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    CSCI 343, Computer Graphics, Fall 2023

    Course description
    In the last few decades, Computer Graphics have become increasingly important for a variety of fields, from movie making to medical imaging. We will learn the underlying theory for creating, rendering and transforming two- and three-dimensional objects, adding texture and shading, changing the position of light sources and creating views from different angles. Thus we will be learning the theory that underlies current graphical systems, such as openGL. We will learn to create and manipulate 3-dimensional computer graphics using the web-based programming language, Javascript, and the library of graphics functions known as webGL, a version of OpenGL designed specifically for use on web pages. OpenGL and WebGL are both libraries of cross-platform functions that are often used as a standard for creating computer graphics.

    Instructor
    Constance Royden
    Office: Haberlin 308, Fenwick 204
    Extension: 2472
    Email: croyden@holycross.edu
    Office Hours: Mon. 1:00 - 2:00 p.m., Wed. 11:00 a.m. - noon, Or By Appointment.
    Scheduled office hours will be held in Haberlin 308. Appointments will be in Fenwick 204.

    Prerequisites
    CSCI 132 and Calculus, or permission of the instructor. You should be comfortable programming in C++ or C.

    Textbook
    Required:
    Interactive Computer Graphics: A top-down approach with WebGL, 7th Edition, by Edward Angel & Dave Shreiner, Addison Wesley.

    In addition there are also links to some tutorials on WebGL and JavaScript available online on the documentation page.

    It is expected that Holy Cross students will have textbooks and other required class materials in order to achieve academic success. If you are unable to purchase course materials, please go to the Financial Aid office where a staff member will be happy to provide you with information and assistance.

    Course Requirements
    There will be several homework assignments that will require both programming and some problems relating to the underlying theory and one extended graphics project. There will be two midterm exams, and a final exam.

    1. Assignments and Project
    The homework assignments will involve programming in Javascript which can be done using your own computer or the NUC's in Swords 219. Programs will make use of WebGL libraries which we will be learning about in class.

    While some feedback will be given on homework assignments, I will not debug your Javascript or openGL code for you. Students are responsible for looking at the posted solutions once their assignment is returned to see a correct solution for each problem. Problems similar to homework problems may appear on the exams, so students are advised to study the solution sets.

    The extended programming project will involve creating an animation using WebGL. You will be required to present your project to the class in the last week of the semester. The full project description will be handed out at the beginning of November.

    2. Exams
    There will be two midterm exams held on the following dates:

      Exam 1: Tuesday, October 3
      Exam 2: Tuesday, November 14

    Unless otherwise noted, the exams will be held from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. on those dates.

    The final exam will be held during the scheduled final exam period.
    Final Exam: TBD

    Please mark your calendars now! There will be no regular lecture on these dates.

    3. Final Grade
    The final grade will be computed as follows:

      Assignments25%
      Project10%
      Exam 120%
      Exam 220%
      Final Exam25%

    Note that the total course grade you see on Canvas will not be an accurate representation of your grade. If you want to know your current course grade, please contact the professor.

    Late Policy
    All assignments are due in class on the due date. Programming portions should submitted as described in the assignment and a hardcopy turned in at the beginning of class. Late assignments will be accepted, with a penalty of 10% off the grade for each day after the due date.

    Collaboration Policy
    Collaboration on assignments is acceptable, although you must write the code for your programs entirely by yourself. You must also write up written solutions to problems by yourself. Please list the names of all others that you collaborated with by including a discussion log on your homework paper. If your program includes code that you obtained from another source (including chatGPT), please acknowledge it.

    Academic Integrity
    Please familiarize yourself with the Math and CS Department's policy on Academic Integrity as well as the College's Academic Integrity Policy.

    Attendance Policy
    Students are expected to attend class regularly and to fulfill all obligations of the course as outlined on this syllabus and discussed during class. I will take attendance each class period. Students should also read and abide by the College's Class Attendance Policy.


    Recording of class sessions
    Ordinarily, lectures will not be recorded. However, in some circumstances, lectures may be recorded by the instructor and made available to students registered for this class using Zoom. Duplication or redistribution of video capture recordings by any other party without the consent of the course instructor is prohibited.

    Consistent with applicable federal and state law, this course may not be video/audio recorded by students, except as an accommodation with permission from the Office of Accessibility Services.

    Disability Statement
    Any student who feels the need for accommodation based on the impact of a disability should contact Office of Accessibility Services to discuss support services available. Once the office receives documentation supporting the request for accommodation, the student would meet privately with Disability Services to discuss reasonable and appropriate accommodations. The office can be reached by calling 508-793-3693 or by visiting Hogan Campus Center, room 215A.

    If you are already registered with Disability Services, please be sure to get your accommodation letters and deliver them to your instructors in a timely fashion. Instructors need 4-5 days advance notice to be able to facilitate the process of receiving testing accommodations.


    Statement on confidentiality and Mandatory Reporting


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    Constance Royden--croyden@holycross.edu
    Computer Science 343, Computer Graphics
    Last Modified: August 15, 2023
    Page Expires: August 15, 2024