Animation Program Learning Outcomes

Creative Thinking and Aesthetic Appreciation

Recognize the underlying principles guiding the aesthetics of a genre of work, art movement, or artist. Differentiate what is or is not aesthetically successful. Identify and apply theories and approaches that inform contemporary creative work. Synthesize trends, theories, and movements in the development of new ideas.

Critical Thinking and Critique

Deconstruct and analyze your own work and the work of others to evaluate its the technical and aesthetic quality. Explain and justify the elements of your own presented argument, creative work, or process. Listen to, evaluate, and respond critically to the ideas of others. Solve problems to find the best solutions for artistic and technical challenges.

Written, Oral, and Group Communication

Convey ideas, information, and intentions effectively and in a manner that is appropriate to the topic, situation, and audience during presentations and critiques. Listen effectively in order to accurately and critically interpret the oral and nonverbal messages produced by others, and to display regard for other speakers' points of view. Write effectively in a style that is well organized, easy to follow, and supported by sufficient and appropriate evidence. Express yourself clearly and appropriately during small group and team collaborations.

Quantitative Literacy

Identify and communicate the rules of numbers, pattern manipulations, and associated terminology as applied to art and animation creation, production tools, and processes. Effectively apply computational, arithmetic, geometric, and algebraic skills to solve problems.

Traditional Art and Artistic Direction

Render an image from observation, applying the concepts of perspective, anatomy, color theory, movement, and composition as appropriate. Visually conceptualize in a clear and concise way the artistic direction in your art and animation projects.

Use of Technology

Develop a professional degree of technical proficiency with computer hardware and software used in the animation and visual effects industry. Adapt to the changing technological landscape and select the appropriate technological tools for projects.

Personal, Social, and Global Awareness

Articulate, analyze, and evaluate the meaning in your work and understand the social context in which the work exists. Understand the impact of intellectual property, plagiarism, and copyright laws on your creative and professional work. Take full responsibility for your creative work and its reception before a diverse, global audience.

Professionalism and Career Preparation

Develop and present a professional portfolio of your work. Identify industry standards and apply those standards to your own work. Identify roles in the animation and visual effects industry and the specific skill sets required by each role in order to develop a successful, individual career path. Overcome personal eccentricities, prejudices, and ownership issues in order to produce the best possible work and maintain a healthy collaborative environment when working on a team project.