In your first year you'll study with our partner, ARU College. This module will provide you with the necessary skills to begin studying at level 4 in art, design and related courses. You'll be introduced to the core skills necessary to succeed in higher education, including researching and referencing appropriately, demonstrating appropriate ICT skills, and communicating effectively verbally and in writing. You will be introduced to practical art and design skills including developing skills of visual storytelling, image-making both in traditional and digital media, visual language and communication, formulating an independent creative response to a broad range of subject matter. You'll also be introduced to the fundamentals of design from a creative perspective, and to some of the key ideas/movements dominating art, design and culture, during the past few centuries. You will work extensively in groups and collaboratively, with students from art and design, architecture and engineering pathways. The module is made up of the following eight constituent elements: Interactive Learning Skills and Communication (ILSC); Information Communication Technology (ICT); Composition and Style; Creative Workshops 1; Approach to Design; Critical and Contextual Studies; Creative Workshops 2; Specialist Project.
In this practical skills-based module you will apply your growing insights into the principle technologies, techniques, ideas and concepts that lie at the heart of animated movement and narrative. You will be trained in the use of a wide range of essential animation technologies, including traditional frame-to-frame animation, stop motion and digital technologies consisting of industry-standard imaging-, 2D animation- and editing software. You will explore the essential cinematographic and narrative concepts to which you have been introduced through practice, such as camera movement, point of view, pacing and framing, as well as visual story-structures, scenography and scriptwriting. You will also be introduced to specific animation production concepts such as keyframes, pose-to-pose and straight-ahead animation, walk-cycles, storyboarding, animatics and the digital animation pipeline. You will develop understanding of technologies and concepts through methods of research-through-practice, analysis and the engagement with tasks and assignments that lead to real-world outcomes. Drawing and mark-making are placed as a central approach, which allows the building on an illustration-focused ways of image creation. Specialist skills training is through compulsory and optional workshops, individual support and independent study. Next to guided learning, during self-study you will have access to the studio’s technical support staff and bespoke online guides, as well as existing training software. Throughout the module, you’ll be assessed via ongoing presentations, oral and written crits, discussions, peer group critiques and other types of formative assessment of smaller tasks and larger assignments. Summative assessment will be based on your portfolio of required artefacts, which should contain developmental work, written reflections and finished pieces. By passing this module you will gain an intermediate to advanced proficiency and voice in a range of essential traditional and digital animation environments, which you will further extend in the next level of the course.
View the full module definitionThis module introduces and examines approaches, media and processes specific to illustrative image making. You will be encouraged to look closely at the visual world through studio and location based observational drawing, using sketchbooks and notebooks to develop and explore a personal, individual visual vocabulary. Central is the practical understanding of observational drawing in all its forms and drawing as a primary skill and fundamental language of the animator and the illustrator. The module will include life-drawing classes in the drawing studio and numerous location-based drawing trips taking place in a variety of destinations in and outside the university, such as museums, markets and town centres. From a basis in observational drawing, you will begin to explore imaginative drawing, sequential and interpretative drawing through a range of project briefs. Processes of graphic reproduction are introduced including printmaking and letterpress. Throughout the module, you’ll be assessed via ongoing presentations, oral and written crits, discussions, peer group critiques and other forms of formative assessment of smaller tasks and larger assignments. Summative assessment will be based on your portfolio of required artefacts, which should contain developmental work, written reflections and finished pieces.
View the full module definitionIn this module you will explore the nature of sequential images as it is found within the practices of illustration and animation. Through practical investigations, analysis and experimentation you will examine the broad range of expressive possibilities that lie within sequential visual storytelling. The range of tasks and briefs will ask you to engage with a diversity of approaches, media and processes that will encourage you to query fixed notions of what sequential image and animation is and can be. You will gain a practical understanding of core principles of time-based narrative, such as sequence, duration, movement, the interplay of sound and image, presentation platforms and audience interaction. With a focus on personal development and expression, these briefs enable you to develop your concept and narrative development skills as well as encourage imaginative creative interpretation. You will work with traditional, high tech and low-tech digital and experimental methods and materials through studio and location based projects, using techniques such as stop motion, direct animation, puppetry, animated GIF, but also sequential book forms page lay-out, projection and interaction. You will create work that emphasises a balance between personal creative language and applied practice. Throughout the module, you’ll be assessed via ongoing presentations, oral and written crits, discussions, peer group critiques and other forms of formative assessment of smaller tasks and larger assignments. Summative assessment will be based on your portfolio of required artefacts, which should contain developmental work, written reflections and finished pieces.
