ART 229: INTRO TO DIGITAL IMAGES FALL 2008
I. COURSE DESCRIPTION
Catalog Description: Art 229 – Introduction to Digital Images. Overview of major concepts and tools used in image manipulation software Adobe Photoshop CS2.
(Prerequisite: ART 105 and 106.
WHOM THIS CLASS IS INTENDED:
Art 229 is designed for students who wish to master technical proficiency and professional techniques with Adobe Photoshop CS2. The course will focus on photo manipulation, custom typographic treatments, and image editing. An emphasis will be placed upon aesthetic judgment.
CLASS SCHEDULE: Thurs 5:00PM – 7:00PM, RAINEY 164
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II. INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION
NAME: Mr. Tim Speaker, Assistant Professor of Art
OFFICE: RAC 147
OFFICE HOURS: Tuesday/Thursday 12-2:30, Monday/Friday 2:30-3:30
EMAIL: tspeaker@andersonuniversity.edu
PHONE: 894.231.2065
CLASS BLOG: http://andersongraphics.blogspot.com/
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III. COURSE PURPOSE, GOALS, LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
There are two primary goals for the students enrolled in Art 229. The first goal is for the student to develop a comprehensive understanding of Photoshop’s technical capabilities and limitations. In more detail, this will cover how to efficiently use Photoshop for its designed intentions and strengths, how raster-based software is different than vector based software, and how knowledge of digital file creation and file production is critical for developing files for web and print. The second goal is for the students to apply their knowledge of the software’s technical capabilities to strengthen their creative capabilities so that students can work more efficiently and effectively. This will cover creative techniques for image or photographic manipulation and custom typography treatments. Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to demonstrate the following specific goals/learning objectives as listed below:
GOAL I: COMMUNICATION
1. Demonstrate the capacity to speak or write clearly with an emphasis on the appropriate use of discipline-specific vocabulary and standard English
2. Using Adobe Photoshop, students will demonstrate the ability to manipulate and construct imagery and type for enhanced visual communication.
GOAL II: FORMAL EXPLORATION
1. Continue to utilize formal elements and principles of design to organize creative solutions for course work assignments and projects.
2. Demonstrate and be able to identify in your creative work and work of others, the relationship between form, subject matter, content and choice of most appropriate style in visual communication.
GOAL III: CREATIVE VISUAL PROBLEM SOLVING
1. Demonstrate techniques and hands on working knowledge of Adobe Photoshop CS2.
2. Demonstrate the ability to manage project resources and deadlines effectively throughout all stages of creative development
ART 229: INTRO TO DIGITAL IMAGES FALL 2008
GOAL IV: EXPLORATION of TOOLS, MATERIALS and TECHNIQUES
1. Demonstrate trouble-shooting skills and identify problem-solving methodologies for developing new digital files and working on colleagues files.
2. Demonstrate the ability to navigate the software efficiently and effectively.
3. Demonstrate the technical skills required to produce an Adobe Photoshop file or raster-based file that is ready for prepress, printing, and web development.
4. Demonstrate the technical skills for photographic manipulation, retouching and color correction (to only mention a few), smooth selections, and an in depth knowledge of the software’s capabilities through the use of its tools, palettes, and menu items.
GOAL V: INVESTIGATION of HISTORY, THEORIES and METHODOLOGIES
1. Investigate and report on contemporary digital artists/designers and practices of Adobe Photoshop CS3 professionals through design solutions and papers, using online and traditional research methods.
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IV. METHODS of INSTRUCTION and ASESSMENT:
In this course students will be involved with hands on digital file generation and file production, projects/assignments, hear lectures by the instructor, and discuss related issues. The course text will be the primary source for instruction and education. Projects/assignments will correspond to the reading assignments and utilize key software concepts applied to creative problem solving tasks. In order to accomplish this, students must stay on top of their reading assignments. Students will be given specific tasks and quizzes that will be used to measure the development and accountability of the student. Additionally, most assignments will require several finished solutions to be presented at critique.
It is important that you take criticism well and work in a timely manner to make changes and adjustments to projects that need improvement based on critiques. Design is an organic process that requires the designer to maintain great clarity of purpose while maintaining even greater concentration on new ideas.
