Do you love drawing or playing video games in your spare time? Are you curious how video games are created? If you’d like to turn your passion for cartoons into a career, our animation program is a perfect for you!
Allan Hancock College’s animation program provides students with both the traditional
and digital artistic skills that are at the center of the animation, visual effects,
and video gaming industries. Build your animation skills and portfolios in our state-of-the-art
studio equipped with iMac computers, Cintiq monitors, 3D printers, and much more.
With an associate degree in animation, students will be prepared for entry-level careers, such as a digital sculptor, application designer, cinematic layout artist, illustrator, visual effects artist, game artist, digital content creator, and many more. Hancock’s animation program graduates are currently employed in local firms and 3D modeling companies, large corporations like LinkedIn or self-employed as freelance designers and illustrators.
Graduates of the program may also transfer to a four-year university with a strong animation program, including CSU San Jose, CSU Long Beach or CSU Fullerton.
This program will help you to:
- generate multiple character designs and stories in response to a specific concept
- design and animate characters and environments for narrative and interactive projects
- plan and storyboard animated sequences for traditional and digital formats
- use animation techniques and principles expressively in creating short animated films
Suggested Course Sequence
The “Suggested Course Sequence” is an example of how to complete the requirements plus any additional general education that may be needed. If you would like to create a personalized Student Education Plan (SEP), schedule a meeting with a counselor.
Fall Semester (Year 1)
Course #
Course Title
Units
This course is an introduction to the concepts, applications, and historical references related to two-dimensional art and composition, including the study of basic design principles and elements. Students will develop a visual vocabulary for creative expression through lectures, studio projects, problem-solving, and writing assignments. This course covers the same content as Art 110, but projects are executed digitally using the computer. This course is not open to students who are enrolled in or have received credit for GRPH 108.
An introduction to animation production including classical character animation and other techniques. This course is not open to students who are enrolled in or have received credit for Art 115 or FILM 115.
A writing course designed primarily to meet the needs of students pursuing career and technical programs. Meets the written composition graduation requirement for an AHC associate's degree. Students who plan to transfer to a four-year institution will need to take ENGL 101 instead of this course to meet the university's first-year composition requirement. Readings will be drawn from the disciplines involved so that students master comprehension and critical reading skills in real-world texts. Writing assignments and projects will similarly be based upon the types of critical thinking and analytical writing required in the students' fields of study. Research methods and skills will be emphasized.
Prerequisite: Placement based upon Allan Hancock College's placement policy.
Designed to help students enhance their analytical reading and writing skills using a wide variety of texts. Emphasizes college-level expository essay construction, communication, and research methods leading to the preparation and writing of a research paper.
Choose one of the following courses:
- EMS 102, First Aid and Safety
- FSN 109, Basic Nutrition for Health
- HED 100, Health and Wellness
- HUSV 126, Meditation, Mindfulness, and Stress Reduction
Select one course from this list.
Plus 12 units from one of the areas of concentration below (either A or B)
Option A: Emphasis in Animation
| Course Number | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| MMAC 116 | Intermediate Animation | 3 |
| or | ||
| FILM 116 | Intermediate Animation | 3 |
| FILM 118 | 3D Computer Animation 2 | 3 |
| or | ||
| MMAC 118 | 3D Computer Animation 2 | 3 |
| FILM 126 | Introduction to Motion Graphics | 3 |
| or | ||
| MMAC 126 | Introduction to Motion Graphics | 3 |
| FILM 128 | Intermediate Motion Graphics | 3 |
| or | ||
| MMAC 128 | Intermediate Motion Graphics | 3 |
Option B: Emphasis in Games
Total Units:
13.5-16
Spring Semester (Year 1)
Course #
Course Title
Units
Introduces students to the use of Apple computers and Adobe Photoshop for developing and editing digital images for use in graphic design, photography, web, video and motion graphics production. Students will learn raster image resolutions, file formats, color systems and professional creative practices for acquisition, creation, editing and processing for various industries including printing, digital publishing, animation, and video editing.
