3-D Animation II Syllabus for 2021-2022
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Instructor Information

Office Location

<p>Parcells Hall &ndash;&nbsp;313E</p>

Office Hours

Monday and Wednesday

10:00 - 11:45 am  - By Appointment only

Tuesday and Thursday

Unavailable - I will be In class from 9 am to 6:15 pm

Friday -  by appointment only 

The best way to contact me is via email. Please allow at least 24 hours for emails to be returned. More time may be needed if emails are received on nights or weekends. 

Course Information

COVID-19 Protocols

Recording Policy

Disability Statement

If you have a disability (learning, mental, physical) that affects your ability to participate effectively and have access to any program or service at Amarillo College please contact Disability Services at (806) 345-5639 . Our offices are located in the Student Service Center office 112. More information may be found at www.actx.edu/disability.
Disability Services facilitates access to all programs and services according to the ADA, Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, as well as other federal and state laws.

Amarillo College Web Accessibility Policy Statement

Amarillo College is committed to providing equal access to all programs and services, including all working, learning, and service environments that affect equal access for persons with disabilities. This commitment to provide equal access and opportunity for persons with disabilities is in compliance with federal and state law. Amarillo College also strives to provide Electronic and Information Resources (EIR) that are accessible to all authorized users.

If you find you are unable to access material in an accessible format please contact the Disability Services Office at (806) 345-5639 . This office will work in conjunction with other campus resources to address and accommodate your issue in a timely manner.

Statement for Mental Health and Advocacy & Resource Center:

As a student you may experience a range of issues that can cause barriers to learning, such as strained relationships, increased anxiety, alcohol/drug problems, feeling down, difficulty concentrating and/or lack of motivation. These mental health concerns or stressful events may lead to diminished academic performance or reduce a student's ability to participate in daily activities. Amarillo College offers services to assist you with addressing these and other concerns you may be experiencing. If you or someone you know are suffering from any of the aforementioned conditions, you can learn more about the broad range of confidential mental health services available on campus by calling the AC Counseling Center at 806-371-5900. The AC Counseling Center website is https://www.actx.edu/counseling/ . Also, if you are in need of social services (affordable housing, utilities, transportation, food, clothing, childcare, medical/dental/vision, legal), please call the AC Advocacy & Resource Center at 806-371-5439. The AC Advocacy & Resource Center website is https://www.actx.edu/arc

Amarillo College Tutoring for Success Policy:

The Tutoring for Success policy applies to any student whose grade or performance in the course falls below a departmentally determined minimum threshold. In either of those cases, the instructor will direct the student to the appropriate tutoring service, which may be faculty-led, discipline-specific, and/or general. Under this policy, the instructor will follow specific departmental guidelines governing the use, duration, and grade component of the tutoring need.

Administrative Drop Policy

Students who do not attend class on or prior to the census date will be administratively dropped. Effective Fall, 2016

Student Withdrawal Procedures

Students who wish to withdraw from a course must complete all steps indicated on the Academic Withdrawal Request form by the course withdrawal deadline.

NOTE: Students who are attending Texas institutions of higher education, for the first time fall 2007 and later, may not withdraw from more than six courses during their academic career. This withdrawal limitation does not include dual credit or developmental classes (Senate Bill 1231 Rule 4.10.) For more information on Drop and Withdrawal Policies, please visit the Registrar's Office Web site.

Privacy Statement

The Amarillo College Privacy Policy is found at https://www.actx.edu/-amarillo-college-privacy-notice , and applies to all Amarillo College students.  If you have questions about this privacy statement or you believe that your personal information has been released without your consent, send email to humanresources@actx.edu .

Course

ARTV-2351-001 3-D Animation II

Prerequisites

Prerequisite: ARTC 1341

Course Description

Skill development in three-dimensional modeling and rendering techniques using lighting, staging and special effects for digital output. Emphasis on the production of three-dimensional (3-D) animation as final digital outputting using modeling, rendering and animation software.

