Module Descriptors
THE ART OF CARTOONS AND COMICS
ANIM50102
Key Facts
Digital, Technology, Innovation and Business
Level 5
45 credits
Contact
Leader: Adrian Tooth
Hours of Study
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: 55
Independent Study Hours: 395
Total Learning Hours: 450
Pattern of Delivery
  • Occurrence A, Stoke Campus, UG Semester 2
Sites
  • Stoke Campus
Assessment
  • CWK - A&D weighted at 100%
Module Details
Module Texts
Beiman, N. 2007. Prepare to Board. Creating Story and Characters for Animated Features and Shorts. Focal Press London
Canemake, J. 1999. Paper Dreams. The Art & Artist of Disney Storyboards. Hyperion. New York.
Hart. J. 2008. The Art of Storyboarding. A Filmmaker's Introduction. 2nd Edition. Focal Press London
McCloud, S. 2000. Reinventing Comics. How Imagination and Technology Are Revolutionizing an Art Form. Perennial (Harper Collins) New York.
McKenzie, A. 2005. How to Draw & Sell Comic Strips. (3rd Edition) Titan Books. London
Sabin, R. 2003. Comic, Comix & Graphic Novels. A History of Comic Art. Phaidon New York.
Scarfe, G. 2008. Monsters: How George Bush Saved The World and Other Tall Stories. Little Brown. London.
Williams II, F.E. 2009. The DC Comics Guide to Digitally Drawing Comics. Watson-Guptill Publications NY.
Module Resources
Studio workspace and seminar room with digital projector and computer facilities
Computer workshops
Subject specific modulettes will be timetabled where necessary
Life drawing studio
Library
Internet access
Experimental print workshop resources for media experimentation
Software: Creative Suit CS5; Painter
A3 printer A3 Scanner, Wacom Tablets, Cinteq Tablets
Colour printer (computer workshop CW1 + 2)
Screenprint facilities
Craft workshops
The Blackboard virtual learning environment will be available (where relevant) to support this module. Details will be supplied in the module handbook.
Module Additional Assessment Details
[Learning Outcomes 1-6]

You will present for assessment a body of work as outlined in the module information pack.
This will include a research file containing sketch books and layout pads with appropriate annotated research and developmental work that demonstrates your knowledge and understanding of your chosen specialism within cartoon and comics.
You will also provide evidence of your ability to work alongside members of the cohort to produce appropriate design response, taking into account a specific target audience.
Finished visuals presented to a professional standard.

Key Information Set:
100% Coursework
Module Indicative Content
This module looks in more depth at how cartoons communicate visually with their audience, taking into account the art in its many diverse forms. It deals with methods of work that the student may encounter while in the work place. The structure of how narrative, story and communication all play a part in the industry. It is also designed to provide a platform for specialisation in this semester. You will be asked to consider the direction your studies may take in the future (level 6). With staff guidance you will draw on knowledge and experience gained so far to select/write project briefs that exploit areas you have shown ability and understanding in.
This is to gain confidence within the subject and begin to develop your own personal 'style' and visual language within your chosen specialism.
The award also pushes the boundaries of the 3E's (Employability, Enterprise and Entrepreneurship.) It aims to get the student thinking beyond the final year of study and beyond.
Module Learning Strategies
Project work will provide the framework through which learning will take place; it will integrate the practical with the theoretical and the technical aspects of your design specialism. There will be studio work, including introductory seminars/lectures, followed by group tutorials and crits to present findings/visuals.
Life drawing will be available to all students to support the development of drawing and visualizing skills.

Key Information Set:
12% scheduled teaching and learning activities
88% guided independent learning