PELLISSIPPI STATE TECHNICAL COMMUNITY COLLEGE 
MASTER SYLLABUS

Adobe After Effects
VPT 1021

Class Hours: 3.0

Credit Hours: 3.0

Laboratory Hours: 0.0

Revised:  Fall 06

 NOTE:  This course is not designed for transfer credit.

Catalog Course Description:

Introduction to one of the industry’s most popular motion graphics software tools. Students produce animations through key framing, text, masking, mattes, & 3D space. Compositing video, film, & title sequences are emphasized. 

Entry Level Standards:

The student should be able to effectively communicate with instructor and peers, complete assignments according to instructor specifications, and read and write at the required level.

Prerequisites:

None; however, student will be more successful with a strong personal interest in motion graphics and have good working knowledge of PC operation.

Co requisite:

None

Textbook(s) and Other Course Materials:

Textbook: Creating Motion Graphics with After Effects Vol 1: The Essentials (3^rd edition version 6.5)

I. Week/Unit/Topic Basis:

Week 

Topic

1-2

Class objectives/Introduction/Review Syllabus 

Creating Compositions. Managing multiple comps/layers.

Scale values & velocity graphs.

3

Spatial key framing, key frame types.

Layer switches & timing points.

4

Motion blur, time stretching & blending modes.

Masking, track mattes & stencils.

5

3D space, cameras, & lighting in 3D

6-7

Parenting layers

8

Parenting & null objects.

9

Nesting comps.

Pre-composing. & rendering.

10

Adjustment layers, solids & standard effects/plug gins, collapsing transformations, & applying effects

11

Textacy: Creating/ editing text & text properties

12

Plugging in type & animated type presets

13

Importing & Rendering Queue

14

Output modules

15

Final exam

II. Course Objectives*:

A.

Develop a fundamental understanding of creating motion graphics for film, television and the WEB through directed study, lectures, demonstrations and projects. I, II, V,

B.

Develop an understanding of the interrelationship(s) between technological advances and motion imaging tools and enterprises. I, IV. V, VI.

C

Develop basic animation skills II, IV.

D.

Demonstrate ability to key frame and composite multiple layers. II, IV

E

Demonstrate ability in creating an animated main title open sequence II, III, IV..

*Roman numerals after course objectives reference goals of the VPT program.

III. Instructional Processes*: 

Students will:

1.

Demonstrate ability to apply aesthetic conventions to complete work. Technological Literacy Outcome 

2.

Utilize and refine technical skills and knowledge. Technological Literacy Outcome, Active Learning Strategy 

3.

Work together as a team.  Transitional Strategy

4.

Demonstrate willingness and ability to meet deadline requirements Transitional Strategy

5

Be able to work in development of advanced skills, Technological Literacy Outcome ,Active Learning Strategy

*Strategies and outcomes listed after instructional processes reference Pellissippi State’s goals for strengthening general education knowledge and skills, connecting coursework to experiences beyond the classroom, and encouraging students to take active and responsible roles in the educational process.

IV. Expectations for Student Performance*: 

Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to:

1.

Create animation in After Effects and demonstrate basic animation skills. D,E

2.

Create and build 3D and 2D animated rendered compositions. A.

3.

Animate text using animation preset. E

4.

Composite video/film with special effects, C.

6.

Animate text using animation presets & plug-ins. E

7.

Understanding of cameras & lights within application. E.

*Letters after performance expectations reference the course objectives listed above.

V. Evaluation:

A. Testing Procedures:

N/A

B. Laboratory Expectations: 90% of grade

The following four areas will combine to determine 40% of the grade: 
1. Completion of assignments on time 
2. In class attendance, participation and in-class participation
3. Effort, growth, dedication, perseverance 
4. Mastery of basic animation skills, creative talent, ability to focus and concentrate. 

C. Other Evaluation Methods:

Projects will be evaluated by instructor and critiqued either in oral or written form. 80% of the students final grade will be determined by averaging project scores and observation of the items listed above under the heading “Laboratory Expectations”.

E. Grading Scale:

90 – 100 A 
80 – 89  B 
70 – 79  C 
60 – 69  D 
below 60 F

VI. Policies:

A. Attendance Policy:
	Pellissippi State Technical Community College expects students to attend all scheduled instructional activities.  As a minimum, students in all courses must be present for at least 75 percent of their scheduled class and laboratory meetings in order to receive credit for the course (Pellissippi State Catalog).  Individual departments/programs/disciplines, with the approval of the vice president of Academic and Student Affairs, may have requirements that are more stringent.  VPT Program: The VPT program believes a more stringent requirement is realistic because of the contractual commitment made by the College with local area employers.  Therefore, to successfully complete VPT courses, students must attend at least 85% of classes. To be considered “in attendance”, students are expected to be in class at the scheduled starting time for that class.  Students will be considered “tardy” from that time until 10 minutes after the scheduled starting time.  Three such “tardies” shall constitute an “absence”. Students arriving any time after 10 minutes beyond the scheduled time for a class will be considered “absent”.
B. Academic Dishonesty:
	In keeping with college-wide policies, the student is expected to adhere to the general rules and regulations relevant to academic and classroom misconduct as outline in the catalog.
C. Accommodations for disabilities If you need accommodations because of a disability, if you have emergency medical information to share, or if you need special arrangements in case the building must be evacuated, please inform the instructor immediately. Please see the instructor privately after class or in his/her office. Students must present a current accommodation plan from a staff member in Services with Disabilities (SSWD) in order to receive accommodations in this course. Services for Students with Disabilities may contact by going to Goins 127 or 131 or by phone 694-6751(Voice/TTY) or 539-7153. D. Other Policies:
	Any act of misuse, vandalism, malicious or unwarranted damage or destruction, defacing, disfiguring, or unauthorized use of property/equipment belonging to Pellissippi State is subject to disciplinary sanction.