Monday, January 19, 2009

Stalker

I hope everyone is having a good long weekend (if you are having one). Don't forget to complete your Module 1 assignment, "Stalker". This is a very important assignment for us move on. This coming week we will be talking about your observations and then putting further detail into them. Please be prepared. Thanks.

Monday, January 12, 2009

Introduction to the Course

Welcome to Character Development. My name is Marc Tucker. I am your instructor.

This course is designed to teach you the fundamentals of creating well rounded characters for video games, movies and animations. Topics include Archetypes, Genres and Genre Conventions, Stage Fighting Techniques, Cutscene production, and Character Analyzation.

Course Structure and Navigation

This course has been designed to be as easy to navigate as possible. If at any time during the semester you have questions about course material or concerns about your progress, please contact me by using the HELP email list. I check my email several times a day and reply promptly. To do this (click on the COMMUNICATION button on the bottom-left side of the screen), click SEND EMAIL, SELECT GROUPS, then click on the group labeled HELP. This allows me or an assistant to answer your question promptly and with no confusion. Failure to email me through Blackboard may result in my being unable to respond to your emails. You may also come and see me during my office hours. My office is located on CPCC’s Central Campus – fifth floor, room 5118. Please click on the INSTRUCTOR button on the left side of the screen for information regarding my office hours.

Announcements

Please check Announcements frequently. I will post important information, updates and reminders on the Announcements blog throughout the semester. Below are some important things to remember about announcements.
1. When you first log into the course you will notice the front page. On the front page will be all of your announcements.
2. There are SGD Announcements, which will include all announcements related to ALL SGD courses. Such as class cancelations and the like.
3. There are SGD Events, which will include all announcements related to ALL SGD Students in regards to Game Tournaments, Guest Speakers, Game Conferences and so on.
4. The most important to note is the SGD112 announcments. This is where you will find any information that is related to this specific course. Such as assignment changes, new course info, or due dates.
5. On the right side of the screen are RSS Feeds related to game development and this class. When you log in, just take a quick look and see if any of the industry stories might interest you and take some time to view it.

Assignments

The ASSIGNMENTS button (located on the left side of the main page) is the most important tool bar in this site. Click on Assignments to learn about the modules (units of study) we'll be covering in this course, as well as specific assignments for each module.

Course Calendar

Click on the COURSE CALENDAR button (located on the left side of the main page) to learn which modules will be covered when. Information concerning exams and assignment due dates may also be included in the course calendar. To be successful in this course, you'll need to follow the course calendar and be careful not to fall behind.

Discussion Board

Click on the DISCUSSION BOARD button (located on the left side of the main page) to access the Discussion Board. The Discussion Board will provide opportunities for you to discuss topics related to the course and to receive feedback from your fellow students and your instructor.
I hope you will enjoy this course and have a great semester.