Joon Sung, Professor,
Department of Art - Western Kentucky University
Email: joon.sung@wku.edu Office: IWFAC 414

• Description
  
  • Designed to help students deepen the understanding of our surroundings by making *rotoscope animation with an emphasis on the discovery of unique animation solutions to maximize the possibilities for visual expression.
    
    *Rotoscoping is an animation technique that animators use to trace over motion picture footage, frame by frame, to produce realistic movements.
    
    
• Objectives
  • Learn the history and principles of rotoscope animation, the fast becoming an option for animators, filmmakers, and designers.
  • View the process of rotoscope animation as a means of exploring dimensions of the society, culture and artistic expression.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of Adobe Animate/After Effects and other relevant software tools.

• Content outline
  • Methods of instruction consist of lectures, demonstrations, screenings, field trips, assignments, in-class lab time, and group critiques.
  • Active hands-on-learning experiences, intense engagement with the instructor and peers, and development of critical thinking skills.
    
    
    
• Required Materials
  • A sketchbook or notebook, a smartphone, a laptop Adobe CC (particularly Animate, After Effects and Media Encoder) installed.
  • When class takes place online, you will need
    • Reliable internet access
    • Access to a laptop or desktop computer with webcam
      
      
• Notes
  • Attendance policy
    Prompt and regular attendance is mandatory. Four absences (including arriving late or leaving early) will result in a lowering of your final grade at least one full letter.
    
  • Cell phone:
    No Cell phones in class. They must be turned OFF.
  • Food:
    No food in the computer lounge.
    
    
• Student Expectations and Requirements
  Making animation is fun and playful while it requires a great deal of attention and focus in order to create a fine animation. Since the quality of animation largely depends upon the amount of time and effort you put on, personal initiative and self-motivation are essential. You are expected to produce quality work based on creative and original thought and exploration of new skills and ideas.
  
  In addition, in the real world of computer animation production, nearly all work is collaborative and there is almost always more than one way to achieve the similar goal. In this course, students are encouraged to help each other with general problem-solving or software questions.
  
  
• Evaluation/Grading
  based on the...
  • Effort: how much effort/time you put in?
  • Creativity: overall quality, style and innovation.
  • Execution: technical execution. How good does the image look and sound?
  • Originality: how does the work stand out from the rest of them?
  • Subject/Tone: how effective is the subject being told? Or the tone that is being conveyed?
  • Exposition: how accurately are concepts and information communicated?
    *Assignments submitted after the due date will receive a 10% grade deduction
    
    A = 90-100%; Outstanding achievement; available only for the highest accomplishment.
    B = 80-89%; Praiseworthy performance; definitely above average.
    C = 70-79%; Average; awarded for satisfactory performance; the most common grade.
    D = 60-69%; Minimally passing; less than average achievement for undergraduate students.
    F = 59% and below; Failing.