Course Outline
Comprehensive Animation Studies
Course Contact Notional Credit
Course Title Mode
Code Hour Hour s
14class hour
+120
independent
Weekly 1 hours study,
0211-212 2D Animation lab Mixed 1 1
X14 weeks assignments,
and exam
preparation total
180
Rationale of the Course
The practical class is speci cally designed to complement the animation theory course by providing
students hands-on experience to reinforce theoretical concepts. It allows students to actively engage
with animation principles, mechanics, historical in uences, and contemporary industry practices
through guided exercises and projects. This integration fosters practical skills development, creative
expression, and critical re ection necessary for professional growth in animation.
Course Description
This practical class is structured to directly complement the animation theory curriculum, offering
students the opportunity to apply theoretical concepts in practical scenarios. Through guided
workshops, studio exercises, and project-based assignments, students will gain hands-on experience
with industry-standard animation software and techniques. The practical sessions will cover core
animation principles, mechanical understanding, historical animation styles, and contemporary
production methods, culminating in a comprehensive nal project that demonstrates both creative
and technical competencies.
Detailed Course Objectives
Objecti
Objective
ve No.
To develop practical skills in animation techniques and software applications aligned with
1
industry standards.
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To enable students to apply theoretical knowledge of animation principles, mechanics,
2
and history into practice.
To cultivate the ability to design and execute animated projects, demonstrating creativity,
3
problem-solving, and technical pro ciency.
To foster critical and re ective thinking through the iterative process of animation
4 production, from conceptualisation to completion.
5 Analyze and critique the aesthetic, cultural, and sociological aspects of animation.
Explore and map the structure of the animation industry, including production pipelines,
6
roles, and career opportunities.
Plan, execute, and re ne an original short animation project, demonstrating pro ciency in
7
animation techniques and project management.
Learning Outcomes
Bloom’s
Taxonomy Outcome
Level
Demonstrate pro ciency in essential animation software and tools used in
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professional contexts.
Apply core animation principles effectively, such as timing, squash and
Understand
stretch, anticipation, staging, and follow-through, in practical projects.
Develop and produce short animated sequences that clearly convey
Apply narrative and artistic intent, re ecting an understanding of animation
mechanics and historical styles.
Critically assess and re ne animation work through iterative processes,
Analyze incorporating feedback and demonstrating improved technical and artistic
quality.
Produce a comprehensive animation project that synthesizes theoretical
Evaluate learning with technical execution, re ecting both creative originality and
professional standards.
Create Develop original storyboards, concept art, and animation sequences.
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Instructional Strategies
Strategy Description
Studio-Based Learning Emulates a professional animation studio environment.
Combines face-to-face and online learning using platforms like Canvas
Blended Learning
and Google Classroom.
Hands-On Workshops Covers animation tools and techniques through expert-led sessions.
Encourages students to investigate animation trends and their cultural
Research & Analysis
impacts.
Iterative Learning Encourages re nement of animation projects through multiple iterations.
Cross-Disciplinary Promotes integration of animation with graphic design, lm, and digital
Collaboration art.
Portfolio Development Guides students in compiling industry-ready animation portfolios.
Assessment Policy
This assessment policy is designed to evaluate students based on Bloom’s Taxonomy while
ensuring a balanced approach between formative and summative assessment methods. It
integrates both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, ensuring a holistic learning experience.
Assessment Philosophy & Learning Outcomes
This course follows an outcome-based education (OBE) model aligned with Bloom’s Taxonomy,
which ensures that students progress through different cognitive levels:
1. Remembering – De ne key animation concepts.
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2. Understanding – Explain theories and animation principles.
3. Applying – Demonstrate animation techniques in exercises.
4. Analyzing – Critique animation works, identifying strengths and weaknesses.
5. Evaluating – Justify creative choices in projects.
6. Creating – Develop original animated works using learned principles.
Assessment will be designed to progressively engage students through all six levels.
