Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: 2D Animation Practice

Credit Points: 12.00

Terms

Course Code

Campus

Career

School

Learning Mode

Teaching Period(s)

VART2989

City Campus

Undergraduate

345H Media and Communication

Face-to-Face

 Sem 2 2006,
Sem 2 2007,
Sem 2 2008,
Sem 2 2009,
Sem 2 2011,
Sem 2 2012,
Sem 2 2013,
Sem 2 2014,
Sem 2 2015,
Sem 2 2016,
Sem 2 2017

VART2989

City Campus

Undergraduate

370H Design

Face-to-Face

 Sem 1 2018,
Sem 2 2018,
Sem 2 2019,
Sem 2 2020,
Sem 1 2021,
Sem 1 2022,
Sem 2 2022,
Sem 1 2023,
Sem 2 2023,
Sem 1 2024,
Sem 2 2024,
Sem 1 2025

Course Coordinator: Simon Norton

Course Coordinator Phone: Please email

Course Coordinator Email: simon.norton@rmit.edu.au

Course Coordinator Location: Please email

Course Coordinator Availability: Please email


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

Required Prior Study

Successful completion of VART2987 2D Animation.

OR

Alternatively you may be able to demonstrate the required skills and knowledge before you start this course. Contact your course coordinator if you think you may be eligible for recognition of prior learning. Further information: Credit at RMIT


Course Description

In this course you will examine and apply principles and techniques in character animation, character design, layout, timing, lip-sync and movement.

You will explore the aesthetic possibilities of production platforms to identify options and enhance 2D animation outcomes.

You will also develop your drawing skills to convey perspective, mass and weight.


Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

This course will address the following program learning outcomes: 

  • Employ a body of theoretical knowledge of visual systems, narrative structures and navigational forms to communicate animated linear and interactive concepts.
  • Utilise technical skills in motion and interaction design, through a range of authoring systems, to visualise, structure and construct effective linear and interactive media outcomes.
  • Apply initiative and judgment in planning, problem solving and decision making in professional practice or future study.


Upon the successful completion of this course you will be able to:

  1. Investigate and discuss principles and techniques in character animation, character design, layout, timing, lip-sync and movement.
  2. Plan and manage productions that meet set deadlines.
  3. Critically analyse available 2D development platforms and how they can be applied to production challenges.
  4. Convey perspective, mass and weight through applying drawing skills.
  5. Apply skills in the timing of animated movement, and evaluate the timing structures designed and developed.


Overview of Learning Activities

You will be actively engaged in learning that involves a range of activities such as studios, project work, lectures, tutorials, class discussion, individual and group activities.


Overview of Learning Resources

RMIT will provide you with resources and tools for learning in this course through our online systems.

A list of recommended learning resources will be provided by your lecturer, including books, journal articles and web resources. You will also be expected to seek further resources that are relevant to the focus of your own learning.

There are services available to support your learning, including the University Library and Study Support services. For further information, please visit the Library page on the RMIT University website and the myRMIT student portal.


Overview of Assessment

You will be assessed on how well you meet the course learning outcomes and on your development against the program learning outcomes. You will develop your abilities in project development, 2D characters, lighting, texturing and animation. You will be encouraged to challenge and develop your creative and critical ability through class exercises and individual projects.

Each assessment task addresses learning outcomes 1-5. 

Assessment 1: Walk Cycle Drawn (50%)
Software – TVPaint and Pose to Pose
Software – TVPaint or Harmony (ToonBoom) or Adobe Animate (Flash)
Duration: 6 weeks

Assessment 2: Pantomime Script & Development / Hand-drawn Animation (50%)
Software – TVPaint or Harmony (ToonBoom) or Adobe Animate (Flash)
Duration 12 weeks

Details of each assessment task (an assignment brief) will be available in the online platforms used by this course.

Feedback will be given on all assessment tasks.