First and Foremost rule of this class:
Bring pen and paper to class and be prepared to take effective notes.
Overview
The goal of TC 247 is to give each student a solid foundation in creating 3d art and assets in Maya3D. You will be given lessons and assignments on every aspect of 3d creation from animation, to modeling including rigging and texturing. By the end of the class you should have a strong enough base of knowledge to pursue any specialization of 3d artwork on your own.
Course Objectives
● Getting a firm grasp of the Maya interface
● Understanding form and proportion
● Creating 3d objects in Maya.
● Constraining the objects in the software to make them useful.
● Learning how to animate 3d objects
Attendance will be taken at the beginning of every lecture class. Lab hours are mandatory and assignments must be completed and handed in on time for credit.
Prerequisites
TC 242: The Digital Image or STA 110: Drawing I and STA 113: Color and Design
Contact Information
Andrew Dennis adennis@msu.edu
Office hours Room 427 Tuesdays & Thursdays 3‐5pm Evan Cox coxevan@msu.edu Class Hours
This class will be using Maya to create and modify assignments. The availability of that software will be limited to the classrooms that host the sessions. Students can find access to
downloadable educational versions of the software at the Autodesk Student Community for use on individual computers. There will be one lecture session consisting of both sections of the class, and one lab session for each section.
Lecture: Monday 3:00pm ‐ 4:50 pm Comm. Arts Bldg. Room 151 Lab Section 001: 5:00 pm ‐ 6:50 pm Comm. Arts Bldg. Room 240 Lab Section 002: 10:20 am ‐ 12:10 pm Comm. Arts Bldg. Room 240
Lab Section 003: 12:40 pm ‐ 2:30 pm Comm. Arts Bldg. Room 240 Check for open hours to see when no classes are in the lab.
Please note the Acceptable Use of MSU equipment and services.
Course Web Site
The primary method for communication outside of class hours is the course angel site. The instructor will use it to post reminders, announcements, and other information. It is your responsibility to check the regularly (daily if possible) for lecture and lab announcements.
Reading and Reference Materials
There is no required textbook for the class, there will however be handouts from the lecturer in either digital or physical form that the student will receive.
Other Course Materials
In addition to your student AFS storage space, it is highly suggested that you have an additional method of storing your course work. Available storage methods in the lab include:
● Dropbox or Google Drive account
● Portable Hard Drive (USB or Firewire)
● USB Flash Drive
● Server space of your own
The storage media is available from several computer and office stores around town. You can also purchase them from online store, such as Amazon.com. Attendance is required on all class days. There is no makeup for a missed day. If you must miss a class, check the Web pages for what you have missed and/or ask a friend in the class. The class includes lecture, discussion, demonstrations, and work sessions. If you already know the material that is being covered, please participate in the teaching process, rather than leaving or sitting there feeling bored. There are always more techniques to learn and if you have better methods, why not show

everyone in the class? Religious Observance: If you wish to be absent from class to observe a religious holiday, make arrangements in advance with the instructor. Missing Class to Participate in a Required Activity: To be excused from this class to participate in a required activity for another course or a university‐sanctioned event, you must provide the instructor with adequate advance notice and a written authorization from the faculty member of the other course or from a university administrator.
Assignments and Grading
The course will consist of 14 lectures and 15 labs.