Syllabus

County College of Morris

Animation

MED 220 (83391)

Thursday's 6:30PM - 9:30 PM

Software: 3DS Max, Photoshop, After Effects and other optional software programs

Prerequisites

None

Catalog Description

This is an advanced production course utilizing 3D modeling and animation software to create animated imagery for video and multimedia applications. Software includes 3D Studio Max (3D animation), Adobe Premiere, and After Effects (digital video). Through assigned projects, students learn to combine live video and animation with compositing and bluescreening techniques.

This is a 3 credit course with a 1.5 hour lecture and 1.5 hour lab.

Topics to be Included

Learning the 3ds Max user interface
Modeling, materials, and textures
Basics of 3d animation
1. Lighting and cameras
2. Particle effects
3. Rendering and compositing
4. Overview of special topics including 3d printing, and differences between 3d techniques for games and tv/film

Contact Info

Professor: Steven Gladin

Sgladin@ccm.edu - all emails/contact regarding class

Sgladin43@gmail.com - for emergencies/post-class contact only

www.stevengladin.com - my portfolio website

Office Hours

If you need help troubleshooting problems or extra help on subjects covered in class, talk to me ahead of time and we will arrange a time to meet in the classroom or one of the computer labs before or after class.

Recommended Texts / Useful Links

Since technology rapidly changes, instead of purchasing a book that could quickly become outdated, there are many free tutorials available online if you need more detailed instruction or want to learn more about a particular technique. 3DS Max and other software also have very comprehensive help documents. I encourage everyone to take advantage of the knowledge shared by other 3D artists and animators on the internet and also be proactive about your own continued learning as it is necessary in this field.

Attendance Policy

Students are expected to attend all classes. If you absolutely need to miss a class, please email me as soon as possible. All course work needs to be made up and the same deadlines apply. If you will be absent the day that an assignment is due, you must hand it in online before the class begins that day, otherwise it will be marked as late. Missing multiple classes (2+) or arriving late/leaving early will result in class participation grade penalties. Excessive absences (3+) without a doctor's note, will result in an "F" for the course. You will have missed too much of the class to be able to catch up.

Class Cancellations

The college's website (www.ccm.edu) will post if the college is closing due to inclement weather. If, however, I anticipate bad driving conditions and the college is still open or I need to cancel a class for any reason I will e-mail this information to your student email. I will try to do this as soon as possible. I will include instructions on how to move forward with your projects or homework. Please be aware that deadlines will remain the same regardless of class cancellation.

Performance Evaluation

Your overall grade will be determined by these two factors.

Class Participation - 25%

This grade is given based on a number of factors which include; coming to class, coming on time, staying, paying attention, working in and outside of class and participation in class critiques. Due to the nature and complexity of the work you will be doing you need to set aside time to work outside of class so you can complete your projects. Any extra time you spend will only increase the quality of all aspects of your projects. I encourage everyone to utilize the computer labs on campus as well as personal computers.

Projects - 75%

This grade is based on performance on three major projects over the course of the semester. Project specific grading rubrics will be handed out with each project to describe the aspects I will be grading you on. These aspects will include pre-production, meeting of requirements, creativity, and level of polish of the final project.

Class Etiquette

Come prepared to learn, a lot. Always be respectful to your peers, instructor, and the equipment in the lab. This includes keeping all distracting behaviors to a minimum, especially when other students are presenting their work or I am lecturing or demonstrating techniques. Causing disruptions in anyway can negatively impact your class participation grade.

Late Work

Assignments (WIP milestones) will have a 1 week grace period before they are no longer accepted. Final projects handed in late will be graded down a full letter grade for each week it is late (i.e, an A- will become a B-). Any loss of a project is not an excuse to hand a project in late. Student’s are responsible for backing up their work in a safe place and any technical problems that arise which delay a project deadline are the student’s responsibility.

Academic Integrity

Handing in work that you didn't create can result in any disciplinary action deemed necessary including an "F" for the class and possible expulsion from the college. This includes taking pre-made models, renders, or files from the internet and claiming it as work you made yourself. Be honest! If you are unsure or concerned about any potential plagiarism in your student work please contact me and we can discuss it.

Disability Statement

Any student with documented disabilities, who feels he/she may need academic accommodations while taking this course, should first contact Office of Disability Services (973-328-5284) to discuss specific needs. Once the disability is verified, please present me with the proper documentation so that reasonable accommodations can be implemented as soon as possible.

Supply List

A storage device, such as a USB stick or external hard-drive with your name on it, to save and store your project files and class assignments on.
Earbuds or a headset to listen to tutorials in class without disturbing your classmates.
Notebook and pencils to sketch ideas or take notes.

This syllabus is tentative and subject to change by the instructor at any time.

I reserve the right to change topics, due dates, or assignments listed in the course syllabus to accommodate student progress for the betterment of the class as a whole.

Student Agreement

My continued enrollment in this course means that I have read and understood the course policies as outlined in the syllabus for MED 220 Animation.

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