The pupose of assigning readings is twofold. First, it will get you used to the Computer Graphics Literature. Secondly, the papers are a good source for possible project topics.
Some papers are denser and more difficult than others. Unless you plan to implement an algorithm or technique presented in a paper, I would not expect a complete understanding of all the smallest details in the paper. However, hopefully, by reading the paper, you will obtain a general idea of the techniques presented as well where the paper fits within the realm of computer animation in general.
Paper summaries should be short and
succinct. Probably no more than 1-2 pages. In the summary,
you should provide the following:
Name of the paper reviewed. A 1 paragraph summary of the basic idea, algorithm, or technique presented in the paper 1 paragraph indicating how or where the work fits in the context of animation as a whole. Personal comments on the paper...Did you like what was presented? Why or why not? How well written was the paper and how easy or difficult was it to understand? Is this an area that insterests you? Might you one day find yourself implementing the algorithm presented in the paper?