CS203: Fall 2021
Calendar Syllabus Assignments Topics Project Tools

What is CS203: Computer Music?

Course Description

CS203 is an interdisciplinary course that explores the world of computer music through programming, music, and math. CS203 explores topics such as digital signal processing, sound synthesis, protocols, networking, and modeling. Students work with a computer environment called SuperCollider, an open-source software designed for real-time audio synthesis. Students complete weekly programming and theoretical assignments and create music ranging from synthesizers in popular songs to experimental algorithmic compositions.

Learning Goals

Students taking CS203 can expect by the end of the semester to have acheived the following learning goals:

Prerequisites

Please review the course prerequisites to decide if CS203 is right for you:

It is imperative that students have the necessary prerequisites in order to have a successful experience. Please speak with Andy about any questions you might have.

Logistics

Class Meetings and Policies

Class will be held on Tues/Friday 9:55-11:10AM in SCI E111. Class is mandatory. This class also includes a lab. The lab will be held on Wed 4:30-6:20PM in SCI E111 or Sound Lab on the bottom floor of the Music Library. The specific location of lab will be announced at the start of the week.

Please silence and stow phones out of sight during class meetings. Handwritten notes are encouraged. The use of the Sound Lab computers are permitted but only when instructed to do so during class.

Help Hours

The course offers both instructor and tutor help hours. Our wonderful tutor for this semester is Nina. Instructor office hours will be held on Tues: 3:00-5:00PM, Wed: 6:30-8:00PM, Fri: 1:30-3:30PM in the Science Center L-Wing (Tues/Fri) and either E111 or Sound Lab (Wed). Tutor hours will be held on Thurs: 7:00-9:00PM in the Science Center L-Wing. Note that these times are subject to change. For the most up-to-date times of office hours, please refer to this google calendar.

The location of help hours changes depending upon the day. Please use the calendar for help hour locations.

Texts

There are no required textbooks for CS203. CS203 draws from a variety of different sources, meaning that no one book perfectly matches all the topics discussed in this course. If you are considering purchasing any materials, then I would suggest the following two books:

The former book is written by some of the creators and editors of the SuperCollider platform and offers good insights into the mechanics of SuperCollider. The latter delves into many of the topics on digital signal processing and sound synthesis. Both books contain numerous readings for various topics throughout the semester. The instructor will provide those readings when necessary but students may wish to purchase their own copy to explore other topics discussed.

We will also draw from a variety of other sources as well that are free and available online.

Readings for specific topics below can be found in this Google Drive. Note that you must have a Wellesley account and be logged in to access this material.

Course Work

Assignments

Assignments make up the bulk of the work in CS203. Many assignments are a combination of paper exercises, coding exercises, and short creative compositions or sound designs. Assignments typically require 4-8 hours of work. Students typically have a week to complete those exercises.

All parts of all assignment can be done with a partner. The purpose of partner work is to encourage collaboration and discussion. Communicating about difficult subject matter and approaches often leads to fruitful learning. Work on partner exercises should be done in person and both partners should contribute equally to solutions and answers. Do not divvy up questions. All students should understand all parts of the assignment. For additional details, see the Honor Code policy below.

Note that all assignments can be completed individually if desired.

Midterm

The midterm is a chance for students to show their knowledge on the first half of the course material. The exam will be given over the weekend and will be a take-home exam. The purpose of the midterm is to provide motivation for students to reflect upon and solidify the topics from the first half of the course, mainly the material on digital signal processing and SuperCollider. Review materials for the exam will be posted at the appropriate time.

Final Project

The culmination of the class is a final project of the student’s choosing in consultation with Andy. See the page on the final project for more details.

Grades

The three components of the class and their relative weights are as follows:

Academic Support and Policies

How To Succeed

A compilation of tips and ideas to help you succeed in CS203:

Honor Code

The Wellesley Honor Code applies to .

When in doubt, please consult with Andy about any questions or concerns with regard to the policy or appropriate forms of collaboration.

Late Policy

Assignments are due at the date and time specified in the assignment description and calendar. Each student will be given a late period of five days after the submission date to turn in an assignment up to 90%. For example, if the deadline for an assignment is Thursday at 11:59PM, then the late period extends to Tuesday at 11:59PM. On Gradescope, this will appear as late submissions. After that, all late assignments will be given a zero.

I am relatively flexible with due dates due to stress, other course due dates, and other commitments and life circumstances. Please feel free to approach Andy if you need alternative due dates. You must do so before assignment submission and preferably well before an assignment is due.

Consult your instructor and class dean for alternative arrangements in case of extenuating circumstance. Please also consult the section on accommodations if that is applicable.

Accommodations

If you have a disability or condition, either long-term or temporary, and need reasonable academic adjustments in this course, please contact Disability Services to get a letter outlining your accommodation needs, and submit that letter to me. You should request accommodations as early as possible in the semester, or before the semester begins, since some situations can require significant time for review and accommodation design. If you need immediate accommodations, please arrange to meet with me as soon as possible. If you are unsure but suspect you may have an undocumented need for accommodations, you are encouraged to contact Disability Services. They can provide assistance including screening and referral for assessments. Disability Services can be reached at disabilityservices@wellesley.edu, at 781-283-2434, by scheduling an appointment online at their website, or by visiting their offices on the 3rd floor of Clapp Library, rooms 316 and 315.

Students whose religious observances conflict with class should contact the instructors in advance to discuss alternative arrangements. You may do this through the new Wellesley College Religious Observance Notification System if you prefer.

Nondiscrimination Information

Wellesley College considers diversity essential to educational excellence, and we are committed to being a community in which each member thrives. The College does not allow discrimination or harassment based on race, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, ethnic or national origin or ancestry, physical or mental disability, pregnancy or any other protected status under applicable local, state or federal law.

If you or someone you know has experienced discrimination or harassment, support is available to you: