Course Description:

Hands-on approach to fundamental concepts and terminology for creating and editing basic electronic paint and draw-type graphics. Incudes software, hardware and operating system basics and a thorough understanding of the Macintosh Operating System.

Students will learn the basics of the hardware, software, and interface relating to computer systems—especially Macintosh OS. The student will also learn the fundamentals of Adobe's Photoshop and Illustrator to explore the basic painting and drawing capabilities of each in an effort to learn about bitmapped and vector graphics, the foundation of all computer-related graphics. 

Two hours of lecture and two hours of lab each week during class period. 

It is highly recommended that students plan to acquire additional lab time outside of the scheduled class period.

Prerequisite: There is no prerequisite for this course. This is the starting point for beginners interested in learning about both print-related and screen-based graphics.

It is recommended that students who are working on a degree or certificate or who are not very familiar with either Mac or Windows operating environment should enroll in this class.

Course Objectives:

To be able to produce paint- and draw-type graphics on a computer, manipulate and use them in layout programs, and to be generally creative using the computer as an art tool based on an understanding of both software and hardware capabilities. In other words:

• To learn the basics of the Macintosh operating system, including, saving, printing, copying, erasing, opening, closing, and quitting files.
• To define basic computing terms dealing with graphic software applications, hardware, memory, system interface, resolution, graphic formats, color, printing.
• To learn to successfully operate computer graphic arts software packages, specifically to create a bitmapped graphic, to create a draw-type graphic, to create a bezier curve based graphic, to produce a page layout, to scan line art, to convert graphic formats.
• To identify ethical, technical, and ergonomic issues involved with working in the computer graphics field.
• To be able to properly prepare files for printing at a service bureau.

Course Outcomes:

What the student can do at the end of the course.

• Describe the careers available, skills required, and issues related to the field of computer graphics.
• Define basic computing terms dealing with graphic software applications, hardware, memory, system interface, resolution, graphic formats, color and printing.
• Perform basic calculations concerning computer memory, disk storage, and file size: e.g. unit (KB, MG, GB) conversions, memory and storage measurements.
• Operate a Macintosh computer with a thorough understanding of its operating system and interface: i.e. select, create, open, close, save, rename, convert format, copy, delete, move, organize, find, print, backup files and folders using the Macintosh interface at the Desktop as well as within application using both the mouse and the keyboard, performing some modifier key shortcuts; perform basic computing procedures: booting, quitting, shutting down, ejecting disk, accessing a server, selecting a printer.
• Perform basic word processing and general application functions, e.g. inputting, editing, copying, pasting, importing type and graphics using menus and keyboard shortcuts.
• Troubleshoot basic work session problems: e.g. recovering from frozen screen and system bombs, detecting and removing viruses, solving basic printing problems.
• Design and create raster and vector artwork using rudimentary paint and draw-type applications; convert from one graphic type (bitmapped image, vector object, bitmapped object) to another, import and export graphics; select, combine, transform, layer, group, delete, lock, color, and otherwise edit all types of graphics.
• Prepare and format files for outputting using basic computer graphics terminology and concepts

Required Text:

None. All materials are found online in WebCT.

Recommended Text:

Though no books are required, though it is highly recommended that you acquire a reference book for the software packages used in this course: Macintosh OS, Adobe Illustrator, and Adobe Photoshop. 

These books by Peachpit Press are recommended because they are inexpensive reference books that have brief instructions that are simple to follow.

Visual QuickStart  Guide Series, by Peachpit Press. 

CURRENT VERSIONS (CS)
Illustrator CS2 for Windows and Macintosh: By Elaine Weinmann and Peter Lourekas, ISBN 0-321-336569 © 2006 List price: $24.99 U.S., 632 pages 
Photoshop CS2 for Windows and Macintosh: By Elaine Weinmann and Peter Lourekas, ISBN 0-321-336550 © 2005, List price: $24.99 U.S., 656 pages
Mac OS X 10.4 Tiger: Visual QuickStart Guide,By Maria Langer, ISBN 0-0-321-305264 © 2005, List price $24.99 U.S., 720 pages 

Pocket Pal, by International Paper

Supplies:

RECOMMENDED:

One unlined notebook that has serviceable pockets for handouts. Handouts and instruction sheets will be many and it is recommended that you store the information so that they are readily accessible.

