cs125 FAQs
These FAQs cover many questions that students ask when they are considering taking cs125.
- How can I find out more about CS125?
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I have another class that meets during half of CS125. Can I attend just half of the classes?
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I am taking cs123 at the same time. Will this be too much work?
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I tried to teach myself Maya once and it was just too overwhelming. What if I can’t do it?
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I have never taken another computer science course before. Is that okay?
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I am not very artistic and/or don’t have much experience making art. Is this a problem?
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Will I learn enough in CS125 to be able to get an internship at Pixar next summer?
- How can I find out more about CS125?
- Check the rest of the course website, especially Course Info. If you still have questions, email the professor, Barbara Meier: bjm@cs.brown.edu or (during the fall) the TAs: cs125tas@cs.brown.edu.
- How do I get permission to take CS125?
- You must come to the first class and sign the sheet we send around. Those that sign the sheet will receive an email application. This is due the next morning at 10am. The class list will be available 24 hours after this. Students who submit late applications are considered after those that submit on time. Admitted students are given Banner permission to register. We maintain a waitlist for about two weeks. If you are on the waitlist, you may keep coming to class and do the assignments. Most students who keep coming are eventually admitted.
- I can’t make the first class because I’m shopping another class that meets at the same time. What should I do?
- We understand shopping period is hectic. CS125 meets over two normal class periods so you should be able to attend at least half the class. If this is still a problem, you should email the professor with your specific circumstances.
- How do you select students who will be in the class?
- There are no formal prereqs for CS125, but we ask that you have background either in computer science and computer graphics or in visual art. The course moves quickly and those who don’t have some background tend to get lost. If there are more students than spaces in the course, then we evaluate the student applications based on seniority, previous experience, enthusiasm, and the extent to which the student might use what they learn in this course in the future. We intend to leave some spots open for juniors and sophomores.
- Why is CS125 offered over two regular class periods?
- One of our main uses of class time is to critique student work. We need enough time to look at everyone’s work in a single meeting. We also do in-class projects and labs that require more than one class period.
- I have another class that meets during half of CS125. Can I attend just half of the classes?
- No. This is not like a regular CS lecture course in which you go to class when you feel like it. CS125 is a seminar and studio course and you cannot miss the in-class projects, critiques, and discussions. Attendance is mandatory. We are sorry, but we don’t have control over when the class is offered. Unless you want to meet from 8-9:50am. Right. Didn't think so.
- I am taking cs123 at the same time. Will this be too much work?
- No if you are careful with managing your time. Many students take cs123 and cs125 concurrently and find that they complement each other well. CS123 does not have a big project at the end so it won’t conflict with CS125’s final project. They are both time-consuming courses, however, so you should plan the rest of your schedule accordingly.
- I have never used any of the software listed in the syllabus. Will I be able to learn it quickly enough?
- Most students have not used some or all of the software. You will learn it by doing tutorials and projects.
- I tried to teach myself Maya once and it was just too overwhelming. What if I can’t do it?
- You can do it! Maya is overwhelming at first, but by taking it one step at a time, you can learn it. We have fabulous TAs that will help you past any stumbling blocks. Everyone who has taken cs125 has learned enough Maya to work on a final project with a team of other students.
- I have never taken another computer science course before. Is that okay?
- Yes. There are no CS prereqs for this course. Being facile with user-level Windows is helpful. Some of the best cs125 students in the past took cs125 as their first CS course. Some were even convinced to go on to concentrate in CS. Who knows? You might just love it!
- I am not very artistic and/or don’t have much experience making art. Is this a problem?
- No. One of the aims of the course is to help you develop your artistic eye – to help you know what you like, what is working (or not) artistically, why, and how you can achieve your artistic goals. Making pictures is a skill like writing, it just takes practice and you will get lots of practice in CS125!
- Will I learn enough in CS125 to be able to get an internship at Pixar next summer?
- If you are a Brown student and want to work at Pixar as a TD intern, then you need computer science and computer graphics background (i.e. cs123) and CS125. CS128, the follow on course to CS125, will be very helpful as well. Pixar also offers PUP internships (Pixar University Program) to students without extensive CS experience. There are other internships available that may have fewer requirements. Pixar (and most production studios) are looking for enthusiastic students who have strong technical backgrounds and have demonstrated the ability to create polished results.
- I have more questions. Who should I ask?
- Before the semester begins, email Barb, the professor (bjm@cs.brown.edu). After the semester begins, contact Barb or the TAs (cs125tas@cs.brown.edu).