ARTV 2377 - 001

3D Animation III

Mon/Wed

6:00 - 8:40pm

DLS

Fall 2024

Instructor: Niall Farrell

Office Hours: 8:40 to 9:10 pm Mon/Wed

By Appointment Hours: same as above

Or by appointment

Office:  Virtual

niall.farrell@austincc.edu

Please set up appointments in person or through email

COURSE DESCRIPTION

• Credit Hours: 3

• Classroom Contact Hours per week: 2 hours 40 minutes

• Laboratory Contact Hours per week: 0

An advanced studio course in the theory and technique of three-dimensional (3D) animation utilizing appropriate software. Topics include advanced animation tools sets and techniques, including the preparation and implementation of 3D animation into interactive applications.

Transferability of workforce courses varies.  Students interested in transferring courses to another college should speak with their Area of Study ( AoS ) advisor, Department Chair, and / or Program Director.

COURSE RATIONALE

3D Animation III is an advanced course for the 3D Animation curriculum.  This course provides students with advanced character animation skills and samples for work produced in Portfolio.  Students can also apply skills learned in this class in other areas including game art, motion graphics and 2D Animation.

PREREQUISITES

ARTV 2451

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES & GENERAL EDUCATION COMPETENCIES

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to

• Plan out animation

• Locate and use reference footage

• Create cycled animations

• Use advanced biped and / or creature character rigs

• Integrate weapons and / or props into animations

• Design and animate game style actions and cycled animations

• Examine and animate basic to intermediate acting techniques

Discipline/Program Student Learning Outcomes

1. Apply design and animation principles to animation production.

2. Construct high quality animation via break down and polish passes.

SCANS Competencies (for workforce courses):

SCANS = Secretary’s Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills:

This course satisfies

1.0 Resources

1.1 Manages Time

3.0 Information

3.3 Uses Computers to Process Information

5.0 Technology

5.1 Selects Technology

5.3 Maintains and Troubleshoots Technology

SCANS Foundation Skills

6.0 Basic Skills

6.1 Reading

6.5 Listening

6.6 Speaking

7.0 Thinking Skills

7.1 Creative Thinking

7.2 Decision Making

7.3 Problem Solving

7.4 Mental Visualization

7.5 Knowing How To Learn

7.6 Reasoning

8.0 Personal Qualities

8.1 Responsibility

8.2 Self-Esteem

8.3 Sociability

8.4 Self-Management

8.5 Integrity/Honesty

For expanded definitions of the above listed SCANS, please go to: http://www.austincc.edu/mkt/scans.php

WHAT ARE SCANS?

In 1989 President Bush and the nation’s governors agreed to achieve education goals by the year 2000 that brought about the effort led by the U.S. Secretary of Labor to form the Secretary’s Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills (SCANS) in 1990. The Commission was to determine skills students needed to succeed in the world of work. A preliminary report of the Commission was issued in the spring of 1991, and the final report in April of 1992. The commission argued that a high-performance work place requires workers who have a solid foundation in the basic literacy and computational skills, in the thinking skills necessary to put knowledge to work, and in the personal qualities that make workers dedicated and trustworthy. The Commission also argued that a solid foundation is not enough. The high performance workplace requires competencies - the abilities to manage resources, to work amicably and productively with others, to acquire and use information, to master complex systems, and to work with a variety of technologies.

REQUIRED TEXTS/MATERIALS/SOFTWARE

• No textbook required

• Backup device

• Autodesk Maya / 3ds Max

• Adobe Creative Cloud

• KeyframeMP

• Epic Pen

• Headphones

• Camera for recording reference footage

• Camera for online classes

Recommended

• “The Animator’s Survival Kit” by Richard Williams

• “Cartoon Animation” by Preston Blair

INSTRUCTIONAL METHODOLOGY

Teaching methods are workforce based and designed with professional production studios in mind.  These methods might include:

• lecture

• lab

• Reviews and critiques

• Group activities

• Student presentations

• online

• hybrid

• competency-based   

DISTANCE EDUCATION (for online or hybrid courses only)

If your class is distance based:  Distance classes can have special considerations including managing your own hardware and software.  The school has IT support who may be able to provide support.  Some peripherals like tablets are also sometimes provide as a service to online students.  You will be required to manage your own time and study habits.  Students new to distance education to review the ACC Distance Education General Information available at https://online.austincc.edu/faq/

Students will use the Blackboard learning management system for assignment instructions, submitting assignments, and collaboration.

