NetNews Usenet Archive 1992 #16/NN_1992_16.iso/spool/comp/edu/1180

Internet Message Format | 1992-07-23 | 3.6 KB

Path: sparky!uunet!gatech!purdue!yuma!peterson
From: [e-mail] (james peterson)
Newsgroups: comp.edu
Subject: Re: Joint CS/Art Graphics Major??
Keywords: curriculum graphics art computer science
Message-ID: <[e-mail]>
Date: 23 Jul 92 18:37:52 GMT
References: <[e-mail]>
Sender: [e-mail] (News Account)
Organization: Colorado State University, Computer Science Department
Lines: 63

In article <[e-mail]> [e-mail] () writes:
>
> I have been assigned the task of considering a new interdisciplinary
>major in graphics involving computer science and art (not graphic arts).
>
>    [stuff deleted]
>
>For those willing to comment regardless of the existance of a local
>program:  :-)
>
>Our Art department has initiated a (soon to be held) discussion on a
>joint major in graphics.  They already _use_ PCs for some of their
>classes.  They are apparently interested in learning more about the
>nuts & bolts (programming/math).  I assume they will also be interested
>in available software packages & platforms.  We are primarily a PC
>and mainframe campus, but we also have Macs, X-terms, and some SPARCs
>(mostly in faculty offices).  We are also connected to the Ohio
>Super Computer Center.
>
>So, what do you think of a joint major?  What should it consist of?
>What service courses would be essential for Art to run their own major?
>

As one main contact in our dept. with the outside world, I get requests
for some such program about twice a month.  This has been going on for
many years.  These inquiries come in a couple of forms: first, callers
ask about majoring in "graphics," by which they usually mean using a computer
in a way that is familiar to them (such as MacDraw), only somehow more
"professionally"  (they think there is money in this).  This group also
typically asks if we teach existing CAD/CAM applications.  The second group
are callers either with degrees or experience in commercial art, or a
strong interest in commercial/graphic arts.  Both groups are extremely
disatisfied with and suspicious of my answers.  Neither group has any
particular interest in mathematics, and generally express a strong hatred
for all things mathematical.  They do not want to hear about, and cannot
understand, any connection between what they think as "graphics" and
mathematics.

For most of these people I end up observing that if such an educational
program existed, it should exist in an art department.
I also speculate that the software
they assume exists, and is in common use, is very new or non-existent
(I really have no idea what is really out there).  What they seem to want
is a kind of computer tool-kit that would enable them to manipulate
software modules to "program" graphics objects (in 2D, 3D, and animated)
without knowing any of the underlying math principles of object representation.
I assume that this kind of tool-kit exists, but I am not sure where or
how wide spread its use is.   It seems to me that art departments ought
to get into this business as part of their graphic/commercial art programs.
This also seems to me inevitable.

My questions are:  Do such computer based graphic arts degree or certificate
programs exist?  How many are there?  Does the software I describe
exist?  If so, who teaches
people to use it (and what sort of people can learn it) ?  The answers
will help me to field these calls better.

james sends
--
james lee peterson                [e-mail]
dept. of computer science
colorado state university        "Some ignorance is invincible."
ft. collins, colorado  (voice:303/491-7137; fax:[phone])