Animation Curriculum | Advanced Professional Certificate | BFA

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, or 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.

Advanced Professional Certificate in Animation

Animation BFA

Please note: The Art Institute of Boston at Lesley University reserves the right to unilaterally add, withdraw, or revise any course offering in the above-mentioned program of study, including policies, provisions, requirements, and fees. Current students may visit the Academic Advising Office to obtain the official program requirement sheet that corresponds with their year of enrollment.

IANIM 2470

Drawing for Animation
3 credits
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: IFNDN 1615 or IFNDN 1620.

IANIM 2480

Animation Basics
3 credits
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. Prerequisite: IFNDN 1615 or IFNDN 1620.

IANIM 2490

Animation Basics II
3 credits
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.

IANIM 2500

Motion Painting
3 credits
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 Eggeling, and Walter Ruttmann; and the works of modernists like Oskar Fischinger, Len Lye, Robert Breer, Paul Glabicki, as well as contemporary animators are viewed. Prerequisite: IFNDN 1615 or IFNDN 1620.

IANIM 2570

Video I
3 credits
This course is an introduction to the aesthetic and technical aspects of video production. Students shoot their own videotapes using lightweight, digital video cameras from scripted treatments. The basics of Adobe Premiere editing software are introduced.

IANIM 3100

Game Production
3 credits
This course introduces students to creating interactive applications using a game engine and game level editor. We will examine the whole game building process, including game design, architecture of a game engine, 2D and 3D asset creation, and level design. We will recreate the basic mechanics of a 2D side scroller (e.g. Super Mario) and a 3D first person adventure game (e.g. The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess). Students will design and create their own interactive application, which can be anything from a simple game to an interactive art show. Knowledge of a computer graphics program like Flash, Maya, or Photoshop recommended. See also, IDESN 2185, Interactive Game Design, offered in alternate semesters. Prerequisite: IFNDN 1615 or IFNDN 1620.

IANIM 3450

Stop Motion Animation
3 credits
This course explores various techniques of 3D animation, including clay, objects, puppets, and the animation of people (pixilation). The history and aesthetics of this genre are also examined. Students produce short 3D experiments. Prerequisite: IFNDN 1615 or IFNDN 1620.

IANIM 3490

Computer Animation I
3 credits
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 2D animation, whether based on digital video, drawing, or both. Prerequisites: IFNDN 1615 or IFNDN 1620.

IANIM 3500

Concept Creation
3 credits
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 2480 and IANIM 3490.

IANIM 3570

Video II
3 credits
A course designed for further study in digital video production. Students complete several production assignments, including individual and collaborative projects. Students are expected to present and discuss the thought process behind their video acquisition/shooting. More sophisticated video and editing techniques are taught along with an emphasis on the role of the director. Prerequisite: Students must have basic skills in shooting video and in editing in Final Cut.

IANIM 3600

Sound
3 credits
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 comprise 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, modification, and editing of audio using Final Cut Express and other existing programs. Prerequisite: IFNDN 1615 or IFNDN 1620.

IANIM 3700

Character Development
3 credits
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.

IANIM 4100

Commercialst
3 creditst
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 the teams who take their ideas from product development, through the creative design phase, to the final shoot and post-production. Prerequisite: IANIM 2490.

IANIM 4450

Computer Animation II: Maya
3 credits
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 upper-level students who have taken computer or traditional animation courses, and it requires an extra commitment of time. Prerequisite: IFNDN 1615 or IFNDN 1620.

IANIM 4460

Animation Projects
3 credits
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.

IANIM 4461

Animation Projects II
3 credits
This course builds on Animation Projects. See course description for IANIM 4460.

IANIM 4550

Interactive Flash Animation
3 credits
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 websites 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.

IANIM 4560

Collaborative Animation
3 credits
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 39490.

IANIM 4890

Senior Animation Project
3 credits
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.

IANIM 4200

Business of Animation
3 credits
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: IFNDN 1651 or IFNDN 1620.

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