ANI 128B, Section 1, Spring 2015 Course Schedule

San José State University
Animation/Illustration, Department of Design
ANI128B, Digital Animation II, Section 1, Spring 2015
Instructor:
Thomas Esmeralda
Office Location:
Art 225
Telephone:
(408) 924-4661
Email:
thomas.esmeralda@sjsu.edu
Office Hours:
Thursdays 6:00pm – 7:00pm
Class Days/Time:
Mondays and Wednesdays 3:30pm – 6:20pm
Classroom:
Art 243
Prerequisites:
ANI 128A Digital Animation I
Faculty Web Page and MYSJSU Messaging
Copies of the course materials such as the syllabus, major assignment handouts, etc. may
be found on my faculty web page at http://www.sjsu.edu/people/thomas.esmeralda/, and
through Canvas. You are responsible for regularly checking with the messaging system
through MySJSU (or other communication system as indicated by the instructor).
Course Description
In this class we will focus our attention on applying the traditional principles of
animation for intermediate level character animation, with focuson arcs, overlapping
action, spacing, squash and stretch, strong posing and silhouette. In terms of workflow,
the emphasis will be on achieving a strong blocking more efficiently, and on techniques
for polishing the animation. The project assignments will be introduced through hands-on
demos and lectures, and will be completed by work done in class and continued at home.
Short films and scenes of feature animated and live action feature film will be used to
illustrate the many concepts studied in this class.
Learning Outcomes and Course Goals
By the end of this class students should be able to:
•
Understand well the Maya workflow, and how to take a shot from design to final
phase
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•
Block a shot more quickly and efficiently and polish a shot using the principles of
traditional animation
•
Animate broad action with solid body mechanics, appropriate for a intermediate
level
•
Know how to apply the traditional principles of animation in order to produce
believable movement
•
Use strong storytelling and character development in their animated scenes
Required Supplies
Get your supplies with a discount here:
http://www.dickblick.com/lists/blicku/RKDFKFLY5TX5W/publicview/
A USB flash drive or external drive for storing DATA; (8 GB recommended)
Sketch book and pencils for drawing.
3 to 5 Sheets of transparencies and dry eraser (3 different colors)
Maya is available in all computers in the animation lab on campus. For this class, we are
going to be mostly using Maya 2014. Please remember that as a student you can get
Maya free of charge, if you go to the Autodesk site. If you have an older version of Maya
in your computer, please upload the latest one from the Autodesk site.
You will be required to shoot video reference for some of the assignments. Please be
prepared to do so, making sure you have some kind of device to record video. This device
could be a smart phone, mini-DV cam, a webcam or a digital camera that can shoot
video. If you don't have one, think of someone that can help you with shooting video
reference for class.
You will need the ability to perform a simple film editing on your shots. I recommend
that you buy a copy of Quicktime Pro and use it to edit your work (for PCs or Macs, the
price is $29.99). Quicktime pro is also available (free) in all computers of our lab. To
purchase your copy, go tohttp://www.apple.com/quicktime/pro/
RIGS AND PROPS
Please use our assets library for your prop needs. Information on how to use is under
"files" (video tutorial). The address of the library ai.sjsu.edu/assets
Your can use the following rigs in this class:
FREE:
ANI 128B, Section 1, Spring 2015
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Morpheus:
http://www.joshburton.com/projects/morpheus.asp
Malcolm:
http://www.animschool.com/DownloadOffer.aspx
Stewart:
http://www.animationmentor.com/free-maya-rig/
Norman:
http://www.romanim.com/norman_database.php
Bonny:
http://www.joshsobelanimator.com/#!bonnie-rig/c1k6j
PAYED OPTIONS:
If you are willing to pay for more options, you can use the characters from LongWinter
studios or Animation Rigs. We DO have a discount with these two companies. Please
look at the PDFs under "files" for more information.
