Overview - CMP 80c - Computer Art and Graphics
Winter 2003, T-Th 12:00-1:45PM, SS2 75


Instructor

Jane Wilhelms, wilhelms@cse.ucsc.edu, 345 Baskin Engineering, x9-2440 (or BE 109)
Office Hours: 11-11:45am t-th; 1:45-2:30pm tuesday

Teaching Assistant

Narayan Brooks, nbrooks@cse.ucsc.edu
Hours: on class web page.

Tutors/Readers

Georgina Chang gchang@cats.ucsc.edu
Ergin Dervisoglu ergind@cats.ucsc.edu
Eric Pan pane@cats.ucsc.edu
Clint Thorne, cranston@cse.ucsc.edu
Hours: on class web page.

Course Introduction

The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the use of computers as tools for art and design. No background in computer science, or in mathematics beyond the high school level, is necessary, though having some such background may help you to benefit from the class. There will be no programming in this course.

Class Topics

The class will approach computer graphics via several topics:

* What computers are and how they work.
* Basic principles of computer graphics, with emphasis on 3D graphics.
* Hands on experience with a variety of graphics software programs, such as Photoshop, Maya, Poser 4D, and Premiere.
* Study of previous artistic work using computer graphics through books, dvds, and videos.

Class Information and Reference Material

The text for the class is: The Art of 3-D Computer Animation and Imaging, by Victor Kerlow, 2nd edition.

Handouts and other class material can be found at the Cmp 80c class web page.

For exams, you are responsible for any material presented in class. Lectures will often present material not in the textbook. You are responsible for information in the text only to the extent that it is presented in class.

Machines

We will be using the PCs in Baskin Engineering 109. Students are assumed to already have Cats accounts ( to register for a new CATS account.).

Grading

Exam Grades

25% Exam 1
50% Exam 2
25% Exam 3

Assignment/Project Grades

20% Assignment 1
20% Assignment 2
20% Assignment 3
20% Assignment 4
20% Project
Extra Credit (possible, not required)

On the exams, you must receive an average score of 70% to pass the course. Also, on the assignments/project, you must receive an average score of 70% to pass the course.

You can accumulate early and late days on the assignments. That is, if you submit an assignment up to 5 days before it is due, you receive early days, and if you submit an assignment up to 5 days late, you receive late days. At the end of the quarter, you lose 20 points for each late day that you have. Assignments and project are worth up to 100 points each.

The final project will be an image or animation created using software studied in the class and demonstrating facility with it. The final project must be demonstrated in person.

Cheating

Cheating in any part of the course will result in failing the course. It is cheating to use anyone else's work and present it as your own, on exams, homework, or programs. If you use an image, model, etc. in an assignment or project, you must give credit for it. (Also see Official UCSC Guideline on Academic Integrity.)