Each student must have one zip disc for the purpose of storing and transporting their work. It is strongly suggested that you have an alternate media for further backing up your work, for example, another zip disc or CD that is compatible with the computer system used in class, and one that is used in your own environment.

If you are working on a PC outside of class, it is recommend you buy two zips, one PC-formated and one Mac-formatted. Remember that data can become corrupt, or may accidentally be erased or destroyed. The instructor will not have any sympathy for you if you have not kept a backup file and/or if you attend class without some means of saving your work.

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Course Outline:

 

Grading:

In order to acquire a passing grade, the student must  meet  the criteria listed on the syllabus.

Final grades are determined by accumulated scores (out of 1000 possible points) on the exams and assignments according to the following scale

Because the emphasis is on doing and producing, grades will be weighted as follows:

Submitting Assignments:

All assignments submitted inclass must be submitted as both an electronic file of your work and a hard copy (printout) of that file. Attached to the hard copy is an assignment Cover Sheet. Your Name; Class & Meeting Times, and Assignment Name must be in the lower right corner on the back of the printout.

So, if student Art Rendring—who is enrolled in GRC 103, which meets on Mon. and Wed. at 10:00—is submitting Assignment #4 (Scanning) he would put the following information both in the upper right corner of his file (which would then appear on his printout) and his Cover Sheet.

EXAMPLE:

DROPPING FILES ONTO THE SERVER

Students are required to submit a copy of their electronic file to the class file server. Make sure your file is named as follows: abrreviated name of assignment, followed by a hyphen, followed by student's last name and the file format extension.

EXAMPLE:

RESUBMITTING ASSIGNMENTS

Resubmitting your work after the work has been discussed, presented, and graded is not normally acceptable. In the world of graphics and contract work, deadlines are crucial and MUST be met, and it is expected that you will follow this policy in class in preparation for that real world.

LATE ASSIGNMENTS:

FIRST WEEK	=	10% off
SECOND WEEK	=	25% off
THIRD WEEK	=	Zero points

MISSED QUIZZES AND EXAMS: 

All late quizzes and exams count as zero points, unless the student has made arrangements beforehand or is victim to an emergency beyond his/her control.

PORTFOLIO:

Grading individual assignments does not always reflect the totality of the learning experience. To give you the opportunity to demonstrate that the sum of your knowledge is greater than the individual parts, the submission of a well organized, neat, clean portfolio of work will be due for review on the last day of class.

FINAL PROJECT:

Students are required to formally meet with the instructor to discuss their final project in stages. The project should follow the criteria listed on the instruction sheet and should be well-prepared before attending the meeting.

Dates for  meeting with the instructor are  listed on the calendar (enclosed in the syllabus)-a grade will be given for each stage of the project so be prepared for these meetings.

All projects must utilize  the tools and techniques taught in this class. If you don't understand something, make an appointment for individual tutoring with the instructor.
The final project also requires you to use a service bureau. Professional output of the final piece must include 2 prints-one for the instructorâs student portfolio and one for your own portfolio. A disk with all files and fonts is also required.

This is an opportunity to obtain a professional piece of work for your portfolio. This is something that  you should be thinking about and planning from the first day of class. Projects from other classes are unacceptable.

10 Principles of Success

These rules apply no matter if you want to succeed in the classroom, in the boardroom, on the playing field, on stage, in the studio, or any other place

1. Show up.
2. Pay attention
3. Ask questions
4. Get help before you really need it.
5. Willingly help others.
6. "I can't" is not synonymous with "I don't want to."
7. You don't have to "like" a task to excel at it.
8. Curiosity always beats intelligence.
9. The problem isn't the problem. How you handle the problem--that's the problem.
10. Don't even think of quitting.

If you need help to succeed beyond following the basic wisdom these principles provide, please seek help by considering the following services provided to students at CCSN (see below):

• Tutoring Services
• TRIO
• Access Office
• Retention Office

General Policy:

Academic Honesty:  Academic dishonestly will not be tolerated. Refer to page 24 of the CCSN College Catalog.