You will be required to shoot video reference for some of the assignments. Please be
prepared to do so, making sure you have some kind of device to record video. This device
could be a mini-DV cam, or a digital camera that can shoot video. If you don't have one,
think of someone that can help you with shooting video reference for class.
Required Books
The Animator's Survival kit
By Richard Williams
Published by Faber and Faber
ISBN 0-571-20228-4
ISBN 0-571-21268-9
Acting and Performance for AnimationsBy Derek Hayes and Chris Webster
Publised by Focal Press
ISBN 978-0-240-81239-7
ISBN 978-0-080-96217-7
ANI 128B, Section 1, Spring 2015
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Library Liaison
The Library Liaison for Animation is Rebecca Kohn. She can be reached via e-mail
at rebecca.kohn@sjsu.edu or by telephone at (408) 808-2007. Her office is located on the
4th floor of King Library, and she encourages students to contact her with research
questions.
Library Resources specific to animation are available online
at http://libguides.sjsu.edu/animation
All of the University Library Resources can be accessed at
http://libguides.sjsu.edu/a-z
Course Requirements and Assignments
Grades will reflect a student's overall engagement with the course material from
throughout the term, as determined by factors such as the quality and creativity of
assignment work, class attendance, class participation, progress and effort. Students are
responsible for maintaining an updated record of all completed assignments.
1. Project 1 (Domestic Incident) = 20 points
2. Project 2 (High energy physical exertion) = 20 points
3. Project 3 (Inspired by an animal OR pantomime scene OR inspired by one of your
poses) = 20 points
4. final reel: 30 points
5. class overall engagement: 10 points
NOTE that University policy F69-24 at http://www.sjsu.edu/senate/docs/F69-24.pdf
states that “Students should attend all meetings of their classes, not only because they are
responsible for material discussed therein, but because active participation is frequently
essential to insure maximum benefit for all members of the class. Attendance per se shall
not be used as a criterion for grading.”
Grading Policy
Grades will reflect a student's overall engagement with the course material from
throughout the term, as determined by factors such as completion of all assignments, the
quality of assignment work, class participation, progress and effort. Students are
responsible for maintaining an updated record of all completed assignments.
OBS: Student will only be granted an incomplete grade if they are going through
exceptional situations that required them to miss a majority of classes, or important class
milestones, for example experiencing a compelling family emergency and/or life crisis. If
you receive an incomplete you have to complete the work on your own and have one year
to submit all final materials for consideration or your grade reverts to an FG.
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Access to grades, as well as copies of the course materials such as the syllabus,
assignments, notifications etc. will be made available through the SJSU Canvas system.
In addition, you are also responsible for regularly checking with the messaging system
through MySJSU.
Grading Percentage Breakdown
94% and above = A
93% - 90% = A89% - 87% = B+
86% - 84% = B
83% - 80% = B79% - 77% = C+
76% - 74% = C
73% - 70% = C69% - 67% = D+
66% - 64% = D
63% - 60% = Dbelow 60% = F
Please note:
A = Excellent or Superior; or top 10% (93
to 100) = 4.0
B = Above Average; or second 10% (8392) = 3.0
C = Average; or third 10% (77-82) = 2.0
D = Below average, minimum passing
grade (69-76); or fourth 10% = 1.00
F = Failure or Exceptionally Poor; bottom
or 60% (0-68) = 0.00
Note that “All students have the right, within a reasonable time, to know their academic
scores, to review their grade-dependent work, and to be provided with explanations for
the determination of their course grades.” See University Policy F13-1 at
http://www.sjsu.edu/senate/docs/F13-1.pdf for more details.
Classroom Protocol
Failure to comply with these rules will result in a one-week expulsion from the lab for
every student present at the time of the offense
1. Food is prohibited
2. Beverages may be kept only on the shelf in the rear of the lab
3. Only students registered in digital classes or BFA are allowed in the lab
4. No internet browsing is allowed during class time. That includes social network sites,
any kind of chat or instant messages, news, youtube or any other site at all. Students
caught browsing the internet during class will be promptly removed from the lab.
