KNB105 Core Concepts in Animation Practice
To view more information for this unit, select Unit Outline from the list below. Please note the teaching period for which the Unit Outline is relevant.
| Unit code: | KNB105 |
|---|---|
| Equivalent(s): | KNB135 |
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Timetable | Details in HiQ, if available |
| Availabilities |
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| CSP student contribution | $1,164 |
| Pre-2021 CSP student contribution | $996 The pre-2021 commonwealth supported place (CSP) contribution amount only applies to students enrolled in a course prior to 2021. To learn more, visit our Understanding your fees page. |
| Domestic tuition unit fee | $4,356 |
| International unit fee | $4,668 |
Unit Outline: Semester 1 2025, Kelvin Grove, Internal
| Unit code: | KNB105 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Equivalent: | KNB135 |
| Coordinator: | Michael Linhart | michael.linhart@qut.edu.au |
Overview
This unit provides you with a comprehensive understanding of the core concepts and principles of animation through 2D processes. Drawing on key animation texts, you will explore theories and processes that underpin the craft of animation, enabling you to produce original artefacts that create believable motion for diverse animated outcomes. Building an understanding of how motion is constructed frame by frame ahead of using computer systems to handle the in-betweens is key grounding to animation practice which can be applied to any medium or method of animation.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Demonstrate knowledge of the language of visual storytelling for time-based media.
- Apply a critical understanding of animation principles and techniques.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the principles and concepts underpinning designing motion and animation.
- Engage with ethical, sustainable and reflective frameworks for the contextualisation of personal artistic, style and expression in animated outcomes.
Content
You will build an understanding of animation and animation principles through 2D practices using core texts in animation studies: The Animator’s Survival Kit (Richard Williams) and The Illusion of Life (Frank Thomas and Ollie Johnson). You will also gain an understanding of how the human mind perceives animation works and motion allowing you to "bend animation to your own will". Concepts include: how animation principles are constructed frame by frame by hand ahead of using computer systems to handle the in-between frames. This is a key grounding to animation practice which can be applied to any medium of animation and builds an understanding of what keyframes are within the development of an animated sequence, how human attributes or movements can be applied to non-human forms (anthropomorphism); all of which is vital for understanding how to design, understand and deconstruct motion using observation and thumbnailing. You will be encouraged to reflect critically on the iterative development of creative work and develop ethical and sustainable work practices.
Learning Approaches
Learning approach is a hybrid pedagogy of:
Themed lectures and subject-based tutorials that involve virtual, face-to-face and online learning resources. You will be encouraged to analyse and critique aesthetics, productions, and practices from an informed theoretical standpoint. Assessments are individual, and deploy critical and practical knowledge frameworks to optimize learning of core concepts.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
Feedback in this unit is provided to you in the following ways:
- formative feedback on your progress in this unit during tutorials;
- summative feedback emanating from assessed work;
- discussions and commentary throughout the semester in addition to criteria sheets for grading.
Assessment
Overview
This Unit will pedagogically foster a clear connection between theory and practice, and learning will culminate in a significant visual storytelling outcome. Summative assessments form the core of the three assignments: first is an individual portfolio of animation principles. The second assessment is a group, oral presentation. The third assessment builds on the motion study to create an animated sequence. Formative feedback will be provided at each milestone individually, as a group in tutorials or during Lectures.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Foundational Motion Exercises: the Principles of Animation
Based on tutorials and in-class work, you will produce examples of the animation principles to demonstrate your understanding and ability to construct motion.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Assessment: Motion Study
Undertake a study of human movement and apply this to nature-informed anthropomorphic creatures. Collaborate to present a design plan (used in assessment 3) for an animated sequence in response to a defined brief.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Assessment: Animated Sequence
Based on a motion study complete an anthropomorphic animated sequence.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.
The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.
You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.
Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.
Requirements to Study
Requirements
All students are requested to visit and review the Health and Safety information on the HiQ web pages (CIESJ Tier 1 HSE requirement).
This unit involves substantial computer-based work. You are advised to take regular rest breaks when engaging in prolonged computer-based work, and ensure that your workstation is set up for optimal comfort to prevent strain or injury.
Costs
In this unit you may be required to use a WACOM CINTIQ tablet pen (approx. $170). (Staff will advise on suitable version/model in Week 1.) There are a limited number of pens supplied but students are advised to purchase their own.
Resources
Refer to the unit’s Canvas Learning Resources for links to additional learning materials.
24-hour labs are accessible - on campus – during term time.
Resource Materials
Prescribed text(s)
Thomas, F., & Johnston, O. (1981). Disney animation: The illusion of life. Los Angeles, CA: Disney Editions.
Williams, R. (2012). The animator's survival kit: a manual of methods, principles and formulas for classical, computer, games, stop motion and internet animators. Macmillan.
Recommended text(s)
Walking https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XAMtmK7ObkA
Software
Toon Boom Harmony
Risk Assessment Statement
For risks associated with using campus buildings or QUT facilities, refer to the HiQ Health and Safety information.
There are no out of the ordinary risks associated with this unit.
Every effort is made by QUT staff to ensure that you work in a safe environment. Conversely, you are expected to follow all safety rules, procedures and directions, and to ensure that you do not put at risk the safety of others, or yourself, or of the highest artistic fulfilment of the project in any way.
Course Learning Outcomes
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.CA01 Bachelor of Creative Arts
- Cite and discuss a broad and coherent knowledge of historical and contemporary cultural contexts for creative practice, including the contribution of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledges.
Relates to: ULO1, Foundational Motion Exercises: the Principles of Animation, Motion Study, Animated Sequence - Identify and demonstrate knowledge of the techniques and concepts underpinning your field of creative practice.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO3, Foundational Motion Exercises: the Principles of Animation, Motion Study, Animated Sequence - Demonstrate complex problem solving through iterative experimentation and the creative and critical development of ideas and outcomes.
Relates to: ULO2, Foundational Motion Exercises: the Principles of Animation, Motion Study, Animated Sequence - Demonstrate technical proficiency and a knowledge of contemporary digital practices and technologies in one or more disciplines and apply these in creative and critical settings.
Relates to: ULO2, ULO3, Foundational Motion Exercises: the Principles of Animation, Motion Study, Animated Sequence - Communicate, represent, and promote your work in ways relevant to your creative field.
Relates to: ULO3, ULO4, Foundational Motion Exercises: the Principles of Animation, Motion Study, Animated Sequence - Discern, critically analyse, and synthesise knowledge in complex creative and critical settings.
Relates to: ULO3, Foundational Motion Exercises: the Principles of Animation, Motion Study, Animated Sequence - Formulate and apply an independent perspective through contextual research, reflection, and by acting on the informed critique of others.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO4, Foundational Motion Exercises: the Principles of Animation, Motion Study, Animated Sequence - Operate with initiative, ethical judgement and professionalism, both alone and in groups.
Relates to: ULO4, Foundational Motion Exercises: the Principles of Animation, Animated Sequence
IN05 Bachelor of Games and Interactive Environments
- Demonstrate broad knowledge of games and interactive environments principles and theory, with an in-depth knowledge of one games-related discipline.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO3, Foundational Motion Exercises: the Principles of Animation - Apply creativity, critical thinking and problem-solving skills to generate solutions to design challenges.
Relates to: ULO2, Animated Sequence - Communicate complex concepts at all stages of the development cycle to specialist and non-specialist audiences in written, oral and interactive visual formats.
Relates to: Motion Study - Critically reflect on social, ethical, cultural, legal and accessibility issues in the context of games and interactive environments, including as they relate to First Nations Australians.
Relates to: ULO4