Course Syllabus

 

DIG 4138-0177 FALL 2021
Instructor:	Nick Zuccarello	Section Number:	0177
Office:	CMB 120 (Art Pit)	Credit Hours:	3
Phone:	407-949-7264	Meeting Days:	M/W
E-Mail:	nicholas.zuccarello@ucf.edu	Class Meeting Hours:	10:30 – 12:20 PM
Office Hours:	M/W -1:30 – 3:00 PM VIA ZOOM (Contact Instructor to set up meeting)	Class Location:	CMB 0180 & 0165, (Zoom For Online Component)
GTA(s): (if applicable)		GTA(s) Email: (if applicable)

Table of Contents

• General Course Information (Class specific hardware and software issues)
• Course Description
• Course Materials and Resources
• Student Learning Outcomes
• Course Activities
• Grading Information
• Course Schedule
• Policy Statements

General Course Information

This course will Face to Face

• Students are expected to meet at the scheduled class time in person.

For the Digital Sculpting class you will need access to the following:

1. ZBrush Software
2. Digital Pen input device (such as a Wacom Tablet)
3. Access to a computer that is capable of running the ZBrush software. (http://docs.pixologic.com/getting-started/system-requirements/)
4. Internet Access with access to Webcources, Youtube and Zoom
5. Headset with Microphone (For live discussions during our Zoom sessions

Options to have access to all the necessary components for the class:

1. Come to the UCF GaIM campus and use the provided labs. (You will still need to bring your own headset with mic) You will have access to the Labs during our scheduled class times and specified designated times outside of class time. (Times and dates for lab access will be determined by UCF and may change over the course of this class.)
2. Participate in the course at a location of your choosing with your own computer, tablet, and software.
3. Remote Desktop into the UCF labs utilizing a Wacom tablet from home.

Hardware and Software Recommendations:

• Recommended laptops ($1,580.68) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07TYGN4XB?tag=amz-mkt-chr-us-20&ascsubtag=1ba00-01000-a0049-win10-other-nomod-us000-pcomp-feature-scomp-wm-5&ref=aa_scom
• Recommended Wacom Tablets ($69.95) https://estore.wacom.com/en-US/catalog/product/view/id/5065/s/one-by-wacom-small-ctl472k1a/category/45/
• Brush Subscription and Purchase Options ($39.95 Monthly, $179.95 6 Months, $895 Perpetual) https://store.pixologic.com/zbrush-2020/#:~:text=%2439.95%20%2F%20Month,%2Drefundable%2C%20cancel%20any%20time.
• ZBrush 30 day trial https://pixologic.com/zbrush/trial/
• Recommended Headset with Microphone (15.99) https://www.staples.com/Cyber-Acoustics-AC-201-Speech-Recognition-Over-the-Head-Stereo-Headset-and-Boom-Mic/product_IM1E40295?cid=PS:GooglePLAs:IM1E40295&ci_src=17588969&ci_sku=IM1E40295&KPID=IM1E40295&gclid=Cj0KCQjwjer4BRCZARIsABK4QeXaAIlocgWKc6kmFSMnhAeh6KQV6WEgG-o7q5PKHkKFZY5oJDhP7NAaAkKbEALw_wcB

Instructor Information 

• Instructor: Nick Zucccarello 
• Office Location: CMB 0180 & 0165, (Zoom)
• Office Hours: M/W -1:30 – 3:00 PM VIA ZOOM (Join URL: https://ucf.zoom.us/j/98130599467)
• Phone: 407-949-7264
• Digital Contact: Instructor’s UCF email (nicholas.zuccarello@ucf.edu) or Webcourses@UCF messaging

Teaching Assistants 

• GTA(s): None
• Email: nicholas.zuccarello@ucf.edu

Course Information

• Term: Fall 2020
• Course Number & Section: DIG 4138 - 0177
• Course Name: Digital Sculpture
• Credit Hours: 3
• Class Meeting Days: M/W
• Class Meeting Time: 10:30 – 12:20 PM
• Class Location: CMB 165
• Course Modality:  P (Face to Face)

