ClassInfo

VFX 200 Introduction to Visual Effects

Travis Chandler

Spring 2021-2022
Class number: 42506
Section number: 901
W 5:45PM - 9:00PM
DPAUL C106B Loop Campus

Download syllabus

Summary

Masks required for first 2 weeks of class

Course Code: VFX200
Course Title: Introduction to Visual Effects Prerequisites: None
Term: Spring 2022
Section: 901
Class Hours: Wednesdays 5:45pm - 9:00pm Location: DePaul Center Room C106B

Faculty Information
Travis Chandler
tchandle@depaul.edu
Office Hours: Wednesdays 9pm - 10:30pm by appointment Office Hours Location: Classroom

Course Description
Introduction to the use, history, and production methodologies of visual effects. Fundamental techniques will be explored through compositing exercises and projects.

Learning Outcomes
Students will be able to:
- Discuss the structure and business practices of the visual effects industry. - Analyze historical and contemporary uses of visual effects in film.
- Critique visual effects content.
- Compose shots for visual effects.
- Navigate a compositing software application.
- Produce simple composited shots to established specifications.

Software
Adobe AfterEffects CC

Textbook
None



Texts

No textbook. Readings posted on D2L as we go. 



Grading

Assignments & Grading

VFX Exercises: 30%
1 - Forced Perspective VFX Exercise
2 - Animation
3 - Effects
4 - Rotoscoping
5 - Chroma Keying
6 - Motion Tracking

Visual Effects Sequence Presentation: 20%

Final Project: 50%
Pitch: 10%
Project Review: 10%
Final Project Sequence: 30%



Prerequisites

None. 



School policies:

Changes to Syllabus

This syllabus is subject to change as necessary during the quarter. If a change occurs, it will be thoroughly addressed during class, posted under Announcements in D2L and sent via email.

Online Course Evaluations

Evaluations are a way for students to provide valuable feedback regarding their instructor and the course. Detailed feedback will enable the instructor to continuously tailor teaching methods and course content to meet the learning goals of the course and the academic needs of the students. They are a requirement of the course and are key to continue to provide you with the highest quality of teaching. The evaluations are anonymous; the instructor and administration do not track who entered what responses. A program is used to check if the student completed the evaluations, but the evaluation is completely separate from the student’s identity. Since 100% participation is our goal, students are sent periodic reminders over three weeks. Students do not receive reminders once they complete the evaluation. Students complete the evaluation online in CampusConnect.

Academic Integrity and Plagiarism

This course will be subject to the university's academic integrity policy. More information can be found at http://academicintegrity.depaul.edu/ If you have any questions be sure to consult with your professor.

All students are expected to abide by the University's Academic Integrity Policy which prohibits cheating and other misconduct in student coursework. Publicly sharing or posting online any prior or current materials from this course (including exam questions or answers), is considered to be providing unauthorized assistance prohibited by the policy. Both students who share/post and students who access or use such materials are considered to be cheating under the Policy and will be subject to sanctions for violations of Academic Integrity.

Academic Policies

All students are required to manage their class schedules each term in accordance with the deadlines for enrolling and withdrawing as indicated in the University Academic Calendar. Information on enrollment, withdrawal, grading and incompletes can be found at http://www.cdm.depaul.edu/Current%20Students/Pages/PoliciesandProcedures.aspx.

Students with Disabilities

Students who feel they may need an accommodation based on the impact of a disability should contact the instructor privately to discuss their specific needs. All discussions will remain confidential.
To ensure that you receive the most appropriate accommodation based on your needs, contact the instructor as early as possible in the quarter (preferably within the first week of class), and make sure that you have contacted the Center for Students with Disabilities (CSD) at:
Lewis Center 1420, 25 East Jackson Blvd.
Phone number: (312)362-8002
Fax: (312)362-6544
TTY: (773)325.7296