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CS 395 -- Introduction to Computer Animation |
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News: There will be no class the week of July 4th; Stay tuned for make up class times. |
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Course description: |
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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 |
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Planned topics include:
Modeling, shading, lighting, character modeling and character animation
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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. |
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Text Books: |
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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 |
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Grading: |
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Your final grade will be based on:
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70%* |
Projects (six over the quarter)
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10%*
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Quizzes, dates TBA |
20%* |
Class Participation and Attendance |
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A 90-100%
B 80-89%
C 70-79%
D 60-69%
F <60% |
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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-) |
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Projects: |
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Projects will be posted weekly to
the course website. |
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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. |
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Each student is given 48 hours of penalty-free lateness towards projects
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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.
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Quizzes |
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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.
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Each student may miss one quiz penalty free (ie drop lowest quize score)
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Attendance: |
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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.
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Each student may miss one class without loosing participation/attendance points.
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Plagiarism: |
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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. |
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Incompletes: |
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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. |
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