Introduction

Sketching is an important method of communicating. It is also valuable as a quick method of recording visual information. In most environments it is the communication technique of choice for recording and sharing ideas and solutions. All of us sketch. We all do it. Good or bad, with the usual apology of  "I can't sketch", we forge ahead into the brain and muscle spasms required to record our ideas on paper. If you do it well, you will want to do it again. A purpose of this course is to provide you with a systematic approach by which you can improve your sketching skills and become more effective communicators.

Effective sketching is required by all areas within the CGT department and for most computer graphics careers. Even poor or low ability sketchers can experience success if they learn some simple graphic theories, methods and techniques. Historically, good communication using sketches is the result of practice. Mastering graphic theory will not make you a better sketcher and communicator if you don't practice.

Fortunately, sketching like DeVinci or Duer is not essential for success. But with practice, sketching for visualization and communication can become an enjoyable and hopefully rewarding endeavor. By developing good techniques and "honing your skills" you can create efficient and effective graphic products that achieves their goals. Admittedly, they may not be an "old masters" work but if effective, they may be just as memorable.

Course Objectives:

Students will demonstrate the following behaviors relative to a variety of documents produced by various processes. 

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
1- demonstrate comprehension of information visualization and communication theory processes relative to a project based learning environment.
2- define and perform a variety of procedures and processes relative to creating quality information images in pursuit of effective communication.
3- identify and utilize sketching strategies for solving problems.
4- identify and utilize relevant geometric practices in imaging solutions.
5- demonstrate the ability to identify, organize, create, and distribute graphic based information solutions. 

Class Preparation: Students will come to class prepared.

Assignments: All assignments must be submitted on the due date. Late assignments WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED !

Mid-Term Exam: A mid-term performance exam will be administered on or near the 9th week of the semester.
Final Exam: As per University policy, there will be a comprehensive final exam given during finals week.

Grade Computation: Semester grades will be based on the total number of points earned compared to the total number of points possible.
Each assignment, exam or quiz will be weighted relative to its importance in reaching course objectives.
Course grades are assigned according to the following scale.

% grade
(100 -90 = A)
( 89- 80 = B) 
(79 - 70 = C)
(69 - 60 = D) 

CGT majors are required to achieve a C or better in this course.
The total number of points earned during the regular semester (4/5 or 80%) and the final exam( 1/5 or 20%) will comprise your total semester grade.

Attendance Policy:
Attendance is required. The class meets four (4) hours each week (2 hour of lecture and 2 hours of lab) for the duration of the semester. Students are expected to be present at every scheduled class meeting.  Absences will result in a student's grade being reduced by 1/2 %  per hour of lecture or lab that is missed.

In the event of a major campus emergency, course requirements, deadlines and grading percentages are subject to changes that may be necessitated by a revised semester calendar or other circumstances. Here are ways to get information about changes in this course. Course web page, tburton@purdue.edu, and office phone: 494-7313
 

Text and Materials:
GNB - to be available at the University Book Store

Digital Fortress, Dan Brown,  ISBN-10: 0312995423

How to Draw the Marvel Way, Stan Lee and John Buscema, ISBN 0-671-53077-1

The Visual Display of Quantitative Information , Edward R. Tufte, ISBN 0-9613921-4-2

Something to sketch with, i.e. ball point pen, assorted pencils, pencil, felt tip pens, white Prismacolor pencil for the GNB cover