289103

Introduction to Animation

An introduction to the principles and concepts of animation. Students will gain a creative and basic technical knowledge of the tools and techniques essential to the development and production of animation.

Course code

Qualifications are made up of courses. Some universities call these papers. Each course is numbered using six digits.

289103

Level

The fourth number of the course code shows the level of the course. For example, in course 219206, the fourth number is a 2, so it is a 200-level course (usually studied in the second year of full-time study).

100-level

Credits

Each course is worth a number of credits. You combine courses (credits) to meet the total number of credits needed for your qualification.

15

Subject

Creative Media Production

Course planning information

Course notes

Welcome to Introduction to Animation! Get acquainted with fundamental animation principles and industry-standard tools as we take you on your first steps into this exciting field. This course is hands-on on and the tools are better than ever.

Our focus is on traditional skills using industry-standard software like Maya, Harmony, ZBrush and Substance Painter. This software is sophisticated and can take a little time to understand at first, but once you get some experience it will greatly enhance your workflow.

When working in animation production it’s essential to be artistically and technically competent, and you often find yourself in a team with a schedule. This introductory course will expose you to some of the basic 2D and 3D animation techniques and is designed for you to enjoy the process. When you're having fun practice comes naturally, and animation requires lots of practice, so make sure to experiment and have some fun!

Your lecturer, Andrew Kunzel, has nearly 30 years of experience in the animation industry, covering a wide range of roles including animation director, lead animator, producer, modeller, texture artist, rigger and generalist.

Practice is the key to learning animation, in this course you will be creating your very own animated piece.

Learning outcomes

What you will learn. Knowledge, skills and attitudes you’ll be able to show as a result of successfully finishing this course.

  • 1 Demonstrate basic principles and competencies required to produce animation content. (Graduate profile: Virtuosity – Mohio D1)
  • 2 Apply techniques and processes in developing animation content. (Graduate profile: Virtuosity – Mohio D1)
  • 3 Carry out basic forms of technical investigation for developing production skills. (Graduate profile: Creativity – Toi C3)
  • 4 Exercise skills in managing workloads and meeting deadlines. (Graduate profile: Autonomy – Mana E3)
  • 5 Reflect and discuss own work and work of others in workgroups, discussions, critiques and presentations. (Graduate profile: Understanding – Matauranga C2; Connectedness – Whanaungatanga E1)

Learning outcomes can change before the start of the semester you are studying the course in.

Assessments

Assessment Learning outcomes assessed Weighting
Creative compositions 1 2 3 4 5 100%

Assessment weightings can change up to the start of the semester the course is delivered in.

You may need to take more assessments depending on where, how, and when you choose to take this course.

Explanation of assessment types

Computer programmes
Computer animation and screening, design, programming, models and other computer work.
Creative compositions
Animations, films, models, textiles, websites, and other compositions.
Exam College or GRS-based (not centrally scheduled)
An exam scheduled by a college or the Graduate Research School (GRS). The exam could be online, oral, field, practical skills, written exams or another format.
Exam (centrally scheduled)
An exam scheduled by Assessment Services (centrally) – you’ll usually be told when and where the exam is through the student portal.
Oral or performance or presentation
Debates, demonstrations, exhibitions, interviews, oral proposals, role play, speech and other performances or presentations.
Participation
You may be assessed on your participation in activities such as online fora, laboratories, debates, tutorials, exercises, seminars, and so on.
Portfolio
Creative, learning, online, narrative, photographic, written, and other portfolios.
Practical or placement
Field trips, field work, placements, seminars, workshops, voluntary work, and other activities.
Simulation
Technology-based or experience-based simulations.
Test
Laboratory, online, multi-choice, short answer, spoken, and other tests – arranged by the school.
Written assignment
Essays, group or individual projects, proposals, reports, reviews, writing exercises, and other written assignments.

Textbooks needed

There are no set texts for this course.