3D ANIMATION: COURSE SYLLABUS & RUBRIC

Term: Fall 2026 | Duration: 15 Weeks (Live Interactive) | Level: Beginner to Advanced Portfolio Level

COURSE OVERVIEW & OBJECTIVES

This 15-week intensive course provides hands-on instruction in 3D character rigging, keyframe motion mechanics, cinematic camera direction, and lighting setups. Students will learn how to bring 3D characters to life and produce a compelling animation shot for their portfolio.

By the end of this course, students will:

• Understand 3D spatial motion, weight distribution, and Graph Editor keyframe polishing.

• Master character posing, IK/FK mechanics, facial expression, and lip-sync acting.

• Deliver a high-definition 3D animated scene suitable for top art school portfolio submissions (SlideRoom ready).

🛠️ REQUIRED SOFTWARE & HARDWARE

• Software: Autodesk Maya or Blender (Software setup and rig onboarding provided in Week 1).

• Hardware: PC / Mac with dedicated graphics card (Mouse with a middle-scroll wheel required).

📅 15-WEEK DETAILED CURRICULUM

MODULE 1: 3D MOTION MECHANICS & GRAPH EDITOR (WEEKS 1–3)

• Week 1: Orientation, viewport interaction, 3D space movement, and keyframing basics.

• Week 2: The 3D Bouncing Ball & Graph Editor curves—mastering slow-in, slow-out, and arc trajectory.

• Week 3: Weight & balance—animating physical impacts, jumps, and landing balance.

MODULE 2: CHARACTER RIGS & LOCOMOTION (WEEKS 4–7)

• Week 4: Character rig orientation—understanding IK/FK switching, bone hierarchies, and control curves.

• Week 5: The 3D Walk Cycle—contact poses, passing positions, weight shifts, and hip translation.

• Week 6: The 3D Run Cycle & dynamic body physics.

• Week 7: Pushing, pulling, and physical object interaction.

MODULE 3: ACTING, CINEMATOGRAPHY & STAGING (WEEKS 8–11)

• Week 8: Camera placement, dynamic framing, focal length, and depth of field.

• Week 9: Facial animation, lip-syncing phonemes, and eye-gaze direction.

• Week 10: Character performance—acting with dialogue, subtext, and pantomime gestures.

• Week 11: Mid-Semester Shot Review & 1-on-1 keyframe feedback.

MODULE 4: LIGHTING, RENDERING & REEL POLISH (WEEKS 12–15)

• Week 12: 3-Point cinematic lighting, shadow maps, and atmospheric depth.

• Week 13: Playblasting, high-bitrate rendering, and motion blur pass.

• Week 14: Sound effect (SFX) alignment, video encoding, and title card layout.

• Week 15: Final Showcase: Student 3D Animation Reel presentation and peer/instructor critique.

📊 DETAILED ASSESSMENT RUBRIC (100 POINTS)

Evaluation Criteria

Point Value

Performance Expectations

1. Motion Physics & Weight

30 Points

Demonstrates believable weight, fluid body mechanics, proper arcs, and polished Graph Editor curves.

2. Performance & Acting

25 Points

Convincing character emotions, clear staging, dynamic posing, and natural lip-syncing.

3. Technical Rigging & Cinematography

20 Points

Effective use of IK/FK controls, clean camera framing, depth of field, and lighting setups.

4. Process & Iteration

15 Points

Active participation in live reviews, documented blocking passes, and responsiveness to critique.

5. Final Reel Presentation

10 Points

HD/4K video encoding, crisp audio sync, clean presentation slides, and clear artist statement.

Export to Sheets

🏆 GRADING SYSTEM

• A (90–100 pts): Exceptional Mastery — Portfolio ready for top 3D animation programs (e.g., CalArts, Ringling, USC, BYU).

• B (80–89 pts): Proficient — Strong motion mechanics; minor polishing on acting or lighting suggested.

• C (70–79 pts): Developing — Understands 3D spatial motion; needs continued practice on Graph Editor interpolation.