CS 395 | Introduction to Computer Animation (Practical Environment: MAYA)
Summer Quarter 2005
M W 1:00 to 3:30pm
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CS 395 -- Introduction to Computer Animation

  
News: There will be no class the week of July 4th; Stay tuned for make up class times.
Course description:
  This introductory course allows students to explore computer animation through the use of the Maya software animation package. During the course students develop skills in digital modeling, basic texturing and simple rendering in order to understand the steps and procedures that lead to the completion of an computer animations. A key element of this course is the design relationship between virtual and actual objects, such the design of computer graphics models based on abstracting elements of the real world. The class is project based with the ultimate goal of being able to create simple computer animations. We will be using a commercial animation package: Maya
  Planned topics include: Modeling, shading, lighting, character modeling and character animation
  Students should eventually be able to create a short animation by using 3d package like Maya to tell a story or express his or her individual message.
Text Books:
 
The Art of 3-D: Computer Animation and Imaging
(3rd Edition, ISBN: 0471430366)
--By Isaac Victor Kerlow
Book's web site
A great introduction book to 3D graphic, which covers almost entire field of 3D graphics.  It shows a lot of examples from professional work, explains the basic concepts of creating models, animation, and renderings.

-> Required
Grading:
 
Your final grade will be based on:
70%*
 Projects (six over the quarter)
10%*
Quizzes, dates TBA
20%*
 Class Participation and Attendance
 
  A 90-100%
B 80-89%
C 70-79%
D 60-69%
F <60%
  Plus and minus scores will be assigned at the high and low ends of each of these ranges at the instructor's discretion. (No A+ or D-)
Projects:
  Projects will be posted weekly to the course website.
  Late projects will be penalized 25% for each day that they are late (including Saturday and Sunday) and under no circumstances will they be accepted more than three days late.
  Each student is given 48 hours of penalty-free lateness towards projects
  Redo: Each student will have the ability to resubmit up two projects for upto 60% on the points they missed. Redo projects must be submitted with the words "Regrade Project X" in the subject line, in addition to including the orignal grading sheet with the word "REGRADE" next to any points you want to be regraded.
Quizzes
 

You must take quizzes during the scheduled time period. Make-ups will be given only in case of a serious emergency, in which case the emergency must be documented. If you anticipate a scheduling conflict, notify me at least a week in advance of the conflict.

  Each student may miss one quiz penalty free (ie drop lowest quize score)
Attendance:
 

Since this is primarily a hands-on class, attendance is mandatory. However, if you are absent from class, you are responsible for understanding the material and for finding out about any announcements made in that class.

  Each student may miss one class without loosing participation/attendance points.


Plagiarism:
 

The university and school policy on plagiarism can be summarized as follows: Students in this course, as well as all other courses in which independent research or writing play a vital part in the course requirements should be aware of the strong sanctions that can be imposed against someone guilty of plagiarism. If proven, a charge of plagiarism could result in an automatic F in the course and possible expulsion. The strongest of sanctions will be imposed on anyone who submits as his/her own work a report, examination paper, computer file, lab report, or other assignment which has been prepared by someone else. If you have any questions or doubts about what plagiarism entails or how to properly acknowledge source materials be sure to consult the instructor.


Incompletes:
 

An incomplete grade is given only for an exceptional reason such as a death in the family, a serious illness, etc. Any such reason must be documented. Any incomplete request must be made at least two weeks before the final, and approved by the Dean of the School of Computer Science, Telecommunications and Information Systems. Any consequences resulting from a poor grade for the course will not be considered as valid reasons for such a request.