STUDENT TECHNOLOGY SUPPORT

Austin Community College provides free, secure drive-up WiFi to students and employees in the parking lots of all campus locations. WiFi can be accessed seven days a week, 7 am to 11 pm. Additional details are available at https://www.austincc.edu/sts.

Students who do not have the necessary technology to complete their ACC courses can request to borrow devices from Student Technology Services. Available devices include iPads, webcams, headsets, calculators, etc. Students must be registered for a credit course, Adult Education, or Continuing Education course to be eligible. For more information, including how to request a device, visit http://www.austincc.edu/sts.

 Student Technology Services offers phone, live-chat, and email-based technical support for students and can provide support on topics such as password resets, accessing or using Blackboard, access to technology, etc. To view hours of operation and ways to request support, visit http://www.austincc.edu/sts.

GRADING SYSTEM

0 - 59 = F

60 - 69 = D

70 - 79 = C

80 - 89 = B

90 - 100 = A

Final grades will be calculated as follows:

Assignment grades will be calculated by taking an average over the course of the semester.  Grading comes directly from reviews, critiques and quality of your submitted work.  You will be expected to fully embrace feedback to improve the work that you are doing at all times.

Each assignment will have its own specific criteria and is often found in project sheets.  There will be at least 4 assignments graded this semester.  Lectures, reviews, critiques and demonstrations will be provided so note-taking is recommended.  There will be NO exam.  

Passing Grade Policy - Effective September 2005, the letter grade D is not accepted as passing within the GDAMG department.  Students receiving a grade of D must retake the course to receive credit and to progress to the next level course.  Students who made a D prior to September 2005 will be allowed to proceed to the next level course. 

COURSE POLICIES

Attendance/Class Participation

This class allows a maximum of 4 absences.  Each absence beyond the max allowed of 4 will drop the course grade by 10 points.  There is no distinction between an excused or unexcused absence, so use your absences meaningfully and sparingly.  You are counted absent if:

• You are not in class

• You leave the class 15 minutes early

• You are 15 or more minutes late.

• You are not on camera and on screen ( for online classes )

Arriving late and leaving early is disruptive, a distraction and is bad for class morale.

If you are late to class 5-20 minutes, you will be counted as tardy.  Three tardies count as one absence.  

Class and lab attendance is required.  If compliance is unsatisfactory, the instructor may withdraw students from the class.

 If it is determined to be impossible for the student to pass the class based on existing grades and absences, the instructor may choose to withdraw the student from the class. If you decide to withdraw from the course, it is your responsibility to officially withdraw yourself from the class through admissions and records. If you do not withdraw from the class, you will receive an F.

In the case of distance learning or online courses attendance is required.  Cameras are required and students must use their camera and have their face visibly live and on screen to be counted as attending.  If students' faces are not on camera and on screen then they will be counted absent.

Students are responsible for all classroom events including lecture and lab activities.  Students will be responsible for note taking, deadlines, critiques and exams regardless of attendance.  These events are crucial and cannot be made up.  Deadlines and exams may be made up under extreme circumstances such as debilitating illness or family emergencies.  Notify the instructor ahead of time.  Make any arrangements for someone else to take notes as required.

For field or lab times:

Regular and punctual class and laboratory attendance is expected of all students.  If attendance or compliance with other course policies is unsatisfactory, the instructor may withdraw students from the class.

For online courses:

Regular and timely class participation in discussions and completion of work is expected of all students.  If attendance or compliance with other course policies is unsatisfactory, the instructor may withdraw students from the class.

If classes are cancelled because of weather, pandemic, or other emergencies:

The student is responsible for communicating with their professor during the closure and completing any assignments or other activities designated by their professor.

