TELEPHONE: 435-652-7970
OFFICE: Üdvar-Hazy Bldg., Room 324
SPRING 2008 CLASS INSTRUCTION:
2:00 a.m. to 2:50 a.m., MWF (section 01)
Üdvar-Hazy Bldg., Room 120
This course is an introduction to three-dimensional modeling and photorealistic rendering on the computer. Techniques for creating 3-D models, developing and applying textures, assembling scenes with expressive lighting, and rendering finished images or animations will be examined in detail. When a solid foundation in the basics of modeling, mapping, and rendering are fully understood, additional techniques used in animation will be explored as time allows.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
"Introduces student to three-dimensional modeling and rendering on the computer.Ê Techniques for creating 3-D models, defining and applying textures, assembling scenes and rendering images will be.Ê Gives students an additional computer-based tool to create realistic package and product designs, as well as exciting graphics for desktop or Internet publishing projects.Ê This is an upper division course in the CIT baccalaureate degree program. It may also be used as an elective in an Associate Degree of the Visual Technologies certificate.Ê Homework assignments require access to computer with the designated software installed.Ê May use Macintosh or PC-compatible computer.Ê Upon successful completion of this course, students should be able to create 3-D models of various complexities, then render still images and/or animation sequences for video, multimedia, or internet web page content. 3 lecture hours per week. Prerequisite: CS 1400 and VT 2500 and VT 2600" (Dixie State College Catalog, 2006-2007)
SUGGESTED PRE-REQUISITES
VT 1300, VT 2500, and VT 2600. (See the current course catalog and this semester's class schedule for more information about these courses.)
Familiarity with the MacOS and Windows operating systems is assumed. A solid understanding of file management — including the concept of file pathnames — is essential to successful delivery of your projects. A good working knowledge of Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator is expected. (Lack of functional working knowledge of computers in general and this software specifically may adversely affect your ability to succeed in this class.)
REQUIRED TEXTBOOK and SUGGESTED SUPPLIES:
- Storage media to backup and/or manage your coursework during the semester
- Multiple blank DVD-R/RW disks (to hold data and files)
- A USB flash drive of sufficient size (512 MB or larger)
- (optional) an external hard drive of usable size (120 GB or larger)
- Multiple blank DVD-R/RW disks (to hold data and files)
- Learning Autodesk Maya 8.x, Marc-André Guindon, primary author
©2006, Autodesk. ISBN: 1-897177-33-x.
SPECIAL NEEDS HELP:
If you are a student with a physical or mental impairment and would like to request accommodations, please contact the Disability Resource Center (652-7516) in Room 201 of the Student Services Center. The Disability Resource Center will determine your eligibility for services based upon complete professional documentation. If you are deemed eligible, the Disability Resource Center will further evaluate the effectiveness of your accommodation requests and will authorize reasonable accommodations that are appropriate for your disability.
ESCAPE CLAUSE:
The instructor reserves the right to change the specifics of this syllabus and the schedule (weekly topics of instruction, assignments, assignment details, due dates, etc.) as determined for the betterment of the class. Any changes will be announced in a timely manner during class instruction periods.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
The purpose of this course is to teach students how to use the computer as a 3-D modeling and visualization tool. Students will learn the technical aspects of the 3-D modeling software. Students will receive design projects at intervals throughout the quarter, which they will be expected to produce on the computer. Assignments are tailored to require the application of concepts presented in class periods. Students will learn to distinquish between effective and ineffective 3-D modeling approaches through instruction, exposure to expert examples, and course projects.
At the completion of the course, students will be expected to know the following technical skills:
- Gaining an appreciation of the history of three-dimensional modeling and image rendering.
- Understanding the technical and artistic uses of 3-D models.
- Drawing 2-D and 3-D objects using tools from the Tools palette.
- Navigation of 3-D space using 2-D tools and view planes
- Visualizing spatial relationships within a virtual 3-D environment
- Constructing 3-D objects using various modelers.
- Grouping and ungrouping objects
- linking and unlinking objects
- Parenting and unparenting objects
- Transforming objects and groups using various tools and methods
- Editing the geometry of both 2-D and 3-D objects at the vertex level
- Creating and applying various texture types, including difficult surface properties like glass, mirror, and metals.
- Mapping image created in external software using various methods and properties
- Creating textures/shaders that can accurately simulate real world surfaces
- Adding/inserting and adjusting each type of light source for effective lighting.
- Adding/Inserting and controlling each type of camera
- Understanding and implementing advanced lighting techniques using raytracing and photo mapping
- Using hierarchical construction techniques in larger 3-D projects.
- Building and scripting animations using hierarchical structuring.
- Choosing and setting the appropriate quality levels needed for specific image-rendering needs.
- Rendering still images of proscribed size using various rendering methods.
- Understanding the advantages and disadvantages of, and be able to use, various rendering methods.
- Rendering animation sequences into a popular digital video format.
- Using various types of camera objects for both still and animation rendering.
- Establishing rendering frame sizes according to project specifications for both still images and animations.
POLICIES, PROCEDURES and ASSIGNMENTS
Attendance is important to your success in this course; therefore, the grades earned will reflect your attendance habits (this is a department policy). No points are allotted toward the total points possible to determine your grade, but attendance will be used as a measure of participation.
