Syllabus

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Spring 2016
Karla Johnson
Montgomery 425
000-000-0000
Tues & Thurs 2pm - 4pm
kbussey@scad.edu
MONTGO 308
Monday / Wednesday
8:00 AM - 10:30 AM

School of Digital Media, Department of Motion Media Design, Savannah

MOME 130 - Motion Media Design Techniques I

Section: 04 CRN: 32713

SCAD Mission:
The Savannah College of Art and Design exists to prepare talented students for professional careers, emphasizing learning
through individual attention in a positively oriented university environment.
Course Description:
This interdisciplinary course trains students in the essential vocabularies and concepts of motion media design, examining a
range of diverse issues of central importance to the motion media designer such as previsualization, cinematography, media
theories, digital culture, new media and critical studies. Prerequisite(s): CMPA 100 or CMPA 110.
Course Goals: The following course goals articulate the general objectives and purpose of this course:
1. Students will solve design and technical issues using motion techniques in industry-standard, motion graphic
software.
2. Students will use industry-standard tools to build a range of motion media projects demonstrating originality,
aesthetics and technical proficiency.
3. Students will use their technical expertise to build motion media design projects that effectively integrate concept
and content.
Student Learning Outcomes: The following course outcomes indicate competencies and measurable skills that students
develop as a result of completing this course:
1. Students will be technically proficient with a range of industry-standard motion graphic software.
2. Students will employ a range of techniques to resolve motion design issues with technical proficiency.
3. Students will document preliminary work and explain conceptual development using appropriate vocabulary and
theory.
4. Students will design and execute motion media projects using a variety of industry-standard motion media
design tools.
5. Students will build motion media design projects that effectively communicate their design concepts and
demonstrate appropriate use of visual design principles.
6. Students will apply fundamental principles of visual screen design to support and enhance the content in their
motion media projects.

Schedule of Classes:
Key events including assignments, projects due dates/exam dates:
Class 1:
Mon,
March
28,
2016

First class will start with a general discussion on motion graphics and the After Effects
Software as a tool for animation.
Discussion Topic: Review of class syllabus and course goals. There will be a brief
discussion on the history and industry of Motion Graphics. Then we will move on to the After
Effects Interface and basic tools; Keyframes and Easing Introduction; Workflow Process from
Photoshop and Illustrator.
Students will explain their experience with After Effects and what they desire to obtain from
the course.
Homework: Students will have to find work samples of motion graphics and present in next
class.

Class 2:
Wed,
March
30,
2016

Presentation: Students will present the animations they found online and present. Students
will discuss what they liked, what are the problem/solutions in the project; and what was
technically impressive about it.
Lecture: Students will get a more in depth review of the After Effects Interface:
Compositions, Pre-Comping, timing, editing, sound options, project window options, blending
modes and mostly easing and the graph editor.
In-class Practice - Students will take time to edit several icons and get good practice
working on timing and pacing.

Class 3:
Mon,
April 4,
2016

Lecture: Students will learn the importance and technique of storyboarding. There will be a
review of examples that vary is type and form. Students will learn how to go from idea to
planning to design. We will also go further in depth on workflow and the best ways to set up
files for animation, and how using certain tools in static design software can improve animation.
We will also review formats, sizing, exports and rendering.
Students will start on storyboards for logo animation assignment

Class 4:
Wed,
April 6,
2016

Lecture: Working with the shape tool and 2.5 Dimension in After Effects and how this simple
tool can be used to create dynamic animation. Lecture will include working with shapes,
solids, cameras, lights and aperture. Students will also get an introduction into work with the
puppet tool and working with shapes an characters
In-class Assignment: Students will have the remainder of class to complete a character
animation using provided assets and the puppet tool
Assignment: Logo Animations will be due on class 5.

Class 5:
Mon,
April
11,
2016

Presentation: Students will present their logo animations at the beginning of class. Students
will give each other feedback.
Lecture: Discussion will be over masking techiques and get into some effects. We will get
more in-depth with pre-comping and using video to drive complex effects. Students will also
get an introduction to masking shapes and text in After Effects
Practice: Students will get a chance to practice these newly learned techiniques.

