University of Technology Sydney

42909 The Connected Studio

Warning: The information on this page is indicative. The subject outline for a particular session, location and mode of offering is the authoritative source of all information about the subject for that offering. Required texts, recommended texts and references in particular are likely to change. Students will be provided with a subject outline once they enrol in the subject.

Subject handbook information prior to 2024 is available in the Archives.

UTS: Information Technology: Computer Science
Credit points: 24 cp

Subject level:

Postgraduate

Result type: Grade, no marks

There are course requisites for this subject. See access conditions.

Description

In this first subject of the Master of Animation and Visualisation, students expand their creative and technical knowledge and practices. The subject is led by creative and technical supervisors drawn from industry, and mirrors the work practices, procedures and standards of a professional production studio. Students respond to industry-style creative briefs in dedicated teams across the disciplines of: story (development, outlines, storyboards, pre-visualisation); art (concept art, character design, environment design, prop design); asset creation (modelling, rigging, surfacing); performance (animation, camera, layout); postproduction (visual effects, lighting and compositing); technical management (pipeline); and project coordination.

Students also reflect on their professional practice by developing knowledge and skills improvement plans, as well as applying knowledge of culturally appropriate processes and protocols when working for and with Indigenous peoples and communities.

Subject learning objectives (SLOs)

Upon successful completion of this subject students should be able to:

1. Apply knowledge of culturally appropriate processes and protocols when working for and with Indigenous peoples and communities. (A.1)
2. Engage with stakeholders to evaluate social and ethical impacts of relevant project-based activities. (B.1)
3. Apply relevant methodologies to respond to creative challenges and develop implementation strategies. (C.1)
4. Work empathically, iteratively and constructively in response to complex and changing challenges and environments. C.1
5. Apply expert technical knowledge and skills to complex project challenges. (D.1)
6. Research relevant existing and emerging technologies in order to extend knowledge and skill base. (D.1)
7. Contribute to informed, constructive and candid critique in group settings, grounded by disciplinary methods and theories. (E.1)
8. Collaborate professionally, strategically and respectfully with stakeholders to optimise outcomes. (E.1)
9. Demonstrate accountability by identifying risks and analysing outcomes to learn and improve the quality of individual and collaborative work. (F.1)

Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)

This subject also contributes specifically to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs):

  • Master of Animation and Visualisation graduates will use specialised knowledge of ethical Indigenous research approaches to inform their professional application in the fields of animation and visualisation, when working for and with Indigenous peoples and communities. (A.1)
  • Master of Animation and Visualisation graduates engage and influence a broad range of stakeholders, and are able to evaluate and critically analyse social, economic and ethical impacts within the fields of animation and visualisation. (B.1)
  • Master of Animation and Visualisation graduates apply expert design and innovation strategies to develop creative and technical outcomes within identified constraints. (C.1)
  • Master of Animation and Visualisation graduates integrate expert knowledge, technical ability and research skills to design and produce animation and visualisation works. (D.1)
  • Master of Animation and Visualisation graduates communicate professionally to specialist and non-specialist audiences and collaborate across disciplinary, hierarchical and professional boundaries in a global context. (E.1)
  • Master of Animation and Visualisation graduates are reflective, adaptive, lifelong learners who make positive contributions to organisations and the broader society. (F.1)

Teaching and learning strategies

Learning takes place in a collaborative, professional-style studio environment using project-based learning strategies. The cohort work to develop collaborative workflows and implementation strategies in order the address creative and technical project challenges. Learning approaches centre on developing high-level creative and technical ability coupled with reflection and critical analysis. The multidisciplinary knowledge bases that inform this studio are supported by masterclass sessions and intensive mentoring by industry and academic experts.

Content (topics)

  • Responding to a Project Brief
  • Creative and story development
  • Specialisation workshops
  • Collaborative practice
  • Completion of project tasks
  • Informed, constructive and candid critique
  • Reflection and analysis to improve outcomes
  • Application of culturally appropriate Indigenous processes

Assessment

Assessment task 1: Early-Stage Project Development

Intent:

Demonstrated ability to respond to a project brief by developing, applying and adapting creative and technical knowledge and skills to complex challenges in a collaborative professional context.

Objective(s):

This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs):

2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8

This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs):

B.1, C.1, D.1 and E.1

Type: Project
Groupwork: Group, individually assessed
Weight: 60%
Length:

Individual contribution to group project

Assessment task 2: Indigenous Cultural Knowledge

Intent:

Apply knowledge of culturally appropriate processes and protocols when working for and with Indigenous peoples and communities

Objective(s):

This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs):

1 and 2

This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs):

A.1 and B.1

Type: Report
Groupwork: Individual
Weight: 20%
Length:

800-1000 words

Assessment task 3: Development Plan

Intent:

Use critical analysis and reflection to develop and execute self-learning and improvement

Objective(s):

This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs):

6, 7 and 9

This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs):

D.1, E.1 and F.1

Type: Reflection
Groupwork: Individual
Weight: 20%
Length:

750 - 1000 words each

Minimum requirements

In order to pass the subject, a student must pass all assessment tasks.

Required texts

Resources are defined in response to the project brief, as well as team and individual learning objectives. Canvas will be used to share information, publish detailed assessment briefs and manage assessment feedback.

References

Resources will be leadership and cohort defined in response to the brief and individual learning goals.