SYLLABUS: ART 352. Visual Effects (3-3) Instructor Caleb Owens Spring 2016, Sect. 1, 11734 TTh11:00am–1:45pm, CSUN, Art Dept. Office Hrs: TTh 10am 11am AC330 Classroom AC 330 Animation Lab Email: cowens@csun.edu Course Description: Studies in the conceptualization and techniques of digitally generated visual effects in timebased media. Creative self-expression is emphasized in the production of experimental short videos. Art Department Program Goals Addressed: 1. Basic Skills: Developing a foundation of art knowledge, theories, skills, craftspersonship and technologies, where ideas and concepts are communicated in writing, speaking and art making. 2. Art Knowledge: Broadening knowledge of ancient through contemporary art and to develop an understanding of art within theoretical, cultural, and historical contexts. 3. Critical Thinking: Analyzing, interpreting, and questioning traditional methodologies and pre-conceived notions of art and art making through the process of generating and solving problems. 7. Professional Preparation: Developing career paths for various art professions and an understanding of the demands and expectations of those areas. Course Learning Outcomes. Student will: 1. Acquaint students with the fundamentals of compositing live action and CGI elements. 2. Promote critically viewing and understanding of visual effects. 3. Introduce students to color grading/ timing techniques for stylization and mood. 4. Acquaint students with the benefits and theories of rotoscoping. 5. Provide the necessary skills and critical thinking to become a junior compositor STUDENT EVALUATION: Assignments are specific and evaluated accordingly for both the process and the product. Sufficient evidence of an ongoing creative process and development over time with corrected revisions is expected. 20% Exercises and Assignments. 30% Mid Term 35% Final Project 15% Attendance and Participation: Engaging in part of class discourse and critiques RECOMMENDED TEXT: The Art and Science of Digital Compositing, Second Edition: The Invisible Art: The Legends of Movie Matte Painting LATE WORK: Meeting deadlines is essential in Animation and Visual Effects production. Late work will not be accepted unless an arrangement has been made in advance and approved by the instructor. ASSIGNMENT DELIVERY: This is not an on-line course. All assignments must be turned in during class meeting times. It is not appropriate for students to email instructor assignments or to request feedback out of class or office hours. END OF TERM: Students are responsible for turning in up to date copy of each assignment online at www.box.com . ATTENDANCE POLICY: This studio course requires attendance, actual work in class and homework/lab time outside of class time. Attendance is by sign-in at the beginning of each class. STUDENT BEHAVIOR/PROFESSIONAL DEPORTMENT: In the classroom/lab, students are expected to practice professional behavior and treat other students, lab techs and faculty

with respect and cooperation. Please see the CSUN student code of conduct online at: http://www.csun.edu/studentaffairs/pdfs/standards_student_conduct.pdf SPECIAL NEEDS: Students with disabilities must register with the Center on Disabilities and complete a service agreement each semester. Staff with in the Center will verify the existence of a disability based on the documentation provided and approved accommodations. Students who are approved for test-taking accommodations must provide an Alternative Testing Form to their faculty member signed by a counselor in the Center on Disabilities prior to making testing arrangements. The Center on Disabilities is located in Bayramian Hall, room 110. Staff can be reached at 818 677-2684. RECOMMENDED BOOKS: Digital Lighting & Rendering (2nd Edition), Jeremy Birn, New Riders Press ISBN 0321316312; The Animator's Survival Kit, Richard Williams, Faber & Faber, ISBN 0571202284, The Illusion of Life, Ollie Johnston and Frank Thomas, Disney Editions, ISBN 0786860707; Cartoon Animation, Preston Blair, Walter Foster, ISBN 1560100842; Timing for Animation, Harold Whitaker, Focal Press, ISBN 0240517148; The Art of 3-D Computer Animation and Effects, Third Edition, Isaac Victor Kerlow, Wiley, ISBN 0471430366. Materials: USB Flash Drive, Recordable CDs , Highly recommended but not required, 40 GB or more Firewire Hard Dive