As designers and artists we need to learn to look, listen, and learn what others in the field are doing. This structure will require designers to dig deep into published work. A working knowledge of current design/digital art trends will also keep your own work form being merely derivative.
The instructor reserves the right to alter/change the course content and/or course schedule as needed.
Projects and Evaluation: A grading rubric will accompany each project and clearly articulate the expectation for a successful grade on the creative assignments/projects.
Quizzes:
Will be used as a follow up to assigned readings. The points from quizzes will be combined and the grade will be based on the percentage of correct responses. Bonus questions will generally be offered and focus on review of the previously covered material. The percent correct will be translated into a letter grade using the attached numerical scale.
Activities and Assignments:
ART 229: INTRO TO DIGITAL IMAGES FALL 2008
Will be graded much like the quizzes on a standard point scale. Projects will either be due at the end of class or at the start of class on the due date.
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V. STUDENT FEEDBACK, GRADING POLICIES & PROCEDURES
GRADING CRITERIA:
Successfully meeting expectations of grading rubrics, participation and performance in class and during critiques, attendance, and the completion of all assignments will determine the student’s grade quality. Numerical grades will be assigned to each project; assignment, quiz and the yearend average will reflect a final letter grade including a final exam.
QUIZZES will cover the vocabulary and concepts introduced in demonstrations, lectures, and reading assignments.
FINAL GRADES will be derived from the percentages below.
Projects 70%
Quizzes 20%
Class Participation 10%
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VI. CRITIQUES
Attendance is mandatory on critique day regardless if the designer’s work is completed or not. Unfinished work must be displayed during critiques in order to receive a grade. Absence on a critique day will reduce the assigned project grade by 50 percent. Designers who experience a death or illness in the immediate family will be excused for absence on critique days. Designers must provide a doctor’s note to receive an excused absence on critique days. The final critique day will be the last day of class, and all assignments will be brought back that day for review.
There is nothing that we do in class more important than critiques. Be there under any reasonable circumstance – I cannot stress this enough. Not only will being absent lower your grade, but will also rob you of valuable feedback from both your classmates and your instructor.
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VII. ATTENDANCE POLICY:
Students are required to attend class. Much of the information in this course is highly technical, so consistent attendance and preparation for class is of significant importance in order to succeed in this course and as a designer. It is expected that you will always be on time and be prepared through reading and notes to actively contribute to class discussions, and you will be present to interact during critiques. Absence from class more than three times whether excused or unexcused is excessive. In such a case, the designer will receive one half grade lower on their final grade. If more than 5 absences occur a grade of “F” will be earned, unless the designer requests a withdrawal by the official withdraw date of the semester. Three “Late” arrivals to class will count as once absence toward the class and leaving class early will count as a “Late” mark. Extra projects can be assigned to offset absences (due to the discretion of the professor). If the instructor is late to class, the class is required to wait 30 minutes before class is canceled. Students are expected to arrive promptly for class with the required materials. In a studio class, attendance is crucial because much of the work is done in class.
ART 229: INTRO TO DIGITAL IMAGES FALL 2008
Students are allowed three absences. Every absence after three lowers the final letter grade by 5 percentage points (one half of a letter). Extended absences due to illness or personal tragedy will be dealt with on an individual basis. In the event of an extended absence due to illness or personal tragedy, faculty must be notified at the time of the absences, and absolutely before final grades are due. It is very difficult to acquire information from a missed demonstration. It is impossible to re-create a missed group critique. It is the responsibility of the student to get any missed information or assignments. Please, do not hesitate to approach the instructor for any missed information.
University policy states that absence from more than 20% of the scheduled class sessions (in this case nine), whether excused or unexcused, is excessive, and the student will receive a grade of "F" unless the student requests a withdrawal or incomplete.
Students are required to remain in the studio for the entire class period. A ten-minute break will be taken halfway through each class. Students who arrive late on a day that a quiz has been administered will only have until the last student who began on time is finished before his or her quiz will be collected. If interruptions due to tardiness become a problem in the course, the instructor reserves the right to lock the door once the quiz or lecture has begun. At any time the instructor judges a student's attendance as having a negative impact on the student's performance, the instructor may call the student in for a conference to determine whether the student should continue or terminate his/her participation in the course.
