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

Course Information

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Course

ARTV-1341-001 3-D Animation I

Prerequisites

Prerequisite: ARTV 1303 and ARTC 1325

Course Description

Three-dimensional (3-D) modeling and rendering techniques including lighting, staging, camera and special effects. Emphasizes 3-D modeling building blocks using primitives to create simple and complex objects.

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

I will have a list of books that are recommended for the course on Syllabus day. 

Any other reading material will be provided. 

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 2.8 installed) You will also be required to scan your notes, sketches, storyboards and pencil tests. Access to a scanner is mandatory. Scanning will be encouraged to be done before and after class to avoid disrupting class. 

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

  These may be available in the Bookstore. They can also be purchased at Best Buy or online. 

  Wireless - Around $99 Model:CTL4100WLK0  SKU:6196634

  Wired - Around $79   Model:CTL4100  SKU:6196636

•  

• PLEASE WAIT TO BUY THE MATERIALS BELOW UNTIL AFTER WE HAVE OUR FIRST CLASS
• SOME MATERIALS MAY BE NOT BE NEEDED DUE TO COVID 
•  
• Storage device 64 gb or higher (external hard drive recommended) 
• 3 Button Mouse
• Headphones (to use while editing, attending zoom meetings, and/or following tutorals)
• 1 subject notebook (wide ruled will be fine) for taking notes 
• Pen for taking notes - black or blue
• Index Cards - (For Story Boarding)
• X-acto knife with #11 replacement blades 
• 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)
• 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)
• 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 Prisma-Color 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 3D Models using Blender 3.0 You will learn how to texture, light, Model, Rig, Animate and Render your 3D objects and scenes. This course is meant to be the foundation for 3D animation II. It is intended to build on what you have already learned in 3D Modeling and Rendering. 

Specific Performance/Learning Objectives (minimum competencies)

In this course you will learn:

More basics of 3D Modeling and Rendering in Blender 3.0

Create and edit Materials

Texture with Procedural Maps

UV mapping

Texturing

Lighting

Sculpting

Set up a scene and adjust the Camera for rendering 

Fundamentals of Topology and Retopology

Model, Rig and animate a Biped

Create Normal Maps

Create FK and IK Rigs

Animate 2D elements with Grease Pencil

Use Blender to help create Concept Art

Additional  Course Description:  

We will 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. 

 

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

• Cell phones and communication devices will be required to be kept inside your purse, bag or pocket.
• Cell phones and 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 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.  

Students are expected to come to class on time with their supplies. Studens are expected to back up their projects to the cloud on a regular basis.

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, Rigging, Animating and Rendering. 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

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 in class. Daily or weekly handouts with specific details for each project and it’s deadline will be given to you via the on-campus server. This is to encourage attendance. Should you miss a class, be sure to check the Server in the "Carrillo /3D" 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.