CG Arts and Animation – (B.A.)

Contents

Syllabus (11/12*)

Year 1

You have an intense, but rewarding breadth of experience, as they develop an understanding of the demands of the discipline.

* Anatomy - introduction to depicting the human form.


* Space - understanding how the CG artist uses space in creating original CG environments.


* Environment - developing skills in the use of 3D modelling software.


* Perception - introduction to a range of theoretical studies that inform design practice.


* Storytelling - introduction to story development and pre-visualisation.


* Animation - engage in the research and analysis of the principles of animation and to develop creative responses to the representation of sequential movement through the creation of an original short two-dimensional (drawn) animated sequence.


* Commission - brings together the educational experiences of stage one for a 'commissioned' project assignment that encourages the development, design and creative execution of a piece of work.


* The time machine - you 'travel back in time' to investigate aspects of culture and history. These are thematically organised events that aim to enhance research skills, knowledge and understanding of cultural contexts and provide students with both a philosophical and historical insight into past cultures and their ideas.



Year 2

This stage marks the transition from staff-led to student-initiated projects. You experience a range of challenging projects that call for advanced abilities to research, conceptualise, speculate, experiment and realise creative proposals.

* Narrative - you develop your understanding of CG arts and animation by examining the filmic use of iconography, symbolism and metaphor; particularly with regard to the use of colour, sound, rhythm, contrast, form, repetition and editing.
* Character - critical engagement with character design
* Postmodernism - explores key ideas that have contributed to the development of postmodernism and their impact on creative practice.
* Transcription - of a narrative or body of investigation and knowledge into a complex project that exploits the aesthetic possibilities of digital environments. It requires the selection of an appropriate source of inspiration and to critically define its, narrative structure (including diegesic and non-diegesic elements) aesthetic qualities, environment, characters, and soundscape.
* Work Placement / European or International exchange (optional)
* Models and metaphors - development of a speculative and innovative approach to the promotion of products, organisations and services.
* Research (Framing Practice) - enhance an awareness of contemporary approaches to the study of art, design and media.

Year 3

In this year your develop independent learning and the ability to synthesise a wide range of experiences, knowledge and skills that have been developed whilst studying on the course.

* Self-initiated project - you plan and negotiate a self-led project. It should involve consideration of the student's creative direction and the strategic development of their portfolio.
* Dissertation - a substantial period of self-directed research on a subject that is related to the historical, theoretical or critical concerns of your discipline or professional area.
* Major project - you demonstrate innovative and sophisticated approaches to a body of work that is supported by an advanced creative methodology. The project range and scope are to be determined by you through negotiation with tutors.

* Please note the syllabus content is for the academic year indicated and is provided as a guide. The content of the course may be subject to change.