Computer Graphics

CSCI 407, Section 01
Spring Semester 2008

Instructor

Course Description

An introduction to the fundamental principles of two- and three-dimensional computer graphics. Topics include graphics systems, transformations, clipping, animation, lighting, shading, color, and hidden surface removal. Graphics principles are applied and reinforced through the use of a modern graphics application programming interface (API) to implement a series of programming projects.

Prerequisite: CSCI 223 and MATH 240

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, a student will be able to

• Explain the concepts of transformation, clipping, lighting, and shading
• Write applications using a modern graphics API
• Describe the fundamental concepts of two and three-dimensional graphics
• Demonstrate the concept of computer visualization.

Textbook

Hong Zhang and Y. Daniel Liang, Computer Graphics Using Java 2D and 3D, Prentice Hall, 2007, ISBN 0-13-035118-0.

Additional Course References

1. Web Site for Course Text, http://cs.armstrong.edu/liang/graphics/graphicstoc.html
2. Java 2D Graphics Tutorial, http://java.sun.com/docs/books/tutorial/2d/index.html.
3. Java 3D Web Site, https://java3d.dev.java.net/.
4. Java 3D API Tutorial, http://java.sun.com/developer/onlineTraining/java3d/index.html.
5. Java 3D Wiki, http://wiki.java.net/bin/view/Javadesktop/Java3D
6. JOGL API Project, https://jogl.dev.java.net/.
7. Pro Java 6 3D Game Development: Java 3D, JOGL, JInput and JOAL APIs by Andrew Davison, Apress, 2007, ISBN-10: 1590598172, ISBN-13: 978-1590598177.
8. OpenGL: A Primer (Third Edition) by Edward Angel, Addison Wesley, 2007, ISBN-10: 0321398114, ISBN-13: 978-0321398116.
9. Computer Graphics Using OpenGL (Third Edition) by Francis S Hill Jr. and Stephen M Kelley, Prentice Hall, 2007, ISBN-10: 0131496700, ISBN-13: 978-0131496705.
10. Course Notes and Handouts.

Grading

The final grade for the course is based on 6 grades as follows:

• Two assigned in-class tests. Each test counts as a separate grade.
• Daily quizzes and other minor assignments– collectively count as 1 grade. (Lowest two quiz grades will be dropped.)
• Programming assignments – collectively count as 2 grades.
• Final Exam – counts as 2 grades.
• Lowest grade from above (except for project) will be dropped. If the lowest grade is the final exam or the collective grade for programming assignments, only one of the associated grades will be dropped.

Miscellaneous Grading Policies

1. For programming assignments students are required to work individually. Assistance from anyone other than the instructor or your team member is forbidden.
    
2. Each programming assignment is due one week after it is assigned unless noted otherwise by the instructor. A late program, for whatever reason, will have its grade lowered by one letter, and programs more than one week late will not be accepted. The course project will be due November 29.
    
3. Homework may be assigned, but it will not be collected. Daily quizzes will come directly from the material covered in the previous day's class, often from the homework assignments.
    
4. Class attendance and participation can influence borderline grades.
    
5. A total of six absences will result in a course grade of F. With respect to this policy, three lates count as an absence. In addition, if you are late by 15 minutes or more, you will be considered absent.
    
6. Incomplete grades are given only in unusual circumstances. Consult the catalog for policy on incomplete work.
    

Class Schedule

Tuesday-Thursday, 9:30-10:45 a.m., Thompson Hall 216.

Office Hours

Important Dates

Expectations

1. Do not miss the assigned tests without a valid excuse! Missing an assigned test without a valid excuse will result in a grade of zero for that test. The instructor gets to determine whether or not an excuse is valid. In particular, guard duty is not an acceptable excuse for missing an assigned test. When possible, students should notify the instructor in advance if they will be unable to take an assigned test. All make-up tests will be given outside of normal class time. Once a test has been given in class, any subsequent make-up tests may differ significantly.
    
2. Show up for class on time and prepared. That means that you have read the appropriate sections from the book plus any handouts, and you have worked all assigned homework. If a test has been assigned, you should be prepared to take the test. If you were late to class or absent from the previous class meeting, you are responsible for getting class notes and assignments from another student in the class or from the instructor.
    
3. If you are late to class, it is possible that you have already been marked absent by the time you arrive. It is your responsibility to notify the instructor after class that you were late rather than absent.
    
4. Take care of any personal needs outside of class time. Except for emergencies, you should not need to go to the bathroom, get a drink of water, etc. If you need to leave the room at any time while class is in session, you should ask for permission.
    
5. There should be no personal conversations or moving around during class without explicit permission. These actions are disturbing to other students and to the instructor. Be courteous and respect the rights of others.
    
6. You should respect the property of your college. No eating, drinking (other than water), smoking, dipping, chewing tobacco, etc. in the classrooms. Also, no writing or carving on the desks, chairs, podium, etc. Any willful vandalism or destruction of Citadel property will be dealt with severely.

Daily Schedule