Student ResourcesStudent Resources Website

Department Expectations

Occupational License Disclaimer

Notice to Students enrolled in an educational program for preparation of issuance of certain occupational licenses:

Students enrolled in an educational program in preparation for obtaining certain occupational licenses are potentially ineligible for such license if the student has been convicted of an offense. For further information, please contact:

Melodie Graves
Justice Involved Advocate
Student Service Center 117
mgraves24@actx.edu
806-371-5995
Make appointment at https://melodiegraves.youcanbook.me

You can also contact the Legal Clinic, or the faculty member in charge of the educational program that you seek to enroll in. The further information you will receive will include notification to you of your right to request a criminal history evaluation letter from the licensing authority in order to clarify your particular situation.

Hours

(3 sem hrs; 2 lec, 4 lab)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

No Textbook Required

Supplies

Access to a reliable computer and reliable internet. You are encouraged to use the lab to complete your assignments. If you have a computer or laptop at home, be sure to install the same version of Blender used in lab. Not all labs have Blender installed. (Rm 308, RM 312 and Rm 220 do have Blender 2.9.x installed) You will also be required to scan your notes, sketches, storyboards and pencil tests. (I recommend sketching and taking notes digitally) Access to a scanner is mandatory if you plan on using paper to sketch and take notes. Scanning will be encouraged to be done before and after class to avoid disrupting class. 

Access to online service like Google Drive or some other cloud storage service to backup your project files. (do not completely rely on flash drives or hard drives to back up your files - they get lost, stolen, and damaged) "I don't have my flashdrive today" is not an acceptable excuse for late work.

Wacom Intuos Drawing Tablet (at least a small) there are wireless and wired versions available. Price difference between these is around $20. 

Wireless - Around $99 Model:CTL4100WLK0  SKU:6196634

Wired - Around $79   Model:CTL4100  SKU:6196636

  • USB 3 Storage device 64 gb or higher (external hard drive recommended) 
  • 1 subject notebook (wide ruled will be fine) for notes
  • Pen for taking notes - black or blue
  • Index Cards - (For Story Boarding)
  • X-acto knife with #11 replacement blades (for product desing projects) 
  • Sketchbook 9x12 or smaller (must fit on Scanner)
  • Graph paper - (recommended but not required) 
  • A metal ruler (a metal 18" ruler  - can't cut through it when using exacto blades) 
  • COPIC sketch Markers (3 or 5 set)  Neutral Gray - for shading sketches and storyboards (recommended but not required) 
  • Staedtler 9-piece Math Set - Compass, automatic pencil, 6" 180° protractor, 12" folding ruler, 45° triangle, 60° triangle, extra lead and white eraser. Flip-open storage box for simple organization (recommended but not required) 
  • Pencils - will discuss in class
  • PrismaColor  "COL_ERASE " Blue Pencil - Bookstore has some 
  • Red Pencil 
  • Eraser - please choose a non-marking eraser like a Kneaded eraser or a PrismaColor Magic Rub
  • Fine Point Sharpie - black
  • Extra Fine Point Sharpie - black 
  • Colored Pencils 12 count minimum

NOTE: Additional supplies may be needed as the semester progresses. You will be notified before any additional supplies will be needed. Some projects may need to be printed off Campus. Plan to have a print budget throughout the semester. 

Student Performance

End of Course Outcomes:  

By the end of the course you will know how to successfully navigate the many tool, panels, and modes to create and Animate 3D Models using Blender 2.9.x You demonstrate knowledge of texturing, lighting, rigging, animating, and Rendering your 3D objects and scenes. This course is meant to help you prepare the assets you will need to create your portfolio. 

Specific Performance/Learning Objectives (minimum competencies)

In this course you will demonstrate knowledge of:

The basics of 3D Modeling and Rendering in Blender 2.9. 

Creating and editing Materials

Texturing with Procedural Maps and Nodes

UV unwrapping and mapping

Texturing / Painting

Lighting

Scene Development and staging

Sculpting (the basics) 

Fundamentals of Topology and Retopology

Adding and animating Cameras

Compositing

Model and animate a Biped

Create Normal Maps

Create/use FK and IK Rigs

Animate 2D elements with Grease Pencil

Use Blender to help create Concept Art

Additional  Course Description:  

We will continue to learn the importance of a deadline, cover time management, give and receive peer to peer critiques, work in groups to further understand the limits, setbacks, and advantages of working in a team setting. You will learn some of the basic terminology and better understand the process behind creating and identifying good and bad modeling habits. We will discuss and review the social impact 3D Modeling and Rendering has on our every day lives. You will be asked to work on assignment outside of class individually and as a group. You will produce your own reference materials. You will photograph objects in your home, on campus, and in class. You are expected to know how to convert units of measure. You will be given objects that need "fixing" to encourage problem solving. You will be asked to choose a field that interests you so that you can focus your skills to help develop your portfolio. 

