Syllabus
VC 114
Chemeketa Community College
Lecture/Lab :: Mondays & Wednesdays 9:00 AM – 11:50 AM (CRN 37157 & CRN 37158)
Fall 2009 • Four credits
Building 4/296
Course Web site: newterra.chemeketa.edu/faculty/phoelter/vc114/
Instructor: Peter Hoelter
Contact Information
E-mail:
AIM: phoelter
Phone/Voicemail: 503.399.6475
Office Hours: Mondays & Tuesdays 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM, and Wednesdays 12:30 PM – 2:30 PM; Building 4/284B
Course Description
Introduces photo editing software for the graphic arts. Includes the Mac OS, page layout, illustration and photo manipulation software.
Prerequisites
Enrollment in the Visual Communications program
CS101 – Introduction to Microcomputer Applications (or equivalent)
Applications
Adobe Photoshop CS4 • Adobe Illustrator CS4 • Adobe InDesign CS4
Operating System
Mac OS X Snow Leopard (10.6)
Course Objectives and Process
Through a combination of class lectures and hands-on labs, we will learn to use the computer to apply creative art and design principles. Our primary software package is the Adobe Creative Suite v4 (CS4): The de facto standard for producing artwork in print, web, and interactive mediums. The focus of this class is to learn how to use Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign to produce work according to current aesthetic principles, theories and technical standards. This will include exposure to Mac OS X, image resolution, photo compositing & retouching, vector illustration, page layout, and electronic and print output.
The broader goal of this class is to lay the groundwork for future learning, both guided and self-directed, of any professional graphic design application required for your future employment. This is accomplished through dedicated and repeated use of the tools, and the desire on your part to push the software and yourself beyond your own boundaries, both creatively and technically.
This is an entry-level class, with a curriculum designed for beginners. I am aware, however, that students will come to this class with varying degrees of technical and artistic experience. Students already familiar with the material presented in class are encouraged to use that expertise to assist students who are less familiar with the application and broaden their creative approach. One of the best ways to solidify ones understanding of any discipline is to share that knowledge with others.
Student Evaluation
The class is comprised primarily of classroom instruction reinforced by ongoing in-class (Labs) and out-of-class (Homework) exercises, and three in-depth projects, all of which will count toward the final grade. There will be two in-class practical exam, which will test for mastery of the techniques covered during the class periods preceding each exam, and one comprehensive final exam. In addition, in-class participation and student professional conduct will also be evaluated and contribute to your final grade.
Performance Based Learner Outcomes
Upon completing this course students will have acquired a working knowledge of three software programs specific to graphic design. They will be able to:
- Navigate and produce work with the Mac operating system.
- Identify, connect and use basic Macintosh hardware and peripherals.
- Select and use criteria-based graphic arts software for given tasks.
- Produce work using a combination of page layout, illustration, and photo manipulation software.
- Identify and use basic typographic measurement and terms.
- Typeset copy from imported files using appropriate fonts and formatting.
- Digitize images using the industry standard format and resolution for given media.
- Save, retrieve and export files for both traditional and electronic publishing.
- Research problems and capabilities with software documentation manuals and books.
- Work in a lab environment with shared servers and printers.
Required Texts
The following books are required for this course and are available at the Chemeketa Bookstore:
Visual QuickStart Guide: Adobe Illustrator CS4, Elaine Weinmann & Peter Lourekas. (Peachpit Press)
Visual QuickStart Guide: Adobe InDesign CS4, Sandee Cohen. (Peachpit Press)
Visual QuickStart Guide: Adobe Photoshop CS4, Weinmann, Elaine & Lourekas, Peter. (Peachpit Press)
A list of other texts can be found on the References section of the course Web site.
Required Materials
Portable storage device (such as a portable FireWire 400, FireWire 800, or USB2 hard drive, USB flash drive, Internet storage service, iPod, etc.) to save and retain class work, a charged-up print card, matting materials (black matte board, Exacto knife, metal ruler), sketchbook with blank pages, notebook and pen.
Grading :: Points
1,000 points are available in this class.
| Course Component | Points | % |
|---|---|---|
| Projects (3 at 100 points each) |
300 points | 30% |
| Lab and Homework Exercises (15 at 20 points each) |
300 points | 30% |
| Exams (2 at 100 points per exam) |
200 points | 20% |
| Final Exam | 150 points | 15% |
| In-class Participation & Professional Conduct (10 weeks at 5 points per week) |
50 points | 5% |
Grading :: Scale
| Grade | Level | Point Range | Standard | Grade Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | 90-100% | 900 – 1,000 | Excellent | 4.0 |
| B | 80-89% | 800 – 899 | Very Capable | 3.0 |
| C | 70-79% | 700 – 799 | Competent | 2.0 |
| D | 60-69% | 600 – 699 | Limited Success | 1.0 |
| F | 0-59% | 599 and lower | Failure | 0.0 |
| N | No Grade Assigned – student‘s attendance and participation was minimum and does not warrant grade. |
0.0 | ||
| I | Incomplete – granted only under extenuating circumstances and must be discussed before the last week of class. |
0.0 | ||
Late Work
All assigned exercises and projects are due either at the beginning of class (in the case of homework exercises and projects) or at the end of class (in the case of lab exercises) as specified by the course calendar. Late course work will be accepted only for partial credit. Exercise and project grades will be reduced by 20% (two letter grades) for each class period the assignment is late. Points for missed lab exercises can only be made up outside of class and only for partial credit. Course work more than two class periods late is accepted, but will only be marked as “Completed” and will not have a point value. You will not be able to make up missed quizzes or exams.
An extension due to extenuating circumstances such as health or other personal problems can be obtained by receiving permission from the instructor, either prior to or after the fact, by submitting appropriate written documentation to the college or by contacting the instructor directly. Please refer to the Chemeketa Community College guidelines for further information.
Attendance and Participation
Class attendance is an important part of the course experience. Much of the course content is only available by attending class. You are responsible for obtaining any notes that you missed during an absence, either from a classmate or from the class Web site. Participation in class discussions, labs, and student professionalism are all factored into your classroom grade.
If you must miss a class, please notify me, either by e-mail or in person, prior to class so arrangements can be made.
Lab Policies
Cell phones must be turned to silent mode during class. If a call must be answered, take the call outside of the classroom and student work spaces. Lab workstations should only be used for class work—Web browsing, e-mail, Facebooking, game play, instant messaging and other non-class related computer activities should be reserved for other computers on campus. Expect the lab computers to be turned off during certain lectures throughout the quarter. No food or drink are allowed in the computer labs.
Academic Honesty
The presentation of another individual’s work as one’s own or the act of seeking unfair academic advantage through cheating, plagiarism or other dishonest means are violations of the college’s “Student Rights and Responsibilities.” See College catalog or public Web site for definitions and violation penalties at www.chemeketa.edu/attending/academichonesty/.
Diversity
We are enriched by the diversity of our students, staff, and community. We welcome diverse perspectives and encourage the free exchange of ideas. Chemeketa Community College provides an environment that celebrates the freedom to learn and the freedom to teach. In that celebration of teaching and learning it is appropriate that individuals and groups be viewed with regard to their potential to contribute within the learning environment. Each has dignity and value.
Accommodations
Students who need accommodations for a disability should contact this instructor or Disability Services in Building 2, Room 174 or call 503-399-5192 (V/TTY).
Student Insurance Responsibilities
The college does not provide student health or accident insurance. A Student Accident & Sickness Insurance Plan is available for student purchase. Details of this plan are available at the enrollment center in Building 2.