Enrollment Requirements 

Course Prerequisites (if applicable): PR: DIG 4324C
Course Co-requisites (if applicable): 
Other Enrollment Requirements (if applicable): 

Course Description

Welcome to the Introduction to Digital Sculpting. Traditional Sculpting has been available to human kind from the moment we were able to pick up clay and from it into a variety of shapes and sizes. We have produced amazing tools and forms of art since that time. And now just recently in the digital age we have a new type of sculpture that follows all the principals that we have learned through the ages in the traditional world but with a twist, unlimited virtual clay. Now we are only limited by our time and imagination for the shapes and forms that we wish to build, in fact I would argue that we now have the ability to create forms that were once impossible in the traditional world.

With the advent of cheap and reliable 3D printers, it is now possible to bring your virtual digital creations to life in a tangible physical form in the real world, opening a wide range of possibilities that were just not possible just a few short years back. It truly is a revolutionary time to be an artist, digital artist and more clearly a digital sculptor.

The goal of this course will be to not only introduce you to the world of digital sculpture, but to have you learn a specific set of tools to empower you to create a variety of shapes in forms that will set you on a path to unlock your own artistic visions and ideas.

Course Materials and Resources

Required Materials/Resources

• Students will need a computer powerful enough to run Pixologic's ZBrush https://pixologic.com/zbrush/system/
• Students will need Pixologic's ZBrush software 
• NickZ ZBrush Custom Interface - https://gumroad.com/nickzucc#nsGt
• Zbrush Getting Started Youtube Playlist - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZFR-eziSwLaZHZ0_5xzJBd-OtYYAW8sO

Optional Materials/Resources

• ZBrush Classroom Video Learning Material - https://pixologic.com/zclassroom/level/0

Student Learning Outcomes

Outcomes – Students will be introduced to the world of Digital Sculpting, they will be taught how to use a basic toolset to create a wide variety of shapes, forms and surfaces. Students will learn about primary, secondary and tertiary relationships as they apply to sculpture and apply them to the sculptures that they are creating. Students will learn how to sculpt a variety of surface/material types while applying the principals of primary, secondary and tertiary forms to the overall sculptures that they are creating.

Acceptable Evidence – It will be evident that the students have learned the tool, techniques and philosophy in two major forms. First, by watching a series of learning videos and passing quizzes based off the video content. Second, from an applied approach, artist will create specific projects that demonstrate their artistic knowledge of tools and techniques.

Bullet Point Outcomes:

• Understanding of why it is beneficial to learn ZBrush?
• Learn and understand basic tools, brushes, and interface
• Understanding of the principals of Primary, Secondary and Tertiary forms
• How to create stone, metal and organic surfaces

Course Activities

Learning Experiences & Instruction – This course will be divided up into 4 distinct modules along with a final project.

Module Zero will focus on getting started. This module will introduce you to tools and resources and give you and understanding of what will be needed and expected for the course. At the end of this module you will be guided to take the academic engagement quiz, this will be essential for students who receive financial aid.

Module One will focus on the introduction to Digital Sculpture tools, process and techniques. This will be delivered through a mixture of face to face lecture/lab time along with online video content. Very simple objects will be created during the time period to produce a less stressful environment to learn the tools and to explore.

During this time period we will be introduced to the interface, understand the basics of how to digital sculpt (add to a surface, subtract from a surface, and how to smooth a surface), we will look at how to create a custom UI for all the brushes we will regularly use, create custom hotkeys, understand masking, and how to manage a multi-piece model through the use of Subtools.

Week 1 –

1. Watch the following Introduction To ZBrush videos:
• 001 Introduction To ZBrush Interface
• 002 Introduction To ZBrush Digital Sculpting Basics
• 003 Introduction To ZBrush Custom Brushes Interface
• 004 Introduction To ZBrush Custom Hotkeys
• 005 Introduction To ZBrush Various Brushes

1. Take the week one quiz based off of these videos.
2. Post images to webcourses of your sculpture while following along in the videos.

Week 2 –

1. Watch the following Introduction To ZBrush videos:
• 006 Introduction To ZBrush Masking
• 007 Introduction To ZBrush Subtools
• 008 Introduction To ZBrush Maya Crease And Polygroups To Zbrush
2. Take the week two quiz based off of these videos.
3. Post images to webcourses discussion area for this week while following along with the videos.

