Computers and Creativity

COSC 109

Instructor: Anup Patel
Email: apatel@towson.edu
Office: Online (available virtually)

Course Description:

Creative activities involving symbolic manipulation and computer graphics, animation, dynamic storytelling, computer music, visual effects, Web publishing, artwork, and multimedia. Additional lab time required.

Course Objectives:

To provide the environment and tools so that the computer can be used to express and enhance creativity, and to analyze and synthesize ideas. Traditional creative forms such as drawing, painting, photography, and writing will be explored as well as creative forms unique to computer technology such as computer graphics, multimedia, dynamic presentations, computer-based animation, world-wide-web publishing, digital photography and movies, virtual reality, three-dimensional modeling, and the use of computers for music publishing and performance. Computer concepts which are relevant to the use of the computer as a creative tool will be studied.

Required Textbook:

Multimedia Foundations, 3rd ed. by Vic Costello (Taylor & Francis, 2023)

Recommended Material:

Attendance Policy:

Since this course takes place entirely online, physical attendance is not required. However, the student should be taking part in the discussion forum and keeping up with weekly readings and assignments.

Exams:

This course will have two exams: one midterm and one final exam. Exams are open book and open note since they are online. The midterm will cover the first half of the course, whereas the final exam will be comprehensive. Students must take the exam online the day of the exam.

Exam Makeup Policy:

If a student is unable to take an exam during the scheduled time for that exam, the student will automatically receive a grade of 0 for the exam unless: (a) the student notifies the instructor of the absence prior to the exam and supplies a written doctor's excuse explaining the absence or (b) there is an extraordinary situation which the instructor allows as an acceptable excuse (instructor needs to be notified within 24 hrs of the exam). If (a) or (b) applies, arrangements for a makeup exam will be made online.   

It will be the responsibility of the student to show written documentation supporting the absence, from your team coach, physician, or other relevant authority. This can be emailed directly to me.

Lab Use:

The COSC Department has labs available for use that can aid you in the various projects and assignments in this course. View https://www.towson.edu/fcsm/departments/computerinfosci/resources/labs.html for lab schedules, policies, and procedures. You are responsible for reading, understanding, and following these COSC lab policy documents and instructions.

Assignments and Grading:

All work MUST be turned in by the assigned deadlines – late assignments are not accepted. Assignments will be turned in online using the Blackboard website. Students are required to check their grade online.

Grade

% of Total Points

Total Points

A

92-100

460-500

A-

90-91.9

450-459

B+

87-89.9

435-449

B

82-86.9

410-434

B-

80-81.9

400-409

C+

77-79.9

385-399

C

70-76.9

350-384

D+

67-69.9

335-349

D

60-66.9

300-334

F

59.9 and below

299 and below

 

 


Accessibility and Disability Services:

If you are a student with a disability and believe you may need accommodations for this course, please notify me with a memo from Accessibility & Disability Services (ADS). Since accommodations are not retroactive, it is strongly recommended that you provide me with notification as early as possible in the term. To register with ADS, or if you have questions about disability accommodations, contact Accessibility & Disability Services at 410-704-2638, or visit the ADS office in the Administration Building, Room 232.

Policy on Academic Integrity:

The University's Academic Integrity Policy is published in the Towson University Undergraduate Catalog and is available online at the web site of the Office of Judicial Affairs.

Academic dishonesty specifically includes acts of plagiarism, fabrication and falsification, cheating, abuse of academic materials, and multiple submissions. Especially note that students may not re-use research papers or work submitted in previous or other classes, this includes group projects, or work performed by someone else. Academic dishonesty is unacceptable. The penalty for such dishonesty is a grade of '0' for the assigned work, possible failure for the course and the submission of a letter to the Office of Judicial Affairs.

Policy on Repeating the Course:

Towson State University policy states that a course may not be repeated more than once without prior permission from the Academic Standards Committee.

©2024 by Anup Patel