Students Rights and Responsibilities

Student Rights and Responsibilities

Log in using the AC Connect Portal

In order to receive your AC Connect Email, you must log in through AC Connect at https://acconnect.actx.edu .

If you are an active staff or faculty member according to Human Resources, use "Exchange". All other students, use "AC Connect (Google) Email".

Expected Student Behavior

  • Communication devices will be required to be kept inside your purse, bag or pocket.
  • Cell phones and other communication devices must be turned to silent.
  • No texting during lecture, critique or class room instruction.
  • No social networking of any kind during class time.
  • Students are required to come to class prepared with all supplies.
  • Student are expected to be respectful to each other and to all faculty.
  • Critiques are to be constructive and professional. Cruelty will not be tolerated.
  • Good attendance and strong communication about absences if they are absolutely necessary. 
  • Ask for help if and when you need it! 
  • If you choose to wear a mask, it must be worn over your mouth AND nose at all times while you are in class.
  • Wipe down your workspace before you leave. (we will all need to work together to insure a safe and clean learning space)
  • If and when you are distance learning, prompt attendance is still required in order to receive class content. 
  • Meet your deadlines!  Extensions are subject to approval. Proof of illness may be required. 

PLAGIARISM

The student understands that plagiarism will not be tolerated in this class.  Plagiarism is defined by the Amarillo College Student Handbook as: “...the appropriating, buying, receiving as a gift, or obtaining by any means another’s work and the unacknowledged submission or incorporation of it in one’s own written work.” This also includes copying Internet or written sources in any course assignment discussions or projects without citing the source, as well as copying another student’s work for this course.  If a student is found plagiarizing any material in the course, it will result in a grade of "0" for that assignment discussion or project and can result in disciplinary action and expulsion of the student from the course. 

COPYRIGHT NOTICE: 

Students must be aware and responsible for the Copyright Notice for the course: The materials on this course website are only for the use of students enrolled in this course for the purposes associated with this course and may not be retained or further disseminated.

DROPPING, WITHDRAWING, AND NON-CREDIT STATUS

The student is responsible for dropping courses, withdrawing from college by the last day to drop a course, changing to non-credit status, etc., if the need arises. See the Amarillo College master calendar on the AC website and our course calendar for the date of the last day to drop a course.  The instructor will not drop any student after the last day to drop a course. (this may change) To drop a course, you must receive written approval from your instructor. Call ASK AC (806-371-5000) for more information on how to drop a course if you have any further questions. 

Grading Criteria

Class Grade Breakdown

Projects - 40%

The majority of time spent in class will be devoted to major projects covering different areas of 3D Modeling, Rendering, Scene Development, and Animation. All 3D animations will require proper planning and time management to ensure deadlines are met. There will be approximately 8 major projects throughout the semester accompanied by a number of smaller projects, lessons and knowledge tests. The amount of these will be determined by overall class participation and understanding of the material.

Final - 20% 

In addition to the 8 major projects, you will be expected to plan and properly execute a final project using the skills and knowledge you acquired throughout the Semester. You will not be allowed to ask peers or tutors for help with your Final Project. All work must be yours and yours alone. Time management will be crucial. 

Dailies - 20%

We will do approximately 5 "daily" projects which will usually be completed within the span of one class day. Your activity grade is a measure of whether you are completing each daily task and staying on track with the class. For that reason, points may be deducted from Activity for reasons such as tardiness and not abiding by class guidelines. 

Participation - 20% 

We will do approximately 5 "Participation" projects which will usually be completed within the span of one or two class days. Your participation grade is a measure of whether you are completing the assigned tasks and staying on track with the class. Participation projects may require you to work with your peers and you will be graded based on your contribution and effort. Points may be deducted from "Participation" for reasons such as tardiness and not abiding to the project guidelines. 

