Action Analysis and Locomotion
Overview
This unit improves students’ understanding of the principles of animation through the study and analysis of motion, dynamics and anatomy. Drawing and animation activities will develop foundational knowledge of motion, and the production skills needed to convey believability in the animation of human, animal and fantastical characters.
Requisites
ANI10001 Introduction to Animation
Rules
Pre-requisite
DAN10004 2D Production Techniques for Animation (Discontinued)
OR
ANI10002 2D Production Techniques for Animation
AND
DDM10004 Introduction to Animation (Discontinued)
OR
ANI10001 Introduction to Animation
Equivalent
DAN10002 Action Analysis and Locomotion (Discontinued)
02-November-2025
Learning outcomes
Students who successfully complete this unit will be able to:
- Identify the laws of motion and their impact upon movement
- Source and analyse reference material to better inform animated outcomes
- Demonstrate rudimentary knowledge of human and animal anatomy and locomotion
- Apply observational and analytical skills to the recording and crafting of believable movement
Teaching methods
Hawthorn
| Type | Hours per week | Number of weeks | Total (number of hours) |
|---|---|---|---|
| On-campus Studio | 2.00 | 12 weeks | 24 |
| On-campus Class | 2.00 | 12 weeks | 24 |
| Specified Activities Various | 7.00 | 12 weeks | 84 |
| Unspecified Activities Various | 1.50 | 12 weeks | 18 |
| TOTAL | 150 |
Assessment
| Type | Task | Weighting | ULO's |
|---|---|---|---|
| Animation Portfolio | Individual | 40% | 1,2,3,4 |
| Drawing Portfolio | Individual | 40% | 1,2,3,4 |
| Research Assignment | Individual | 20% | 1,2 |
Content
- Early and contemporary methods for capturing and analysing action
- The laws of physics, motion and principles of animation
- Human and animal anatomy
- Volume, weight, timing and locomotion
- Staging performance and action
- Life drawing and gestural drawing
- Graduate Attribute – Communication Skills: Communicating using different media
- Graduate Attribute – Digital Literacies: Information literacy
- Graduate Attribute – Digital Literacies: Technical literacy
Study resources
Reading materials
A list of reading materials and/or required textbooks will be available in the Unit Outline on Canvas.