of provoking the imagination, and considers the essential ingredients for producing fresh work, be it lively or thoughtful. Prerequisite: IANIM 2490.
Sound 3 credits IANIM 3600 Sound is an intensive course that teaches the fundamentals skills of audio acquisition, sound creation, and digital audio mixing techniques. Students are exposed to a brief history of the role of audio in movies, radio and TV, touching on the technology and aesthetic that comprises the use of audio. Students learn by watching and listening to demonstrated techniques, and classroom video screenings with discussion. There is extensive hands-on experience in the creation, modifying and editing of audio using Final Cut Express and other existing programs. Character Development 3 credits IANIM 3700 For those who are intrigued with character animation, this advanced course develops story ideas around the personalities of characters. There is a focus on character designs, model sheets, layouts, and descriptions of how the character behaves in different scenarios. Storyboards are developed from these primary components. “Star” characters from the history of animation serve as inspiration, and a broad range of approaches are discussed. Prerequisite: IANIM 2480. Commercials 3 credits IANIM 4100 This course is not for the late sleeper! Over the semester, a number of small production teams conceive, design and shoot a 5 to 10 second spot, or “ID”—otherwise known as a good old commercial. The techniques used are up to each team who take their ideas from product development, through the creative design phase, to the final shoot and post production. Prerequisite: IANIM 2490.
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Animation Course Descriptions
Animation Curriculum & Courses
Business of Animation 3 credits IANIM 4200 Success in the animation field depends upon a solid, fundamental knowledge of business standards and practices in order to build a career. This course addresses such issues as strategies in seeking employment, copyright, taxes, contracts, and the studio workplace. Freelance concerns like creating a business plan and making presentations or selling an idea are also dealt with. Students also work together in class with University Career Resource Center personnel on resume, cover letter, and interview skills. Prerequisite: IANIM 3500. Computer Animation II: Maya 3 credits IANIM 4450 This course is an introduction to 3D vector-drawn modeling and animation in the program Alias Maya. Basic techniques of modeling, lighting, texture-mapping, and animation are covered. This powerful application allows the student to create hyper-realistic virtual worlds, which can be navigated with ease. The course is meant for upperlevel students who have taken computer or traditional animation courses, and requires an extra commitment of time. Prerequisite: IANIM 3490. Animation Projects 3 credits IANIM 4460 This course allows students to experience the entire process of producing a short but complete animated piece, from the initial stage of storyboarding to editing. A wide range of animation techniques and formats is permissible, 2D, 3D, computer, cel, or any combination. The emphasis is on thoughtful planning, and assimilation of acquired animation skills into a single project. Instruction is tailored to each student’s project. Prerequisites: IANIM 3500. Animation Projects II 3 credits IANIM 4461 This course builds on Animation Projects. See course description for IANIM 4460.
Flash Animation 3 credits IANIM 4550 This course offers instruction in the program Macromedia Flash. Students learn how to create true animation on the web that is interactive and scalable. Complete, interactive web sites with navigation controls, motion graphics, traditional-style animation, and synchronized sound are explored. This course approaches the web with the attitudes of the traditional artist animator. Prerequisite: 3 credits of computer instruction.
Senior Animation Project 3 credits IANIM 4890 This is the ultimate opportunity to produce an animated piece prior to graduation, which displays a high degree of conceptual and technical understanding. The student works closely with the instructor at all stages in the area of greatest interest. Animation concentration students are required to take this course during their senior year. It substitutes for Illustration Portfolio, and prepares students for Senior Jury. Prerequisite: IANIM 4461.
Collaborative Animation 3 credits IANIM 4560 Professional animation is created in a team environment. In this course, students collaborate, each taking full responsibility for a portion of their production. Methods of coordinating work of multiple animators are explored while focusing the group effort on making high quality animation that every student can be proud of. Prerequisite: IANIM 2480 or IANIM 3940.
Studio Assistant 1.5-3 credits Course number is assigned when paperwork is submitted to the Office of Student Services. This is for both Illustration and Animation Majors. The student assists a faculty member with weekly preparation and instruction of a class. Duties may include research, slide show preparation, demonstrations, instructing and assisting in critiques. This position provides valuable experience and insight into the teaching profession while strengthening students’ abilities to articulate and communicate visual concepts. It is also geared towards fostering mentor relationships. Participation in this course is limited to students selected by the faculty of the specific course and/or the Department Chair. The Department Chair gives final approval.
Animation Internship Variable Credit Through the internship program Animation majors have the opportunity to work in a professional setting, while gaining important on-the-job experience. Internships provide exposure to a wide range of professional art environments, including, but not limited to, animation studios, publishing, or media-based companies. The department will post opportunities or students may make arrangements on their own with prior approval from the chairperson of the department. (3.0 credits =180 hours of work.)
Independent Study 1.5-3 credits Course number is assigned when paperwork is submitted to the Office of Student Services. An opportunity for students to pursue advanced study in a pre-defined area with a particular instructor. Students must complete Independent Study forms and obtain permission from the instructor and Department Chair before registration.