Textbooks and Printed Resources

Readings:
Inspired 3D Advanced Rigging and Deformations : by Brad Clark

Class Notes will be provided as well.

Grading Policy

Attendance

Student absences are not expected to exceed more than 2 absences. A third absence will result in the lowering of your final grade one full letter. Any student missing 4 classes will be given a grade of "F" for the semester.

Tardiness is defined as not in the classroom when attendance is called or departing before the class has been formally dismissed by the instructor. Tardiness that exceeds thirty minutes will be counted as an absence. TWO late arrivals or early departures, or a combination of both, are counted as one absence. If you arrive late for class, it is your responsibility to make sure that you have been marked tardy rather than absent.

The allotted absences are to accommodate routine illness, weddings, car trouble, etc. Doctor appointments, advisor conferences, trips to supply stores and employment, etc. should not be scheduled to conflict with class. Faculty cannot be placed in the position of determining which absences are excusable and which are not. All students are expected to attend class on a regular basis. Prolonged illness should be verified by a physician and may require the student to withdraw from class if he/she cannot complete work in a comprehensive and timely manner.

The student is responsible for any lectures or assignments missed. If an assignment is due a week that you are absent, it is your responsibility to make sure it still arrives on time. This is for your benefit. A good portion of our class time will be spent doing hands on tutorials, screening films, and critiquing work. Lecture notes will not make up for these missed learning experiences.

You may not miss the midterm or final class date. Doing so will equal an automatic two letter grade reduction of your final grade. If for some reason you cannot make one of these dates you must contact your instructor BEFORE the class that you must miss. Excuses given after the fact will not be accepted.

No incompletes will be given without documented proof of circumstances beyond your control.

Participation

One of the best ways to learn in a classroom environment is through active participation in discussions and critiques. In general, we will be following a pattern of creating content and then discussing it in Tuesday critique sessions. When I open up the floor for you to speak, please make the effort to voice your honest and constructive opinion. This more than anything will help you learn from your mistakes and progress in your animation skills.

While I don't give a direct grade for participation, you can receive bonus points on your grade for participating more actively in class, or a reduction for being a hindrance to discussion. Participation will be a score of +/- 5 percentage points factored into your total grade at the end of the term. Participation will be based on attentiveness in class, active participation in discussions and critiques, promoting a positive learning environment, and attendance.


Class Work Assignments
Must be handed in on time. On time is submitted through DLWeb one hour BEFORE class starts. Students who use class time to finish assignments the day they are due will forfeit the right to hand in that assignment. Class time is for working with the material at hand, not finishing late assignments. Unless otherwise noted, all assignments are due the following week on Monday.

Late work will not be accepted unless approved of PRIOR to the class in which it is due or accompanied by a valid medical excuse.

Digital Assignments: All assignments handed in digitally must be in the following format (please note upper and lower case usage)
lastnameFirstname_projectname.extension
example: lewellenAnthony_projectOne.mov

Special Accommodations: If you have any special considerations please see the instructor so you can be accommodated.

Final Project: A final project is mandatory for this class. If you do not turn a final project your grade is an automatic "F," regardless of the other assignments, tests, quizzes you have completed for this class.

BACK UP YOUR WORK: Failure of computer software and or Hardware will not be accepted as an extenuating circumstance for late projects or incomplete grades so back up your work daily.

Critiques

Unless otherwise stated, assigned work must be completed and submitted through DLWeb, on-time, otherwise it will not be accepted (this will keep us from wasting class time). In most cases (I'll let you know the exceptions) I request that you use QuickTime format unless discussed. Handing in something unfinished is always better than nothing at all. If you'd like more feedback, arrange to discuss your work with me during my office hours. We will view and discuss everyone's final project during the last class.


Grading



Total Homework 60% of grade

Final Project 40% of grade
Total 100%


A = 100-93 A- = 92-90
B+ = 89-88 B = 87-83 B- = 82-80
C+ = 79-78 C = 77-73 C- = 72-70
D+ = 69-68 D = 67-63 D- = 62-60 F = 59-0

Standards for Achievement:

Grade A:
Student performs in an outstanding way. Student exhibits achievement and craftsmanship in all work. Assignment criteria are exceeded and student challenges him/herself in project design. Student exhibits commitment to expanding ideas, vocabulary and performance.

Grade B:
Student performs beyond the requirement of the project. Student exhibits above average progress and craftsmanship. Assignment criteria are exceeded. Student exhibits above average interest in expanding idea, vocabulary, and performance.

Grade C:
Criteria of assignment is met, and all requirements are fulfilled. Student shows average quality work on projects.

Grade D:
Student performance is uneven and below average. Requirements for projects are only partially fulfilled. Participation and involvement are inadequate.

Grade F
Student fails to meet minimum course requirements. Levels of participation and craftsmanship are extremely poor.

Requesting an incomplete grade:
An incomplete grade may only be assigned to a student if the student has experienced an extenuating circumstance near the end of the term, the student is in good standing in the class, and the request is made before

Homework = 60% (includes participation and attendance)
Final = 40% ( Rendered Quick Time) Undergrad students will be provided with a Character for their Final. Grad's should be using their own Character mesh. I will NOT be accepting late assignments due to the nature of the class. I will however give an extra credit during Week 6 so you have the opportunity to improve your grade.

PREREQUISITE(S): ANI 230 or GPH 250