VIII. OTHER POLICIES
Late Work:
In order to stimulate a higher level of professional discipline, late work in this class will not be accepted. If your work is late you will receive an “F” for the assignment. You’ll thank me later in life. If a designer misses a class, it is his/her responsibility to contact the instructor to find out if missed work may be made up. If you don’t contact me, I’ll assume you’re not interested in making up the work.
Plagiarism & Cheating:
If it’s not your idea, you can’t use it. If a designer copies someone’s ideas or writings and tries to pass it off as his/her original work the designer will receive an “F” for the assignment or project and the designer’s name will be submitted to the Dean for investigation.
Classroom Etiquette:
Unless you’re on-call professionally, please turn off your phones or any electronic devices. Personal computers will be allowed if they meet the course requirements. Headsets may be used only upon request during open studio time. Disruptive classroom conduct will not be tolerated. If designers are posing a threat or danger and/or harm to oneself or other classroom members, security will be called and a report will be filled with the Dean. No type of harassment will be tolerated in class.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA):
If designers need special assistance or accommodation please –let me know and I will be more than happy to assist you in any way necessary.
Student Blogs, The Notebook, and Swap Files
Students are required to create a blog exclusively for this (and other art) courses. This blog will be linked to the class blog, and will feature final versions of all the work of the student from the semester. Additionally, students will be required to post blog entries featuring selected design work and accompanying text discussing the items posted. Additionally students are encouraged to post inspiring works of art and design at any time for perusal by their classmates. These can be magazine layouts, brochures, clothing tags, color swatches, web sites, and typeface selections, virtually anything.
ART 229: INTRO TO DIGITAL IMAGES FALL 2008
Other Stuff:
All material (unless expressly stated by the instructor) included in the projects must have been generated by the designer. All imagery, photography, concept, copy, etc. must be the sole creation of the student.
AU Email Account Use:
All students are expected to establish and maintain an e-mail address on the Anderson University e-mail system. Students are expected to check their e-mail at least once each week during the Fall and Spring semesters. Students are responsible for all material, assignments, and announcements sent by e-mail. Ignorance of course requirements, instructor statements and directions, and University announcements or policy statements sent through University e-mail is not an acceptable excuse for failure to meet the requirements of a course or to adhere to University policy.
It is also advantageous to check the class blog once a day. Updates are posted here, as are supplementary readings, etc. Bookmark it, and just get into the habit of checking it, even if it is just to take a look at what your classmates are working on. The blog is the living, breathing heart of this course and will grow everyday into the hub of our design community.
Cell Phones:
Voicemail exists for a reason. Cell phones should be turned off or set on silent ring. Phones should not be answered during class. If a phone must be answered in case of an emergency, the students should excuse himself/herself from the class before answering.
I strongly discourage using the computer for chatting, checking facebook, myspace, or sending email during the class period. If you are utilizing the lab period to perform these extracurricular activities, I will assume that your assignment is finished and is ready to be graded and critiqued. This will result in a loss of attendance points for that day of class. Individual student participation is strongly encouraged. Your questions and comments are valuable and are always welcome. No student is to sleep, do their homework from other courses, play computer games, or any other disruptive act during a work period, lecture, or critique. The student will be asked to stop immediately. If the student continues he/she will be asked to withdraw from the course.
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VIV. CONTENT OUTLINE: NOT APPLICABLE
X. METHODS of INSTRUCTION: See Section IV.
XI. ASSIGNMENTS & COURSE CALENDAR: Attached.
XII. TEXTBOOK: Adobe Photoshop CS2 – Classroom In A Book, by Adobe Press
Suggested Reading:
A History of Graphic Design: by Philip Meggs
Communication Arts, Print, HOW, IDE Magazines (which can be found in the Thrift Library).
XIII. SUPPLIES:
Flash Drive (1GB minimum, but I would greatly recommend 2 & 4 GB versions)
Digital Camera (at least have the use of one that is decent)
WEBSITES:
photoshopcafe.com
planetphotoshop.com
good-tutorials.com
photoshopuser.com
