MT 35101 Discovering Computer Graphics
Boston College

Instructor: Aaron E. Walsh    http://www.gridinstitute.com/people/aew/
Please note that this syllabus is not a contract and is subject to change

ENTIRELY ONLINE

This course is comprised of entirely online classes. Classes are conducted in an online Virtual Reality “world” so that students can take portions of this class from the comfort of home or anywhere (a modern computer and reliable Internet connection is required). This is an "Immersive Education" course; see ImmersiveEducation.org for details on how online courses are conducted using video game and virtual reality technology.

Note: You MUST have a headset/microphone to take this class (approx $15 at stores such as Radio Shack). If your computer has a built-in microphone you may use ear buds (such as iPod earbuds) or simply a headset. In any case you can NOT have an "open mic" in this class: the audio you hear MUST come through a headset or ear buds (not through a speaker; the audio is picked up by your microphone in such cases and creates feedback).

Overview

MT 35101 Discovering Computer Graphics
Prerequisite: Comfortable using the Microsoft Windows operating system [includes being fully experienced with the process of installing new software on your own Windows computer]
Discover the joy of computer graphics. Learn how to create your own multimedia greeting cards; customize and enhance digital photos; design and create animated music videos; enhance business presentations and reports. Using Webcam and video conference software, experiment with 3D technology by playing interactive games and exploring virtual reality worlds. With a focus on graphics for the Internet and the Web, students learn related terminology and concepts as they gain valuable hands-on skills. Presents a variety of graphics authoring tools, viewers, and formats while exploring fundamentals of two dimensional (2D) graphics, three dimensional (3D) graphics, Virtual Reality (VR), animation, games, interactive graphics, streaming media, and interactive television. Hands-on experience includes Photoshop [GimpShop], Flash, Shockwave, Fireworks, Powerpoint, Word, Media Player, Real Player, QuickTime, Quake, IPIX, SVG, MPEG, MP3, and more.

Requirements: Web-based email, digital (online) textbook, and a modern Windows computer at home (or work) that you can install software on
Platform(s): Windows XP (Macintosh, Windows Vista, Linux, UNIX variants also possible but support is provided only for Windows XP)
Time Commitments: 5 to 10 hours out of class every week
Readings: 1 or 2 chapters from textbook every week
Homework: 1 or 2 take-home assignments/coursework every week

 

MACINTOSH USERS - GIMP vs. GIMPShop

In this course we'll use the GIMPShop bitmap graphics content authoring tool. For Macintosh users who can't install GIMPShop you might be able to run "The GIMP" instead. The GIMP is the original program on which GIMPShop is based (GIMPShop is a slightly modified version of the GIMP -- the modifications make GIMPShop look more like Photoshop). In terms of look and feel the GIMP is still quite close to GIMPShop, however, and so Macintosh users might find it helpful in cases where GIMPShop can't be used. Here's the GIMP homepage and installer for Macintosh:

http://www.gimp.org/ (HOME PAGE)
http://www.gimp.org/macintosh/ (MAC INSTALLERS)

Alternately, you can always use Photoshop or any other graphics program in this course.

 

 

COURSE NOTES

http://www.gridinstitute.com/bc/mt35101/

COURSE TEXTBOOK

ONLINE DIGITAL TEXTBOOK
	Book title: DISCOVERING COMPUTER GRAPHICS, Academic Edition Note: The text book is available at a discounted academic rate to students of this class. Click on textbook icon to the left for details.

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Syllabus

Class 1: Introduction

Class 2: Bitmap Graphics, Part I 

Class 3: Bitmap Graphics, Part II

Class 4: Bitmap Graphics, Part III

Class 5: Vector Graphics, Part I 

Class 6: Vector Graphics, Part II

Class 7: MIDTERM

Class 8: Vector Graphics, Part III

Class 9: 3D Graphics, Part I

Class 10: 3D Graphics, Part II

Class 11: 3D Graphics, Part III

Class 12: FINAL