A compressed seven-week term provided a great opportunity to pilot my experimental animation class at Oakland University this summer.
This laboratory-style workshop was designed to support both the study and production of experimental animation. The students studied experimental animation history and contemporary work in the field, and investigated 2D animation techniques incorporating both analog and digital strategies.
Class time was used for lectures and screenings, discussion of animated works viewed as well as readings, technical demonstrations, production and critique. The students undertook a series of structured studies and produced mid-term and final open projects.
The shortened and intensive time frame of the summer term supported an exploration of multiple teaching/learning strategies with a quick turnaround time that made for fluid modification and fine-tuning. On the flip-side, however, the compressed workload did not allow students time for post-critique revision of their work.
It was refreshing to teach a group of advanced students from a variety of disciplines including photography, painting, cinema studies, and new media. The course culminated in a final show at the laSalle Auditorium at Cranbrook Museum of Art, and featured projects made by the students as well as animations by established historic and contemporary artists, selected by the class, that we watched in class or which were posted to their blogs.
It was a great experience and I am looking forward to teaching this class again during the Winter 2013 term.
