California State University, Northridge Summer Academic Enrichment Program

Computer Animation Course Overview: The student will learn the basics of animation development by designing a character, creating a storyboard, and learning a variety of animation techniques. Participants will also explore the history of the medium and different styles including classic hand-drawn animation, anime, and the world of computer-driven animation. The student will learn the basics of Adobe Flash in order to create short, original animated cartoons. .

Course Goals and Objectives Computer Animation is a very fast-paced class with a great deal of new material given on a daily basis; daily attendance, therefore, is strongly recommended. The instructor will lead students through numerous lessons on topics including Adobe Flash and animation drawing techniques. Time in class will be involve learning about the history and processes of animation, screening and analyzing animated media, as well learning to use Adobe Flash and producing original animated videos.

Course Goals and Objectives: The student will be able to: • Understand the history of animation and how animation has evolved over the years. • Understand the process by which a piece of animation is created. • Identify and explain the major types of animation and how they differ from each other. • Demonstrate knowledge of Adobe Flash in its capacity to create animated shorts. • Create their own original auteur-driven movie using Adobe Flash

Course Materials: The student will be provided an in-class computer equipped with Adobe Flash, Photoshop, and Illustrator. The student will need to provide the following materials on a daily basis: Required:

• USB Drive with at least 2 GB of memory • Headphones • Notebook & Writing Utensil Recommended: • Sketchbook • A drawing tablet (such as a Wacom) that is compatible with Apple desktop computers (or can transfer images via email.)

Course Grading

Homework and Classwork: Each student can expect an average of 20 minutes of homework each night. Homework assignments vary widely from short research-based assignments to finishing up concept sketches not finished in class. Quizzes and Tests: There will be no official quizzes or tests as the teacher will be checking in with each child during the class periods to conference with them regarding their individual progress and make sure they are mastering skills. The teacher will use informal assessments. Grades will be based on students participation and ability to meet deadlines as well as progress shown in writing. The final grade for the class will not be a letter grade, but rather a developmental level assigned based on a rubric explained below.

Grading Policy: There will be no letter grades assigned in this course. In place of letter grades, a developmental level will be assigned based upon the stated course objectives throughout the program. Students will receive a final assessment of: beginning, emerging, developing, capable, experienced, or exceptional. The student is expected to participate in classroom discussions and to complete all assigned projects on time. Work is graded for completeness and creativity while following the guidelines of the assignment.

Classroom Behavior: The student is expected to demonstrate mature, polite behavior and extend courtesy to everyone at all times: 1. Actively participate, and respectful verbal and nonverbal interaction with all opinions must be shown at all times. 2. Since differing views will be expressed, the teacher and the student(s) will mutually maintain a safe environment for courteous dialogue. 3. Respect is to be shown for all CSUN property. 4. No food or beverages will be permitted in the classroom. Snacks must be eaten outside between the designated breaks. 5. Warnings for behavior / discipline problems will be given once. Any further problems will result in a phone call to the parent(s) or guardian(s) and possible dismissal from the program.

SAEP Electronics Policy Cell phones, music players and headphones are not permitted to be used during class hours. a. Please put your cell phone on silent (NOT vibrate). b. No texting is allowed during class. You will be given one verbal warning if the above is not followed. Should a second warning be necessary, your cell phone, music player and/or headphones will be confiscated and held by the teacher until after class. If a third time occurs, your cell phone, music player and/or headphones will be confiscated and held in the SAEP office and MUST BE PICKED UP BY A PARENT.

Computer Animation ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ After reading through the syllabus, please sign and date and have your student return it to class. The signature constitutes your commitment to the class as we partner to make the next five weeks a life-long educational experience for your student.

Student/ Parent Agreement: Please bring this signed and dated Computer Animation syllabus agreement to class tomorrow along with your required materials (USB Drive with at last 4 GB of memory, headphones, and notebook with writing utensil). Teacher will check for materials and the signed syllabus agreement in order to give participation points for the first week of class.

If you do not understand any portion of this syllabus, or if you have any questions regarding this class, please do not hesitate to email the teacher.

We have read and understand the contents of this syllabus.

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