ClassInfo

ANI 393 Topics in 3D Animation

Winter 2010-2011
Class number: 25523
Section number: 801
Th 5:45PM - 9:00PM
CDM 00722 Loop Campus

Summary

This will be a specialized class in which students will learn complex modeling techniques in Zbrush (and Maya). The main focus of the class work will be the students final project, which they will work on through much of the course. The goal for the final project will be a Zbrush model that is worthy of the students demo reel (if they so choose).



Texts

None.



Grading

Since this is a performance based class (and industry) students will be judged based almost entirely on their projects (however, things such as effort and a good attitude will be taken into account also. A student who spends too much class time goofing off on the internet or working on homework for other classes will receive a reduced class participation score).

Grading will be as follows:

10% - Class participation
50% - Projects
40% - Final Project

A = 100-93, A- = 92-90, B+ = 89-88, B = 87-83, B- = 82-80, C+ = 79-78, C = 77-73, C- = 72-70, D+ = 69-68, D = 67-63, D- = 62-60, F = 59-0


Prerequisites

Students must have an intermediate understanding of polygon modeling and UV layout techniques in Maya. Also, they must have at least an intermediate understanding of Photoshop.


Class Work

Projects must be handed in on time. On time means submitted through COLWeb one hour BEFORE class starts. Students who use class time to finish assignments the day they are due will forfeit the right to hand in that assignment. Class time is for working with the material at hand, not finishing late assignments.

Late work:

Late work will not be accepted unless approved of PRIOR to the class in which it is due or accompanied by a valid excuse.

All assignments handed in digitally must be in the following format (please note upper and lower case usage):

lastnameFirstname_projectname.extention

Example: voorheesAren_project1.ZTL

5 Points will be deducted for improperly named files!


Attendance

Student absences are not expected to exceed more than 10% (2 absences) of the number of the classes scheduled for the semester. Each absence after the second will subtract 10% from your final grade.

The student is responsible for any lectures or assignments missed. If an assignment is due a week that you are absent, it is your responsibility to make sure it still arrives on time.

IMPORTANT: You may not miss the final class date. Doing so will equal an automatic two letter grade reduction of your final grade. If for some reason you cannot make one of these dates you must contact your instructor BEFORE the class that you must miss. Excuses given after the fact will not be accepted.

No incompletes will be given without documented proof of circumstances beyond your control.

Anticipated Class topics:
(Note - Class topics are subject to change throughout semester).



Basics of Zbrush

Human head anatomy/Skull sculpting Human torso anatomy sculpting Human arm modeling/detailing with 3D layers Creature modeling using Zspheres/Zsketch Poly Painting/Creating texture maps from your model Work on final project 1 Work on Final project 2 Work on Final project 3 Work on Final project 4

School policies:

Changes to Syllabus

This syllabus is subject to change as necessary during the quarter. If a change occurs, it will be thoroughly addressed during class, posted under Announcements in D2L and sent via email.

Online Course Evaluations

Evaluations are a way for students to provide valuable feedback regarding their instructor and the course. Detailed feedback will enable the instructor to continuously tailor teaching methods and course content to meet the learning goals of the course and the academic needs of the students. They are a requirement of the course and are key to continue to provide you with the highest quality of teaching. The evaluations are anonymous; the instructor and administration do not track who entered what responses. A program is used to check if the student completed the evaluations, but the evaluation is completely separate from the student’s identity. Since 100% participation is our goal, students are sent periodic reminders over three weeks. Students do not receive reminders once they complete the evaluation. Students complete the evaluation online in CampusConnect.

Academic Integrity and Plagiarism

This course will be subject to the university's academic integrity policy. More information can be found at http://academicintegrity.depaul.edu/ If you have any questions be sure to consult with your professor.

All students are expected to abide by the University's Academic Integrity Policy which prohibits cheating and other misconduct in student coursework. Publicly sharing or posting online any prior or current materials from this course (including exam questions or answers), is considered to be providing unauthorized assistance prohibited by the policy. Both students who share/post and students who access or use such materials are considered to be cheating under the Policy and will be subject to sanctions for violations of Academic Integrity.

Academic Policies

All students are required to manage their class schedules each term in accordance with the deadlines for enrolling and withdrawing as indicated in the University Academic Calendar. Information on enrollment, withdrawal, grading and incompletes can be found at http://www.cdm.depaul.edu/Current%20Students/Pages/PoliciesandProcedures.aspx.

Students with Disabilities

Students who feel they may need an accommodation based on the impact of a disability should contact the instructor privately to discuss their specific needs. All discussions will remain confidential.
To ensure that you receive the most appropriate accommodation based on your needs, contact the instructor as early as possible in the quarter (preferably within the first week of class), and make sure that you have contacted the Center for Students with Disabilities (CSD) at:
Lewis Center 1420, 25 East Jackson Blvd.
Phone number: (312)362-8002
Fax: (312)362-6544
TTY: (773)325.7296