Class 6:
Wed,
April
13,
2016

Lecture: Working with Type: Students will learn various ways to work with type using
Illustrator to drive effects; using presets, the type tool
Students will view examples and reference of different type animation. And will participate in
discussion about working with type. Students will learn different techniques for breaking up
type and manipulating type like a shape or solid. Students will also learn techniques of
animating text based on sound.
In-Class Assignment: Students will be required to complete an in-class assignment using
text animating to provided audio.

Class 7:
Mon,
April
18,
2016

Lecture: Editing with Sound Students will learn how to work with and edit sound in After
Effects. Students will also learn how to use expressions to create animations driven by sound.
Students will learn techniques of animating based on sound; whether it's music, sound effects
or narration. We will go further into depth on timing, pacing and imitating real life movement
using after effects tools. Students will also get an introduction to Camera tracking in After Effects.
Practice: Students will get the opportunity to practice these new techniques.
(Please bring headphones)

Class 8:
Wed,
April
20,
2016

Type and AE Camera: Students will get an introduction to working with the AE Camera and
null objects. Students will use the camera to create transitions.
In-Class Assignment: Students will get the opportunity to practice these new techniques.
Homework - Assignment 2: Students will have to create a dynamic type animation. This will
have to be 30 seconds long.
Assignment is due in Class 9

Class 9:
Mon,
April
25,
2016

Presentation: Students will present their movie teasers (text animation) at the beginning of
class. Students will offer feedback to one another. Videos must be 30 seconds; rendered as
H.264 1280x720
Lecture: Transitions. In motion graphics transitions are a key component and creating
smooth and successful pieces. Students will learn and review different techniques of building
and using transitions. Students will learn how to plan and execute transition that can work for
a single piece or build transitions that are flexible enough to use in various pieces. Students
will also get an introduction to working with particles and building transitions from particles.
In-Class Assignment: Students will build transitions using particles or other techniques.

Class
10:
Wed,
April
27,
2016

IN CLASS MIDTERM: Practical

Class
11:
Mon,
May 2,
2016

Working with Footage Students will learn a technique that takes still photos to make
moving footage using a process known as 2D to 3D. We will work in Photoshop and animate
in After Effects.
Students Application: Student will have a chance to practice the technique in class.
Students will have an in-class task for a completion grade
Infographic Assignment due in Class 15 Students will have to complete storyboards of the
type/graphics/video animation.

Class
12:
Wed,
May 4,
2016

Working with Video: Students will learn some techniques used in After Effects when
working with video. Students will learn how to key out green screen footage. Students will
also learn how to use the rotobrush. Finally, students will learn how to create a Cinemagraph
in Photoshop.
Students will have a group assignment to complete a 3 image add campaign. Students will
have to plan a shoot and capture footage to complete cinemagraphs due in Class 15.
Practice: Students will get a chance to practice these new techniques

Class
13:
Mon,
May 9,
2016
Class
14:
Wed,
May 11,
2016

Class
15:
Mon,
May 16,
2016

Motion Tracking: Students will learn different techniques for tracking motion in After Effect
using the Motion Tracker Tool and Mocha.
In-Class Assignment: Students will get a chance to practice these new techniques

Lecture: Students will review techniques of frame by frame animation that can be added to
enhance video and a motion graphics piece.
Practice: Students will have a chance to practice frame by frame animation in after effects.
Students will also have time to share updates on the infographics assignment and ask
questions.

Presentation: Students will present Infographics Assignments

Presentation: Student groups will present Cinemagraphs. Students will also have in-class
time to complete Cinemagraphs.
Lecture: Lecture will start with an Introduction to the title sequence. Students will get an
introduction to Adobe Media Encoder, we will go over file extentions and formats and best
practice outputs for different platforms. Students will be required to upload working projects to
vimeo.com - Students will also get a brief introduction to the puppet tool and character
animation in After Effects
Final Assignment: Students must create 4 different IDs or bumpers for a made up Network.
Students must first create logos and brand statements for the Network that will dictate the
direction of the IDs. Students will be graded on animation technique as well as how the
compositions apply to the brand's network and intended audience.

