MI4011 - Introduction to Animation

You will learn through a combination of lecture, studio teaching of techniques, seminars, tutor guided and independent learning, through undertaking project work that promotes enquiry based problem solving.

You will set up a blog and upload the set exercises - a range of animation techniques - as they are executed (with appropriate reflective annotation). This will form the device to contain and present your work throughout the module. There will be a major piece of animation generated after the different techniques are experimented with and understood, in the 2nd half of the semester.

Academic staff will work with you on a one-to-one basis in the idea generation, development and presentation of all of the animation exercises.
You will use tutor guided and independent study to complete the animation exercises and final creative brief, through experimentation and exploration.

Class presentations will allow you to see the work of peers and learn to critically reflect on what is successful and how to improve your own work.

Module briefs/guides outline the indicative workload of a module with an indication of lectures, traditional animation exercises and software workshops. The project brief will be introduced and fully explained and you will have the opportunity to ask questions.
These briefs will be uploaded to the eLearning Portal before any module activity commences. Associated research and learning materials will be available on the eLearning Portal to download and support developmental skills. These will be discussed in class first to make sure that you understand the key concepts of the material. One-to-one tutorials will help you to develop your ideas and design production, appropriate to the range of exercises.

Supporting materials for Dragonframe and other industry standard software demonstrations in class, will be available on the eLearning portal also along with the link to the site. You will be encouraged to solve your own design and technical problems by searching for solutions online to encourage independent learning, but email support is available throughout the module, especially during independent learning periods when you are working alone. You can also make appointments to talk through your work with a member of staff outside of class contact.

You will have access to technicians also, who will manage any basic issues with the rostrum stand rigs and cameras.

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)

Knowledge & Understanding:
1. Demonstrate an awareness of key historical, critical and contemporary issues within the animation industry.

2. Acquire knowledge of traditional and digital production processes that underpin animation practice.

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:

3. Display evidence of creative thinking through the exploration and communication of design concepts.

4. Demonstrate appropriate and effective use of software and digital media skills.

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):

5. Critically reflect, evaluate and respond to feedback on personal practice.

You will present your initial, individual research work to the group, early in the semester to show your understanding of animation techniques, you will receive formative feedback here on MLOs 1 & 2.

During a mid-point presentation, which will focus on the conceptual and practical design strengths as well as areas for improvement, you will receive more formative feedback from staff and peers by addressing MLOs 3 and 4. You will have an opportunity to reflect on and respond to the feedback before submitting the portfolio of animation exercises.

You will receive formative feedback throughout the module, this consists of group discussions and individual tutorials and this will help you to reflect upon the conceptual and practical elements of your work with a view to continuing to address MLOs 3, 4 & 5.

Following the final project submission, you will receive written feedback on your achievement against all of the MLOs, using the Faculty Feedback sheet and a final grade will be given. Feedback will be provided within 20 working days of submission.

Your work should be submitted via the eLearning Portal. On the module page in the eLearning Portal, there is a folder called ‘Assignment Submission’ you will find all the necessary links in this folder.

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Please find details of this module in the other sections provided.