11/21/2024 12:44:53 AM	CS 75.11 Course Outline as of Summer 2025	Changed Course
CATALOG INFORMATION
Discipline and Nbr:  CS 75.11	Title:  CHARACTER ANIMATOR
Full Title:  Introduction to Adobe Character Animator
Last Reviewed:1/22/2024

Units		Course Hours per Week			Nbr of Weeks	Course Hours Total
Maximum	3.00	Lecture Scheduled	3.00		17.5 max.	Lecture Scheduled	52.50
Minimum	3.00	Lab Scheduled	0		6 min.	Lab Scheduled	0
		Contact DHR	0			Contact DHR	0
		Contact Total	3.00			Contact Total	52.50
		Non-contact DHR	0			Non-contact DHR Total	0

Total Out of Class Hours:  105.00

Total Student Learning Hours: 157.50

Title 5 Category:  AA Degree Applicable
Grading:  Grade or P/NP
Repeatability:  00 - Two Repeats if Grade was D, F, NC, or NP
Also Listed As: 
Formerly: 

Catalog Description:

Do you have ideas for amazing, animated stories, but have no idea where to start? In this course, students learn the step-by-step process of creating their first animation using Adobe Character Animator. Learn how to record your voice and facial movements using the advanced new facial tracking technology and your computer's camera.

Prerequisites/Corequisites:
Course completion of CS 70.1A

Recommended Preparation:

Limits on Enrollment:

Schedule of Classes Information
Description:

Do you have ideas for amazing, animated stories, but have no idea where to start? In this course, students learn the step-by-step process of creating their first animation using Adobe Character Animator. Learn how to record your voice and facial movements using the advanced new facial tracking technology and your computer's camera.

(Grade or P/NP)
Prerequisites:Course completion of CS 70.1A
Recommended:
Limits on Enrollment:
Transfer Credit:CSU;
Repeatability:00 - Two Repeats if Grade was D, F, NC, or NP

ARTICULATION, MAJOR, and CERTIFICATION INFORMATION

Associate Degree:		Effective:		Inactive:
Area:
CSU GE:	Transfer Area			Effective:	Inactive:
IGETC:	Transfer Area			Effective:	Inactive:
CSU Transfer:	Transferable	Effective:	Fall 2024	Inactive:
UC Transfer:		Effective:		Inactive:
C-ID:

Certificate/Major Applicable: Both Certificate and Major Applicable

COURSE CONTENT

Student Learning Outcomes:
At the conclusion of this course, the student should be able to:

1. Demonstrate competency in identifying Character Animator interface elements.

2. Create an animation using a character template.

3. Design and animate a character from scratch.

 

Objectives:

At the conclusion of this course, the student should be able to:

1. Differentiate among elements of the Character Animator interface.

2. Explain animation fundamentals.

3. Create a character-based animation using a template.

4. Create a character from scratch.

5. Use a webcam to capture a motion animation.

6. Export an animation.

Topics and Scope

I. Fundamentals of Character Animator

    A. What is Character Animator, and what can it do?

    B. Character Animator interface and workspace

    C. Hardware and software requirements

II. Fundamentals of Animation

    A. Rigging

         1. explaining handles, tools, and tags

          2. adding fixed handles with the Pin tool

          3. using other handle tools: Dragger, Stick, and Dangle

     B. Setting up triggers to control basic animations

     C. Layer names

    D. Behaviors

    E. Physics

III. Investigating Existing Projects - Examining Puppet Characteristics

IV. Starting a Character Animator Project - Beginning with a Template

V. Creating a Character from Scratch

    A. Design on paper

    B. Head

         1. basic face features

         2. eyes

         3. eyebrows

         4. mouth

    C. Body

         1. basic Body Rigging

         2. body Triggers and Animations

         3. magnet Hand

         4. breathe Behavior

         5. walk Behavior

         6. motion Triggers and Custom Walks

         7. replays

    D. Background

VI. Face Animation Using a Webcam and Lip-Syncing

    A. Starting a scene

     B. Setting up the camera, microphone, and rest pose

     C. Recording your first take

     D. Recording puppet movements using dragger handles

     E. Using triggers to control animations

VII. Importing and Syncing an Audio File

VIII. Using the Keyboard and Pointing Systems to Control Cartoons

IX. Assemble Cartoons into Scenes and Export Scenes

    A. Exporting

    B. Export file formats

X. Advanced Tips

    A. Auto Blink

    B. Wiggler Behavior

    C. Panning Background

    D. Characterizer

    E. Live streaming

Assignments:

1. Character Animator assignments, such as:

   A. Create a 20-second animation using a template character.

   B. Design a custom character from scratch.

   C. Animate a custom character reciting the alphabet.

2. Quizzes, midterm, and final.

Methods of Evaluation/Basis of Grade.

Writing: Assessment tools that demonstrate writing skill and/or require students to select, organize and explain ideas in writing.		Writing 0 - 0%
None
This is a degree applicable course but assessment tools based on writing are not included because problem solving assessments and skill demonstrations are more appropriate for this course.
Problem solving: Assessment tools, other than exams, that demonstrate competence in computational or non-computational problem solving skills.		Problem Solving 10 - 20%
Character Animator assignments
Skill Demonstrations: All skill-based and physical demonstrations used for assessment purposes including skill performance exams.		Skill Demonstrations 60 - 80%
Character Animator assignments
Exams: All forms of formal testing, other than skill performance exams.		Exams 10 - 30%
Quizzes, a midterm and a final examination
Other: Includes any assessment tools that do not logically fit into the above categories.		Other Category 0 - 10%
Participation

Representative Textbooks and Materials:

Instructor prepared materials

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