Gulf Coast Community College 5230 West U.S. Highway 98 Panama City, FL 32401-1058 Ph: (850) 769-1551/toll free: (800) 311-3685 Website: http://technology.gulfcoast.edu *This course requires an email address and access to the Internet. DIG2302 3D Modeling and Animation Prerequisite: none Student Checklist  Visit the GCCC Technology Division Web site at http://technology.gulfcoast.edu for detailed program information.  If you do not already have an account on Blackboard, go to http://cms.gulfcoast.edu/ and establish an account. One account serves all classes. (NOTE: Contact/e-mail the instructor once you have an account. You will not be able to view the course site until classes begin and the instructor provides access.) Orientation There is no scheduled orientation for this course. Be sure to check the current college schedule of classes for meeting dates, times, and room location. Any orientation concerns will be addressed during the first sessions of class. Instructor TBA Phone: (850) 769-1551, ext.3875-Division Secretary or ext. 3876-Division Chair Office: Technology Building E-mail: TBA Course Description 3 credit hours, 45 contact hours. Participants in this course will have an opportunity to explore the skills and techniques associated 3D modeling and Animation. This is an introductory course in creating three-dimensional digital animation. The software 3D Studio-Max, or an appropriate substitution will be used. Students will explore the concepts of light, shadow, foreshortening, nurbs, polygons, textures, keyframes, and rendering processes as they relate to digital animation and 3D modeling. Objectives Students completing this course will be able to: 1. Define 3D animation and differentiate it from other forms of animation 2. Perform a variety of software functions from tutorials or in-class demos 3. Discuss conceptual issues related to creating 3-D animated artwork 4. Demonstrate the ability to create wire-frame models and apply textures and lighting 5. Construct 3D animation projects in teams and individuallyCourse Materials and Resources Textbooks: AutoDesk 3DS Max 8 Revealed Projects Workbook, Author: Max Dutton Edition: 001 ISBN: 1418860166 Copyright: 2 and Exploring 3D modeling with 3DS Max 8 ISBN: 1418052612 Copyright: 2007 1 Online Materials: Students will access course materials through the college’s Blackboard server located at http://www.gulfcoast.edu (click Blackboard link) 2 Other required equipment: A 512 Meg Travel or Jumpdrive is needed to transfer images and media. Students must provide their own jump drives (USB compatible) Method of Instruction The core method of taking college courses requires much individual discipline to keep up with the course study schedule. As a face-to-face and Web-based blended course, the methods of instruction rely on lecture techniques combined with in-class and online activities and resources. If you are new to the college’s course management system (Blackboard) and online activities using the Internet, please contact your instructor for recommended resources for assistance. Step 1: Begin each unit by examining the course outline for assigned chapters. Read announcement letter for each unit on Blackboard. A new announcement will be posted each Monday. It is vital that you access the course page weekly to be aware of course information. Each week will have reading and online activities consisting of chapter quizzes, and a Discussion Board topic to be completed. These assignments will be listed under the link "Weekly Schedule." Step 2: Read the text assignment. Turn topic headings into questions and highlight major points as you read (not whole paragraphs). Consider taking notes from your reading. Learning Objectives are provided (see Course Materials and Resources). Step 3: Complete the online activities as directed within the Blackboard course site. Step 4: Re-read and review. Look at your highlighted sections and any notes you've taken. Perform self-tests, and online practice quizzes, to assess your understanding as assigned. Special Concerns: Effective teamwork is essential in animation development. This course will require you to work in cooperative groups. Be prepared to work with others in lengthy interdependent projects for this course. Evaluation Completion of 4 assignments (see matrix below) Project 1: 3D rendered image 10% Project 2: Story board for 3-D animation project 15%Project 3: Animation of 15 seconds (they can be longer), 15 fps, either 320 x 240 or 640 x 480, plus 4 to 6 hi-res still images in JPEG format from the animation which showcase detail and dynamic poses or angles. 20% Final Project - Animation of 30 seconds to 5 minutes (they can be longer), 15-30 fps, either 320 x 240 or 640 x 480, plus 4 to 6 hi-res still images in JPEG format from the animation which showcase detail and dynamic poses or angles. (design/concept=10%) (animation=15%) (sound = 10%) 35% Class Participation: attendance, online discussions, readings, written & oral responses to readings 20% Final grades are based on the average of your test scores and on-line activities as follows: A = 90-100; B = 80-89; C = 70-79; D = 60-69; F = 0-59. *NOTE: Accommodations for students with disabilities or special needs may be arranged by contacting the instructor on an individual basis. Withdrawal Policy Withdrawals initiated prior to midterm will be recorded as “W.” Withdrawals initiated the week after the posting of midterm grades will be recorded as “W” if passing and “F” if failing. NOTE: While withdrawals are not calculated in grade point averages, they may influence admission decisions, particularly in competitive programs. Students are permitted a maximum of two withdrawals per course. On the third attempt, students must pay fees at 100 percent of the full costs of instruction (equivalent to out-of-state fees) and will receive a grade for the course. Students are allowed to repeat courses where “D” and “F” grades were earned in order to improve their grades. Students are limited to two (2) repeat attempts per course. The last grade earned is counted as the final