CGPH 11 – Motion Graphics I

NUMBER OF CREDITS:         3        

COURSE TITLE:         Presentation and Motion Graphics

 COURSE DESCRIPTION:

This course is an introduction to the basic qualities of Adobe Flash and After Effects. Course instruction will be on a variety of software used to create interactive products.  Students will gain knowledge of all forms of interactive presentations dealing with the areas of information, education, promotion and entertainment arenas. Emphasis will be on developing an understanding of various interactive techniques and protocol. Students will compose a variety of sample interactive presentations. Students will learn how to create artwork and all the components necessary to complete an interactive presentation, via audio, video animation and scripting techniques.

REQUIRED TEXT:

Relevant periodicals for each student will be assigned via traditional and Internet access per student’s needs.

OBJECTIVES OF THE COURSE:

Emphasis will be on prototyping a personal final interactive project. Students will learn how to create artwork and all the components necessary to complete an interactive presentation, via audio, video animation and scripting techniques.

Lectures, demonstrations, and instruction.

Critiques and group discussions.

Class direction on projects and individual development.

Late projects will either not be accepted or will result in a lowered grade. In addition, there will be tutorial assignments worked on in class and a high probability of surprise quizzes. Finally, all students should maintain notes on class lectures, demonstrations and instruction.  Class attendance is essential (see below).

Evaluation

Final grade will be based on class participation, student progress, evaluations of prototype with the emphasis on the final prototype, and evaluation of student’s notebook. More than three absences will result in a failing grade.

CONTACT HOURS:

1 Lecture/Demos 2 Lab  = 3 total

CONTENT DESCRIPTION

The purpose of this course is to expose students to the use of diverse interactive design tools, and programming languages while still focusing on the art/design of the project.

INSTRUCTIONAL ACTIVITIES:

Lectures and demonstrations on software and design.

EVALUATION:

A= Excellent Work

B+ = Above Average

B = Average

C+ = Minimal Average

C= Below Average

D+ = Well below average

D = Minimal Level

F = Failure to meet expectations

ASSIGNMENTS:

A series of necessary tutorials will be covered with the emphasis on the prototyping of one final project. Projects will be comprised of multiple levels of expertise.

All assignments must also start with storyboards and adequate flowcharting all subsequent stages of design and development must be signed off on by the instructor. Each stage must contain solutions to criteria contain din outline.

Three Critiques

The student’s progress will be assessed by faculty and other students at three critiques to be given during the semester.

First Project  – Tutorials

Introduction to Flash components:  Stage, Scene, Library, Timeline, etc.

Creating graphics in Flash

Creating a button

Creating a button as a scripted object

Saving a Shockwave file 

Second Project

After Effects – Tutorial

Importing from Photoshop

30 sec Intro for Web or TV

Audio to be included

Final Project Prototype

Storyboard, Flowchart and Design approvals

Flowchart and approved designs.

Final interactive prototype.

Students will need to spend at least three hours per week in the lab (outside of class time) to complete these projects

HOMEWORK HOURS:

Each student is required to practice and work design theory 3 hours outside of class time.

SUPPLEMENTARY READING LIST

GENERAL:

Links

The list below links to some enhanced motion graphic sites. If you would like to add to the list please email me at patrickaievoli@yahoo.com.

http://www.gotolearn.com

http://www.flashkit.com

http://www.mediainspiration.com

http://www.w3w.org

http://www.hillmancurtis.com

http://www.volumeone.com

http://www.imaginaryforces.com

http://www.prologue.com

http://www.coolhomepages.com

http://www.designchapel.com

http://www.phpbb.org