View the full module definitionIn this module you will be introduced to the study of image structures, formal concepts and contexts and specifically those that define the illustrated, sequential and animated image. In a series of lectures and practical 'workshop' style sessions you will examine through theory and practice the formal and narrative structures that define sequential images. These ideas will go alongside the introduction to significant and influential illustrators, animators, comic book artists and artists from other creative disciplines, as well as the creative and communicative contexts in which they operate. You will not only gain a practical understanding on core concepts essential to creating your productions, learn the skills and tools to develop storyboards and script, but you will also develop an appreciation and knowledge of the historical, cultural and intellectual context in which sequential practices are situated, which will provide a foundation for your conceptual and creative development. You will be taught through weekly seminars, which include lectures, discussion and set tasks which will give you the opportunity to explore and discuss the works and ideas in a group setting. In assignments you will undertake visual and literature research, critical analysis of visual imagery and reflective writing. Throughout the module, you’ll be assessed via ongoing presentations, oral and written crits, discussions, peer group critiques and other forms of formative assessment of smaller tasks and larger assignments. Summative assessment will be based on your portfolio of required artefacts, which should contain developmental work, written reflections and finished pieces.
View the full module definitionCore to this module is the development of advanced understanding of the processes of creation of animation and other related sequential productions. Whilst current professional 2D animation practice is the focus, this module will also allow you to explore ideas and techniques that are part of the wider discipline of sequential imaging; including experimental, analogue or emerging practices. Alongside you will be asked to keep considering drawing as part of your practice. In this module the development of your personal narrative, expressive and conceptual voice and interest are central. You will get to explore the breath and potential of the illustration-animation industry through various teaching and learning approaches. This includes real world practice assignments; skills-, conceptual- and creative tasks, collaboration with other disciplines, and working on live projects with industry partners. You will be working on individual and group projects. An annual fieldtrip is embedded in the assignment structure with the dual purpose of extending your insight into animation practice as well as building your research and development skills as part of visual-narrative production. Throughout the module, critical insight into the context and history of the discipline will be linked to the subjects discussed through lectures, seminars, viewings, critical discussions, as well as specialist presentations by visiting lecturers. You will build essential presentation, project-, time-management and collaboration skills that will enable you to participate in independent and live (group) projects within the context of the course, but also towards independent and studio-based practices, such as work-placement. Throughout the module, you’ll be assessed via ongoing presentations, oral and written crits, discussions, peer group critiques and other forms of formative assessment of smaller tasks and larger assignments. Summative assessment will be based on your portfolio of required artefacts, which should contain developmental work, written reflections and finished pieces.
View the full module definitionThis module will allow you to advance your skills and understanding within the realm of computer generated images. The main two methods introduced are 3D CGI modelling, which presents key concepts in spatial creation, and interactive storytelling, which will allow you to explore interaction in a variety of forms. You will be further introduced to a range of other emerging visual practices. As is the nature of these technologies, this will bring an experimental quality to the module. Through skills training, practice, research and discussion you will consider how these technologies are used and applied in a range of communicative situations and outcomes; such as within games, animations and motion graphics, but equally within other disciplines such as architecture, fashion and interior design. Overall this module will explore the growing diversity of digital means by which audiences are reached in the 21st century. It will ask you to consider how these can fit within your own (future) practice. Through a range of technical workshops and creative project briefs you will develop key understanding of creative and technical skills using selected relevant software packages. Through further explorations demonstrations and discussions, you will engage with issues around cultural, technical or commercial changes in the media industries and engage with current debates about digital media. Throughout the module, you’ll be assessed via ongoing presentations, oral and written crits, discussions, peer group critiques and other forms of formative assessment of smaller tasks and larger assignments. Summative assessment will be based on your portfolio of required artefacts, which should contain developmental work, written reflections and finished pieces.
View the full module definitionThis module builds on the histories, contexts, and theories introduced at Level 4, and is designed to enable you to build a framework in which to situate yourself and your developing practice as a critical, creative practitioner. With the support of lectures, seminars, as well as independent reading and research, you will consider your work, as well as the work of other creative professionals, within broader historical, theoretical, and critically informed contexts. You'll also start to engage with the ethical considerations and responsibilities that are increasingly urgent for professionals working in the creative industries today and begin to develop an increasingly detailed theoretical knowledge of your discipline. You'll explore and examine critical issues and debates within a variety of creative practices, through examples that address, complicate and problematise key topics which you will analyse in depth. The curriculum content is responsive, meaning that learning activities are open and flexible, and function in relationship to current events, discourses, and emerging debates.
View the full module definitionRuskin Modules are designed to prepare our students for a complex, challenging and changing future. These interdisciplinary modules provide the opportunity to further broaden your perspectives, develop your intellectual flexibility and creativity. You will work with others from different disciplines to enable you to reflect critically on the limitations of a single discipline to solve wider societal concerns. You will be supported to create meaningful connections across disciplines to apply new knowledge to tackle complex problems and key challenges. Ruskin Modules are designed to grow your confidence, seek and maximise opportunities to realise your potential to give you a distinctive edge and enhance your success in the workplace.