Week 3 –

1. Watch the video Simple Head Creation Version 1 – Follow along to create the provided example using all the tools shown in the previous weeks to create a simple head.
2. Take the week two quiz based off of these videos.
3. Post images to webcourses discussion area for this week while following along with the videos.

Week 4 –

1. Watch the video Simple Head Creation Version 2 – Follow along to create the provided example using all the tools shown in the previous weeks to create a simple head.
2. Take the week two quiz based off of these videos.
3. Post images to webcourses discussion area for this week while following along with the videos.

 

Module Two will focus on the creation of a specific overall shape with the use of STONE. We will focus on primary, secondary and tertiary forms (large, medium and small) in order to accurately created a sculpture that reads as stone from a far, medium and close distance to the camera.

We will also be focusing on the surface characteristics of stone and how to sculpt forms and details that accurately portray that surface type.

Week 5 –

1. Watch the video Stone Primary forms – Follow along to create the provided example using all the tools shown in the previous weeks along with these weeks targeted tools to create primary forms for a stone structure.
2. Take the week two quiz based off of these videos.
3. Post images to webcourses discussion area for this week, while following along with the videos.

Week 6 –

1. Watch the video Stone Secondary forms – Follow along to create the provided example using all the tools shown in the previous weeks along with these weeks targeted tools to create secondary forms for a stone structure.
2. Take the week two quiz based off of these videos.
3. Post images to webcourses discussion area for this week, while following along with the videos.

Week 7 –

1. Watch the video Stone tertiary forms – Follow along to create the provided example using all the tools shown in the previous weeks along with these weeks targeted tools to create tertiary forms for a stone structure.
2. Take the week two quiz based off of these videos.
3. Post images to webcourses discussion area for this week, while following along with the videos.

Module Three will focus on the creation of a specific overall shape with the use of METAL. We will focus on primary, secondary and tertiary forms (large, medium and small) in order to accurately created a sculpture that reads as metal from a far, medium and close distance to the camera.

We will also be focusing on the surface characteristics of metal and how to sculpt forms and details that accurately portray that surface type.

Week 8 –

1. Watch the video Metal Primary forms – Follow along to create the provided example using all the tools shown in the previous weeks along with these weeks targeted tools to create primary forms for a stone structure.
2. Take the week two quiz based off of these videos.
3. Post images to webcourses discussion area for this week, while following along with the videos.

Week 9 –

1. Watch the video Metal Secondary forms – Follow along to create the provided example using all the tools shown in the previous weeks along with these weeks targeted tools to create secondary forms for a stone structure.
2. Take the week two quiz based off of these videos.
3. Post images to webcourses discussion area for this week, while following along with the videos.

Week 10 –

1. Watch the video Metal tertiary forms – Follow along to create the provided example using all the tools shown in the previous weeks along with these weeks targeted tools to create tertiary forms for a stone structure.
2. Take the week two quiz based off of these videos.
3. Post images to webcourses discussion area for this week, while following along with the videos.

Module Four will focus on the creation of a specific overall shape with the use of ORGANIC MATTER (CREATURE). We will focus on primary, secondary and tertiary forms (large, medium and small) in order to accurately create a sculpture that reads as organic matter (creature) from a far, medium and close distance to the camera.

We will also be focusing on the surface characteristics of organic matter (creature) and how to sculpt forms and details that accurately portray that surface type.

Week 11 –

1. Watch the video Organic Primary Forms – Follow along to create the provided example using all the tools shown in the previous weeks along with these weeks targeted tools to create primary forms for a stone structure.
2. Take the week two quiz based off of these videos.
3. Post images to webcourses discussion area for this week, while following along with the videos.

Week 12 –

1. Watch the video Organic Secondary Forms – Follow along to create the provided example using all the tools shown in the previous weeks along with these weeks targeted tools to create secondary forms for a stone structure.
2. Take the week two quiz based off of these videos.
3. Post images to webcourses discussion area for this week, while following along with the videos.