5. A notebook and taking notes is mandatory during all lectures or when teacher is
explaining a topic or giving assignment guidelines.
6. The lab is for digital class related work only (No painting, charcoal rendering,
sculpting, massaging, etc...)
7. No inappropriate imagery on the computers nor dry erase board
8. Headphones only; no sounds audible to other students allowed
9. Do not disconnect, attach, rearrange, or install anything on the computer systems
(USB and external drives are permitted)
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10. The lab doors must remain closed and locked at all times
11. Cel phones should be turned off in the lab
University Policies
General Expectations, Rights and Responsibilities of the Student
As members of the academic community, students accept both the rights and
responsibilities incumbent upon all members of the institution. Students are encouraged
to familiarize themselves with SJSU’s policies and practices pertaining to the procedures
to follow if and when questions or concerns about a class arises. See University Policy
S90–5 at http://www.sjsu.edu/senate/docs/S90-5.pdf. More detailed information on a
variety of related topics is available in the SJSU catalog, at http://info.sjsu.edu/webdbgen/narr/catalog/rec-12234.12506.html. In general, it is recommended that students
begin by seeking clarification or discussing concerns with their instructor. If such
conversation is not possible, or if it does not serve to address the issue, it is recommended
that the student contact the Department Chair as a next step.
Dropping and Adding
Students are responsible for understanding the policies and procedures about add/drop,
grade forgiveness, etc. Refer to the current semester’s Catalog Policies section at
http://info.sjsu.edu/static/catalog/policies.html. Add/drop deadlines can be found on the
current academic year calendars document on the Academic Calendars webpage at
http://www.sjsu.edu/provost/services/academic_calendars/. The Late Drop Policy is
available at http://www.sjsu.edu/aars/policies/latedrops/policy/. Students should be aware
of the current deadlines and penalties for dropping classes.
Information about the latest changes and news is available at the Advising Hub at
http://www.sjsu.edu/advising/.
Consent for Recording of Class and Public Sharing of Instructor Material
University Policy S12-7, http://www.sjsu.edu/senate/docs/S12-7.pdf, requires students to
obtain instructor’s permission to record the course and the following items to be included
in the syllabus:
•
“Common courtesy and professional behavior dictate that you notify someone
when you are recording him/her. You must obtain the instructor’s permission to
make audio or video recordings in this class. Such permission allows the
recordings to be used for your private, study purposes only. The recordings are
the intellectual property of the instructor; you have not been given any rights to
reproduce or distribute the material.”
o It is suggested that the greensheet include the instructor’s process for
granting permission, whether in writing or orally and whether for the
whole semester or on a class by class basis.
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•
o In classes where active participation of students or guests may be on the
recording, permission of those students or guests should be obtained as
well.
“Course material developed by the instructor is the intellectual property of
the instructor and cannot be shared publicly without his/her approval. You
may not publicly share or upload instructor generated material for this course
such as exam questions, lecture notes, or homework solutions without
instructor consent.”
Academic integrity
Your commitment as a student to learning is evidenced by your enrollment at San Jose
State University. The University’s Academic Integrity policy S07-2, located at
http://www.sjsu.edu/senate/S07-2.htm, requires you to be honest in all your academic
course work. Faculty members are required to report all infractions to the office of
Student Conduct and Ethical Development. The Student Conduct and Ethical
Development website is available at http://www.sjsu.edu/studentconduct/.
Instances of academic dishonesty will not be tolerated. Cheating on exams or plagiarism
(presenting the work of another as your own, or the use of another person’s ideas without
giving proper credit) will result in a failing grade and sanctions by the University. For
this class, all assignments are to be completed by the individual student unless otherwise
specified. If you would like to include your assignment or any material you have
submitted, or plan to submit for another class, please note that SJSU’s Academic
Integrity Policy S07-2 requires approval of instructors.