Withdrawal Policy

The College defines withdrawals as occurring after the official reporting date of the semester, typically the 12th class day.  In addition, the Legislature has mandated the Rule of Six (see below).  There may also be financial aid issues.

It is the responsibility of each student to ensure that his or her name is removed from the rolls should they decide to withdraw from the class.  The instructor does, however, reserve the right to drop a student should he or she feel it is necessary.  If a student decides to withdraw, he or she should also verify that the withdrawal is recorded before the Final Withdrawal Date.  The Final Withdrawal Date for this semester is [insert date here].  The student is also strongly encouraged to keep any paperwork in case a problem arises.

Students are responsible for understanding the impact that withdrawal from a course may have on their financial aid, veterans’ benefits, and international student status.  Per state law, students enrolling for the first time in Fall 2007 or later at any public Texas college or university may not withdraw (receive a “W”) from more than six courses during their undergraduate college education. Some exemptions for good cause could allow a student to withdraw from a course without having it count toward this limit. Students are strongly encouraged to meet with an advisor when making decisions about course selection, course loads, and course withdrawals.

Missed Exam and Late Work Policies

Assignments are due as designated on Blackboard, Project Sheets or by the instructor.  If submitted after the due date, the assignment is late.  I will lower the grade one letter grade for each class day that it is late.  

Incompletes

An incomplete (grade of "I") will only be given for extenuating circumstances.  What constitutes “extenuating circumstances” is left to the instructor’s discretion.  If a grade of I is given, the remaining course work must be completed by a date set by the student and professor.  This date may not be later than two weeks prior to the end of the following semester.  A grade of I also requires completion and submission of the Incomplete Grade form, to be signed by the faculty member (and student if possible) and submitted to the department chair.

Students may request an Incomplete from their faculty member if they believe circumstances warrant.  The faculty member will determine whether the Incomplete is appropriate to award or not.  The following processes must be followed when awarding a student an I grade. 

1. Prior to the end of the semester in which the “I” is to be awarded, the student must meet with the instructor to determine the assignments and exams that must be completed prior to the deadline date.  This meeting can occur virtually or in person.  The instructor should complete the Report of Incomplete Grade form.

2. The faculty member will complete the form, including all requirements to complete the course and the due date, sign (by typing in name) and then email it to the student.  The student will then complete his/her section, sign (by typing in name), and return the completed form to the faculty member to complete the agreement.  A copy of the fully completed form can then be emailed by the faculty member to the student and the department chair for each grade of Incomplete that the faculty member submits at the end of the semester.   

3. The student must complete all remaining work by the date specified on the form above.  This date is determined by the instructor in collaboration with the student, but it may not be later than the final withdrawal deadline in the subsequent long semester.  

4. Students will retain access to the course Blackboard page through the subsequent semester in order to submit work and complete the course. Students will be able to log on to Blackboard and have access to the course section materials, assignments, and grades from the course and semester in which the Incomplete was awarded.  

1. When the student completes the required work by the Incomplete deadline, the instructor will submit an electronic Grade Change Form to change the student’s performance grade from an “I” to the earned grade of A, B, C, D, or F. 

If an Incomplete is not resolved by the deadline, the grade automatically converts to an “F.”  Approval to carry an Incomplete for longer than the following semester or session deadline is not frequently granted.”

Naming Conventions

Naming conventions are required.  Do not name your files whatever you want.  Naming will be outlined in lecture and / or on your project sheet.  Failure to name your files correctly or put them in the correct folder will negatively affect your grade.  You will be asked to rename and move your file.

Instructor’s Communication Policies

Always ask your instructor if you have a question.  Iit can sometimes be helpful to write your question down before asking.  Please email additional questions and allow 24 hour turnaround time.  If I do not respond immediately, I probably do not know the answer to your question and am seeking additional information.  Please be patient.  I will not normally answer emails over the weekend from 5:00pm Friday to 8:00am Monday.  Use your official ACC email for communication.   My goal is to grade your assignment within a week of the due date.  

Backups

In all circumstances you will be responsible for your own files.  You will need to back them up.  The best practice is to have at least one backup.  Use your local directory and portable storage.  If you are using a computer on campus it should not be considered a safe place to store your work.  These computers are shared and can become damaged or replaced.  Your Google Drive account associated with your ACC email is an excellent way to back up your files.  Always submit your work.  When you submit your work for review or grading you are creating a backup.  Loss of data is not an excuse for missing deadlines.

