3D ANIMATION LEVEL 2 SYLLABUS

Course Goal - To assist students in enhancing basic modeling and animation skills focusing
on advanced modeling, animation, and lighting techniques. It will build upon previous
experience and learning of 3D imaging and modeling in the prerequisite course, Animation I.
Tutorials and projects will increase in complexity, allowing students to use concepts and skills
acquired at this level. The student may choose to work as a team, or individually on at least
one project.

1st 9 Weeks
1. Getting acquainted with Lightwave 8.0
2. Advanced Logo Techniques
3. Animation Assignment #1 – Animated Logo with Lighting and Particles
4. Introduction to Organic Modeling
5. Animation Assignment #2 – Model and animate a reptile in its environment

2nd 9 Weeks
1. Intermediate surfacing techniques –
• Making sense of texture axes, size center, and velocity
• The Gradient Shader
• Stacking multiple types of maps on the same surface
• Surface baking
• How to use single and 2 point polygons to create hair, fur, and grass
• Animated displacement maps
2. LightWave’s particle FX – Hard and Soft Dynamics
3. Intermediate Lighting
• Relating cinematic lighting to the 3D world
• Lighting for special effects
• Gobos
• Projected images
• Volumetric lights
• Radiosity and Caustics
4. Using Spline Controls
5. Animation Assignment #3 – Theme Park animation using Hard and Soft Dynamics
(may carry over to 3rd 9 Weeks)

Graded reviews will be scheduled between tutorials to check for understanding of

concepts.

MIDTERM EXAM (20%)

3rd 9 Weeks
1. Introduction to Skelegons and Bones
2. Introduction to Weight Mapping
3. Introduction to Inverse Kinematics
 4. Animation Assignment #4 – Character Creation and animation This project carries
over to the 4th 9 Weeks

4th 9 Weeks
1. Completion of Character Animation Assignment #4
2. Simple Compositing
3. Putting it All Together – Use IMovie to create a final 4-6 minute animated sequence
incorporating all areas of animation learned.

GRADING POLICY

Tutorials (every 4) 15% of final grade 100 points every 4 Tutorials

In Class Reviews 20% of final grade 100 points each Review
Animation Assignments (6) 55% of final grade 100 each Assignment
Final: Putting it All Together 10% of final grade 100

You will have at least 4 creative assignments per year. You will be graded on the aesthetic
quality and technical skill you show in your work. Each assignment will be graded based on
the following criteria:

• Time In: Is the project turned in by the due date? Late assignments will receive a
lower grade 10 percent grade reduction per day. Assignments over a week late will
receive a grade of F.
• Model: Are the objects named and modeled correctly, efficiently, and cleanly?
• Elements: Are elements correctly placed? Correctly rotated? Layers correct? Details
correct? Size relationships correct? Parts fit properly? Scale correct? etc.
• Surfacing: Are colors used appropriately? Surfaces used appropriately? Specularity,
Diffusion, Luminosity and Transparency settings properly used? Were textures applied
correctly?
• Layout: Does the layout of all elements look good? Layout keyframes efficient? All
• object relationships established correctly? Scene files named properly?
• Camera: Are the shots well composed? Camera aesthetically pleasing? Camera
movements and style accomplished well? Does the camera convey scale properly?
• Lighting: Is the Illumination of scene acceptable? Lighting aesthetically pleasing? Are
shadows used appropriately? Does the lighting convey the appropriate mood?
• Animation: Is the Animation of each object correct? Scale properly conveyed by the
• animation? Timing of animation correct? Ease in - Ease out correct? Keyframes
properly set? Movements appropriate for scene?
• Rendering: What is the overall aesthetic level of final rendering. Additional included
materials well done? Are additional materials distracting or helpful? At what level did
final work accomplish the assignment goal?

Approximate Time Schedule and Sequence of Events

The first part of each class will be review, or demonstrations. The remaining time of each
class will be hands-on time using the computers.
 INTERNET USE
The Internet is NOT TO BE USED for checking e-mail, downloading photos, music, or
downloading pirated software during class period. No surfing of Web sites is allowed during
class period unless directly related to class projects and with approval from instructor.
Violations of Internet Use will be subject to the Rules and Regulations of the Disciplinary
Handbook of Hampton City Schools.

TEACHER EXPECTATIONS:
I will do my best to treat you with respect, to be honest, provide you with a positive and
creative learning environment and tools necessary to succeed in the class. I will also provide
you with my availability, know-how, and resources to guide you through each project. By the
end of the year, I hope you will have gained a better appreciation and respect for the art of
Animation and your own unique creative abilities.

STUDENT EXPECTATIONS:
ATTENDANCE: Learning and overall grades will depend on tutorials and projects done in-class
on the computers. It is imperative that students be present and on time to class.
WORKFLOW: Students will be expected to complete quick reviews (bell ringers) of concepts
previously learned during the first 10 – 15 minutes of class. We have a very short amount of
time, but a lot of materials to cover and assignments to complete. Please refrain from
emailing, surfing, conversation and behavior that will be disruptive to the overall class
climate. Students are expected to stay on task and complete all assignments during class
time.
MATERIALS: Students are expected to provide a pocket folder for assignments and handouts,
etc. Students will be assigned a 100mb zip disk to be used as a backup device for their
projects. These disks belong to the Animation Department and each student is responsible
for making sure that it gets returned to the proper storage facility after each class. If the disk
is misplaced or damaged, it is the student’s responsibility to replace it with a new one.

PARENT EXPECTATIONS:
Parents are always welcome to contact me in regards to their child’s progress in this class.
You can reach me at 825-4749, or email me at aashe@sbo.hampton.k12.va.us. Please
encourage and support your student in his or her creative abilities.
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I have read through the introduction, course description, teacher expectations, student
expectations, and parent expectations. I understand what is expected and I am in
agreement with it.

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