CSC 240: Computer Graphics (Fall 2008)

Instructor:  Joseph O'Rourke
Textbook: None!  This course is somewhat unusual and is not approximated by any existing textbook. This saves you money but puts a demand on your attendance, attention, and note-taking.
Location: Burton B17.
Time: MW 9:00-10:20AM.
Overview This course is intended for all students with one introductory programming class. It serves both for the Digital Arts Minor, and as a Computer Science Major course, covering both Programming and Theory.
Prerequisites: The prerequisites are minmal: One course in programming, e.g., Computer Science I (CSC 111), language not so crucial; Four yrs of HS math.
Two Tracks: The course has two tracks in the assignments: (1) for those counting it for Computer Science major programming or theory credit, or (2) for those counting it as a generic "elective," e.g., for the Digital Arts Minor.   Computer Science majors are welcome to follow Track 2 if it is not fulfilling the programming or theory requirements. And anyone nominally in Track 2 can select the Track-1 assignment any week.
Programming Language: I am assuming only exposure to Python from Computer Science I. Programming experience in C or C++ is not required. One-course experience in C++ or Java will suffice to supplant experience with Python, because we will use Python only superficially to call OpenGL library routines.
Software:

• Postscript. The language used to drive most printers.
• OpenGL, a state-of-the-art graphics API, developed originally by Silicon Graphics, but longg an open standard. We will use it via PyOpenGL.
• GameMaker. A program to design games.
• Adobe Illustrator, used for just one week for Bezier curves.
• Adobe PhotoShop, introduced very lightly.
• Blender, Open-source 3D-design software, just a brief exposure.
• Mathematica used for just one week or so, for perspective exploration. No previous exposure assumed.
• POV-Ray, 3D rendering software, will dominate the last part of the course.

Course Structure:  We meet two times a week; there is no lab, although we will do many "minilabs" during class time.  There will be one assignment per week, due (generally) each Tuesday at midnight. Ideally you get started over the weekend and are prepared to ask questions in Monday's class. Collaboration is permitted, even encouraged, on assignments. Precise details in the detailed schedule.

Exams:  Two of the assignments will be one-week take-home "exams," which are very much like assignments except that (a) they focus more on understanding rather than doing, and (b) unlike assignments, there is no collaboration permitted. You can view the assignment-exams as more comprehensive assignments that count slightly more than a normal assignment.

Project: There is a final (structured) project, due on the last day of the exam period.

Grades:

TA: Volha Charnysh <vcharnys@email.smith.edu>. Her lab hours will be as follows in McConnell 104 x3853:

Grading Numerology

Late Policy

Resubmission Policy

O'Rourke Office Hours & Schedule

Syllabus (with links to details below)

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Five College Graphics Courses