1. use a range of visual and written conventions to present information clearly, concisely and appropriately for a range of audiences
6 - Communication

2. extract relevant information from a range of sources and to evaluate and draw conclusions about artefacts, films or images in relation to Animation production and history.
3 - Enquiry

3. show an understanding and knowledge about the history of film, with particular focus on but not exclusive to animated film in all lengths and genres, as well as the history of art.
1 - Knowledge and Understanding

4. demonstrate the ability to use the research gathered by yourself and others in the compilation of a ‘character bible’
2 - Learning

Portfolio (Reviews)
The portfolio of reviews includes a number of reviews of a variety of films and other events aimed at different audiences. The word count of the ones you submit should be around 750 words.
Learning Outcomes 1, 3

Portfolio (Timeline Resource)
Research file including information in a format that we will develop in class. This will include written information and visuals, both found and made by the student, plus bibliography, fully referenced in Harvard system of referencing. The word count is expected to be around 800 words.
Learning Outcomes 1, 2, 3

Portfolio (Character Bible)
File including an analysis of an established literary character, and the development of said character in a number of historical and cultural contexts, including reference materials and original designs.
Learning Outcomes 1, 3, 4

Students will be expected to attend all module sessions in order to benefit from the delivery and understanding of new material, gain understanding of module expectations / tasks and to engage in weekly peer-to-peer and tutor feedback.

This module looks at the history of animation practice around the world. We will build on the initial Welcome Week task of creating a ‘Timeline’ of animated films (as well as relevant live action films) and consider the history of both animation and history that animation draws on. We will learn about notable films, notable animators and concept artists and important periods in (art) history, before applying this new knowledge to the design of characters.

We will also learn about different ways to communicate our research for different audiences. This will include reviews, ways to effectively build a research resource for animators and how to put together a ‘character bible’ – a blueprint of how a character should look and behave in an animated film.

This module is further supported by the students’ attendance at regular screenings of classics of animated film, which are curated and led by Level 5 students in ‘Animation in Context: The Screenings’ module.

Studio learning takes place in timetabled sessions with academic staff who introduce key contextual and practice-based lectures, including:
Attendance at screening events
Short lectures that showcase important events and practitioners in the history of animation
Seminar groups to discuss screenings, lectures, research process and progress
Creative Academic Practice workshops
Regular slots for input from external speakers as well as for staff to share their research

Lectures will deliver core concepts, theory and practical tools necessary to build a repertoire of animation productions skills as a foundation for further development in your Second and Third years of study.

This module runs across Terms 1 and 2 to encourage improved continuity of learning, engagement and application of research practices throughout the course.

Scheduled Teaching and Learning Activies:
52 + 39 hours (screenings)
Guided Independent Study
209 hours

THIS IS AN INDICATION OF REFERENCE TEXTS REQUIRED FOR 2019-20 ONLY.

For Study Skills:
Burnham, D. (2013) Studying Independently and Producing Better Work. Staffordshire University Publication.
Gröppel-Wegener, A. (2015) Writing Essays by Pictures. Huddersfield: Innovative Libraries Press
Mann, S. (2011) Study Skills for Art, Design and Media Students. Harlow. Pearson.

For Animation subjects good starting points are:
Animation Journal, available in the university library
Animation Studies, available from http://journal.animationstudies.org/
Buchan, S. (Ed.) (2006) Animated 'Worlds'. London. John Libbey.
Canemaker, J. (Ed.) (1988) Storytelling in Animation. Los Angeles. AFI.
Pilling, J. (Ed.) (1997) A Reader in Animation Studies. London. John Libbey.
Sandler, K. (Ed.) (1998) Reading the Rabbit - Explorations in Warner Bros. Animation. New Brunswick, New Jersey and London. Rutgers University Press.
Wells, P. (1998) Understanding Animation. London. Routledge.
Wells, P. (2002) Animation: Genre and Authorship. London and New York. Wallflower.

A range of books, subject-specific periodicals and journals, newspaper and other related articles, as well as texts relating to your course of study should be employed as negotiated with the module leader - together with any subject-specific visual, audio or audio-visual evidence to support your work.

Recommended
You will be expected to take advantage of the extensive library facilities available within the University, keeping abreast of current developments through appropriate periodicals and being aware of the work of major practitioners in your subject.

Animation Studio facilities.
Seminar / Lecture room with projector.
2D line testers and light-boxes.
A3 scanners.
Digital Animation Suite
VLE: Blackboard / Digital Tutors / Lynda.com / other supporting Online resources


University Library resources: http://www.staffs.ac.uk/uniservices/infoservices/library/
Reference books / DVD collection / Journals and periodicals (physical & online)

This module looks at the history of animation practice around the world. We will build on the initial Welcome Week task of creating a ‘Timeline’ of animated films (as well as relevant live action films) and consider the history of both animation and history that animation draws on. We will learn about notable films, notable animators and concept artists and important periods in (art) history, before applying this new knowledge to the design of characters. We will also learn about different ways to communicate our research for different audiences. This will include reviews, ways to effectively build a research resource for animators and how to put together a ‘character bible’ – a blueprint of how a character should look and behave in an animated film.