Course Syllabus

Course Syllabus

 

ART 75 – Form and Information

3D Modeling, Digital Sculpture, Scanning and Printing

 

Instructor:  Domi Piturro

Email:  piturro_domenic@smc.edu

Office Hours by Appointment.  Zoom Link in Confer Now.

Thursday and Friday are usually best.

Student Learning Outcomes:

 

1. By the end of the semester, students will create 3D Computer Models using knowledge and techniques learned during the semester.

• Guided Tutorial and Training Projects
• A series of Models will be assigned for Students to complete.
• These projects will be assigned with each Module during the semester.
• Mid-Term Project
• Instructor and Student will work together to define Project.
• Student will 3D Model the Project.
• Final Project
• Student will Design and Create 3D Models using Class Techniques.
• Deliverable can be 2D Image or Print, 3D Animation or 3D Print.

 

Students will demonstrate, during their final project, through knowledge learned from various design sources throughout the semester, a development of their own artistic ideas in design and craftsmanship.

 

Requirements for Credit: Students will receive three units of credit (transferable to UC and CSU) if they meet the requirements listed below:

 

All projects must receive passing grades and be completed by assigned dates.  Any project not completed during the semester cannot be turned in later for credit.

 

Class schedule is FLEXIBLE, but you must complete all Course Modules.

 

Assessment:

Assessment is based on a final review of students' work. In an oral presentation, students describe finished work and the learning outcomes, including evidence of critical thinking and problem solving, achieved by each assignment. Teacher's evaluation takes into account peer reviews. Individual pieces are graded according to aesthetic factors, technique, craftsmanship and response to the assignment.

 

 

 

Course Description

 

ART 75 will teach students 3D Modeling, Digital Sculpture, Rendering, Scanning and Printing of 3D objects for Fine Art and Design.

This class will focus on elemental skills, concepts, and problem-solving methods in these programs and challenge students to apply these building blocks creatively in a variety of increasingly sophisticated and innovative design solutions.

Software instruction will include Maya, Mudbox and Meshmixer.  Output methods will include 2D Images and 3D Prints.

 

Learning Objectives

 

• Introduction to Art and Technology
• Overview of Computer Graphics
• Graphics Software Installation
• Learn Basic Tools for 3D Modeling, Digital Sculpture, Scanning and Printing
• Conceive and Design Projects
• Apply Traditional Fine Art Skills and Aesthetics to Technology Based Projects
• Create Basic 3D Models.
• Use critical skills to analyze projects before going into production.
• Prepare Projects Technically for 3D Output.
• Refine 3D Output Objects.
• Troubleshoot issues during Creation and Production Phases of a Project.
• Final Output
• Project Presentation

 

 

Recommended Preparation:

Drawing, Sculpting, Painting, Graphics and Photography skills are all helpful for this course. 

 

Course Notes

Grading will be by Letter based on the outlined evaluation criteria.

The class will be taught Online via Canvas with:

• Videos
• Demos
• Tutorials
• Projects
• Discussions

 

Technological Proficiency and Hardware/Software Required

This course’s primary focus is 3D Digital Sculpture and Design Tools.  Traditional Drawing and Sculpting skills can be very helpful.  Learning software skills will be the focus.  Digital Tools required for this class will be listed below.

 

Software:

• Maya
• Mudbox
• Meshmixer

 

Hardware:

• A computer is necessary for this course with ideally 16GB or more memory and good graphics card.
• A 3-Buttom Mouse is required for 3D software.
• A Digitizing Tablet is not required but useful.
• A photographic Device to generate digital images of drawing – Camera, Phone, Scanner
• A basic knowledge of working with 2D digital computer images.

 

Required Readings and Supplementary Materials

 

• No Book is assigned for the class but periodically instructor may provide links or documents.
• Specific videos, documents and other material will be provided with each module.
• Custom Tutorials, Documents and Models will also be provided.

 

Description and Assessment of Assignments

This course is a Studio Art class, and all work will be based on Projects.  Digital 3D Models are the primary deliverable used for evaluation supplemented by process material (drawings, photos, etc.). 

Rendered images, 3D Prints, 2D Prints, Animations are all allowed and encouraged.

