Electronic Imaging II -- Syllabus Fall 2008  
Electronic Imaging II
GRC 283B - Fall 2008
Course Syllabus

Instructor: Steve Carragher 702.645.9854
E-mail: steve.carragher@csn.edu
Web Site: http://sites.csn.edu/cg/carragher/carragher_home.htm
Course Web Site: http://sites.ccsn.edu/cg/carragher/grc283_f08_syllabus.htm
Credits: 3 (2 hours lecture, 2 hours lab, and 2 hours outside lab per week)
Prerequisites: GRC 183 (Electronic Imaging I)
Textbook Required: Up to Speed Photoshop CS3 ISBN-10: 0-321-51429-7 by Ben Willmore

Course Description:
Advanced techniques working with both photographic and illustrative images in B&W and color, using Photoshop and related third-party software.

Course Schedule:
Click on this link for the most recent schedule.

Submit Assignments:
Click on this link for a description on how to submit assignments to the server.

Course Objectives/Outcomes:
The student will be able to successfully:

  1. Select and configure hardware and software for professional electronic imaging applications.
  2. Perform professional level scans of black and white and color images using flatbed and film scanners.
  3. Access and enhance CD-ROM images.
  4. Manipulate image layers, channels, modes, and Smart Objects in Adobe Photoshop.
  5. Generate original image artwork and projects for print publication reflecting professional quality standards.
  6. Output digital images to high-end printers and a CD-ROM or DVD-R disc.
  7. Operate digital capture devices.
  8. Produce projects that can be output at a service bureau.
  9. Use paint tools to create custom backgrounds, textures, and other artistic 2D designs.

Requirements:

  1. To participate in scheduled class lectures and labs for 3.5 hours a week, and an additional 2 hours a week in unscheduled open lab time.
  2. Maintain a three-ring notebook with all lecture materials, notes, and handouts.
  3. Scan a minimum of 10 color images.
  4. Minimum output:
    5. a) Four high quality color prints
    b) Three high quality composite prints
    c) One Panoramic Print
    d) Portfolio CD-ROM or DVD-R disc

Equipment and Supplies:

  1. The student will need to have regular access to a computer with Adobe Photoshop CS3 software. The minimum recommended Random Access Memory (RAM) is 512MB to efficiently complete the projects.
  2. The student will need to purchase at least two 250 Mb Zip disks, multiple CD-Rs, DVD-Rs or a "Jump Drive for image storage and backup. The Zip disks can either be Macintosh or PC formatted to be used at school, however PC format is recommended if the disk will be used outside of class on a PC. Portable flash drives or "Jump drives" are optional and may be used instead of Zip disks, CD-Rs, or DVD-Rs for image storage. The minimum recommended size of these flash drives is 250 Mb and may be more convenient than other types of removable media and should remain PC formatted. The student will also have to purchase at least ten sheets of high quality photo ink jet paper and at least one ink cartridge or have all images printed at a service bureau. The average cost of supplies will be approximately $50.00.

Evaluation:
For each assignment given, the student will receive a list of requirements specific to that assignment, either from the textbook, or in the form of a handout. Grades will be based on how many of the requirements have been met and to what level of mastery each of the criteria has been demonstrated.


Grading Procedures:

  1. Grades are given for work completed on a class notebook, course labs, course projects and the midterm and final assessments.
  2. Extra credit is awarded only if all assignments are turned in on time and only with prior instructor approval.
  3. A "D" is acceptable as a passing grade if the course is to be used as a general requirement or elective, but will not transfer to another school. An "F" constitutes non-completion. This grade requires the course to be retaken and no credit is issued.
  4. "I" - Incomplete grades are usually not given except for unusual medical hardship. If the student is unable to complete the work, the instructor must be notified prior to the end of the semester and additional paperwork must be completed by the instructor and signed by the student. If all of the assignments have not been completed after one year from the end of the current semester, the "I" will automatically be changed to an "F" by the admissions and records department and this grade will become permanent.
  5. "W" - An administrative withdraw is not automatically issued by the instructor. If the student wishes to withdraw, they are asked to first notify the instructor and then proceed to the admissions office. At the end of the course, a student may request that the instructor issue a "W" grade. If a request is not made, the final grade for non-completion will be an "F " or at the discretion of the instructor, a "W" can be given.
Grading Scale:
A = 90% -100%
B = 80% - 89%
C = 70% - 79%
D = 69% - 60%
F = 0% - 59%

As in the commercial world, deadlines are strictly adhered to. If a project is not presented on time, the highest grade that project will can receive is a C-. This is the best grade possible even if the project has met all of the criteria. This grade cannot be improved, upgraded, or replaced by extra credit. According to the Media Technologies department, there are no exceptions to this policy!