This module is the culmination of the Illustration and Animation course and will lead to your creation of a final project. This is an ambitious project that reveals your autonomy as a creative producer, as well as your personal interest and qualities in relation to the chosen direction of professional practice after you leave university. The development of your project proposal will be structured by a range of set tasks that will ask you to engage with conceptual and pre-production phases. These tasks will be largely self-defined but contain contextualising, research, investigative, technical and production elements and allow you to foreground your written, presentation and practice skills and aptitudes. In the production of your final project you will show your professional autonomy, with the lecturer in a coaching role. You can pursue the final project individually or as member of a group. Throughout the module you will gain a practical understanding of employment and freelance entrepreneurship within the creative industry, as well as learn the best ways to apply for, or create, professional opportunities. You will gain insight through seminars and discussions, employment training, studio visits, and guest lecturers, as well as your personal research. In response you will be asked to develop a range of professional engagement skills, within forms of verbal and written presentation, and tools, such as a public online profile, a creative portfolio and a showreel. The sessions will explore and address all the above topics through set self-defined briefs, group and peer discussion, workshops and guest lectures. There will be ongoing formative assessments through which you can analyse and evaluate your development. Your coursework will include all research, investigation and developmental work as well as the final outcomes, and this will be summatively assessed at the close of the module.
View the full module definitionGaining work experience enhances employability, and work based learning offers you the chance to key gain industry knowledge, skills, contacts and networking opportunities. This module will give you the opportunity to explore a working environment in the industry that you have identified as relevant to your future career. The module will encourage self-managed learning, and serves to enhance your employability by developing communication, personal organisation, team-working, and networking skills and providing opportunities to apply those skills to real-world experiences thereby increasing self-reliance and confidence. The experience can be used as a basis for directing and focusing your career plans and can influence your final year projects. Lectures, group tutorials and seminars will explore skills analysis and reflective writing. You are required to identify, negotiate and agree with an employer (or employers) the terms of the placement or freelance work in association with a module tutor, to ensure that the module learning outcomes can be achieved. You will be given guidance and will be required to submit a placement/freelance registration form and risk assessments for approval by the module tutor. The work may be carried out in a variety of settings depending upon your requirements, areas of interest and availability of opportunities. The minimum period will be a minimum of 100 hours, and you can undertake more than one placement/freelance work for the module. You will also create a workplace diary that logs activity and supports an analysis of the learning achieved during your experience alongside evidence to support your application process. You are also asked to create a reflective report on your work experience. The report will include market and background information on the employer, market sector analysis, an outline your role(s) on the placement(s); academic and vocational analysis; transferable/employability and specialist skills analysis, knowledge and experience analysis; a final evaluation (impact on your final year and career aspirations); and will include copies of the submitted registration and risk assessments and other supporting appendices. Alongside contributing to module sessions and briefings, additional module support will be provided by the Anglia Ruskin University Employability Services through drop-in support and CV Surgery sessions and the Anglia Ruskin Enterprise Academy (AREA). You will also have access to a range of online employability information via the Careers and Employability Portal and AREA network.
View the full module definitionThe Research Project is intended to foster your independent study with the individual guidance of a supervisor. For this module, you will devise your own clearly defined project through independent research, with the support of supervisions, lectures, workshops, and field tips. Your project may reflect on, analyse, expand upon, or enhance, your own studio work and interests. Your project will be agreed upon in consultation with academic staff and your supervisor, to ensure suitability and sufficient academic rigour. Your Research Project is an extended piece of work which is intended to strengthen and build upon the work undertaken in your previous years of study. Your project will demonstrate a contribution to knowledge of your field, and show you are able to undertake prolonged and in-depth research that investigates, critically analyses and evaluates your area of study. Throughout the Trimester, you will develop an individual research topic with the support of your supervisor. You are encouraged to take a creative, critical approach to your subject, and there is support for a wide range of topics and approaches. Your project should build upon the links between theory and practice, and engage with critical issues that are relevant to your chosen topic. Throughout the module, you will draw on a range of sources appropriate to your research, that might include: primary and secondary sources; art and design work; archives; databases; visual and material culture; critical literature; multimedia output; your own studio practice; and industry-specific publication. There may be overlaps with your studio-based practice. However, the practice-based work included in the Research Project must academically contribute to the final Research Project in terms of the theoretical and methodological framework contextualising it. At the end of the year, you will have the opportunity to present your work as part of the CSA graduate showcase.
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