Classroom interaction

You are required to show up and engage.  Your engagement includes:

• Always showing up

• Being positive

• Participating in reviews and critiques 

• Being responsive to feedback

• Remaining focused on the class

• Always turning in your work no matter what

Each student is expected to treat others with understanding, dignity and respect.  Disruptive behavior is not tolerated and may include:

• Sleeping in class

• Eating / drinking without permission

• Reacting dismissively or angrily to reviews and critiques

• Refusal to participate 

• Sighing, eye rolling, etc.

• Chronically entering / leaving

• Recording without consent

• Yelling, arguing, swearing, bullying, harassing or intimidating

• Vulgar, obscene language, slurs and other forms of intimidation 

• Failure to follow instructions

• Threats

• Destruction to property

If a student engages in disruptive behavior, the instructor may file a Student Discipline Report and refer that student to the Dean of Student Services. The Dean will investigate the case, and based on the investigation, s/he may put sanctions into place, including but not limited to withdrawing the student from the class. If the behavior is severe, the instructor will call Campus Police, who may immediately refer you to the Dean of Student Services.

Student standards of conduct - Acceptable standards of conduct include behavior that is civil, courteous, and respectful of all members of the campus community, their property, and the property of the college; promotes mutual respect, equality, and safety of its members and opposes those acts that harass. Intimidate, or haze its members. ACC’s policy on student student standards and code of conduct can be found here in the current student handbook: http://www.austincc.edu/handbook

COURSE OUTLINE/CALENDAR

See Calendar on Blackboard

Schedule changes may occur during the semester.  Any changes will be announced in class and posted as a Blackboard Announcement (or other resource faculty is using to communicate).”

COLLEGE POLICIES

These are statements of which all students should be aware and which are consistent across the institution.  The wording of these statements should not be changed by instructors.

Health & Safety Protocols

Operational areas of ACC campuses and centers are fully open and accessible through all public entrances.  While some health & safety protocols are no longer mandatory, the college encourages its staff, faculty, and students to be mindful of the well-being of all individuals on campus.  If you feel sick, feverish, or unwell, please do not come to campus.

Some important things to remember:

• If you have not done so, ACC encourages all students, faculty, and staff to get vaccinated. COVID-19 vaccines are now widely available throughout the community. Visit www.vaccines.gov/ to find a vaccine location near you.

• If you are experiencing COVID-19-related symptoms, please get a COVID-19 test as soon as possible before returning to an ACC facility. Testing is now widely available.

• If you test positive, please report it on the ACC self-reporting tool located here.

• ACC continues to welcome face masks on campus.  Per CDC guidelines, face masks remain a good way to protect yourself from COVID-19.  The college cannot mandate indoor masking, but is encouraging it during this spike in cases as a result of the Delta variant.

• The college asks that we all continue to respect the personal space of others. We are encouraging 3 feet of social distancing.

• Please be sure to carry your student, faculty, or staff ID badge at all times while on campus.
   

Because of the ever changing situation, please go to ACC’s Covid website at https://www.austincc.edu/coronavirus?ref=audiencemenu for the latest updates and guidance.

Statement on Academic Integrity

Austin Community College values academic integrity in the educational process.  Acts of academic dishonesty/misconduct undermine the learning process, present a disadvantage to students who earn credit honestly, and subvert the academic mission of the institution. The potential consequences of fraudulent credentials raise additional concerns for individuals and communities beyond campus who rely on institutions of higher learning to certify students' academic achievements and expect to benefit from the claimed knowledge and skills of their graduates. Students must follow all instructions given by faculty or designated college representatives when taking examinations, placement assessments, tests, quizzes, and evaluations.  Actions constituting scholastic dishonesty include, but are not limited to, plagiarism, cheating, fabrication, collusion, falsifying documents, or the inappropriate use of the college’s information technology resources.  Further information is available at https://www.austincc.edu/about-acc/academic-integrity-and-disciplinary-process

Any course specific policies, expectations, or procedures could be included here.

