SI460 – Computer Graphics
Instructor:
CDR Kevin Blenkhorn, USN
MI-346, x3-6802
blenk@usna.edu
Program Education Objectives:
A project-based course involving basic concepts, theories, and algorithms associated
with producing 2D and 3D images. Topics include graphics primitives, modeling,
viewing, illumination, shading, texture, and animation. Prereq: IC312.
ABET Program Outcomes:



(Outcome a) An ability to apply knowledge of computing and mathematics
appropriate to the discipline.
(Outcome f) An ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences.
(Outcome h) Recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in, continuing
professional development.
ABET Learning Objectives:



Be able to develop applications to create and edit 3D scenes. (a)
Be able to use modern graphics tools to model and animate 3D movies. (f)
Understand the size and complexity of the field of computer graphics, and be able
to do further independent research in the field. (h)
Course Resources:

There is one required textbook for this class.
Fundamentals of Computer Graphics, Peter Shirley and Steve Marschner, 3rd Ed.
2009, ISBN 978-1-56881-469-8

The course website has additional course material and lists the reading
assignments from the textbook. All graded assignments will be posted on the
website. http://www.usna.edu/Users/cs/blenk/si460/index.php
Absences:
Students are responsible for obtaining any material missed due to an absence.
Additionally, students must ensure that their work is submitted by the deadline
regardless of other commitments, e.g., duty, SIR, movement orders. Should bona fide
emergencies arise, e.g., emergency leave, hospitalization, it is the responsibility of the
student to coordinate with the instructor.
Honor:
We learn both by collaborating and by solving problems ourselves. Different amounts
of collaboration are allowed on each assignment in order to meet learning objectives.
You are responsible for knowing how much you are allowed to collaborate on each
assignment.
See the attached SI460 Collaboration Policy for a description of the various levels of
collaboration allowed.
Unless otherwise denoted in writing, the Collaboration Policies for each type of
assignment will be as shown in the table below:
Assignment Type
Homework
Labs
Projects
Exams
Default Collaboration Policy
CP-1
CP-6
CP-8
CP-1
Extra Instruction:
Extra Instruction (EI) is available and encouraged. EI may be scheduled or is
available on a drop-in basis. Requests for EI may be made via email/phone.
Class Decorum
You are a Naval Officer candidate - be professional
 Be punctual
 Always wear an inspection-ready uniform
 Do not speak profanely
 Stay awake (closable beverages are permitted in class)
 Participate in the class
Section leader
 Call the section to attention at the beginning and end of class.
 Take muster and report absences to the instructor.
 Contact the department office (3-6800, Room 346) if the instructor is more than
10 minutes late.
 Class is expected to study quietly if instructor is absent. Class is not dismissed.
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Course Grade:
Exam 1
Exam 2
Labs
Homework/Quizzes
Projects
Instructor Discretion*
Final Exam
6-Week
25%
40%
25%
10%
12-Week
15%
15%
30%
15%
15%
10%
Final
10%
10%
20%
10%
20%
10%
20%
* Class participation counts (a lot) towards your final grade. You are expected to ask
questions and offer input during discussions.
Assignments are due at the beginning of class. Assignments handed in late will
receive 30% off for each day late.
All Labs and Projects must be handed in to receive a passing grade for the course,
even if they are handed in late for no credit. This rule applies for each grading period.
Exams:
The 12-week exam will focus on the material from weeks 7-12. The final exam will
be cumulative. If for some reason a make-up exam will be required, inform the
instructor at least 1 week in advance.
Your final grade in the class will be no more than one letter grade higher than your
final exam, regardless of your average for the class. For example, if you have an A
average in the course but get a D on your final exam, then your final grade will be no
higher than a C.
Projects:
Teams consisting of 2 or 3 students will work together on each project. The project
requirements, topic and delivery date will be assigned during the semester. The
project grade will consist of the quality of work and the instructor’s estimation of the
group’s effort and production.
Labs:
Labs will be held at the end of most classes. During each lab, an assignment will be
given to provide practical application of the material covered.
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Homework:
Homework will generally be given as prep work before the material is presented in a
lecture. Homework will be listed on the course website on the date that it is due. Be
sure to check the website for homework links prior to each class date.
The purpose of homework is to ensure that you have read the material and have
learned enough of it to be prepared for the lecture. Unless otherwise stated,
homework must be completed by yourself, with no assistance other than the assigned
reference book.
Submitted,
CDR Kevin Blenkhorn
Approved,
Dr. Steve Miner
______________________
Course Coordinator
________________________
Department Chair
