Description:

Three Dimensional Digital Media and Animation. A studio course focusing on the production and animation of three- dimensional objects on the computer and in real space. Students will be introduced to concepts of 3-D animation for cinema, video, sculpture, or interactive and Web markets. Movement in three dimensional XYZ coordinate space, timelines and intervals will be studied as well as modeling, lighting, and texture mapping. Students will learn to render virtual objects on the computer and in real space using rapid prototyping technology. Students will become familiar with the history of the medium and contemporary art practice through the presentation of works by various artists, discussions and readings. Six hours of studio a week.

Prerequisite: Art 299

• To teach 3D modeling and animation as an art form.
• To introduce critical theory as it relates to 3D modeling and animation.
• Students will learn Character modeling.
• Students will learn Character Rigging.
• Students will learn the history of animation: stop-action, cell, roto-scoping.
• Students will learn to develop animations from concept to fully rendered animation.

Evaluation

• Students are evaluated regularly in one-on-one and in groups through critiques and on their ability to participate in the critiques.
• Students will address content, problem solving, craftsmanship, and creativity, during critiques.
• Students are evaluated by the instructor in a one-on-one review of works assigned for that review.
• Students are given a written evaluation of each assignment. The evaluation assesses the following items: concept, technique, problem solving, and challenging personal limits.
• Students are also evaluated as group at the end of each semester based on their digital art portfolio.

Accommodations for Disability
Note: If you are a qualified student with a disability seeking accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act, you are required to self-identify with the Office of Disability Services, Student Union, Room 1304. No accommodations will be granted without documentation from the Office of Disability Services. The deadline for registering or making accommodation changes is two weeks prior to the start of the Final Exam period. Any requests received after the deadline will generally be considered for the following semester.

Note:The last day to resign from the University or withdraw from classes, without a grade penalty, is Friday, November 3 Deadline at 12:30 p.m.

Note: “Free discussion, inquiry, and expression is encouraged in this class. Classroom behavior that interferes with either (a) the instructor’s ability to conduct the class or (b) the ability of students to benefit from the instruction is not acceptable. Examples may include routinely entering class late or departing early; use of communication devices, or other electronic devices; repeatedly talking in class without being recognized; talking while others are speaking; or arguing in a way that is perceived as “crossing the civility line.” In the event of a situation where a student legitimately needs to carry a communication device to class, prior notice and approval of the instructor is required.” Classroom behavior which is deemed inappropriate and cannot be resolved by the student and the faculty member may be referred to the Office of Judicial Affairs for administrative or disciplinary review as per the Code of Student Conduct which may be found at http://www.selu.edu/admin/stu_affairs/handbook/.

Internet use During Instruction Time:
Internet access is provided to each computer in the New Media Lab. Students are encouraged to use the internet and world wide web as a resource, research tool and window into contemporary culture. However, students are not to spend time on personal Facebook or other social media sites, shop or otherwise surf the web during instructional time when it does not directly pertain to a New Media project. Students will not, under any circumstances, use the computers or internet connection to play games during instructional time. If you are observed partaking in these activities during instructional or independent work time you will receive a 50% reduction in grade for the current assignment.

No cell phones during class - check your messages during breaks.

Academic Integrity
Students are expected to maintain the highest standards of academic integrity. Behavior that
violates these standards is not acceptable. Examples are the use of unauthorized material,
communication with fellow students during an examination, attempting to benefit from the work of another student and similar behavior that defeats the intent of an examination or other class work. Cheating on examinations, plagiarism, improper acknowledgment of sources in essays and the use of a single essay or paper in more than one course without permission are considered very serious offenses and shall be grounds for disciplinary action as outlined in the current General Catalogue.

Facility Use Policy:
With this newly equipped facility, the New Media + Animation lab is a state-of-the-art complex. Students who enter and study within this environment are expected to treat its many electronic facets with complete respect. There will be no storage of projects on the hard drives of work stations. You will be instructed on the policies with regard to the proper storage procedures within each class. Each work station has been set-up for the needs of students within this center and there will be no altering of hard drives, systems, changes in font listings or software programs. If changes within these configurations are found, increased security will be implemented.

