MINNESOTA WEST COMMUNITY AND TECHNICAL COLLEGE
WORTHINGTON CAMPUS
COURSE SYLLABUS
COURSE TITLE: Computer Graphics COURSE NO. 2230
CREDITS- 3
ACADEMIC YEAR- Spring 2012
CLASS SCHEDULE- Monday 6:00-9:40 p.m.
INSTRUCTOR- Gail Holinka
OFFICE HOURS- Monday 5:30-6:00pm, or by appointment~ ROOM 604
OFFICE TELEPHONE NUMBER- 727-1173 ext.3506
EMAIL ADDRESS: or
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course will walk students through Adobe Photoshop CS5 Classroom in a Book Textbook, with supportive resources from My Graphics Lab which complements the text. Students will gain technical reading skills, creative layout and design, and be exposed to photographic manipulation and applied illustrative techniques using Photoshop. Some topics to be covered are: raster vs. vector images, scanning and editing photographs, using a digital camera to capture creative/quality photographs, typography, designing and manipulating text to communicate ideas, drawing basic objects for the purposes of illustration and design, and printing quality images. Application of these newly acquired skills into real life design jobs will be explored and completed, as requested over the course of the semester.
FULFILLS MN TRANSFER CURRICULUM AREA(S): Area 6--by meeting the following competencies:a,b,c,d,e
PREREQUISITES OR NECESSARY ENTRY SKILLS/KNOWLEDGE: Basic computer skills are required. Reading skills are necessary.
THIS COURSE IS USUALLY OFFERED: Fall and Spring semester
Four goals are emphasized in courses at Minnesota West - Worthington Campus.
1) ACADEMIC CONTENT:
- To gain a familiarity with the formal structuring of graphic arts.
- To gain a confidence in individual creative perception and creation
- To understand technical reading and its application in graphic design through the Adobe Photoshop CS5 program.
- To gain an understanding of graphic arts vocabulary- The elements of art and Principals of design; Computer technical terminology.
2) THINKING SKILLS:
- Visual awareness
- Aesthetic evaluation
- Formal analysis of the principles and elements of design
- Critical thinking and Application of these skills
3) COMMUNICATIONS SKILLS:
- A journal of visual responses and visual communication skills
- Verbal responses to individual projects
- Responding to works through individual and group critiques.
4) HUMAN DIVERSITY:
- Written and verbal response to graphic arts through visual communication in
our global economy.
- Inner creative thought, imagination, and self exploration.
TOPICS TO BE COVERED:
- Raster vs. vector images
- Scanning and editing photographs,
- Designing and manipulating text to communicate ideas
- Drawing basic objects for the purposes of illustration.
- Using a digital camera to take images to blend and manipulate imagery
- Understanding visual design and it’s affects on selected audiences
TEXTS, SUPPLIES, AND ADDITIONAL EXPENSES:
Text- Adobe Photoshop CS5 Classroom in a Book/My Graphics Lab
High quality satin (semi-gloss) photograph paper for ink jet print projects.
Notebook/sketchbook for visual journaling and project designs.
Digital Camera recommended for creative photography.
LEARNING/TEACHING TECHNIQUES used in this course are:
Collaborative Learning
Design Projects
Lecture
Demonstrations
Problem Solving Skills/Creative Decision Making Skills
Interactive Lectures
Individual Coaching/AP Revealed Lessons
Films/Videos/Slides
Guest Speakers/Field Trips
Gallery Visits
ASSIGNMENTS and ASSESSMENTS for this class include:
Reading/On line Discussions
Quizzes/Exams
Individual Design Projects
Collaborative Group Projects
Adobe Photoshop CS4 Revealed-Lessons 1-9
NOTE: WEEKLY ASSIGNMENTS WILL BE DISCUSSED IN CLASS WITH PROJECTED DUE DATES, ETC. SET SCEDULES OFTEN NEEDED ADJUSTING DUE TO ASSIGNED COMMUNITY PROJECTS THAT COME UP.
GRADING POLICIES AND EVALUATION PROCEDURES
Attendance is important towards the success of this class. Students must inform the instructor if absent for any reason. Weekly points are given for attendance.
Class participation- Students are expected to use technology solely for the purpose of class assignments and projects. Lessons will be introduced and demonstrated during class, and students will have lab time to work on them. Each lesson will be handed in at the end of class. If a student requires more computer time than class allows, the lab can be opened during campus hours by seeing the tech support person, or custodial staff. There are weekly projects assigned to help develop and reinforce design skills. Community non-profit design jobs are often requested and completed as class projects and individual assignments.
Cell phones MUST be turned off during class so there is no interruption to student learning. There will be absolutely no personal use of technology usage during our scheduled class-time; these activities need to be done on your own time, NOT during class! This includes all items such as personal emails, instant messaging, facebook, tweeting, etc. No texting during class will be tolerated. In cases of personal emergencies, please visit with the instructor. Although discouraged, personal music devices may be used during work time only, and you must remain “unplugged” during all lectures and class discussions. If caught “sneaking”, this privilege will be removed entirely. Monitors should also be turned off during lecture and class discussion time, to keep your full attention on information being presented. Any student caught using social networking devices during class, will be assigned additional work, as you obviously don’t have enough to keep you engaged. There are enrichments I can provide, please let me know if additional work is needed. Misuse of lab-time will be reflected in your grade with class participation points deducted accordingly.
Quizzes/Finals- There will be NO make up dates on quizzes or finals. You need to be present to take it, or miss the points. Barring hospitalizations, excuses are not usually acceptable. Quizzes are generally taken at the start of class under a limited time frame to ensure prompt attendance to class. All quizzes will be taken on-line. Please be sure you know how to log on and take quizzes on D2L. MN West website “Introduction to online Learning” is a great place to start.
All other assignments and projects will be scored on a points based system, depending on complexity of individual assignments. Any assignments turned in late will be docked points accordingly. It is extremely important to stay on target with lessons and project assignment deadlines. Most students, who withdraw or fail this class, do so after falling behind and finding themselves in the situation where they are unable to catch up. College is too expensive to fail so… attend classes, do the work, and get the grade!
GRADING SCALE
A- 90-100 All grading criteria have been met to a superior degree.
B- 80-90 All grading criteria have been met to an above average degree.
C- 70-80 Meets average or minimum levels of acceptance for all criteria.
D- 60-70 Meets minimum levels of acceptance for some criteria
F- 59-0 Does not meet minimum levels of acceptance for most criteria. Plus and minus grades indicate to what degree the student has met the above scale.
CHEATING - There is no tolerance of cheating what so ever. This means lessons, projects, exams, quizzes etc. All work will be closely monitored and checked for false submission, copying, etc. ALL cheaters will be assigned an F, and could be at risk of failing the class. Academic honesty is extremely important; all students need to earn their own grades. Grades will be updated in D2L and student progress can be checked there at all times. If there are any questions, or concerns at anytime, email or speak to the instructor.
Minnesota West Community and Technical College adhere to requirements of Federal Financial Aid in issues of satisfactory progress toward graduation, which does include monitoring of attendance and academic progress. Early warning signs will be submitted to advisors.
The information in this course outline is subject to revision
STUDENTS NEEDING ACCOMMODATIONS FOR A DISABILITY MUST NOTIFY THE INSTRUCTOR. Reasonable accommodations will be provided upon request for documented disabilities.
This document can be made available in alternative format by contacting Student Services, the Campus CEO's or calling 1-800-627-3529.