Campus Policy in Compliance with the American Disabilities Act
If you need course adaptations or accommodations because of a disability, or if you need
to make special arrangements in case the building must be evacuated, please make an
appointment with me as soon as possible, or see me during office hours. Presidential
Directive 97-03 at http://www.sjsu.edu/president/docs/directives/PD_1997-03.pdf
requires that students with disabilities requesting accommodations must register with the
Disability Resource Center (DRC) at http://www.drc.sjsu.edu/ to establish a record of
their disability.
Accommodation to Students' Religious Holidays
San José State University shall provide accommodation on any graded class work or
activities for students wishing to observe religious holidays when such observances
require students to be absent from class. It is the responsibility of the student to inform
the instructor, in writing, about such holidays before the add deadline at the start of each
semester. If such holidays occur before the add deadline, the student must notify the
instructor, in writing, at least three days before the date that he/she will be absent. It is the
responsibility of the instructor to make every reasonable effort to honor the student
request without penalty, and of the student to make up the work missed. See University
Policy S14-7 at http://www.sjsu.edu/senate/docs/S14-7.pdf.
ANI 128B, Section 1, Spring 2015
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Student Technology Resources
Computer labs for student use are available in the Academic Success Center at
http://www.sjsu.edu/at/asc/ located on the 1st floor of Clark Hall and in the Associated
Students Lab on the 2nd floor of the Student Union. Additional computer labs may be
available in your department/college. Computers are also available in the Martin Luther
King Library.
A wide variety of audio-visual equipment is available for student checkout from Media
Services located in IRC 112. These items include DV and HD digital camcorders; digital
still cameras; video, slide and overhead projectors; DVD, CD, and audiotape players;
sound systems, wireless microphones, projection screens and monitors.
SJSU Writing Center
The SJSU Writing Center is located in Clark Hall, Suite 126. All Writing Specialists have
gone through a rigorous hiring process, and they are well trained to assist all students at
all levels within all disciplines to become better writers. In addition to one-on-one
tutoring services, the Writing Center also offers workshops every semester on a variety of
writing topics. To make an appointment or to refer to the numerous online resources
offered through the Writing Center, visit the Writing Center website at
http://www.sjsu.edu/writingcenter. For additional resources and updated information,
follow the Writing Center on Twitter and become a fan of the SJSU Writing Center on
Facebook. (Note: You need to have a QR Reader to scan this code.)
ANI 128B, Section 1, Spring 2015
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ANI 128B, Section 1, Spring 2015 Course Schedule
The schedule is subject to change with fair notice provided in class, and through Canvas.
Course Schedule
Week
Date
Topics, Readings, Assignments, Deadlines
1
1/26
1/28
First class: Introductions, course and syllabus overview
Lecture: Animation topic
2
2/2
2/4
Review student animation
Lecture: Animation topic
3
2/9
2/11
Review student animation
Lecture: Animation topic
4
2/16
2/18
Review student animation: Domestic Incident animation due
Lecture: Animation topic
5
2/23
2/25
3/2
3/4
Review student animation
Lecture: Animation topic
Review student animation
Lecture: Animation topic
7
3/9
3/11
Review student animation:
Lecture: Animation topic
8
3/16
3/18
9
3/23
3/25
3/30
4/1
4/6
4/8
Review student animation High energy physical exertion animation due
Lecture: Animation topic
No classes
Spring Break
6
10
11
12
13
14
14
Review student animation:
Lecture: Animation topic
Review student animation
Lecture: Animation topic
4/13
4/15
4/20
4/22
Review student animation Animal, pantomime, or inspired poses due
Lecture: Animation topic
Review student animation
Lecture: Animation topic
4/27
4/29
Review student animation
Lecture: Animation topic
ANI 128B, Section 1, Spring 2015
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Week
Date
Topics, Readings, Assignments, Deadlines
15
5/4
5/6
Review student animation
Lecture: Animation topic
16
5/11
5/13
Review student animation
Review for final comments
Final
Exam
5/19
Art 243 Tuesday, May 19, 1445-1700
Presentation of final reels
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