Topics:

  • Animation Basics
  • Animation as an Art Form
  • The History of Animation and Computer Graphics
  • Composition
  • Digital Storytelling

OAKLAND UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT SKYLINE HIGH SCHOOL COURSE SYLLABUS: Computer Graphics and Animation SCHOOL YEAR: 2011-12

Department: Computer Academy
Instructor: Mr. Frey
Website:www.voxcommunications.com
Grade Level(s) for which course is intended: 09-12
Credit Value: 5.00 Per Semester
Length of Course:1Year
Pre-requisite(s): None

Brief Course Description: This course studies Computer Graphics and Animmation as creative arts. It is designed to prepare students for entry-level positions in the field of computer animation. Students will learn the vocabulary of animation and research and analyze animated films made by a diverse group of animators. Students will explore the visual language of animation from a two-pronged approach: by studying the history of animation as an expressive medium, and by learning the process creating their own animated graphics. In addition to studying the style and meaning of a wide variety of samples, students will engage in the production of their own computer graphics and animation portfolios. By engaging in the process of animation, students will develop their own creative expression, thereby strengthening their own understanding of animation in a variety of contexts: social, visual, and historical. Students will compare the means by which animation communicates meaning, and make informed aesthetic evaluations based on the principles of visual design. By creating original digital compositions, students will gain insight into the nature of the artist's desire to communicate, and how that communication is both interpreted and influenced by society. Students will analyze the diverse means by which animation impacts culture by studying contemporary and historical artists who have used the medium to contribute to cultural life. The combination of studying animation and learning the process of animation as an expressive art will give students increased communication competency, enhance creative problem solving strategies, and bring about a wider appreciation of the impact of art in society. This course is eligible for articulation with Peralta College's Multimedia Program and meets the UC Visual and Performing Arts requirement.

Learner Outcomes:
  • Develop an ability to discuss and write about animation as a means of self-expression.
  • Demonstrate the ability to research, analyze, and evaluate animation from an informed viewpoint.
  • Research the history of animation and write about its impact on contemporary culture.
  • Produce a portfolio of original computer graphics and animation projects with a high level of competence.
  • Apply the standards of design to create original works of digital work using modern technology.
  • Appreciate animation as a communications medium.
Instructional Practices: The teaching strategies I shall employ for this course begin with lecture/demonstration, followed by hands-on application of the principles discussed. Most assignments are given online via the Internet. Most of the lab work will consist of projects (both individual and group projects). Students will be expected to perform research on a series of technology related topics and to report the results of their projects in both oral presentations and written format. Students are also expected to apply what they learn in the real world through service learning projects in the community.

Student Assessment: Since classes in Computer Technology, are by their nature project based and performance based driven, most of the student's work will be graded based on the quality of their projects. However, oral reports, written assignments, group projects, quizzes, tests, and a final examination will also be evaluated in calculating the student's final grade.

Marks:
A. Work that is outstanding and above grade level: 90-100%
B. Work that is good, and above grade level: 80-89%
C. Work that is satisfactory and is grade level: 70-79%
D. Work that needs improvement, below grade level: 60-69%
F. Work that is unsatisfactory, well below grade level: 59% and below

Classroom Management Plan
  1. Do not talk while the teacher is giving instructions.
  2. No food or drink near the computer workstations.
  3. Do not download or install software on any of the computers.
  4. Electronic devices must be turned off and out of sight unless authorized by teacher for work.
  5. Report any problems with your workstation to me before the end of class.
  6. Arrive to class on time.
  7. Cheating on tests or plagiarizing written assignments will result in flunking the assignment, a parent-teacher conference, and disciplinary actions as per the Honor Code of the Skyline Student Handbook.

Behavior Issues: The Countdown of Actions

If a student is violating classroom rules, the following steps will be taken in this order:
  1. Verbal warning
  2. One-on-one discussion
  3. The formal sit-down: teacher/student conference
  4. Call home
  5. Meeting with parent and teachers
  6. Disciplinary action with school administrators with possible suspension