Introduction to 3D Animation-Syllabus
CENTER COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY COURSE –3D Level 1-2
COURSE DESCRIPTION AND EXPECTATIONS
Instructor: Mr. Jerry Esparza
Credit: 5 Semester Hours
Prerequisite: Intro to CCT
Phone: 720-423-7135
E-mail: jerry_esparza@dpsk12.org
Date: 2011 -2012
Download 3D Class Syllabus pdf file
COURSE DESCRIPTION
- This course is the foundational level for the 3d class. Students will be learning high-end software to build 3d models and also learn how to animate the models. Cinema 4D, Illustrator, Photoshop, Final Cut Express, Inspiration software will be used to teach the class. Topics include: modeling, texturing, lighting, storytelling, and design principles. Students will begin creating projects that demonstrate their ability to understand the principles of 3d modeling and creating animation using basic camera and object animation. Critical thinking and analysis is part of being a good designer. You will be given the opportunity often to reflect on your work and demonstrate your understanding of key concepts in 3d modeling and animation.
- MATERIALS
- Many of the classroom lessons are video tutorials. Therefore, students are required to have their own headphones everyday in class. Not having headphones will prevent students from doing their blog response and having full access to the class tutorials. Coming without headphones will keep students from doing the assignment and will cause them to get behind with their class assignments. (I will have headphones available for sale if a student desires to purchase them)
- Headphone must be obtained by Aug. 25th, 2011.
- FEES There is a $40 fee for this class. This fee pays for software and school supplies, this lab fee includes part of your membership dues to SkillsUSA if you choose to join. Please turn the money in to Mr. Esparza by Friday Sept 2nd, 2011. Checks should be made payable to Thomas Jefferson High School
- Open Lab: The computer lab will be open during lunch at 3 days a week for students who need to complete make up assignments. See posted schedules for lab days. The Lab is also open during Excel time. Students are expected to use this time if they need to do makeup work.
MAKE-UP and LATE WORK Excused Absence: The student will be allowed one day for each day absent, plus one extra day to make up work and tests missed.
Unexcused Absence: The student receives a grade of no more than 50% of any work missed as a result of an unexcused absence.
Late Work: I realize there will be times when unforeseen circumstances (particularly with computers) make it difficult for work to be completed on time. Students need to work out a plan with the teacher if such situations occur. After the due date, grades points will decrease daily by 10% up to 50% of possible points. Please plan for the unexpected when completing assignments so that there is ample time to complete all work on time.
Open Lab: The computer lab will be open during lunch at least 3 days a week for students who need to complete make up assignments. See posted schedules for lab days. Also open during Excel time on Wednesday.
GRADING Grading will be based upon assignments, journals, projects, and participation. There may be a group project where individuals will be responsible for their share of the group project. There will also be a team grade. Grading is cumulative for the semester. Student with grades below a C will be expected to use Excel Time.
COURSE CONTENT
Course content will include, but is not limited to:
Personal & Project Management
•Introduction to and practice with techniques for individual and team planning.
•Use of a Project Management Template to organize individual and group projects.
•Use Inspiration software as a tool to aid brainstorming and organization.
•Use project management skills to plan and complete a team challenge.
•Maintain Wiki webpage to organize, display, and manage projects
3D Animation and Graphic Principles
3D animation terms and definitions.
Storytelling Elements Hero’s Journey.
Design principles- Color Theory
Design principles- Composition.
Modeling- Styles
Animation principals
Modeling approaches
Modeling techniques
Designing –Texture
Designing- Lighting
Creating 3D models with Cinema 4D
• Overview of Interface
• Creating simple polygons
• Creating hypernurbs
• Adding textures
• Using Splines
• Manipulating Lights
• Adding HDRI’s
• Learning the timeline-animation
• Rendering
Basic use of Photoshop and Illustrator for 3D Design.
Learn the interface and tools
How layers are used
Understanding the color picker
Using filters to create surface textures
- Final Cut Express
- Importing files
- Editing clips
- Adding Text
- Adding Transitions
- Adding Sound and Music
ASSIGNMENTS:
Blogging: 2-3 entries a week- due within the 1st 15 minutes of class
Participation: Being in class on time, staying on assigned task (no internet surfing), bring your headphones
Personal Management: Setting goals, responsibilities and timelines, organized folders, back up working files
Daily Assignments: Watch or read tutorial, complete skill building assignments, turn in assignment
Project: There will be one or two RFP assignment projects..
Final: There will be a project final at the end of the semester. Weight grade is about 30% for semester grade.