TEXTBOOK READINGS: Although the textbook was written to take a beginner by the hand, it will be used as a reference manual in this class. A CD-ROM is included with the book, which contains related files that can help in explaining the various topics. By using the index and table of contents to find the specific information needed at the moment, you can jump in anywhere and read those parts most relevant to your immediate questions and needs. Additionally, each topic typically includes one or more tips, notes, cautions, and cross references. No specific reading assignments are scheduled in the textbook. However, you are encouraged to keep this book with you while working on the projects for this class.
RESEARCH PAPER. The length will be in the 4- to 6-page range. The subject of the term project will be open to your selection, but should be on a topic relevant to the 3-D modeling/animation industry and its current state of technology. Use either the MLA or APA styles to format your paper. The paper should be typed and double-spaced. There are 50 points possible. The research paper is due on Monday of week 3 at 10:00 P.M. For further information, read the RESEARCH PAPER GUIDE about how to approach this assignment.
Submit this research paper in electronic format, saved in RTF format. Include a COVER PAGE with the following information:
- Full name and last four (4) digits of student ID number
- Class number and section number
- Assignment name
PROJECTS. There are six (6) specific assignments through the semester, each worth 50 points. Thus, the maximum possible for all assignments is 300 points. See the weekly schedule for assignment descriptions and due dates. These are intended to be original work and should reflect techniques learned in the course up to the time of each project. Specific attention will be given to how you incorporate new knowledge and techniques into your projects. Relative improvement in production values from one project to the next will also be considered in the points earned. Projects will also be evaluated on the design and artistic layout of the piece. The points given for each assignment will be based on the standards found in rubrics developed for this course.
Assignments will be submitted electronically to a networked server. Instruction will be given in class before the first assignment is due concerning how to access the submission web page and find the appropriate sub-directory to submit the assignments. Additionally, students will present their work to the class on pre-announced days. The class will participate by critiquing each others' assignments in order to provide artistic feedback and help improve students' design skills. It is important that you attend and participate on the peer-critique days to receive points for that part of your assignment score.
All assignments will be due by 10:00 P.M. on the day(s) specified. To earn up to the full points for projects, students must submit assignments on time and also present their work in class. POINTS WILL BE DEDUCTED FOR LATE ASSIGNMENTS. ASSIGNMENTS MORE THAN FOURTEEN (14) DAYS LATE WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED! NO EXCEPTIONS.
WRITTEN MID-TERM EXAM. A mid-term test will be given during the ninth (9th) week of the semester. There are 50 points possible. The written test may be taken at the Campus Testing Center at a time of your convenience. ((Click here for more info. about the Testing Center -- part of Campus QTVR tour.) A standard 100-question ScanTron card (green ink) is required to participate in the mid-term. Also be sure to take some identification with your photo. Students arriving for the test without a photo ID and a ScanTron card will be turned away.
WRITTEN FINAL EXAM. A final exam will be given during the scheduled time for this class period. There are 50 points possible. A standard 100-question ScanTron card is required to participate in the final. Students arriving for the final without a ScanTron card will be turned away. While the time allocated for the final is two hours, you should be able to complete this test in 30 minutes. Any student not present one-half hour after the final exam begins will be considered a "no show" for the final and will not be allowed to take the test. DO NOT BE LATE!
To review for the both the mid-term and final written tests, check HERE for example questions and suggested areas you should know.
MISSED ASSIGNMENTS AND TESTS. First and foremost, technical problems with computers or software will NOT be accepted as a reason for late coursework. Technology is not an excuse; it is a resource. If you cannot figure out how to use the technology to accomplish the coursework and meet the published deadlines, perhaps you should consider another area of study. Points will be deducted for late submissions. Assignments will not be accepted if over fourteen (14) days late. THERE ARE NO EXCEPTIONS TO THIS POLICY, REGARDLESS OF THE EXCUSE! Projects are given specific due dates during the semester. Tests will be administered at the times specified in this syllabus. If you cannot take a test at the scheduled time, due to an APPROVED reason, you must contact the instructor and arrange to take the test early. Plan ahead and make sure you deliver your work on time — Just do it.
GRADING PHILOSOPHY: The design quality of your assignments is a significant factor in the points evaluation. Adherence to the technical specifications of the assignment will also be checked -- document size and color modes are the most-often ignored issues that will lose assignment points. If you hand in all assignments on time and score well on the tests, you will receive at least a "C" grade. A higher grade can be earned on the creative and design components you add to your assignments. I am looking for more than the minimum work required to meet the assignments. If you have questions about what is considered "A"-, "B"-, or "C"-level work for this course, read this page on establishing grading criteria. If you have further questions, contact the instructor for this class.
GRADING
Points for course work are earned by turning in assignments and taking tests on time. (See the weekly course and assignments schedule for the due dates.) Allocation of points for the five components of coursework are as follows:
| 50 | ...Research Paper (3-D topic) | |
| 300 | ...Six (6) Creative Projects | (50 pts. each) |
| 50 | ...Mid-Term Exam | |
| 50 | ...Final Exam | |
| 450 | ...Total points possible |
Letter grades will be earned based on the following percentages of the total points possible:
|
IMPORTANT: Letter grades below a "C-" in any course designated as part of the Visual Technologies program cannot be used toward obtaining a Certificate of Competency or a degree. For further information, contact Dana Kelvington, advisor for ATE programs, or Shari Gowers, advisor for four-year baccalaureate degrees. |
Send questions and comments to
woodland@dixie.edu
