54406 Context: 2D Animation Introduction
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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 2025 is available in the Archives.
Credit points: 6 cp
Result type: Grade and marks
There are course requisites for this subject. See access conditions.
Anti-requisite(s): 82121 Context: 2D Animation Introduction
Description
This subject develops students’ core animation skills through the 12 principles of animation. Students apply these principles to human mechanics, movement physics and timing. Students acquire these animation skills through a number of exercises creating 2D animation in the Harmony software package.
Subject learning objectives (SLOs)
| a. | Apply a professional approach to process and practice |
|---|---|
| b. | Develop performance skills for believable and engaging character animation |
| c. | Apply knowledge of body mechanics via the articulation of joints and locomotion. |
| d. | Employ key animation principles |
Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)
This subject engages with the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs), which are tailored to the Graduate Attributes set for all graduates of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences:
- Apply fundamental and higher-level animation and cinematic principles with understanding and professional proficiency. (1.1)
- Contextualise work within current and historical animation practice and theory. (2.3)
- Possess well-developed skills and proficiencies to present and communicate narrative, complexity and abstract ideas with precision. (6.1)
Teaching and learning strategies
This subject includes weekly tutorials, providing active learning experiences conducted in computer labs. Students are assigned tasks on a weekly basis; these tasks must be completed as homework before the next week’s session.
The subject employs design professionals as mentors to ensure that all content and tasks are relevant to current professional practice in a global context.
In the computer labs, students work on their animation fundamentals with a mentor. Presentation of relevant weekly content, framed within global contemporary animation practice, will include videos, and discussion of case studies. Students are provided with individual feedback during the class as they work on individual tasks and will receive further feedback in Review at each assessment task submission. Verbal feedback is provided pre census dates and remains ongoing throughout the semester. It is the students' responsibility to keep a written documentation of any feedback provided in the studio classes and during presentations.
Computer lab tutorials are complemented by independent student learning of a minimum of 3hrs/week of self-directed animation fundamentals practice. Independent study is supported by online content provided in the weekly program in Canvas.
Content (topics)
Key modules are designed to introduce students to understanding and applying animation fundamentals, informed by Walt Disney’s universally accepted “Twelve principles of Animation”. The principles will be explored through a series of in class exercises, employing an industry relevant professional approach to practice and process, culminating in an animated character performance.
Assessment
Assessment task 1: Animation Exercises and Generic Biped walk.
| Objective(s): | a, c and d | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weight: | 40% | ||||||||||||||||
| Length: | Exercises: 1 – 2 seconds Generic biped walk: 2 seconds | ||||||||||||||||
| Criteria linkages: |
SLOs: subject learning objectives CILOs: course intended learning outcomes |
Assessment task 2: Weight and Performance Exercise.
| Objective(s): | a, b and d | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weight: | 60% | ||||||||||||||||
| Length: | Animated Character performance 5 – 7 seconds Personal video recording of live action acting of the animated scene | ||||||||||||||||
| Criteria linkages: |
SLOs: subject learning objectives CILOs: course intended learning outcomes |
Minimum requirements
Attendance Requirement
Attendance at classes is essential in this subject. Classes are based on a collaborative approach that involves essential workshopping and interchange of ideas with other students and the tutor to build capacities towards meeting the subject learning objectives. A roll will be taken at each class (whether on campus or online). Students who have more than two absences from class will be refused marking of their final assessment (see Rule 3.8)
Required texts
Williams, R. (2008). Richard Williams’ Animation masterclass presents The animator’s survival kit animated. Faber.
Available at UTS Library in book and video format.
References
Goldberg, E. (2008). Character Animation Crash Course! (p. 218). Los Angeles, CA: Silman-James Press.
Gillett, J. (2007). Acting on impulse: reclaiming the Stanislavski approach: a practical workbook for actors. A&C Black.
Hooks, E. (2017). Acting for animators. Routledge.
Preston, B. (2013). Cartoon Animation.
Miyazaki, H. (2002). The Art of Spirited Away (p. 240). Viz Graphic Novels.
Stanchfield, W., & Hahn, D. (2013). Drawn to Life: 20 Golden Years of Disney Master Classes Volume 1: Volume 1: The Walt Stanchfield Lectures. Routledge.
Thomas, F., Johnston, O., & Thomas, F. (1995). The illusion of life: Disney animation (p. 28). New York: Hyperion.