 

• All projects are due when class starts on the day they are specified to be submitted by the instructor. (unless otherwise noted by the instructor in writing) 

• LATE PROJECTS and EXERCISES WILL NOT BE TOLERATED. Instructor will evaluate circumstances with each student individually to determine the consequences of LATE work submissions.

• Instructor reserves the right to decline the acceptance of any and all late work.

• LATE PROJECTS will receive a 0 (zero) and will not be eligible for a "REDO" option.

• All LATE exercises and projects must still be present and completed in the Dropbox.

•  Instructor reserves the right to decline the acceptance of any class work or projects that are significantly incomplete.

•  Students are responsible for staying informed of their grades and status in the class.

 

Each project will receive a grade from 0 - 100. The criteria for grading is listed below. Individual project criteria will be discussed during class, before the project is graded:

  • Concept / Project Goal ( 0 | 5 | 10 | 15 | 20 )
  • Met the overall conceptual and practical goals of the project. Notes, reference materials, measurements.
  • Project Specification ( 0 | 5 | 10 | 15 | 20 )
  • Project was submitted in the proper format, according to the projects specifications, and followed project guidelines.
  • Professionalism ( 0 | 5 | 10 | 15 | 20 )
  • Project was submitted in a timely fashion, exhibits proper craftsmanship and physical presentation, and is presented in a suitable manner to instructor and class.
  • Design ( 0 | 5 | 10 | 15 | 20 )
  • Demonstrates an understanding of modeling, rendering, texturing, lighting and timing for animations and the student uses these effectively to achieve the assigned task.
  • Artwork ( 0 | 5 | 10 | 15 | 20 )
  • Project exhibits appropriate and effective use of chosen or specified medium. Includes notes, sketches, digital renders and/or printed versions of you work. 

Point Value Definitions:

0: Fails to meet requirements | 10: Meets minimal requirements | 20: Clearly understands and accomplishes goal. Well above average.

Grading Schema:

A: 90 or above

B: 80-89

C: 70-79

D: 60-69

F: 59 or below

Attendance

ABSENCES

Students will be allowed 2 unexcused absences without penalty. After the second unexcused absence, 1 letter grade will be deducted from the total class grade for each additional absence. 6 absences will result in automatic failure of the course. A breakdown of penalties for absence is presented below:

  • Up to 2 Absences: No penalty
  • 3 Absences: Loss of 1 letter grade
  • 4 Absences: Loss of 2 letter grades
  • 5 Absences: Loss of 3 letter grades
  • 6 Absences: Failure of course

Any exceptions to the above policy will be made at the discretion of the instructor. For an absence to be excused, instructor may require appropriate documentation of the reason for absence.

Late arrival of more than 30 minutes, or early departure of more than 30 minutes will be counted as an absence. On days designated as Work Days or for individual consultation, leaving without first checking in with instructor will result in an absence.

 

TARDINESS

3 tardies = no penalty

4 or more tardies = 1 point removed from final Activity grade per tardy after 3.

INSTRUCTOR RESERVES THE RIGHT TO DISALLOW LATE ENTRANCE INTO THE CLASSROOM. In such cases grades for Attendance, Activity, Quizzes, and Exercises for that day will be lost. You may sign in no earlier than 15 minutes prior to class and no later than 30 minutes after class has begun. Any earlier or later may result in an absence. 

 

• Students will be responsible for swiping their own badge by the door for attendance.(Attendance is registered through Blackboard by swiping your badge at the door. If you do not have your badge, you may use the Ellucian app on your mobile device to scan)

• Instructor is not responsible for student's failure to sign in with badge or Ellucian app.

• Failure by student to sign in using their badge or Ellucian app will result in an absence.

• Any student caught swiping another students badge will be reported for dishonest conduct and all parties involved may be subject to academic disciplinary action pending investigation. 

• Students may request a review of their own attendance record with the instructor outside of class time.

 

LEAVING EARLY FROM CLASS REPEATEDLY WITHOUT GOOD CAUSE OR REASON WILL EFFECT YOUR GRADE (SEE SECTIONS 5A, 5C)

Calendar

Note: Dates are tentative and may change according to the progress of the class as a whole. Changes in the schedule will be announced during class and posted in your daily handouts found in the On-Campus server. Specific assignments and due dates will be provided in the daily handout found in the On-Campus Server. 