Student Rights & Responsibilities

Students at ACC have the same rights and protections under the Constitution of the United States. These rights include freedom of speech, peaceful assembly, petition and association. As members of the community, students have the right to express their own views, but must also take responsibility for according the same rights to others and not interfere or disrupt the learning environment. Students are entitled to fair treatment, are expected to act consistently with the values of the college, and obey local, state, and federal laws. www.austincc.edu/srr

As a student of Austin Community College you are expected to abide by the Student Standards of Conduct. https://www.austincc.edu/students/students-rights-and-responsibilities/student-standards-of-conduct 

Senate Bill 212 and Title IX Reporting Requirements 

Under Senate Bill 212 (SB 212), the faculty and all College employees are required to report any information concerning incidents of sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking committed by or against an ACC student or employee. Federal Title IX law and College policy also require reporting incidents of sex- and gender-based discrimination and sexual misconduct. This means faculty and non-clinical counseling staff cannot keep confidential information about any such incidents that you share with them.

If you would like to talk with someone with confidentiality, please contact the District Clinical Counseling Team who can connect you with a clinical counselor on any ACC campus:  (512) 223-2616, or to schedule online:  https://www.austincc.edu/students/counseling . 

While students are not required to report, they are encouraged to contact the Compliance Office for resources and options:  Charlene Buckley, District Title IX Officer, (512) 223-7964;  compliance@austincc.edu .

If a student makes a report to a faculty member, the faculty member will contact the District Title IX Officer for follow-up.

Student Complaints

A defined process applies to complaints about an instructor or other college employee. You are encouraged to discuss concerns and complaints with college personnel and should expect a timely and appropriate response. When possible, students should first address their concerns through informal conferences with those immediately involved; formal due process is available when informal resolution cannot be achieved.

Student complaints may include (but are not limited to) issues regarding classroom instruction, college services and offices on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, national origin, religion, age, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, political affiliation, or disability.

Further information about the complaints process, including the form used to submit complaints, is available at: http://www.austincc.edu/students/students-rights-and-responsibilities/student-complaint-procedures

Statement on Privacy

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) protects confidentiality of students’ educational records. Grades cannot be provided by faculty over the phone, by e-mail, or to a fellow student.

Class grades should be posted in Blackboard, and this could be mentioned here.

Recording Policy

To ensure compliance with the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), student recording of class lectures or other activities is generally prohibited without the explicit written permission of the instructor and notification of other students enrolled in the class section.  Exceptions are made for approved accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act. 

Recording of lectures and other class activities may be made by faculty to facilitate instruction, especially for classes taught remotely through BlackBoard Collaborate or another platform.  Participation in such activities implies consent for the student to be recorded during the instructional activity.  Such recordings are intended for educational and academic purposes only.

Safety Statement

Health and safety are of paramount importance in classrooms, laboratories, and field activities. Students are expected to learn and comply with ACC environmental, health and safety procedures and agree to follow ACC safety policies.  Emergency Procedures posters and Campus Safety Plans are posted in each classroom and should be reviewed at the beginning of each semester.  All incidents (injuries/illness/fire/property damage/near miss) should be immediately reported to the course instructor. Additional information about safety procedures and how to sign up to be notified in case of an emergency can be found at http://www.austincc.edu/emergency

Everyone is expected to conduct themselves professionally with respect and courtesy to all. Anyone who thoughtlessly or intentionally jeopardizes the health or safety of another individual may be immediately dismissed from the day’s activity and will be referred to the Dean of Student Services for disciplinary action.

In the event of disruption of normal classroom activities due to an emergency situation or an outbreak of illness, the format for this course may be modified to enable completion of the course. In that event, students will be provided an addendum to the class syllabus that will supersede the original version.

Campus Carry

The Austin Community College District concealed handgun policy ensures compliance with Section 411.2031 of the Texas Government Code (also known as the Campus Carry Law), while maintaining ACC’s commitment to provide a safe environment for its students, faculty, staff, and visitors.  Beginning August 1, 2017, individuals who are licensed to carry (LTC) may do so on campus premises except in locations and at activities prohibited by state or federal law, or the college’s concealed handgun policy. 

