This course is designed to help students define and execute their final thesis project in a setting that is both collegial and critical. It is structured as a series of critique and presentation sessions in which various aspects of individual projects are discussed: the project concept, the elaboration, the presentation, the process and time-table, the resources needed to accomplish it, and the documentation. Critique sessions are e a combination of internal sessions (i.e., the class only) and reviews by external guest critics. Students are expected to complete a fully articulated thesis project description and related documentation. Final project prototypes are displayed both on the web and in a public showcase either in May or the following semester.

This class explores methods of storytelling through animation. We examine a range of techniques including pixillation, stop motion, collage, abstract and cartoon animation. We apply a variety of tools such as iStopMotion, After Effects, Flash and Motion. There are five animation short animation assignments and one final project. Students are encouraged to experiment. Drawing skills are not necessary though students are required to maintain a weekly sketchbook. A basic knowledge of digital video is a plus.

Also, this week is “spring break” for me, meaning that I have six less hours of class time, and a little more breathing room. Yesterday, I received and played with the GPS module for my thesis project, and today I spent some more hours at Steady, researching for “the labs,” revising some xml, and participating in a couple meetings — good stuff. Being at home and seeing the warm weather start to come out has me a little more jolly than normal too…hehe, jolly.