3D ANIMATION II

1. Review / Warm-up

Week 1 &  2

For the first few weeks we will  dust off the cobwebs and crawl back into the role of a Modeler. We will build a quick scene and add a few objects to animate. We will add a camera and render out a quick animation. We will also revisit Grease Pencil.

Mon. Aug. 23 - Wed. Aug. 25 - Syllabus

Mon. Aug. 30 - Wed. Sept. 01

2. Pre-Rigged Character Animation

Week 3 & 4

During weeks 3 & 4 you will be given a pre-rigged character to practice with. You will be given example 2D scenes to replicate in 3D. (think walk, climb, lift heavy object, fight or dance etc...)

Mon. Sept. 06 - (LABOR DAY)  Wed. Sept. 08

Mon. Sept. 13 -  Wed. Sept. 15

3. PLANNING YOUR PROJECT

Week 5 & 6

During weeks 5 and 6 you will be tasked with planning and beginning your final animations. Storyboards and animatics will be due by the the end of week 8. (before fall break) You will create your scene/environment, add texture/paint, lighting, cameras, etc... You will model a simple character, texture/paint it, rig it, and animate it. I recommend that you use reference footage for timing.

Mon. Sept. 20 -  Wed. Sept. 22

Mon. Sept. 27 -  Wed. Sept. 29

4. Storyboard / Animatic / Reference Footage

Week 7 & 8

It may seem counter productive to go back to drawing and planning your animation with grease pencil... but this could not be further from the truth. Working out the timing and spacing in advance will reduce time wasted trying to “get it right” later when your character is fully rigged and ready to animate. Showing the entire process from “concept to completion” will be necessary when it comes time to add content for you portfolio.

Mon. Oct. 04 -  Wed. Oct. 06

Mon. Oct. 11 -  Wed. Oct. 13

5. MODELING

Week 9 & 10

You may reach this step before week 9 and 10. After you present your Animatics, it will be time to model your scene, your character (s) and any other content you will need for your animations. You will be unwrapping them, painting and or texturing them, adding lights, cameras and exporting them by the end of the semester. I will have regular progress checks to be sure you not falling behind.

Mon. Oct. 18 -  Wed. Oct. 20 - (WK 09 FALL BREAK)

Mon. Oct. 25 -  Wed. Oct. 27 - (Second half of the Semester begins)

6. Video Editing

Week 11 & 12

We will cover how to add rendered content BACK into Blender to edit. Here will add sounds and export MP4s. We will explore using EEVEE and CYCLES. (CYCLES rendering will take longer)

Mon. Nov. 01 -  Wed. Nov. 03

Mon. Nov. 08 -  Wed. Nov. 10

7. TROUBLE SHOOTING

Week 13 & 14

It will be tempting to export your animations at full resolution, but it is important that we expor low res samples first to check for timing issues, camera glitches or missing images and textures. Check your animation timing and make revisions where they are needed. This is the time to fix any major mistakes.

Mon. Nov. 15 -  Wed. Nov. 17

Mon. Nov. 22 -  Wed. Nov. 24

8. FINAL PROJECT

Week 15 & 16

Depending on the complexity of your scenes and models, and the graphics capabilities of our computers, we may not have the time or power to export our animations using CYCLES. We will all need to plan on exporting an EEVEE version for sure.

Mon. Nov. 29 -  Wed. Dec. 01

Mon. Dec. 06 -  Wed. Dec. 08

9. FINAL PRESENTATION

Week 17

Mon. Dec. 13 - Final Presentation

Wed. Dec. 15 - No class

 

Additional Information

CLASS DROPS:—Students dropping classes must drop by the due date as per AC Schedule or receive an F for abandoning the course without notice.

Project-specific information will be provided to you during class. Daily and/or weekly handouts with specific details for each project and it’s deadline will be given to you via the on-campus server and through the Zoom Chat window. This is to encourage attendance! Should you miss a class, be sure to check the On Campus Server in the Carrillo /3D ANIM II folder for the handout and or project materials before asking the instructor or other students what you missed. It is your responsibility to check the server each class for any new or updated content. This on-campus server is not the same as Blackboard. 

Syllabus Created on:

08/21/21 6:29 PM

Last Edited on:

08/21/21 6:45 PM