Assessment Structure & Weightage
Weighta Assessment
Component Bloom’s Taxonomy Level
ge Type
Class Participation &
10% Formative Understanding, Applying
Attendance
Remembering, Understanding,
Weekly Practice & Quizzes 15% Formative
Applying
Journal & Documentation 10% Formative Analyzing, Evaluating
Mid-Term Project 25% Summative Applying, Analyzing, Evaluating
Applying, Analyzing, Evaluating,
Final Project 40% Summative
Creating
Formative & Summative Assessment Policy
Formative Assessment (Ongoing Learning & Development)
Purpose:
• Helps students develop skills progressively through feedback and self-re ection.
• Focuses on continuous learning rather than nal grades.
Component Type Assessment Criteria
Class Participation & Engagement in discussions, willingness to share ideas,
Interactive
Attendance (10%) responsiveness to feedback
Weekly Practice & Hands-on + Technical skill improvement, accuracy, consistency in
Quizzes (15%) Theory understanding concepts
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Journal & Re ection- Critical thinking, completeness, analysis of challenges,
Documentation (10%) Based application of theory in practice
Feedback Mechanism:
• Peer Reviews: Students provide constructive feedback to peers.
• Instructor Feedback: Given weekly for improvement.
• Self-Assessment: Students re ect on progress through their journals.
Summative Assessment (Final Evaluation of Learning Outcomes)
Purpose:
• Measures students' ability to apply knowledge in real-world animation projects.
• Tests higher-order cognitive skills (Applying, Analyzing, Evaluating, Creating).
Component Type Assessment Criteria
Understanding and accuracy of content, Clarity and organization
Mid-Term Oral
of presentation, Creativity and originality of perspective,
Project (25%) examination
Con dence and communication skills
Practical
implementa
Final Project Creativity, originality, technical execution, conceptual depth,
tion of skill
(40%) integration of theoretical knowledge
and
knowledge
Feedback Mechanism:
• Mid-Term Project: Instructor gives detailed feedback and allows students to re ne
techniques before the nal project.
• Final Project: Evaluated using a grading rubric (see below).
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Final Grading Policy & Academic Integrity
Grading Scale:
Percentag Grad Performance
e e Description
90-100% A+ Outstanding
80-89% A Excellent
70-79% B Good
60-69% C Satisfactory
50-59% D Pass
Below
F Fail
50%
Late Submission Penalty:
• Up to 2 days late: 5% deduction
• 3-5 days late: 10% deduction
• Beyond 5 days: Not accepted unless prior approval is given
Plagiarism & Misconduct Policy:
• Plagiarism is strictly prohibited (Includes AI-generated content without modi cation).
• Any student found copying animation from external sources without citation will receive
zero marks for that section.
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Conclusion: How This Assessment Policy Helps Students
✅ Balances formative (continuous learning) and summative ( nal evaluation) assessment
✅ Encourages theoretical depth with practical execution
✅ Promotes creativity, critical thinking, and technical mastery
✅ Aligns with Bloom’s Taxonomy for progressive skill development
Final Notes for Students
• Follow the submission deadlines and seek feedback early.
• Use the journal to track progress and improve your animation.
• Mid-Term feedback is crucial—apply it to enhance the Final Project.
• Think beyond the grade! Focus on mastering skills for a strong portfolio.
Mid-term Project Brief: Lab-based Test (25%)
For the mid-term lab-based exam, students are required to create an animation based on previously
practiced class exercises within a speci ed timeframe. The primary objective of this test is to assess
the students' ability to recall the animation exercises, their depth of understanding, analytical
capabilities regarding the underlying knowledge, skills, and purposes of the exercises, and their
creativity in recreating the animation. Additionally, students must submit a brief written rationale
clearly articulating their understanding and insights into the exercise's key elements, their animation
decisions, and creative approaches taken. This rationale should highlight their ability to critically
analyze animation practices and articulate their learning effectively.
Final Project Brief
Final Project: Animated short lm (40%)
The nal project for this practical class involves producing an animated short lm, with a duration
between 3 to 5 minutes. This project, completed over 10 weeks, provides students with an
opportunity to synthesize their theoretical understanding and practical skills comprehensively.
Production Process Steps:
• Concept Development and Scriptwriting (Week 1-2)
• Storyboard and Animatic Creation (Week 2-3)
• Character and Environment Design (Week 3-4)
• Animation Production (Week 4-8)
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• Post-production and Compositing (Week 8-9)
• Final Rendering and Presentation Preparation (Week 9-10)
Tips for Effective Performance:
• Consistently adhere to the project timeline to avoid bottlenecks.
