2D Cartoon Animation Syllabus
ART 2DCA / David Toledo, Instructor
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- FACULTY
2. OVERVIEW
3. OUTCOMES
4. COURSE OBJECTIVES
5. EXPECTATIONS
6. ACCOMMODATIONS
7. ATTENDANCE
8. HOLIDAYS
9. ASSIGNMENTS
10. TEXTBOOKS
11. COMMUNICATION
12. STUDENT RESOURCES
13. GRADING
14. GRADING TABLE
15. ACADEMIC HONESTY
- FACULTY
Instructor: David Toledo
Email: WeVoteToledo@gmail.com
Phone: (206) 641–0859
2. OVERVIEW
This course will introduce students to the world of cartoon animation. From the initial idea development, story boarding and pitch books, to the final production of their own cartoon animation using Adobe Animate software.
We will examine basic principles of traditional animation including squash and stretch, line, weight, motion, anticipation and follow through. Our focus is to develop children’s confidence in their own ideas and expressions, and to use their imagination to create their own individualized cartoon shorts.
3. ANTICIPATED OUTCOMES
Anticipated outcomes of the program include:
● Students will learn about the process of cartoon animation.
● Students will develop critical thinking skills and creative problem-solving techniques in areas such as best techniques used to provide smooth transitions and animations.
Students will learn to develop character motion using exaggeration, weight, depth, balance, timing and appeal.
● Students will work on both individual and team projects, developing positive group dynamics and communication skills.
Students will have fun producing their very own cartoon, building self-confidence along the way.
4. COURSE OBJECTIVES
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
● Use historical references to describe evolution of 2-D cartoon animation
● Use Storyboarding skills to create a visual storyline
● Use Adobe software to animate unique figures
● Create original beings and objects using Character Design skills
● Choose various camera perspectives to create cinematic visuals
● Use Squash & Stretch technique to add weight and buoyancy to characters
● Use individual image layers add additional features to each character
● Demonstrate use of Key Frames in creating Walk Cycles and other movements through specific timelines
● Record and synch unique audio to original character animations
5. ACCOMMODATION
To be eligible for services, students must have a disability (as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 as Amended) and provide documentation of the disability and need for accommodation.
Eligible students must also meet the academic and technical standards required for admission to college programs or activities.
If you believe you qualify for course adaptations or accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act, it is your responsibility to contact the Disability Support Services office at (206) 763–5137 in RSB 12 to coordinate reasonable accommodations for students with documented disabilities.
6. EXPECTATIONS
Students must follow all school rules while in the program, or he/she will face discipline under normal school policy. Once the student is registered, it is the student’s responsibility to ensure attendance and completion of assignments by the required due date.
7. ATTENDANCE
Students are required to attend a minimum of 70% of in person classes in order to receive full credit in the class. Students who attend between 50–70% of classes will receive a .5 grade point deduction, whereas students attending less than 50% of in-person classes will receive an Incomplete or No Credit final grade for the course. Please contact me if you have special circumstances that prevent you from attending in-person classes.
8. HOLIDAYS
Students are entitled to two days of excused absences per academic year for reasons of faith or conscience or for organized activities conducted by a religious organization. These absences will not affect your grade, but it is your responsibility to inform your instructor about the planned absence and make arrangements to complete the course work for those days. You must request the excused absence two weeks prior to the date of the absence. If you wish to request an absence for reasons of faith or conscience, you may obtain a form and guidelines for completing the form from the division office.
9. ASSIGNMENTS
The entire lesson plan, including all assignments and due dates, will be provided to the student during the first day of class. Students exhibiting competence in the program may work ahead of schedule.
10. TEXT AND VIDEO LINKS
Required Text
Toledo, David L (2017) Cartooning for Comic Books & Animation
Video Links
A Brief History of Animation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mbpLpxi9rJY
Squash and Stretch Techniques: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=haa7n3UGyDc
Squashing Animals: https://www.linkedin.com/learning/2d-animation-tips-and-tricks/squashing-bodies-for-animal-runs
Animated Walk Cycle: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2y6aVz0Acx0
Anticipation in Animation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F8OtE60T8yU
Slow In, Slow Out: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tSMwGAm972g
Character Torque: https://www.linkedin.com/learning/2d-animation-tips-and-tricks/torque
Character Turn-Around Design: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=chTb_ic-oVI
11. COMMUNICATION
My preferred method of communication is by email. I check my messages daily and will respond to you within 24 hours. WeVoteToledo@gmail.com.
12. STUDENT RESOURCES
Online Resources:
Free Story Board Template: https://downloads.boords.com/free/A4-landscape-6-storyboard-template.pdf
Free Character Model Template: https://comicbookgraphicdesign.com/free-comic-book-resources-character-design-360-turnaround/
13. GRADING
Each assignment is graded based on three areas ~ Knowledge, Competency, and Timeliness. Students turning in late assignments will be deducted .10 for the individual project.
14. GRADING TABLE
95% — 100% = 4.0
90% — 94% = 3.5
85% — 89% = 3.0
80% — 84% = 2.5
75% — 79% = 2.0
70% — 74% = 1.5
65% — 69% = 1.0
60% — 64% = .05
59% and Less = 0.0
I (Incomplete) = Indicates that the student performed at a passing level, completed most of the course requirements and intends to make up the missing work. An Incomplete is given only at the discretion of the instructor when the student has attended regularly, done satisfactory work, and furnished satisfactory proof to the instructor that the work cannot be completed because of illness or other circumstances beyond the student’s control. Coursework must be completed during the following quarter, excluding summer quarter. If the student fails to remove the “I” by completing the coursework in the specified time period, the “I” will remain on the transcript. The instructor must file a written statement of reasons for giving the Incomplete, listing a description of the work which the student will need to do to remove it, with the dean of the division in which the course is offered. If the student elects to repeat a course rather than make up the work, the “I” will remain on the transcript. The grade earned will compute in the GPA; after receiving an “I” in a course, a student may repeat that course only once.
NC (No Credit)= Indicates that the student did not fulfill the requirements for receiving an “S” grade, an “N” grade or a numerical grade in the course. A student in good standing may request an “NC” symbol from the instructor prior to the final examination, granted at the instructor’s discretion. After an “NC” is issued, the course may be repeated no more than one (1) more time. An “NC” does not affect a student’s GPA but may affect a student’s financial aid or visa status.
Evaluation Rubrics and/or Grading Approach — Evaluation rubrics are assessment tools used to measure students’ work. There will be a rubric available for each assignment.
15. ACADEMIC HONESTY
We take plagiarism very seriously. If you have questions about possible plagiarism, please speak with me directly. Plagiarism can result in loss of assignment credit and/or removal from the program.
Please consult the Washington Administrative Code for Seattle Community Colleges (available online at http://apps.leg.wa.gov/wac/ under “Title 132F: Seattle Community Colleges”) regarding the definition of academic dishonesty (“WAC 132F-121–110 Student misconduct”).