A study of 3D modeling as it applies to industrial design, packaging and animation. Topics include render theory and practices; and surface manipulation of objects. Polygonal and subdivision operations for 3D modeling will be stressed. 3D computer graphics will utilize programs such as Maya and Mudbox. Prior experience will raster and vector elements is desirable. This course is an elective for Applied Design/Media.
Plus 12 units from one of the areas of concentration below (either A or B)
Option A: Emphasis in Animation
| Course Number | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| MMAC 116 | Intermediate Animation | 3 |
| or | ||
| FILM 116 | Intermediate Animation | 3 |
| FILM 118 | 3D Computer Animation 2 | 3 |
| or | ||
| MMAC 118 | 3D Computer Animation 2 | 3 |
| FILM 126 | Introduction to Motion Graphics | 3 |
| or | ||
| MMAC 126 | Introduction to Motion Graphics | 3 |
| FILM 128 | Intermediate Motion Graphics | 3 |
| or | ||
| MMAC 128 | Intermediate Motion Graphics | 3 |
Option B: Emphasis in Games
Choose one of the following courses:
- ES 1231, African American History
- HIST 107, U S History to 1877
- HIST 108, US History from 1877 to the Present
- HIST 118, U S History to 1877
- HIST 119, History of California
- POLS 101, Introduction to Political Science
- POLS 103, American Government
If you take any of the following courses, you will also satisfy the AHC graduation
requirement of area 4B: Communication and Analytical Thinking.
Recommended courses: MATH 100, 105, 123, 135, 181, 321; or select one course from
this list.
Plus 12 units from one of the areas of concentration below (either A or B)
Option A: Emphasis in Animation
| Course Number | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| MMAC 116 | Intermediate Animation | 3 |
| or | ||
| FILM 116 | Intermediate Animation | 3 |
| FILM 118 | 3D Computer Animation 2 | 3 |
| or | ||
| MMAC 118 | 3D Computer Animation 2 | 3 |
| FILM 126 | Introduction to Motion Graphics | 3 |
| or | ||
| MMAC 126 | Introduction to Motion Graphics | 3 |
| FILM 128 | Intermediate Motion Graphics | 3 |
| or | ||
| MMAC 128 | Intermediate Motion Graphics | 3 |
Option B: Emphasis in Games
| Course Number | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| MMAC 114 | Game and App Design | 3 |
| MMAC 118 | 3D Computer Animation 2 | 3 |
| GRPH 130 | 3D Modeling For Production | 3 |
| MUS 115 | Introduction to Sound Recording & Mixing | 3 |
Total Units:
15-17
Fall Semester (Year 2)
Course #
Course Title
Units
An introduction to the elements, principles, materials and techniques of drawing. Emphasis is placed on the practical skills of observation and their expansion, along with drawing as a form of visual communication.
Select one course from this list.
If you take any of the following courses, you will also satisfy the Multicultural/Gender Studies requirement:
ANTH 102, 103, 105; BUS 141; ECON 141; ENGL 105; GBST 141; GEOG 102, 103; LGBT 101, 102; POLS 104, 105; SOC 101, 102, 120, 122; SPCH 110
Or select one course from this list.
Select one course from this list.
Plus 12 units from one of the areas of concentration below (either A or B)
Option A: Emphasis in Animation
| Course Number | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| MMAC 116 | Intermediate Animation | 3 |
| or | ||
| FILM 116 | Intermediate Animation | 3 |
| FILM 118 | 3D Computer Animation 2 | 3 |
| or | ||
| MMAC 118 | 3D Computer Animation 2 | 3 |
| FILM 126 | Introduction to Motion Graphics | 3 |
| or | ||
| MMAC 126 | Introduction to Motion Graphics | 3 |
| FILM 128 | Intermediate Motion Graphics | 3 |
| or | ||
| MMAC 128 | Intermediate Motion Graphics | 3 |
Option B: Emphasis in Games
| Course Number | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| MMAC 114 | Game and App Design | 3 |
| MMAC 118 | 3D Computer Animation 2 | 3 |
| GRPH 130 | 3D Modeling For Production | 3 |
| MUS 115 | Introduction to Sound Recording & Mixing | 3 |
Total Units:
18 - 19
Spring Semester (Year 2)
Course #
Course Title
Units
Prerequisite: ART 120
This course serves as an introduction to drawing the human figure from observation. Studio assignments investigate the human body, its mass, and its movements through the modeling of form, planar analysis, cross-contour, and gesture drawing techniques. Human anatomy and proportional accuracy are emphasized, while expressive and interpretive approaches are explored by means of compositional design, a variety of drawing media, and surveying historical and contemporary roles of figure drawing in the visual arts.