• Clearly de ne team roles based on individual strengths and skills.
• Schedule regular team meetings for feedback and progress checks.
• Utilize iterative cycles of critique and revision to enhance quality.
Effective Group Behavior Policy:
• All team members must contribute equitably, respecting individual roles and responsibilities.
• Constructive communication should be maintained at all times; differences must be resolved
respectfully and promptly.
• Regular attendance at meetings and active participation are mandatory.
• The group leader is responsible for managing schedules and reporting to instructors on
group dynamics and productivity.
Production Documentation Journal:
Each student must maintain a detailed Production Documentation Journal throughout the project.
This journal should document personal contributions, re ections on the process, challenges
encountered, resolutions applied, and critical assessments of both individual and group progress.
Journals will be periodically reviewed and will signi cantly contribute to the nal project grade.
Journal & Documentation Outline (Assignment)
Each student must maintain a digital or physical journal that includes the following sections:
1. Cover Page & Personal Information
• Student Name:
• Student ID:
• Course Name & Code:
• Instructor Name:
• Semester & Year:
• Journal Title: (E.g., "Animation Exploration: A Learning Journey")
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2. Weekly Entries (Mandatory Structure)
Each weekly entry should contain the following elements:
Section Description
Week Number & Date Clearly mention the week and date of the entry.
Class Summary (250
Summarize key topics covered, discussions, and instructor feedback.
words)
Key Learnings Describe at least 3 key takeaways from the session.
Practice Exercises & Include sketches, frame studies, or screenshots of animation
Observations exercises. Analyze errors and improvements.
Challenges & Problem-
Document dif culties faced and strategies used to overcome them.
Solving Approach
Research & References (if Include external references (books, articles, or videos) related to the
applicable) topic.
Personal Re ection (150 Explain how the learning applies to personal growth or future
words min.) projects.
To-Do for Next Week List planned improvements and study areas for the next class.
Note: Each entry should be at least 500 words and include visual documentation (sketches,
screenshots, animation clips, or reference images).
3. Mid-Term Review (Week 9 Submission)
At the halfway point of the course, students must submit a mid-term re ection summarising:
• Overall progress in the course (500 words)
• Key strengths and weaknesses
• Self-assessment of improvement areas
• Instructor feedback received and applied
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4. Final Re ection (Week 18 Submission)
At the end of the course, students must submit a nal re ection (750-1000 words) covering:
• Personal journey in the course
• Biggest learning outcomes
• Key theoretical insights and how they in uenced practical skills
• Challenges faced and overcome
• Future plans to improve in animation
Submission & Maintenance Policy
1. Submission Format
• Digital Format: PDFs, Word les, or Notion links are accepted.
• Handwritten Journals: Must be scanned and submitted digitally before the deadline.
• Animation Work & Screenshots: Must be compiled in the document or uploaded as a
Google Drive link.
2. Submission Deadlines
Deadlin
Task
e
Mid-Term Journal
Week 9
Submission
Final Journal Submission Week 18
Late submissions will result in a deduction of 2% per day.
3. Grading Criteria for journal
Weighta
Category Description
ge
Consistency &
Weekly entries maintained with no missing weeks 2%
Completeness
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Critical thinking, problem-solving analysis, and personal
Depth of Re ection 2%
insights
Application of Theory Integration of theoretical concepts into journal entries 2%
Inclusion of sketches, screenshots, and animation
Visual Documentation 2%
breakdowns
Mid-Term & Final Detailed analysis of progress, challenges, and
2%
Re ection improvements
4. Plagiarism & Authenticity
• The journal should be original work.
• AI-generated content is not allowed; re ections should be personal and practice-based.
• Any external references must be properly cited.
Why This Journal?
• Helps track progress and organize thoughts throughout the course.
• Encourages self-assessment and critical thinking.
• Supports portfolio building with organized documentation of animation exercises.
• Prepares students for industry-standard project documentation.
Final Notes
• Students will receive feedback on their journals after the mid-term submission to
improve their nal documentation.
• The nal journal should demonstrate growth in understanding animation theory and its
application.
