Electronic Imaging 2658 - Art 1070 - 09

Spring 2011 Mon / Wed / Fri 8:00 - 10:00

Instructor: Becky Hall Office: Trahern 204

Email: hallr@apsu.edu Hours: Mon / Wed: 10 - 1
Phone: 221- 7348 Tue: 11 - 12
Course Description

The use of MacIntosh computer hardware and software as a visual arts tool.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

This course offers the student the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of design
though a structured series of assignments of ever increasing complexity using the
Adobe Creative Suite. Students will be introduced to the basic tools of Adobe Illustrator,
Photoshop and Flash.

CONTENT OUTLINE

This course concentrates on helping the student develop both conceptual and technical
skills using Bauhaus design principles and the latest computer technology. Students will
be introduced to the tools and concepts most often used in the Adobe Creative Suite,
including the use of layers, the creation and control of Bezier curves, image adjustment
and basic animation.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS

This course has no prerequisites. It is designed for the both the beginning student and
the more advanced computer user who wishes to have a thorough grounding in
traditional Bauhaus design theory and three of the current Adobe CS programs. It is
also one of the five required foundation courses for all art majors.Therefore expectations
are high. It is the first step for serious students who wish to pursue further study in
graphic design or the fine arts. It is also an end in itself for non-majors who wish to have
a serious introduction to the basics of creating images on the computer.

REQUIRED MATERIALS

Text: Digital Foundations: Introduction to Media design with the Adobe Creative Suite
By Xtine Burough and Michael Mandiberg
• Available
• Purchase: APSU bookstore
 • Online: Digital-foundations.net Go to Wiki on the site.
* You may use this format to read on-line.
* Do not print the text off the site on APSU printers.
REQUIRED MATERIALS cont.

Hardware: 250 (or greater) GB USB portable external hard drive

*Available online and at local retailers - Lacie Rugged recommended

Notebook or sketchbook: Something in which to take notes and to do preliminary

sketches.
CD or DVD: To turn in assignments for class
CD or DVD Paper Sleeves
PROCEDURES

Most class sessions begin with a brief overview or presentation followed by a short
lecture/ demonstration. The majority of class time is devoted to working.

ATTENDANCE

Class starts promptly. If we have announcements, demonstrations, lectures or critiques

they will begin at the beginning of class. If you arrive late, you must begin or sign a Late
Sheet and be sure to give it to me at the end of class. Late arrivals constitute 1/2
absence.

A total of three unexcused absences are allowed for the semester. After 3 unexcused
absences your grade will be lowered by 1/2 letter grade per absence. Excused
absences require a written excuse to not be counted as an excused absence.

Methods of Evaluation

In assigning grades to projects, the following are taken into consideration:

1. Creativity & originality: Solving the assignment creatively
2. Depth of thinking: Relative to content and/or visual organization
3. Technical quality: Usage of the software and presentation

Grading
The final grade is based upon the following:
Average of graded assignments / projects 85%
Class participation, effort, attitude & commitment 5%
Any additional assignments or quizzes 10 %
100%
Grading Scale:
 A = Work of distinctive excellence
B = Superior work, but not distinctive
C = Average work; expected; acceptable
D = Substandard work; accepted, but with disapproval
F = Not acceptable; work that fails to meet the objectives or
requirements of the assignment

LATE WORK

Late work is not accepted. Files are due at the beginning of class on the date
specified.

IN-CLASS WORK

Most of our time will be spent completing the assigned projects. Technical
demonstrations and lectures will be given when necessary. During the time we are
doing something in class together, your computer needs to stay on what we are doing.
Even if you are ahead of us, don’t switch to the internet, other programs or games. We
want a friendly setting, but not disruptive. You may be able to work in a chaotic
environment but some want more focus. So we are defaulting to the least disruptive
atmosphere.
Only do your personal online activities during breaks. You need to be working on class
work during the other times.

OUTSIDE WORK

Students are required to complete numerous outside assignments over the course of
the semester. Requirements for each assignment will be given to the student at the
beginning of each project. Files are due at the beginning of class on the specified date.
As the semester progresses students should plan on allotting three to six hours outside
of class for the completion of all work. The Art Department student computer lab is
available and hours or procedures will be posted as the semester progresses. Many of
the programs you will be using are quite expensive and you will need to use classroom
time and work in the student lab to complete.

QUIZZES

Announced and unannounced quizzes can be given regularly to test your knowledge of
key design concepts, (example: define asymmetry) workflow practices, (example: what
is the MacIntosh keyboard shortcut for undo?) and issues pertaining to electronic
media, (example: what kinds of online images can you legally use for professional, for-
profit artwork?)
 LECTURES AND EXHIBITIONS

Students are required to attend at least three events this semester in the Art
Department. A brief 150- word summary of the event is to be turned in within one week
of the event. You can choose which ones to attend from the Calendar of Events given
out in class. There are a variety of options open to you, from gallery openings and
exhibitions to lectures and on-line presentations. Be sure to work these into your
schedule. The Center of Excellence has a calendar of events. These assignments need
to be emailed to me at hallr@apsu.edu.

COMMUNICATION

You must have a working APSU email account. Please be sure your account is working
and it is your responsibility to check it regularly. Should you need to email me be sure to
include your name and class in the subject line.

Anything you turn in must have your full name clearly readable. If you turn in any CD’s
or DVD’s be sure to label the CD or DVD with your full name and what is on the CD. All
computer files turned in must have your full name on them and the file content.
Example: becky_hall_andy_warhol (with the program extension.)

ADDITIONAL POLICIES

Please turn off cell phones. Any activities with your phone must be done outside the
classroom on breaks.

No food is allowed in 212. You may bring beverages with lids.

Please do not wear your iPod or any other personal music device except when
specifically allowed while working on long projects. During these times please keep the
volume at a low level to avoid headphone leakage.

The student is responsible for all materials. Students who are unprepared will be
considered absent.

CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT

Disabilities Policy.Any student who has a disability that may affect his/her academic
performance is encouraged to make an appointment with me to discuss this matter, or
you may contact Disability Services;Telephone 221-6230; voice 221-6278; voice tty.
Academic Misconduct.The Students are expected to conduct themselves appropriately
at all times. Academic and classroom misconduct will not be tolerated. Students must
read the "Code of Student Conduct" in the new Student Handbook for the understanding
of what will be expected of them within the academic setting.
Policy on Minors. Minors (any non-student under that age of 18) accompanying staff,
faculty, students, or visitors on campus are not permitted in the classroom.
The use and display of cell phones, text messaging devices and pagers is not permitted.
Students using the above devices will be asked to leave according to the rules as
outlined in the Student Handbook.

The above schedule and procedures are subject to change.