Week 13 –

1. Watch the video Organic Tertiary Forms – Follow along to create the provided example using all the tools shown in the previous weeks along with these weeks targeted tools to create tertiary forms for a stone structure.
2. Take the week two quiz based off of these videos.
3. Post images to webcourses discussion area for this week, while following along with the videos.

Week 14 – 16 Final Project/Final Exam

1. Final Project will focus on taking all the tools and techniques that have been learned in the previous weeks and building a personal sculptural project that demonstrates the use of all the tools and techniques.

2. Final turn in of all your work. You will be required to do ZBrush renders of your work in a specified provided format.

Activity Submissions

We will be using Webcourses as our mode of submission for our work. Make sure to submit all work on time.

During times of group submissions, you will be required to give feedback on one of your peers work.

Attendance/Participation

Students are required to show up to every class/lecture. If you are later than 15 minutes to class, it will be counted as a full absence.

• Every late absence will count as a .5 drop from a full absence.
• Every full absence will result in a 20 point drop from your Absensence Grade. You will start the semester with 100 points for attendance, each of your late and full absences will deduct from that 100 points. Attendance will make up 10% of your grade. This equals to a full letter grade.
• Be sure to speak to the instructor before missing any class or assignment, if circumstances do not allow you to speak before missing class or work, contact the instructor ASAP.
• Distinctions between excused and unexcused absences - The Undergraduate Catalog states, “Reasons for acceptable absences may include illness, serious family emergencies, special curricular requirements (e.g., judging trips, field trips, professional conferences), military obligations, severe weather conditions, and religious holidays.”
• Students will be expected to make every effort to communicating why they will need to miss class before the start of class.

Make-up Exams and Assignments

Per university policy, you are allowed to submit make-up work (or an equivalent, alternate assignment) for authorized university-sponsored activities, religious observances, or legal obligations (such as jury duty). If this participation conflicts with your course assignments, I will offer a reasonable opportunity for you to complete missed assignments and/or exams. The make-up assignment and grading scale will be equivalent to the missed assignment and its grading scale. In the case of an authorized university activity, it is your responsibility to show me a signed copy of the Program Verification Form for which you will be absent, prior to the class in which the absence occurs. In any of these cases, please contact me ahead of time to notify me of upcoming needs.

Assessment and Grading Procedures

The table shows the weight distribution for each assignment.
Assignment	Percentage of Grade
Module 0 Assignments	5 %
Module 1 Assignments	20%
Module 2 Assignments	20 %
Module 3 Assignments	20 %
Module 4 Assignments	20 %
Final Assignments	5%
Attendance	10%
Total	100%

 

The table shows the range for each letter grade and uses a plus/minus system.
Letter Grade	Points
A	93 – 100 points
A-	90 – 92 points
B+	87 – 89 points
B	83 – 86 points
B-	80 – 82 points
C+	77 – 79 points
C	73 – 76 points
C-	70 – 72 points
D+	67 – 69 points
D	63 – 66 points
D-	60 – 62 points
F	59 and below

 

The table shows the range for each letter grade and uses an A,B,C,D,F grading system.
Letter Grade	Points
A	90-100
B	80-89
C	70-79
D	60-69
F	59 or below

 

Consult the latest Undergraduate or Graduate catalogLinks to an external site. for regulations and procedures regarding grading such as Incomplete grades, grade changes, and grade forgiveness.