• Journals with incomplete entries or poor re ections will receive lower scores.
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Weekly Course Content Breakdown
Total
No Topic/Task Objective Class Reference link
Hours
Understand the basic
concept of
animation.Create a https://youtu.be/
simple animation to dGGU4rAkShE?
generate motion. si=eq4kTlneIznwI9F-
Introduction to Animation -
1 Outcomes: 2
Making the First Animation
De ne https://youtu.be/pF--
animation. YKCCUMw?
Create a basic si=b9-8nc3FKb9ZiCMn
animation sequence.
Learn and apply https://youtu.be/
basic principles of NilxCCPrYoA?
animation to simple si=DywvivgLy6vq5_Uk
object motion.
Outcomes:
Applying Animation https://youtu.be/
Move a simple
2 Principles - Simple Object
object using staging,
2 4AnqxdiuyJ4?
Motion (Part 1) timing, slow in and slow si=OMFFFEYLs_QLm6X9
out, straight ahead, and
pose to pose https://youtu.be/
techniques. 6UXjRCORV44?
si=naQi_xVMKOfHiDiO
Objectives:
Continue to
apply basic principles of
animation.
Outcomes:
Enhance simple
object motion using
squash and stretch,
Applying Animation anticipation, follow
3 Principles - Simple Object through, solid drawing, 4
Motion (Part 2) appeal, and arcs.
Topics:
Squash and
Stretch.
Anticipation.
Follow Through.
Solid Drawing.
Appeal.
Arcs.
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Objectives:
Learn and apply
advanced principles to
animate complex
objects.
Outcomes:
Breakdown
Applying Animation joints and apply Provides essential
Principles - Complex Object secondary action and techniques required for
4 Motion (Part 1) exaggeration.
4
smooth and expressive
Topics: animation.
Breakdown of
joints.
Secondary
Action.
Exaggeration.
Objectives:
Continue to
apply advanced
principles of animation.
Applying Animation Outcomes: Enhances narrative
Principles - Complex Object Re ne complex abilities and aesthetic
5 object animations. 4
Motion (Part 2) composition in
Topics:
Advanced
animation projects.
techniques review.
Re nement
practices.
Objectives:
Learn the
principles of animating a
two-footed walk.
Outcomes: Expands knowledge of
Two-Footed Walk + run Create a walk modern animation
6 Animation cycle with appeal. 2
technology and its
Topics:
Two-footed
applications.
walk.
Adding appeal
to walk cycles.
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Objectives:
Learn the
basics of character
animation with an
emphasis on body
language and acting.
Introduction to Character Outcomes:
Develops analytical
Animation - Body Language Animate a skills for assessing
7 4
and Acting character demonstrating animation beyond
basic body language technical execution.
and acting.
Topics:
Body language.
Acting
techniques.
Objectives:
Understand the
principles of dialog
animation.
Outcomes: Encourages awareness
Character Animation - Animate a of evolving industry
8 Dialog Animation character with 2
standards and creative
synchronized dialog.
Topics:
inspirations.
Dialog
animation techniques.
Lip sync.
Prepares students for
Scene Planning and Layout
professional
9 (Part 1) 4
opportunities within the
industry.
Objectives:
Learn the
fundamentals of scene
planning and layout.
Outcomes:
Scene Planning and Layout Plan and layout
10 (Part 2) a basic animation
scene.
Topics:
Scene planning.
Layout
principles.
11 Final project development
12 Final project development
13 Final project development
14 Final project development
Final presentation and submission
Supporting Books and Web Resources
Resource
Title/Source
Type
Books "The Animator's Survival Kit" by Richard Williams
"Animation: The Mechanics of Motion" by Chris Webster
"The Illusion of Life: Disney Animation" by Frank Thomas and Ollie
Johnston
"Timing for Animation" by Harold Whitaker and John Halas
"Cartoon Animation" by Preston Blair
Web Links Animation Basics - Khan Academy
Animation History - Animation World Network
Principles of Animation - Animator’s Survival Kit
Animation Career Paths - Creative Bloq
Online Animation Courses - Coursera
This structured course ensures a well-rounded understanding of animation, equipping students with
theoretical knowledge and practical expertise.
