The Natural World and Computer Graphics Fall 2013

Overview

Computer graphics is at a crossroads where the real and virtual blend indistinguishably together. At this stage it is less about synthetically depicting the beauty of the natural world and enabling us to weave narratives of worlds both real and imagined. It is Gestalt combination of art and science where the whole is clearly greater than the sum of the parts. This course will introduce both the art and science of computer graphics. We will trace its history to current practice, its connection to the world we live in, its aesthetics, its mathematical and scientific basis, and some of the tricks of the trade.  Our goal will be to understand and appreciate the magic of computer graphics for what it is and use it as a tool for our own creative expression.

Evaluation

The course will have 4 assignments (15% each due on sept.19, oct. 17, oct. 31 and nov. 21 respectively). These will be typically written assignments involving playing with modeling, animation and rendering software and finding and critiquing various imagery. Depending on the class background there may be some aspects of creative use of software and scripting. There will be one course project to be done in groups of 4-6 students (40%, due nov. 28).

Schedule