Course Schedule

Week/Dates	Mode	Topic	Assignments	Due Dates
Week 1 - Aug 23/Aug 25	M -F2F Lecture | W - Lab	Module 1 - Week 1	See Webcourses	8/29 at 11:55pm EST
Week 2 - Aug 30/Sep 01	M -F2F Lecture | W - Lab	Module 1 - Week 2	See Webcourses	9/5at 11:55pm EST
Week 3 - Sep 06/Sep 08	M -F2F Lecture | W - Lab	Labor Day Sep 6 No Class Module 1 - Week 3	See Webcourses	9/12 at 11:55pm EST
Week 4 - Sep 13/Sep 15	M -F2F Lecture | W - Lab	Module 1 - Week 4	See Webcourses	9/19 at 11:55pm EST
Week 5 - Sep 20/Sep 22	M -F2F Lecture | W - Lab	Module 2 - Week 1	See Webcourses	9/26 at 11:55pm EST
Week 6  - Sep 27/Sep 29	M -F2F Lecture | W - Lab	Module 2 - Week 2	See Webcourses	10/03 at 11:55pm EST
Week 7 - Oct 04/Oct 06	M -F2F Lecture | W - Lab	Module 2 - Week 3	See Webcourses	10/10 at 11:55pm EST
Week 8 - Oct 11/Oct 13	M -F2F Lecture | W - Lab	Module 3 - Week 1	See Webcourses	10/17 at 11:55pm EST
Week 9- Oct 18/Oct 20	M -F2F Lecture | W - Lab	Module 3 - Week 2	See Webcourses	10/25 at 11:55pm EST
Week 10 - Oct 26/Oct 28	M -F2F Lecture | W - Lab	Module 3 - Week 3	See Webcourses	10/31 at 11:55pm EST
Week 11- Nov 01/Nov 03	M -F2F Lecture | W - Lab	Module 4 - Week 1	See Webcourses	11/07 at 11:55pm EST
Week 12- Nov 08/Nov 10	M -F2F Lecture | W - Lab	Veterans Day Nov 11 No Class Module 4 - Week 2	See Webcourses	11/14 at 11:55pm EST
Week 13- Nov 15/Nov 17	M -F2F Lecture | W - Lab	Thanksgiving Nov 25 Module 4- Week 3	See Webcourses	11/21 at 11:55pm EST
Week 14- 16 Nov 22/Nov 24 - Nov 29/Dec 1 Dec 6	M -F2F Lecture | W - Lab	Final Project/Final Exam	See Webcourses	12/06at 12:45pm EST

Holidays - No Classes

Labor Day - Monday, September 6th, 2021

Veterans Day - Wednesday, November, 11 2021

Thanksgiving - Thursday - Saturday, November 25 - 27th, 2021

Early Dismissal

2pm on September 2 and October 22 for football games

University Services and Resources

Academic Services and Resources

A list of available academic support and learning services is available at UCF Student ServicesLinks to an external site.. Click on "Academic Support and Learning Services" on the right-hand side to filter.  

Non-Academic Services and Resources

A list of non-academic support and services is also available at UCF Student ServicesLinks to an external site.. Click on "Support" on the right-hand side to filter.  

If you are a UCF Online student, please consult the UCF Online Student GuidelinesLinks to an external site. for more information about your access to non-academic services.

Policy Statements

Academic Integrity

Students should familiarize themselves with UCF’s Rules of Conduct. According to Section 1, "Academic Misconduct," students are prohibited from engaging in:

• Unauthorized assistance: Using or attempting to use unauthorized materials, information or study aids in any academic exercise unless specifically authorized by the instructor of record. The unauthorized possession of examination or course-related material also constitutes cheating.
• Communication to another through written, visual, electronic, or oral means: The presentation of material which has not been studied or learned, but rather was obtained through someone else’s efforts and used as part of an examination, course assignment, or project.
• Commercial Use of Academic Material: Selling of course material to another person, student, and/or uploading course material to a third-party vendor without authorization or without the express written permission of the university and the instructor. Course materials include but are not limited to class notes, Instructor’s PowerPoints, course syllabi, tests, quizzes, labs, instruction sheets, homework, study guides, handouts, etc.
• Falsifying or misrepresenting the student’s own academic work.
• Plagiarism: Using or appropriating another’s work without any indication of the source, thereby attempting to convey the impression that such work is the student’s own.
• Multiple Submissions: Submitting the same academic work for credit more than once without the express written permission of the instructor.
• Helping another violate academic behavior standards.

For more information about Academic Integrity, students may consult The Center for Academic Integrity.

For more information about plagiarism and misuse of sources, see “Defining and Avoiding Plagiarism: The WPA Statement on Best Practices”.

