departmental.....blah blah blah
COURSES
We believe that today's animators are interested in a wide variety of techniques and concepts. Our current project-based curriculum provides the flexibility for students to specialize within a discipline OR integrate multiple ways of making into their curricular learning.
We provide a series of required Core Classes for our majors as well as a menu of Project and Elective courses that incorporate multi-level learning in 2D (traditional and digital), 3D, VR, Stop Motion and Sound techniques.
Below is a selection of Featured Animation Courses for the Fall '22 semester and contact info for any additional questions.
*Please visit the below link to see an overview of our
Curriculum Map and discipline-based Sketches to browse potential pathways through the MICA Animation program.
FEATURED SPRING 23 COURSE OFFERINGS:
AN340 PUPPET RUBBISH: STOP MOTION OPEN STUDIO
Students will complete a single project within this flexible curriculum that encourages experimentation & cross-disciplinary approaches to stop motion. No formal animation training necessary. Upper level non-animation seniors and graduate students welcome.
pre-requisite: AN225 preferred but not required. please email stephanie for permission to take the course or with any questions.
for more info contact:
Professor Stephanie Williams, swilliams04@mica.edu
AN365 3D CHARACTER ANIMATION PERFORMANCE
Bring CG characters to life! This course focuses on the movement of CG characters to create compelling storytelling and performance. Special attention will be given to applying the techniques of traditional character animation to this contemporary medium. The course use pre-made rigs to demonstrate believable, expressive movement, as well as convey personality, emotion, and a character's thought process. In addition, the course develops student's understanding of facial anatomy, lip-sync, gestures, current and classic film performances, and focus on the importance of the animator as actor. Prior experience and a basic working knowledge of Autodesk Maya software is required.
prerequisite: AN203
for more information contact:
Professor Sean Miller, smiller07@mica.edu
Professor Steve Meneely, smeneely@mica.edu
AN385 PROFESSIONAL PRACTICES
Focuses on preparing students for their professional life and for navigating the animation world after school. Topics will cover animation opportunities in various fields; portfolio preparation; online presence; intellectual property; applying to festivals, and more. Visiting speakers will be part of the curriculum.
for more information contact:
Professor Steve Meneely, smeneely@mica.edu
AN263 SOUND DESIGN FOR ANIMATORS
From Disney to Laika to Augenblick - Animation as a motion picture medium has led to innumerable advancements in the craft of cinematic sound. In this studio course, students will explore the practice of sound and voice recording, sound design, Foley art, and mixing for the animated image. Students will be learning how animation benefits from well crafted sound and how sound can aid in telling a film's story. The course will focus on learning the tools of the trade including Pro Tools and Audition, in addition to the use of props, sound effects libraries, and the human voice. Also, students will be introduced to the history and theory of the art form and the ways in which it has evolved over time.
for more information contact:
Professor Andrew Keiper, akeiper@mica.edu