Class
16:
Wed,
May 18,
2016

Class
17:
Mon,
May 23,
2016

Lecture Cinema 4D Lite: Discussion will be over the workflow of working with After Effects
and Cinema 4D. Creating a camera and compositing 2D and 3D elements together.
Practice: Students will have an in-class assignment working with the camera and exported
nulls.
Assignment: Students will be required to create storyboards for the final assignment and
deliver by class 17.

Lecture: Students will learn advanced techniques with masking and complexed effects used
to create double exposure technique and other comtemporary motion graphic techniques.
Practice: Students will have the chance to practice new techniques.

Class
18:
Wed,
May 25,
2016

Lecture: Lecture will cover some advanced effects in After Effects, that can be used to either
create transitions and/or reveals for title open.

Class
19:
Mon,
May 30,
2016

Work Session: Students will get the chance to work on final project in class and ask final
questions and learn project specific tools and techniques.

Class
20:
Wed,
June 1,
2016

Final Assignment Due

Practice: Students will have the time to practice new techniques and ask questions.

Grading Opportunities:
Your overall course grade will be computed according to the following breakdown:
Assignment

Weight

Logo Animation: Students will be required to create a ten second logo animation. Students will be
graded on design, timing and pacing.

15.00 percent

Delivery must be Quicktime Movie: 1280x720 H.264 Codec

Due: 4/11
Typography Assignment: Movie Teaser for a Movie. Students are required to do a 30 second
animation that is based loosely around the story and staring cast and director.

15.00 percent

Delivery must be Quicktime Movie: 1280x720 H.264 Codec.

Due: 4/25

MIDTERM TEST: Practical

15.00 percent

Due: 4/27
Infographic Assignment: Students will be required to do a 60 second infographic animation
incorporating photography, video or graphics. Infographic animation must be developed into a 60
second commercial for one of the options provided by the professor. Review website.

15.00 percent

Delivery must be Quicktime Movie: 1280x720 H.264 Codec

Due: 5/16
In-Class Assignments: Students will be assigned approximately 10 in-class assignments. Delivery
must be Quicktime Movie: 1280x720 H.264 Codec - posted to the blackboard discussion areas.
Due: by end of class

10.00 percent

Final Assignment: 4 - 10 Network IDs. Students must create 4 different IDs or bumpers for a made
up Network. Students must first create logos and brand statements for the Network that will dictate
the direction of the IDs. Students will be graded on animation technique as well as how the
compositions apply to the brand's network and intended audience.

30.00 percent

Delivery must be Quicktime Movie: 1280x720 H.264 Codec - posted to the dropbox; also to vimeo.com
Due: 6/01

Total Weight

100 percent

Grading Standards

Range

Letter grade: A = excellent

90 100 %

Letter grade: B = good

80 89 %

Letter grade: C = *

70 79 %

Letter grade: D = *

60 69%

Letter grade: F = failing

0 59%

*Refer to the student handbooks and departmental standards for minimal acceptance for passing grade.

Course Information:
Field Trip(s):

Daniel Arsham
The Future Was Then
Feb. 16 - July 24, 2016
The SCAD Museum of Art presents "The Future Was Then," a monumental installation by Daniel Arsham created
specifically for the museum's Pamela Elaine Poetter Gallery for deFINE ART 2016. These select sculptural works and this
installation explore the interaction between mankind and architecture, and draw particular attention to mans capacity for
creating, destroying and repurposing manmade and natural materials both historically and contemporaneously.
Central to the exhibition is Arshams Wall Excavation installation, a large-scale, architecturally responsive installation in
which the artist has carved into a repeated series of faux-concrete walls. As visitors engage directly with their surroundings
and walk among the immersive excavation, they are met with sculpted openings in which jagged edges morph from
abstract forms into the silhouette of a human figure. This transformative experience evokes notions of progress in relation
to mankinds ability to manipulate his surroundings.
Arshams interests in the analysis of mankinds place in history set the tone for the exhibition. "The Future Was Then"
simultaneously comments on and condenses the timeline of civilization and creates an experiential moment for visitors to
reflect on their own personal place within it.
This exhibition is curated by guest curator Aaron Levi Garvey.

