COTA 750
Fall 2002		 Expressive Motion
Course Call Number: 02368-1
Credit Hours: 5
Time: MW 10:30-12:30
Professor: Midori Kitagawa, Ph.D.
Email: midori@cgrg.ohio-state.edu
Phone: 292-3416
Office: Room 222, ACCAD
Office Hours: M 1:30-3:00, R 10:30-noon
Prerequisites Graduate standing
Permission of instructor 
Course
Description		 COTA 750 will be an introduction to the basic principles of timing and motion through the production of three-dimensional computer generated animation. Meaning and expression are explored through the use of timing and gesture. This course focuses on the practice and understanding of the main principles of animation. Students will develop short animations in wireframe form. All work will be rendered in wireframe and recorded on CDs.
Course
Objectives		 Understand principles of animation. 

Understand how timing gives meaning to motion. 

Establish a methodology for applying appropriate principles of animation to work.

Develop skills for both collaborative and independent work in animation.

Enhance ability to discuss current issues related to computer generated animation.

Develop new vocabulary of terms related to computer generated animation. 

Demonstrate ability to offer both technical and aesthetic criticisms of the work of peers and self.
Course
Methodology		 Students are expected to be participating and working in each and every class. Students are encouraged to collaborate in solving some of the difficult technical and conceptual problems that are part of their project. While class sessions will consist mainly of studio work, this time will be supplemented by lectures, demonstrations, critiques, video reference, and discussions focusing on class assignments.

The class format will take on a variety of styles, as the subject dictates. Examples will be presented and discussed in lectures, videos and demonstrations. Students will present their work in critique sessions.

Students are to encouraged complete all work at ACCAD's facilities in order to benefit from collaborative learning with your peers.  Students choosing to use "offsite" hardware and software must have their current working files on the system and available for review at the beginning of each and every class. Problems with "offsite" systems and/or incompatibility will not be an acceptable excuse for missed assignments. 
Course
Schedule		 Week 1: Principles of animation, key framing (Handout 1), expression, 
Week 2: Squash/stretch, order of transformation
Week 3: Inverse kinematics, forward kinematics (Handout 2)
Week 4: Arcs, anticipation, ease in/out, follow through
Week 5: Gesture
Week 6: Acting workshop
Week 7: Walks, manipulating mocap data (Handout 3)
Week 8: Exaggerations
Week 9: Final project proposal
Week 10: Final project presentation
Assignments
A1: Bouncing balls description work submitted
A2: Throw (or kick) a ball description work submitted
A3: Reaction to a news description work submitted
A4: Walk cycle with an attitude  description work submitted
A5: Final project description work submitted
Grading Students must demonstrate satisfactory achievement of course objectives through fulfillment of course assignments and by contributing to class discussions and critiques. Course assignments will require students to use a variety of software and equipment at ACCAD. Collaboration between students in the course, other faculty, staff and students at ACCAD is encouraged. Course evaluation will be based upon the following:
  • Assignments 1-5: 18% each
  • Process book on CD: 10%
All students are required to be on time and in attendance for each and every class. Students arriving to class more than 10 minutes late will be counted as absent. Two (2) absences will lower a final grade by 1/2 a letter. Three (3) absences will lower your final grade by one letter. Four (4) absences will result in a failing grade ("E") for the course.

Adherence to deadlines is expected. It is the individual student's responsibility to keep track of the goals and deadlines and to present the work to the class and instructor on the specified dates. Late or missed goals will be given a failing grade. Students will be expected to make a formal presentation of their progress on dates specified by the course timeline. 
Readings Learning Maya 4.0, Alias|Wavefront
The Animator's Survival Kit, Richard Willimas
The Animation Book, Kit Laybourne
The Illusion of Life, Frank Thomas and Ollie Johnston
Timing for Animation, Whitaker and Halas 
Course
Supplies		 Notebook/Sketchbook
Archive Materials: Zip, Jaz, CD-R
Accommodation
Process
 The college will make reasonable accommodations for persons with documented disabilities. Students should notify the Office of Disability Services and their instructors of any special needs. Instructors should be notified the first day of classes.