Use of Class ListServs (Mailing Lists): Effective July 1, 1998, a new "anti-spam" law went into effect in Nevada, which makes it an offense to send unsolicited email on the internet (unless a prior business relationship exists or you have given your consent to receive it).

The law makes the offense punishable by a fine of $10 per mail address. This shows how serious society has gotten to assure a non-harassing environment on the internet. In that spirit, the CCSN Computer Graphics Program will not tolerate messages sent to the listserv that are not relative to the course content, the computer graphics program, CCSN or of an academic nature, especially those that contain comments that are offensive, obscene, or of a personal nature.

Those who do not abide by this policy will lose class email privileges.

Withdrawals: If the student selects to withdraw from the class, they must do so, through the registrar's office, within the  time period designated by that office. Otherwise, the above criteria will be used to determine the final grade.

See Responsiblitity Statement

Testing

Quizzes and exams are released in WebCT at scheduled times. The student has a window of opportunity to begin the test and has a given number of minutes to finish it.

The final exam will be taken within the classroom; all others can be taken from any location.

MISSED QUIZZES AND EXAM:

Missed quizzes and exams count as zero points.

Only a student who has made arrangements beforehand—or is victim to an emergency beyond his/her control—will be given a chance to makeup the missed opportunity.

Attendance Policy:

Because of the nature of this class—learning new and/or unfamiliar computer software—it is critical that the student attends each and every class and lab period.

See Responsiblitity Statement

Attendance is taken each class and lab period.

EXCELLENT ATTENDANCE:

Students who do not miss more than one class session will have their final grade raised to the next half letter grade—for example, from an A- to an A.

TARDINESS :

If you arrive to class later than 10 minutes after starting time, you are tardy. Three  tardies are the same as being absent.

1 or 2 times	=	No Penalty
3 times	=	One Absence
6 times	=	Two Absences

ABSENCES:

If you arrive to class later than 30 minutes after starting time, you are considered absent.

Inclass Policy:

Headphones are not permitted during class lectures and discussions. Headphones are permitted during lab time only.  Volume has to be adjusted so that no one can hear your music, even with the headphones on.
Food and Drink: Absolutely no food or drink of any kind can be in the lab. If you need to leave the classroom for any reason, just quietly get up and do your business.
Cell Phones: You will be asked to turn your cell phone off, if it disrupts the class.
Disruptions: Continuous disruption of class will not be tolerated.  You will be ask to leave the classroom and I will be forced to follow the school's policy for possible dismissal.
Lab Rules: Please follow the local computer lab and facility rules.
Software: Students are not allowed to download or install/delete any software, or change any settings that involve the hard drive, etc. If you have questions, ask first.
Internet Content: This is a school, professional, adult environment, please do not embarrass yourself or any classmate with undesirable content from the internet or any other means.

SAFETY, LAB POLICY AND CONCERNS:

Whenever you are working in a lab environment you should be aware of the safety issues respective to the equipment and materials with which you will be working. There are no major life or health-threatening conditions of concern to the typical student in the computer graphics lab, however, a few simple rules should be followed. These rules are mainly to protect the lab equipment, nevertheless, the student stands to benefit from their general observation.

Do not plug or unplug any power cords or cables attached to any of the lab equipment. If you feel you must do this, please discuss it first with the instructor or lab assistant. The only exception would be plugging in a USB device (e.g. thumb drive).

Be careful where you place your belongings. Keep them off the floor so as to prevent any unplanned trips.

DO NOT bring any opened food and/or drink container into the lab area. A strict open container and open package law will be enforced. Crumbs in the keyboard and drinks in the disk drives are more than damaging to the hardware--they will cost you lab privileges

The student is responsible for her own learning. In the event the student doesn't understand the material or assignment, he should take the initiative to get the help he needs. The instructor is available during lab periods, office hours and by appointment. Tutorial Services, as well as fellow students via the listserv, can provide additional assistance.

The student is responsible for communicating with the instructor concerning tardies, absences, missed work, difficulties in understanding the material or assignments and for saving and protecting his own work.