It is the responsibility of license holders to conceal their handguns at all times.  Persons who see a handgun on campus are asked to contact the ACC Police Department by dialing 512-223-1231.   Please refer to the concealed handgun policy online at http://austincc.edu/campuscarry

Discrimination Prohibited

The College seeks to maintain an educational environment free from any form of discrimination or harassment including but not limited to discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability.

Faculty at the College are required to report concerns regarding sexual misconduct (including all forms of sexual harassment and sex and gender-based discrimination) to the Manager of Title IX/Title VI/ADA Compliance.  Licensed clinical counselors are available across the District and serve as confidential resources for students.

Additional information about Title VI, Title IX, and ADA compliance can be found in the ACC Compliance Resource Guide available at: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1o55xINAWNvTYgI-fs-JbDyuaMFDNvAjz/view

Use of ACC email

All College e-mail communication to students will be sent solely to the student’s ACCmail account, with the expectation that such communications will be read in a timely fashion. ACC will send important information and will notify students of any college- related emergencies using this account. Students should only expect to receive email communication from their instructor using this account.  Likewise, students should use their ACCmail account when communicating with instructors and staff.  Information about ACC email accounts, including instructions for accessing it, are available at:  http://www.austincc.edu/help/accmail/questions-and-answers

Use of the Testing Center

For Fall 2021, the Testing Centers will allow only limited in person testing and testing time will be limited to the standard class time, typically one and one-half hours.  Specifically, only the following will be allowed in the Testing Centers:

• Student Accessibility Services (SAS) Testing: All approved SAS testing

• Assessments Tests: Institutionally approved assessment tests (e.g., TSIA or TABE)

• Placement Tests: Placement tests (e.g., ALEKS)

• Make-Up Exams (for students who missed the original test): Make-up testing is available for all lecture courses but will be limited to no more than 25% of students enrolled in each section for each of four tests

Programs incorporating industry certification exams: Such programs (e.g., Microsoft, Adobe, etc.) may utilize the ACC Business Assessment Center for the industry certification exams (BACT) at HLC or RRC

The instructor should provide additional information about how they will conduct examinations and other assessments here.

STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES

The success of our students is paramount, and ACC offers a variety of support services to help, as well as providing numerous opportunities for community engagement and personal growth.

Student Support

ACC strives to provide exemplary support to its students and offers a broad variety of opportunities and services.  Information on these campus services and resources is available at  http://www.austincc.edu/students.  A comprehensive array of student support services is available online at:

https://www.austincc.edu/coronavirus/remote-student-support 

Student Accessibility Services

Austin Community College (ACC) is committed to providing a supportive, accessible, and inclusive learning environment for all students.  Each campus offers support services for students with documented disabilities. Students with disabilities who need classroom, academic or other accommodations must request them through Student Accessibility Services (SAS).

Students are encouraged to request accommodations when they register for courses or at least three weeks before the start of each semester they are enrolled, otherwise the provision of accommodations may be delayed.  Students who have received approval for accommodations from SAS for this course must provide the instructor with the legal document titled “Notice of Approved Accommodations (NAA)” from SAS.

Until the instructor receives the NAA from the student accommodations should not be provided.  Once the NAA is received, accommodations must be provided.  Accommodations are not retroactive, so it is in the student’s best interest to deliver the NAA on the first day of class.  

Please contact SAS@austincc.edu for more information.

Academic Support

ACC offers academic support services on all of its campuses. These services, which include online tutoring, academic coaching, and supplemental instruction, are free to enrolled ACC students. Tutors are available in a variety of subjects ranging from accounting to pharmacology. Students may receive these services on both a drop-in and referral basis. 