Responses to Academic Dishonesty, Plagiarism, or Cheating

Students should also familiarize themselves with the procedures for academic misconduct in UCF’s student handbook, The Golden Rule. UCF faculty members have a responsibility for students’ education and the value of a UCF degree, and so seek to prevent unethical behavior and when necessary respond to academic misconduct. Penalties can include a failing grade in an assignment or in the course, suspension or expulsion from the university, and/or a "Z Designation" on a student’s official transcript indicating academic dishonesty, where the final grade for this course will be preceded by the letter Z. For more information about the Z Designation, see http://goldenrule.sdes.ucf.edu/zgrade.

Course Accessibility Statement

The University of Central Florida is committed to providing access and inclusion for all persons with disabilities. This syllabus is available in alternate formats upon request. Students with disabilities who need specific access in this course, such as accommodations, should contact the professor as soon as possible to discuss various access options. Students should also connect with Student Accessibility Services (Ferrell Commons, 7F, Room 185, sas@ucf.edu, phone (407) 823-2371). Through Student Accessibility Services, a Course Accessibility Letter may be created and sent to professors, which informs faculty of potential access and accommodations that might be reasonable.

Campus Safety Statement

Fully online course sections (W, V) 

Though most emergency situations are primarily relevant to courses that meet in person, such incidents can also impact online students, either when they are on or near campus to participate in other courses or activities or when their course work is affected by off-campus emergencies. The following policies apply to courses in online modalities.

• To stay informed about emergency situations, students can sign up to receive UCF text alerts by going to <https://my.ucf.eduLinks to an external site.> and logging in. Click on “Student Self Service” located on the left side of the screen in the toolbar, scroll down to the blue “Personal Information” heading on the Student Center screen, click on “UCF Alert”, fill out the information, including e-mail address, cell phone number, and cell phone provider, click “Apply” to save the changes, and then click “OK.”
• Students with special needs related to emergency situations should speak with their instructors outside of class.

Sections with face-to-face components (M, RA, RV) 

Emergencies on campus are rare, but if one should arise during class, everyone needs to work together. Students should be aware of their surroundings and familiar with some basic safety and security concepts.

• In case of an emergency, dial 911 for assistance.
• Every UCF classroom contains an emergency procedure guide posted on a wall near the door. Students should make a note of the guide’s physical location and review the online version at <http://emergency.ucf.edu/emergency_guide.htmlLinks to an external site.>.
• Students should know the evacuation routes from each of their classrooms and have a plan for finding safety in case of an emergency.
• If there is a medical emergency during class, students may need to access a first-aid kit or AED (Automated External Defibrillator). To learn where those are located, see <http://www.ehs.ucf.edu/AEDlocations-UCFLinks to an external site.> (click on link from menu on left).
• To stay informed about emergency situations, students can sign up to receive UCF text alerts by going to <https://my.ucf.eduLinks to an external site.> and logging in. Click on “Student Self Service” located on the left side of the screen in the toolbar, scroll down to the blue “Personal Information” heading on the Student Center screen, click on “UCF Alert”, fill out the information, including e-mail address, cell phone number, and cell phone provider, click “Apply” to save the changes, and then click “OK.”
• Students with special needs related to emergency situations should speak with their instructors outside of class.
• To learn about how to manage an active-shooter situation on campus or elsewhere, consider viewing this video You CAN Survive an Active Shooter

Deployed Active Duty Military Students

Students who are deployed active duty military and/or National Guard personnel and require accommodation should contact their instructors as soon as possible after the semester begins and/or after they receive notification of deployment to make related arrangements.

Copyright

This course may contain copyright protected materials such as audio or video clips, images, text materials, etc. These items are being used with regard to the Fair Use doctrine in order to enhance the learning environment. Please do not copy, duplicate, download or distribute these items. The use of these materials is strictly reserved for this online classroom environment and your use only. All copyright materials are credited to the copyright holder.

Third-Party Software and FERPA

During this course you might have the opportunity to use public online services and/or software applications sometimes called third-party software such as a blog or wiki. While some of these could be required assignments, you need not make any personally identifying information on a public site. Do not post or provide any private information about yourself or your classmates. Where appropriate you may use a pseudonym or nickname. Some written assignments posted publicly may require personal reflection/comments, but the assignments will not require you to disclose any personally identity-sensitive information. If you have any concerns about this, please contact your instructor.