The course explores how multimedia transforms experiences of creative expression and communication and impacts our cultural, business, and personal lives. Topics include project planning, development, and exploration through multiple projects. Projects include art for interaction, web imagery, animation, motion graphics, UI/UX, gaming, visual effects, video production, and transmedia storytelling. Course software: Adobe Creative Suite and other relevant software.
Hands-on instruction in the techniques and tools for adding dynamic motion and interactivity to games and applications for a variety of media devices. Includes integration of graphics, video, text, and sound on desktop computers, tablets, phones, and other media devices.
If you take any of the following courses, you will also satisfy the Multicultural/Gender Studies requirement:
ART 101, 105, 109, 170; DANC 101p; DRMA 103; ENGL 130, 131, 139, 140, 148; ECS 116; ES 105, 120; FASH 104; FILM 101, 102, 103, 108, 109; HIST 101, 102, 103, 120; HUM 101, 102, 103; MUS 104, 106; PHIL 121; SPAN 102, 103, 104, 105, 112
Select one course from this list.
Total Units:
15
Program Requirements:
"Program Requirements" specify the courses required for this program. See suggested course sequence for additional information.
A major of 36 units is required for the associate in science degree.
Required core courses (27 units):
| Course Number | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| ART 108 | Design 1 on the Computer | 3 |
| or | ||
| GRPH 108 | Design 1 on the Computer | 3 |
| ART 115 | Introduction to Animation | 3 |
| or | ||
| FILM 115 | Introduction To Animation | 3 |
| or | ||
| MMAC 115 | Introduction to Animation | 3 |
| ART 120 | Drawing 1 | 3 |
| ART 122 | Life Drawing 1 | 3 |
| FILM 117 | 3D Computer Animation 1 | 3 |
| or | ||
| MMAC 117 | 3D Computer Animation 1 | 3 |
| GRPH 112 | Digital Imagery | 3 |
| MMAC 101 | Introduction to Multimedia | 3 |
| MMAC 114 | Game and App Design | 3 |
| GRPH 130 | 3D Modeling For Production | 3 |
Plus 9 units from one of the areas of concentration below (either A or B)
Option A: Emphasis in Animation
| Course Number | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| ART 107 | Introduction to Digital Art | 3 |
| MMAC 116 | Intermediate Animation | 3 |
| or | ||
| FILM 116 | Intermediate Animation | 3 |
| FILM 118 | 3D Computer Animation 2 | 3 |
| or | ||
| MMAC 118 | 3D Computer Animation 2 | 3 |
| FILM 128 | Intermediate Motion Graphics | 3 |
| or | ||
| MMAC 128 | Intermediate Motion Graphics | 3 |
| MMAC 126 | Introduction to Motion Graphics | 3 |
| or | ||
| FILM 126 | Introduction to Motion Graphics | 3 |
Option B: Emphasis in Games
| Course Number | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| MMAC 118 | 3D Computer Animation 2 | 3 |
| or | ||
| FILM 118 | 3D Computer Animation 2 | 3 |
| MUS 115 | Introduction to Sound Recording & Mixing | 3 |
Programs you may also be interested in exploring:
Contact Information
Department Information
John R. Hood, Department Chair
Professor of Art and Design
jhood@hancockcollege.edu
805-922-6966 ext. 3705
Darlene Vera
Administration Assistant II - Fine Arts
darlene.vera@hancockcollege.edu
805-922-6966 ext. 3252
Media Arts Faculty
Sian Geraghty, Assoc. Professor of Media Artssian.geraghty@hancockcollege.edu
805-922-6966 ext. 3252
Building F - Office F-203