A project presented on time which receives a grade lower than the student wishes may be resubmitted with the handout for a better grade. Any corrections made will receive half of the original points possible. Redos are not an automatic improvement on grades and may be submitted to the instructor up to two class meetings after the original deadline. The project's grade cannot be improved after that time and only one resubmission will be accepted. No assignments will be accepted after two weeks after the original deadline.

Copyright Infringement:
All images scanned and used must be personal pictures and negatives. Commercially printed images or artwork will not be accepted. If any copyright rules are violated the student will be given 0 points for the assignment. There are no make-ups or improving the grade if any copyright rules are violated.


Critique:
Since this program is part of a commercial photography program, critiques are handled as if the instructor was an art director or client and the student is the imager working for that art director or client. Therefore, assignments must meet with the specific instructors guidelines and preferences. Much of being a professional imager involves being able to take direction. The student is given specific guidelines and is encouraged to follow them closely. Creative deviation is very much encouraged, as long as the technical guidelines are meet and the changes have been discussed with the instructor prior to the assignment being submitted to the server. Failure to adhere to this policy may result in points being deducted from the assignment.

Critique Process:
Occasionally images are graded in a class group critique. Participation in critique is essential to the evaluation procedure and every student is expected to attend with his/her completed projects.

Examinations:
The instructor will administer written quizzes and examinations with a minimum of one-week advance notice. If a quiz or exam was not taken on the assigned date, other arrangements must be made with the instructor prior to the start of the next class meeting. At the end of the semester a comprehensive final examination will be administered. This exam is a written and performance based evaluation.

Extra Credit:
The instructor may give extra credit assignments during the semester. However, extra credit will only be accepted if all of the regular assignments up to that point in the semester have been completed and none were submitted late. Extra credit may never replace standard assignments or quizzes.

Attendance:
Roll call is not taken except to familiarize the instructor with the students. While attendance is not taken each day of class, every lecture and demonstration provides a valuable learning experience and these experiences cannot be made up. The class moves forward at an extremely fast pace. Class progress and instruction will not be delayed to bring a student current, who has missed class. If a student absolutely must miss class, it is recommended that he/she have another student tape the lecture or borrow notes of the class demonstration. If the student must miss class, we request that she/he not telephone the photo lab, or the division office. The assignment's handouts will be distributed on the night of the lecture or discussion and are usually available for pick up on the back table prior to the start of the class period. After that evening, it is the responsibility of the student to print the assignment sheet from the class course schedule.

Key Dates:
September 20 - Quiz 1
October 4 - Quiz 2
October 25 - Midterm Assessment
November 8 - Quiz 3
December 13 - Final Assessment

Notebook:
The student will maintain a notebook containing all lecture information, handouts and assignments. The prints created for the class should be placed inside clear archival sleeves. All of this documentation must be organized and submitted in a three ring binder for grading the final day of class.

Safety Procedures:
The safety procedures for the college are posted in the classroom. The procedures will also be discussed during the first class meeting. Any injury or accident should be reported to the instructor immediately.

Cell Phone and Pager Use:
This policy applies to anytime you are in the classroom and is not just limited to lecture or lab time. Please set all cell phones and pagers to silent or vibrate mode while in the classroom. If you do receive a call, please take it outside prior to any discussion. Except in an emergency, no phone calls should be made from within the classroom.

Disability Resource Center:
If you have a documented disability that may require assistance, you will need to contact the Disability Resource Center located in the Student Service Center on each campus. The DRC can be contacted at the following numbers: Cheyenne Campus 651-4045, Henderson 651-3086 and West Charleston 651-5089.
For those students that would like to earn a little extra cash, stop by the Disability Resource Center to fill out a job interest card. This office hires students as note takers, readers, proctors, scribes, lab assistants and research assistants as needed.

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