Visual Arts + Design Unit Attendance Policy:
Students are expected to be punctual and attend all classes. Attendance will be recorded at the beginning of each class period. A student’s presence in class has a direct impact on overall course evaluation. Lectures, critiques, and in-class assignments are formative in shaping a student’s participation grade and overall success in the course.
If a student is absent within the first 14 days of the semester he/she may be withdrawn by the instructor. The last day to withdraw from this course is November 3 Deadline at 12:30 p.m. Students must drop the class if they plan not to attend, otherwise the appropriate failing grade will be assigned at the end of the semester. It is the student’s responsibility to make up any missed project, in-class assignment, or other information covered during class time.

Texts:
No required textbook for this class.

Supplies:
500 GB USB External Drive or larger.

Assignments:
In addition to the reading assignments you will have four imaging assignments. Most of the assignments will require that you make new models. Previous work can only be used with my approval. All assignments must be submitted as a digital file. You are required to keep backup copies of all of your files which means you will need at least one USB drive to archive your work.

Evaluation (testing and grading):

• Assignments - 60%
• Work in progress Critiques/Participation in Critiques - 30%
• Exams/Reading responses/Class Participation- 10%

Assignment grades will be based on the following criteria:

Concept 25%

• Complexity of subject matter
• Maturity of subject matter
• Appropriateness to audience

Technique 30%

• Modeling technique
• Texture and lighting technique
• Quality of graphics
• Composition/Timing

Problem Solving 25%

• Polygon count (fewer polygons the better for animation)
• Overcoming technical difficulties
• Utilizing resources

Challenging Personal Limits 20%

• Relative difficulty of project/concept
• Length/size of project/object
• Time management

Final Critique: Thursday, December 7, 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.

Project Requirements
Specific project requirements will be outlined as each project is assigned, however some guidelines will remain constant for all projects:

Critiques:
For every scheduled group critique students must present to the class their solution to the visual problem presented in class in a state of completion suitable for discussion. Work presented at critiques, and the students effective visual and oral presentation will be assigned a grade. Final submissions are then due a week after critique. (or by a time specified by the instructor).

Critiques and project submission
For every scheduled group critique students must present to the class their solution to the visual problem presented in class in a state of completion suitable for discussion. Work presented at critiques, and the student’s effective visual and oral presentation will be assigned a grade.

You must participate in group critique. Failure to show your work in critique will result in a 25% reduction in grade.

Final submissions are due before class one week later (or by a time specified by the instructor). It is your responsibility to make sure the instructor has your work on time.

Course Notes:
CourseNotes and other resource materials for this course can be found on the Coursework server in the DAC and on-line at <http://www.johnvalentino.com/Art393/393Notes.htm>. Please download a copy of the notes from the web site, and keep them on your USB Drive for future reference.

Computer applications and equipment
All software and equipment necessary for this course is available in the New Media and Animation studio. We will use Maya for 3D modeling and animation as well as After Effects for animation presentation.

Projects and Exercises

Students will be required to create a series of small and medium size digital 3D modeling/animation pieces. Assignments will cover the following three major forms: Modeling, Animation, Rapid Prototyping. Possible assignment could include:

• Assignment 1 Modeling: Planar Structures
  
• Assignment 2: Modeling the Organic: A 3D Portrait. Students will create a realistic bust of another student.
  
• Assignment 3: Rapid Prototyping sculpture: Spanning the virtual bridge: Multiples. Students will be using the rapid prototyping machine to "render" objects as a physical piece of interactive sculpture.
  
• Assignment 4: 3D/2D. In this assignment we will be using Maya to create a Tableau Vivant.
  

Exercises:

• Interface Essentials
• Manipulating Objects
• Polygonal Modeling
• NURBS Modeling
• Advanced Modeling
• Applying Textures
• Rendering in Maya / Rendering with Mental Ray
• Paint Effects
• Animating in Maya

Class Schedule: