Catalog Code: DDA 606A

Course Title: Graduate Seminar 1

Department: Digital Arts

Chairperson: Peter Patchen

School: School of Art

Term/Year: Fall 2020

Course Credits: 3

Location & Time: Thursdays 2:00-4:50 PM, class meets virtually

Req or Elective: Required

Prerequisites: None

Instructor: Liz Blazer

E-mail: eblazer@pratt.edu

Phone: 917-754-8282

Office Hours: I am available on Mondays & Thursdays, please schedule a meeting ahead of time

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course is designed to immerse students in the critical discourse and practice of digital animation. Students formulate and sharpen their thesis ideas as they gain theoretical fluency for using both linear and non-linear story structures. The course format combines lectures, viewings, discussions, student presentations and field trips. Students immediately begin to consider their thesis work at the beginning of this semester and create an animatic by semester’s end, which they will continue to explore and develop throughout the first year. Weekly readings and/or projects are assigned throughout the semester.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

 This first half of the seminar course provides an overview of the development of a short animated film. Students will learn about each component of a professionally-produced animated film in order to develop innovative approaches to their own thesis films. In addition to the visual elements of the film, students are strongly encouraged to consult with professional sound designers for the design, creation and mixing of their soundtracks. The department has a list of resources, including composers, voice artists and libraries of copyright-free music and sound effects. While focusing on their own ideas, students also learn the art of critique by giving feedback to their peers. Critiques will consider narrative structure from the perspective of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, helping students to better understand how narrative elements and storytelling can contribute to the perpetuation of privilege, including through representations of race, gender, and identity. Furthering their ability to conduct and communicate independent research, students prepare a 10-minute critical presentation on a topic pertaining to the innovative construction of short film and animation. Students are also expected to keep a journal in which they evaluate and respond to lectures, field visits, readings and required research. At the end of the semester each student presents the first animatic of their thesis film.

COURSE GOALS

  • Students will gain a deeper understanding of and refine their artistic point of view.

  • Students will gain a greater appreciation for linear and nonlinear storytelling and will develop a broader appreciation of contemporary digital animated film.

  • Students will gain a deeper understanding of their artistic position within the field of digital animation by formulating their thesis idea and by developing their personal practice.