Course Syllabus

Spring 2026 | ART-1420-VO01 - Digital Animation

Online Class

Online courses take place 100% online via Canvas, without required in-person or Zoom meetings.

Faculty

Darren Spafford
View Faculty Credentials

Hiring Coordinator for this course: Dana Lee

General Education Requirements

Arts and Aesthetics

Note

Many degree programs have specific general education recommendations. In order to avoid taking unnecessary classes, please consult with additional resources like your program evaluation, your academic program catalog year page, and your academic advisor.

Courses may only be used to meet one General Education Requirement.

Course Description

This course is a hands-on introduction to creating simple animations. Students gain proficiency with illustration and animation concepts and import images and sounds. Students also learn the correct usage of frame actions.

Essential Objectives

1. Demonstrate proficiency in the animation development environment including managing the workspace, usage of stage properties, timelines, and property panels.
2. Demonstrate importing graphic, audio, and video content.
3. Design an object using drawing tools and layers to prepare for animation.
4. Define effective use of storyboards and animatics to deliver a compelling story and explain the movements of animated objects and characters.
5. Demonstrate proficiency in animating graphics using tweens and frame by frame animation, and apply blurring, selective animation, speed lines, onion skinning, and squash/stretch effects to add convincing or exaggerated motion to characters and objects.
6. Demonstrate synchronization by animating dialog, sound effects, and/or music soundtrack.
7. Discuss the artistic and design considerations of creating effective presentations.
8. Examine, discuss, and critique animated works including some reference to historical, social, and cultural contexts with an emphasis on global or cultural diversity.
9. Display finished works in a professional manner.

Required Technology

More information on general computer and internet recommendations is available on the CCV computer recommendations Support page.

Please see CCV's Digital Equity Statement (pg. 45) to learn more about CCV's commitment to supporting all students access the technology they need to successfully finish their courses.

Required Textbooks and Resources

ART-1420-VO01 Link to Textbooks/Resources Information for this course in eCampus.

The last day to use a Financial Aid Advance to purchase textbooks/books is the 3rd Tuesday of the semester. See your financial aid counselor at your academic center if you have any questions.

Artificial Intelligence(AI) Policy Statement

CCV recognizes that artificial intelligence (AI) and generative AI tools are widely available and becoming embedded in many online writing and creative applications.

Allowed: This course's generative AI policy acknowledges technology, including generative AI, plays a supportive role in learning and feedback. During our class, we may use AI writing tools such as ChatGPT in certain specific cases. You will be informed as to when, where, and how these tools are permitted to be used, along with guidance for attribution. Any use outside of these specific cases constitutes a violation of CCV's Academic Integrity Policy.

AI is a learning aid, not an animation tool. It can help you understand ideas and terminology, but it cannot create your animation work for you.

AI is allowed for:

• Definitions and clarifications
• Understanding animation principles and terminology
• Interpreting feedback or assignment instructions
• Planning ideas, concepts, or story approaches
• Reading or summarizing reference material

AI is not allowed for:

• Creating or generating animation frames
• Producing motion, timing, or poses for your project
• Completing assignments for you
• Replacing drawing, timing, or practice work
• Submitting AI-generated visuals, motion, or assets as your own

If you use AI to create your animation work:

• Your animation skills will not develop
• The work will not match course goals
• I will not be able to give meaningful feedback
• You may be required to redo the assignment
• You may lose credit for the work

If you want to experiment with AI tools or workflows, do so outside of your graded projects. All submitted animations must be created by you and follow the course expectations.

Methods

• Hands-on, project-based assignments
• Follow-along video demonstrations
• Weekly practice activities
• Peer review and discussion
• Skill reflection and written analysis
• Iterative revisions based on feedback
• Real-world tools and workflows

Evaluation Criteria

This course uses a weighted categories system to calculate final grades.

• Weekly Assignments = 60%
  • Practice Activities & Exercises = 30% of assignments
  • Reflections = 10% of assignments
• Discussions = 15%
• Quizzes = 10%
• Midterm & Final Project = 15%

Grading Criteria

CCV Letter Grades as outlined in the Evaluation System Policy are assigned according to the following chart:

	High	Low
A+	100	98
A	Less than 98	93
A-	Less than 93	90
B+	Less than 90	88
B	Less than 88	83
B-	Less than 83	80
C+	Less than 80	78
C	Less than 78	73
C-	Less than 73	70
D+	Less than 70	68
D	Less than 68	63
D-	Less than 63	60
F	Less than 60
P	100	60
NP	Less than 60	0

Attendance Policy

Regular attendance and participation in classes are essential for success in and are completion requirements for courses at CCV. A student's failure to meet attendance requirements as specified in course descriptions will normally result in a non-satisfactory grade.

• In general, missing more than 20% of a course due to absences, lateness or early departures may jeopardize a student's ability to earn a satisfactory final grade.
• Attending an on-ground or synchronous course means a student appeared in the live classroom for at least a meaningful portion of a given class meeting. Attending an online course means a student posted a discussion forum response, completed a quiz or attempted some other academically required activity. Simply viewing a course item or module does not count as attendance.
• Meeting the minimum attendance requirement for a course does not mean a student has satisfied the academic requirements for participation, which require students to go above and beyond simply attending a portion of the class. Faculty members will individually determine what constitutes participation in each course they teach and explain in their course descriptions how participation factors into a student's final grade.

Participation Expectations

Regular, timely, and weekly participation means showing up, doing the work, and staying engaged each week. Each week builds on the last so staying caught up and on time is essential.

The following expectations apply in all courses:

• Attend class regularly and on time (online or in person)
• Submit all assignments, quizzes, and discussion posts by the stated deadlines
• Actively contribute to discussions, feedback threads, and peer reviews
• Communicate clearly and professionally when asking for help
• Stay on task, meet expectations, and follow project requirements
• Reach out for support when you need it
• Push yourself to improve and reflect on your own work

Attendance and Participation Policy

• 3 tardies = 1 absence
• 3 absences = automatic loss of course credit
• Missing or late work directly affects your participation record and final grade

Missing & Late Work Policy

All coursework is expected to be submitted on time. The following policy applies to all assignments, quizzes, and discussions.

• On time: Full credit
• Up to 1 day late: Maximum grade is 75%
• More than 1 day late: No credit

Deadlines:

• Initial discussion posts are due Thursdays by 11:59 PM
• Discussion replies, assignments, and quizzes are due Sundays by 11:59 PM

Late work will not be accepted beyond the 1-day grace period for any reason. Please plan ahead and manage your time accordingly.

Accessibility Services for Students with Disabilities:

1. Provide disability documentation to the Accessibility Coordinator at your academic center. https://ccv.edu/discover-resources/students-with-disabilities/
2. Request an appointment to meet with accessibility coordinator to discuss your request and create an accommodation plan.
3. Once created, students will share the accommodation plan with faculty. Please note, faculty cannot make disability accommodations outside of this process.

Academic Integrity

Apply Now for this semester.