This course is a detailed study of character animation principles and techniques for 3D computer animation, covering how to animate a 3D character to create believable character animation. Students are given a series of exercises designed to broaden their understanding of movement, posing, timing, acting, staging, and scene dynamics. An emphasis is placed on understanding body mechanics as integrated with expression and personality in character animation. At the end of the course, students will have a portfolio of pieces ranging from walk cycles to complex dialogue scenes. This course is the first in a series of two 3D character animation courses.