An online tutor request can be made here:

https://de.austincc.edu/bbsupport/online-tutoring-request/

Additional tutoring information can be found here:

austincc.edu/onlinetutoring

Library Services

ACC Library Services will be offering both in-person and extensive online services for Fall 2021, with research and assignment assistance available in-person during limited hours of service. Although all college services are subject to change this fall, plans include ACC students signing up for study space and use of computers at open libraries, extensive online instruction in classes, online reference assistance 24/7 and reference with ACC faculty librarians. In addition, currently enrolled students, faculty and staff can access Library Services online (also 24/7) via the ACC Library website and by using their ACCeID to access all online materials (ebooks, articles from library databases, and streaming videos). ACC Libraries offer these services in numerous ways such as: "Get Help from a Faculty Librarian: the 24/7 Ask a Librarian chat service," an online form for in-depth research Q and A sessions, one-on-one video appointments, email, and phone (voicemail is monitored regularly).

• Library Website: http://library.austincc.edu

• Library Information & Services during COVID-19: https://researchguides.austincc.edu/LSinfoCOVID19

• Ask a Librarian 24/7 chat and form: https://library.austincc.edu/help/ask.php

• Library Hours of Operation by Location: https://library.austincc.edu/loc/

• Email: library@austincc.edu

Student Organizations

ACC has over seventy student organizations, offering a variety of cultural, academic, vocational, and social opportunities.  They provide a chance to meet with other students who have the same interests, engage in service-learning, participate in intramural sports, gain valuable field experience related to career goals, and much else.  Student Life coordinates many of these activities, and additional information is available at http://sites.austincc.edu/sl/.

Personal Support

Resources to support students are available at every campus. To learn more, ask your professor or visit the campus Support Center. All resources and services are free and confidential. Some examples include, among others:

• Food resources including community pantries and bank drives can be found here:

https://www.centraltexasfoodbank.org/food-assistance/get-food-now

• Assistance with childcare or utility bills is available at any campus Support Center: http://www.austincc.edu/students/support-center.

• The Student Emergency Fund can help with unexpected expenses that may cause you to withdraw from one or more classes: http://www.austincc.edu/SEF.

• Help with budgeting for college and family life is available through the Student Money Management Office: http://sites.austincc.edu/money/.  

A full listing of services for student parents is available at: https://www.austincc.edu/students/child-care

• The CARES Act Student Aid will help eligible students pay expenses related to COVID-19: 

https://www.austincc.edu/coronavirus/cares-act-student-aid.   

Mental health counseling services are available throughout the ACC Student Services District to address personal and or mental health concerns: http://www.austincc.edu/students/counseling .

If you are struggling with a mental health or personal crisis, call one of the following numbers to connect with resources for help.  However, if you are afraid that you might hurt yourself or someone else, call 911 immediately.

Free Crisis Hotline Numbers:

• Austin / Travis County 24-hour Crisis & Suicide hotline: 512-472-HELP (4357)

• The Williamson County 24-hour Crisis hotline: 1-800-841-1255

• Bastrop County Family Crisis Center hotline: 1-888-311-7755

• Hays County 24 Hour Crisis Hotline: 1-877-466-0660

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)

• Crisis Text Line: Text “home” to 741741

  • Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline:   1-800-662-HELP (4357)

• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Helpline:1-800-950-NAMI (6264)

REQUIRED TEXTS/MATERIALS/SOFTWARE

• No textbook required

• Backup device

• Autodesk Maya / 3ds Max

• Adobe Creative Cloud

• KeyframeMP

• Epic Pen

• Headphones

• Camera for recording reference footage

• Camera for online classes

Recommended

• “The Animator’s Survival Kit” by Richard Williams

• “Cartoon Animation” by Preston Blair

INSTRUCTIONAL METHODOLOGY

Teaching methods are workforce based and designed with professional production studios in mind.  These methods might include:

• lecture

• lab

• Reviews and critiques

• Group activities

• Student presentations

• online

• hybrid

• competency-based   

Course Calendar

ARTV 2377 3D Animation III

16 Week semester

Week 1 - 4  Quadruped Walk Cycle ( 4 weeks )

Weeks 5 - 9  Bootcamp Fundamentals ( 5 weeks )

Weeks 9 - 14  Pantomime  ( 5 weeks ) 

Weeks 15 - 16  Lip Sync ( 2 weeks )