 

Evaluation Criteria

Studio Projects and Homework Assignments grades will be assigned according to a point system and assessed based on the following criteria:

 

• Course Material Comprehension
• Concept and Design
• Aesthetics
• Technical Skill
• Craftsmanship
• Organization
• Presentation
• Participation

 

THIS CLASS PRIMARY FOCUS IS PROJECTS.  IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT STUDENTS COMPLETE PROJECTS.  THE TOP CRITERIA PROJECTS WILL BE EVALUATED ON ARE: DESIGN, AESTHETICS and TECHNICAL SKILL.

 

 

Grading Breakdown

 

Projects will be evaluated based on their adherence to given guidelines, attention to craft and overall appropriateness.  Assignments in each Module may have various components such as: Reading, Design, Modeling, Discussion, Participation, and others.

Initiative, progress, and follow-through will also be considered. Both giving and receiving feedback will be crucial to your success in the class; therefore, your participation grade is based on your active involvement discussion and communication. Assignments will be docked points each week they are late. Assignment submission is closed after 2 weeks of due date.

 

Module 01                                                                                                       10

Module 02                                                                                                       10

Module 03                                                                                                       10

Module 04                                                                                                       10

Module 05                                                                                                       10

Mid-Term Project                                                                                            20

Final Project                                                                                                    30

 

TOTAL		100

 

 Grading Scale

 

Course final grades will be determined using the following scale:

A          90-100

B          80-89

C         70-79

D         60-69

F          59 and below

 

This is an introductory course to 3D Digital Art but covers a lot of material which will give you a solid foundation for future studies an application.  Mid-Term and Final Project are a significant portion of your grade.  For the first part of the semester, you may do well with class directed projects, but the 2^nd half of the semester is based on your personal work.  Mid-Term and Final projects will go beyond technique and require good concept design, planning and aesthetics.

 

 

Assignment Submission Policy

 

Assignments in this course are Projects.

3D Models, Render Images and Concept Designs will be the Deliverable.

Data will be uploaded for Review and Grading.

Assignments may have particular Deliverables Assigned.

 

Grading Timeline

 

Grades will be available within 2-3 weeks of submission.

 

Additional Policies

 

This class teaches tools progressively.  It is important to try and keep with the class timeline.

 

If students full behind try to catch up and notify the instructor, if not this issue can compound and will be reflected in the participation grade.

 

 

 

Course Schedule: A Weekly Breakdown

 

The Course will follow a Module format.  Modules are used organize subject matter. 

Modules will be completed each week but sometimes take more or less time. 

The first half of the semester focus is to develop technical skill through material covered in the Core Modules.

Second half of the semester focus is on student’s personal creativity and projects. 

Mid-Term Project will have a theme, but students create their own design.

Final Project Students Conceive and Design their own projects.  Instructor will assist Student with developing concepts, technique and periodic review as needed.

 

 

 

TIPS TO ENSURE ONLINE SUCCESS

Read the course syllabus. THIS IS SO IMPORTANT! Be sure you understand all course policies, when quizzes and homework are due, know how you will be graded and are aware of important due dates. If you have questions about course policies, contact me via CANVAS email so I can clarify the issue.

Pay attention to deadlines and assignment dates. This is BIG!  When you don't check for class updates or get your assignments in on time it’s very easy to fall behind in the class. 

 Don’t be afraid to ask questions. My professors always told me that there are no “dumb” questions in academia. Most of the time, your confusion is shared with your peers, so asking questions not only benefits yourself but also your classmates! You can email me in CANVAS.

Have a backup plan. All computers eventually suffer failures. Have a plan in case yours goes down; know where you can find a backup computer in case of emergency and know how to operate its various programs. Back up or copy your homework onto your email account/ or back-up disk regularly.

Log onto CANVAS Frequently. You should try to log on at least once a day (at least five days a week and more often if possible). Develop a logon routine that's comfortable with your schedule. Online classes tend to generate a large number of posts and announcements. If you don't logon for a few days you will be overwhelmed and might have trouble catching up.

Respond promptly to messages. In the online environment, you are invisible to the rest of the class. If you don't respond, we will think you didn't get the message or don't want to respond. When you respond it's like saying, "I'm here!" If you can't respond immediately, at least send a quick note saying "I received your message and will reply this evening."

Participate. You attend the online class by participating. You send messages and complete assignments before the due date; that's how you show that you are "present." If you lurk (remain silent) then you are "absent."