Instructor: Dr. Durell Bouchard
Office Hours: MW: 1:00-3:00, T: 1:30-2:30, TH: 2:30-3:30, Also by appointment or open door
Office: Trexler 365-C
E-Mail: bouchard
Phone: 375-4901
The general objectives of the computer science senior seminar are to increase the student's ability to do the independent reading and research necessary to keep up with developments in the computing field, to increase the student's experience and skills in written and oral communications, and to increase the student's understanding of the ethical responsibilities of computing professionals. These objectives are met through a seminar style course that focuses on an area or areas of computer science not in the regular curriculum. This year the seminar is subtitled "Interactive Virtual Environments."
Prerequisite: CPSC 270
Presentations: Each student will be responsible for giving two presentations on papers of their selection (provided they are related to interactive virtual environments). All students are expected to read papers being presented and participate in discussion.
Paper Responses and Quizzes: Before each presentation a short response paper on the paper being presented is due. Also, a short quiz will be given to make sure you understand the concepts of the paper being presented. No make-up quizzes will be given. Two tests and one comprehensive final exam will be given.
Final Project: The final project consists of conducting an experiment that uses a 3D interactive program created with OpenGL by the student. A technical paper on the virtual environment and the experiment is due at the end of the semester along with a presentation of the final paper.
Grading: Course grades are assigned based on the following weights and scale:
| Grade Weights: | quizzes.........5% | presentations........40% | final paper.............30% |
| responses......5% | participation.........10% | final presentation...10% |
| Grade Scale: | 93-100 | A | 83-86 | B | 73-76 | C | 63-66 | D | |||
| 90-92 | A- | 80-82 | B- | 70-72 | C- | 60-62 | D- | ||||
| 87-89 | B+ | 77-79 | C+ | 67-69 | D+ | below 60 | F |
Academic Integrity: It is accepted that you have read and understood the standards for academic integrity at Roanoke College. All tests, exams, and assignments are to be the work of the individual student. You are encouraged to get help from the instructor if you need help with any aspect of the course including programs and assignments. Student assistants, tutors, and classmates may help you understand course concepts but may not show you how to do any particular aspect of an assignment. Students may discuss lab work (including the pre-lab assignments) and help each other out but in all cases the work you turn in must be your own. Copying someone else's work or turning in someone else's work is NEVER allowed. Using someone else's work or ideas as your own is plagiarism and an academic integrity offense. Examples of academic integrity violations include copying a program or part of a program (even one line) from someone else, writing code for someone else, telling someone else how to solve a problem or having someone tell you how to solve a problem. Discussion among students about programming projects should be limited to general concepts, not specific aspects of how to complete the work.
Computer Use Policies: All students must abide by the Computer Use policies of Roanoke College. Failure to do so will result in involuntary withdrawal from the course.
Attendance Policy: Class attendance is vital to your success in this course; material covered during missed sessions is the responsibility of the student. Conversations held in class illuminate the published class materials and are subject to evaluation on subsequent tests and quizzes. Moreover, quizzes and in-class assignments are not available for make-up.
Late Assignments: Unless otherwise specified, assignments are to be turned in before the start of class on the due date. If you anticipate being unable to meet a deadline, talk to me at least 24 hours before the deadline. In extenuating circumstances we may be able to make special arrangements. Please note that this must be discussed -- just sending an email does not automatically grant you extra time. If you have not been granted extra time ten percent per calendar day (24 hours) will be deducted for late work (including weekends and holidays); work more than 2 days late will receive no credit. Electronic "glitches" do not waive your responsibility to submit your work in a timely manner.
Make-up Policy: Everyone is expected to take tests, quizzes, and the exam at the scheduled time. Make-ups will be given only for legitimate, documented absences that the instructor has been notified of ahead of time. Make-up tests, if given, may be oral. There will be no make-up quizzes.
Electronic Devices: All cell phones and pagers must be turned off prior to entering the classroom or lab. The use of any electronic device during a test or quiz is prohibited. This includes cell phones, PalmPilots, Blackberrys, PocketPCs, and laptops. Any use of such a device during a test or quiz will be considered a breach of academic integrity.
Special Services: If you are on record with the College's Special Services as having special academic or physical needs requiring accommodations, please meet with me during my regular office hours or schedule an appointment as soon as possible.. We need to discuss your accommodations before they can be implemented. Also, please note that arrangements for extended time on exams and testing in a semi-private setting must be made at least one week before every test or exam. If you believe you are eligible for accommodations but have not yet formally contacted Special Services, please call 375-2248 or drop by the Center for Learning and Teaching in Fintel Library.