Week 1: Class Intro/Quadrupeds

Activities: Review Syllabus, Workflow, Planning and Blocking

Lecture/Demonstration:  Quadruped Movement Cycle

Week 2: Quadrupeds

Activities: Adding In-betweens

Lecture/Demonstration: Class Critique

Week 3: Quadrupeds

Activities: Checking poses/Body Mechanics

Lecture/Demonstration: Class Critique

Week 4: Quadrupeds

Activities: Polish Animation

Lecture/Demonstration: Stoplight Theater Lecture

Week 5: Bootcamp Fundamentals

Activities: Install and learn plugin tools for maya 

Lecture/Demonstration:  

Quadruped Due

Week 6: Bootcamp Fundamentals

Activities: Pose Exercises

Lecture/Demonstration: Class Critique

Week 7: Bootcamp Fundamentals

Activities: Body parts exercises

Lecture/Demonstration: 

Week 8 and 9: Bootcamp Fundamentals

Activities: Workflow mirrorring exercise

Lecture/Demonstration:  Class Critique

Week 10: Start Pantomime

Activities: Workflow, Planning and Reference

Lecture/Demonstration:  Class Critique

Submit Bootcamp Animation (grade is pass/fail)

Week 11: Pantomime

Activities: Blocking Animation

Lecture/Demonstration: 

Week 12: Pantomime

Activities: Blocking Plus

Lecture/Demonstration:

Week 13: Pantomime

Activities: Blocking Plus/Polish, Checking Poses, Body Mechanics, Timing, and Polishing

Lecture/Demonstration: 

Week 14: Finish Pantomime 

Activities: Final Polishing

Lecture/Demonstration: Class Reviews

Week 15: Lip Sync Exercise

Activities: Understanding Phonemes, Planning, Reference and Blocking

Lecture/Demonstration: Class Reviews

Pantomime  Due 

Week 16: Finish Lip Sync Exercise

Activities: Polishing

Lecture/Demonstration: Class Reviews

Dialog Exercise Due - End of Class (grade is pass/fail)

Last class is:

Dec 05

Semester Ends Dec 10

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES & GENERAL EDUCATION COMPETENCIES

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to

• Plan out animation

• Locate and use reference footage

• Create cycled animations

• Use advanced biped and / or creature character rigs

• Integrate weapons and / or props into animations

• Design and animate game style actions and cycled animations

• Examine and animate basic to intermediate acting techniques

Discipline/Program Student Learning Outcomes

1. Apply design and animation principles to animation production.

2. Construct high quality animation via break down and polish passes.

SCANS Competencies (for workforce courses):

SCANS = Secretary’s Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills:

This course satisfies

1.0 Resources

1.1 Manages Time

3.0 Information

3.3 Uses Computers to Process Information

5.0 Technology

5.1 Selects Technology

5.3 Maintains and Troubleshoots Technology

SCANS Foundation Skills

6.0 Basic Skills

6.1 Reading

6.5 Listening

6.6 Speaking

7.0 Thinking Skills

7.1 Creative Thinking

7.2 Decision Making

7.3 Problem Solving

7.4 Mental Visualization

7.5 Knowing How To Learn

7.6 Reasoning

8.0 Personal Qualities

8.1 Responsibility

8.2 Self-Esteem

8.3 Sociability

8.4 Self-Management

8.5 Integrity/Honesty

For expanded definitions of the above listed SCANS, please go to: http://www.austincc.edu/mkt/scans.php

WHAT ARE SCANS?

In 1989 President Bush and the nation’s governors agreed to achieve education goals by the year 2000 that brought about the effort led by the U.S. Secretary of Labor to form the Secretary’s Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills (SCANS) in 1990. The Commission was to determine skills students needed to succeed in the world of work. A preliminary report of the Commission was issued in the spring of 1991, and the final report in April of 1992. The commission argued that a high-performance work place requires workers who have a solid foundation in the basic literacy and computational skills, in the thinking skills necessary to put knowledge to work, and in the personal qualities that make workers dedicated and trustworthy. The Commission also argued that a solid foundation is not enough. The high performance workplace requires competencies - the abilities to manage resources, to work amicably and productively with others, to acquire and use information, to master complex systems, and to work with a variety of technologies.