Extra Help Session(s):

Extra Help Sessions (TBD) Fridays 10am - 2pm

Extended Learning Opportunities:

Other Course Information:

Students are expected to turn in projects on time. Assignments that are late, are reduced 10 points per week. Final
assignment cannot be turned in late.

Peer Tutoring: Peer tutors set appointments online. Sign up via MySCAD- Resources - Academic Assistance - Online sign
up is also available here. One-on-one peer tutoring is available upon request. This service is free to all enrolled SCAD
students.
SCAD Helpdesk: The Help Desk is the first point of contact for any assistance or request concerning college technology.
The hours of assistance while classes are in session are: 6am -10 pm, M-F, and 1pm - 10pm
Sat/Sun. Contact the help desk by phone from an on-campus phone at 5-4567, from the residence hall at 912.525.4567
or by email at
helpdesk@scad.edu. SCAD computer users are encouraged to visit the help desk web site at
http://helpdesk.scad.edu.
Tutorial Content: CMPA 100 - Course content is available in Blackboard. All handouts, tutorial downloads, links and
materials in PDF are available for download. You will find the course materials divided into unit numbers for each project
under Course Work. All zip files may be downloaded and accessed by students.
Discussion Board Participation: Peer review for the class will be posted by students via the online discussion boards for
each unit. Posting critque for two students is required and assessed via rubrics posted with grades by the professor.
Adobe Download: As a SCAD student, you may freely download the Adobe Creative Cloud software to your computer via
the Resources tab - Adobe Download, in MySCAD. If you do, burn a copy to CD or DVD in case your computer has any
issues and/or needs reformatting.

Course Materials:
Required Text(s):
Creating Motion Graphics with After Effects: Essential and Advanced Techniques, 5th Edition, Version Cs5
Course Website
https://facultypages.scad.edu/~kbussey/mome130/index.html

Recommended Text(s):
Motion Graphic Design - Applied History and Aesthetics (3rd Edition): Jon Krasner, 2013 (ISBN-10: 0240821130)
Motion Graphic Design and Fine Art Animation: Jon Krasner, 2004 (ISBN 0-240-80482-1)
Motion by Design: Spencer Drate, David Robbins, Judith Salavetz and Kyle Cooper, 2006 (ISBN-10: 1856694712)
After Effects CC: Visual Effects and Compositing: Mark Christiansen, Adobe Press, 2013 (ISBN-10: 0321934695)
Lateral Thinking: Creativity Step by Step (Perennial Library): Edward De Bono (Author), 1973 (ISBN-10: 0060903252)
Cinematic Storytelling: Jennifer Van Sjill, 2005 (ISBN-10: 193290705X)
Graphic Design - The New Basics: Ellen Lupton and Phillips Jennifer Cole, 2008 (ISBN-10: 1568987021)
Design Elements (A Graphic Style Manual): Timothy Samara, 2007
Type Addicted (The New Trend of a to Z Typo-Graphics): Victionary, 2007
Thinking with Type - A Critical Guide for Designers, Writers, Editors, & Students (Design Briefs), Ellen Lupton, 2010
Typographic Systems: Kimberly Elam, 2007
Grid Systems: Principles of Organizing Type): Kimberly Elam, 2004
The Language of New Media: Lev Manovich. 2002 (ISBN 0-262-13374-1)
Course Website
https://facultypages.scad.edu/~kbussey/mome130/index.html

Required Material(s):
Portable Hard Drive for projects data storage
A sketchbook for drawing and taking class notes
Other materials as needed and defined by nature of practical projects
headphones
Course Website
https://facultypages.scad.edu/~kbussey/mome130/index.html

University Policies:
Academic Integrity:
Under all circumstances, students are expected to be honest in their dealings with faculty, administrative staff and other
students.