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16 Aug 2013
Subj: SI460 COLLABORATION POLICY
Ref:
(a) SI460 Course Policy – AY2014 Fall
1.
Purpose. Per reference (a), the following defines the collaboration levels that will
be used in SI460. You are charged with understanding and executing the honor policy,
and seeking clarification at any time if there is a potential misconception; if in doubt,
seek clarification from your Instructor.
2.
Collaboration Policies. Our learning is enhanced through activities; some learning
activities will be individual effort, while other learning activities will allow collaboration.
Copying will never be considered as collaboration; copying will always be considered as
a violation of the honor policy. Discussion with a course instructor is always allowed.
a. The terms discuss, collaborate, and copy each have separate definitions in the
English language. In regards to the collaboration policy, the following definitions shall
apply:
discuss (v): To communicate via verbal or non-verbal means about a concept or
topic. Discuss does not mean communicating about a specific answer to a problem.
collaborate (v): Two definitions: (1) To split up an assignment into parts in a
manner where individuals work on separate parts independently. (2) To work together on
an assignment such that all individuals are working on the solution at the same time, on
the same computer. Both definitions require that all individuals provide roughly equal
input on the solution.
copy (v): To reproduce via electronic or non-electronic means the work of another
individual.
b. All collaboration must be properly documented. Specifically – if you receive
help from any person on an assignment, you must list that person’s name on the
assignment that you hand in. Design and implementation must be the work of the
individual submitting the final product.
Collab.
Policy
CP-0
CP-1
CP-2
Definition
Collaboration: No collaboration of effort is allowed.
Discussion: No discussion of assignment with others except a course instructor/proctor is allowed.
Resources: No use of resources is allowed.
Submission: Individual submission.
Collaboration: No collaboration of effort is allowed.
Discussion: No discussion of assignment with others except a course instructor/proctor is allowed.
Resources: Use of resources is limited to the resources specified on the assignment.
Submission: Individual submission.
Collaboration: No collaboration of effort is allowed.
Discussion: No discussion of assignment with others except a course instructor/proctor is allowed.
Resources: Documented use of authorized resources is allowed.
Submission: Individual submission.
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Collab.
Policy
CP-3
CP-4
CP-5
CP-6
CP-7
CP-8
CP-9
CP-10
CP-11
Definition
Collaboration: No collaboration of effort is allowed.
Discussion: Discussion of assignment concepts/topics with other students in the course is allowed.
Resources: Documented use of authorized resources is allowed.
Submission: Individual submission.
Collaboration: No collaboration of effort is allowed.
Discussion: Discussion of assignment concepts/topics with any current student at the institution is
authorized.
Resources: Documented use of authorized resources is allowed.
Submission: Individual submission.
Collaboration: Collaboration of effort with assigned group members is allowed.
Discussion: No discussion of assignment with non-group members except a course instructor/proctor is
allowed.
Resources: Documented use of authorized resources is allowed.
Submission: Individual submission.
Collaboration: Collaboration of effort with assigned group members is allowed.
Discussion: Discussion of assignment concepts/topics with other students in the course is allowed.
Resources: Documented use of authorized resources is allowed.
Submission: Individual submission.
Collaboration: Collaboration of effort with assigned group members is allowed.
Discussion: Discussion of assignment concepts/topics with any current student at the institution is
authorized.
Resources: Documented use of authorized resources is allowed.
Submission: Individual submission.
Collaboration: Collaboration of effort with assigned group members is allowed.
Discussion: No discussion of assignment with non-group members except a course instructor/proctor is
allowed.
Resources: Documented use of authorized resources is allowed.
Submission: Group submission.
Collaboration: Collaboration of effort with assigned group members is allowed.
Discussion: Discussion of assignment concepts/topics with other students in the course is allowed.
Resources: Documented use of authorized resources is allowed.
Submission: Group submission.
Collaboration: Collaboration of effort with assigned group members is allowed.
Discussion: Discussion of assignment concepts/topics with any current student at the institution is
authorized.
Resources: Documented use of authorized resources is allowed.
Submission: Group submission.
Collaboration: Collaboration of effort with any current student at the institution is allowed.
Discussion: Discussion of assignment with any current student at the institution is allowed.
Resources: Documented use of authorized resources is allowed.
Submission: Group submission.
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