In class assignments, students must submit work that fairly and accurately reflects their level of accomplishment. Any work
that is not a product of the student's own efforts is considered dishonest. Students must not engage in academic
dishonesty; doing so can have serious consequences.
Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, the following:
1. Cheating, which includes, but is not limited to, (a) the giving or receiving of any unauthorized assistance in producing
assignments or taking quizzes, tests or examinations; (b) dependence on the aid of sources including technology beyond
those authorized by the instructor in writing papers, preparing reports, solving problems or carrying out other assignments;
(c) the acquisition, without permission, of tests or other academic material belonging to a member of the university faculty
or staff; or (d) the use of unauthorized assistance in the preparation of works of art.
2. Plagiarism, which includes, but is not limited to, the use, by paraphrase or direct quotation, of the published or
unpublished work of another person without full and clear acknowledgment. Plagiarism also includes the unacknowledged
use of materials prepared by another person or agency engaged in the selling of term papers or other academic materials.
3. Submission of the same work in two or more classes without prior written approval of the professors of the classes
involved.
4. Submission of any work not actually produced by the student submitting the work without full and clear written
acknowledgement of the actual author or creator of the work.
Attendance and Personal Conduct:
Only students who are properly registered for a course may attend and participate in that class. Students are expected to
attend and participate in all scheduled classes and examination periods. Absences in excess of four class periods per
quarter, or 20 percent of the course, result in the student receiving a failing grade for the course. Tardiness, early
departure or other time away from class in excess of 15 minutes per class session is considered absence for the class session.
The student's appearance and conduct should be appropriate and should contribute to the academic and professional
atmosphere of SCAD. The university reserves the right at its sole discretion to withdraw the privilege of enrollment from
any student whose conduct is detrimental to the academic environment or to the well-being of other students, faculty or
staff members, or to the university facilities.
Enrollment policies:
Students are responsible for assuring proper enrollment. See the SCAD catalog for information on add/drop, withdrawals,
incompletes, and academic standing.
Midterm Conference(s):
Each student enrolled in the course will have a midterm conference scheduled outside of class time with the professor.
Students are expected to keep this appointment.
Academic Support and Tutoring:
Academic support for students at all SCAD locations can be found in MySCAD, under the Student Workspace tab,
Department Directory, Academic Resources.
Course Evaluations:
SCAD offers students the opportunity to evaluate all scheduled courses during each quarter term. Student feedback is
essential to continuously improve academic services at SCAD. Evaluations will be available the end of each quarter at the
beginning of Week 8 and must be completed online by the Monday following Week 10. A sample course evaluation for
on-ground courses is available here.
In order to access course evaluations, the student should take the following steps:
1.
2.
3.
4.

Log on to MySCAD
Click on the Student Workspace Tab
Locate the Course Evaluations link under My Courses channel
This will bring up a page that says current surveys and lists all the courses that are currently available for evaluation.

For more information or questions, contact us at evaluations@scad.edu.

Student Surveys:
The SCAD Student Survey and the Noel-Levitz Student Satisfaction Inventory will both be administered in Week 4 of
spring quarter . SCAD's office of institutional effectiveness is responsible for gathering and delivering survey results to
decision-makers on campus. For more information or questions, contact surveys@scad.edu.
Please refer to the college catalog or the student handbook for all college policies and procedures.
Student Surveys:
Students are strongly encouraged to provide feedback on their university experience through SCADs institutional surveys.
The SCAD Student Survey and the Noel-Levitz Student Satisfaction Inventory will both be administered in spring quarter.
SCAD Student Survey will be emailed to every students email account starting in Week 1 and will remain open through
Week 6. The Noel-Levitz Student Satisfaction Inventory will be administered on paper during Week 4 of spring quarter.
SCADs office of institutional effectiveness is responsible for gathering and delivering survey results to decision-makers on
campus. For more information or questions, contact us at surveys@scad.edu.