Computer Graphics Syllabus

DESCRIPTION OF COURSE

Instructor: Mr. Colby Prerequisite: None Length: 40 weeks Credits: 1 Grade Level Recommendation: 9th - 12th grade students

The course is designed for students interested in art and design using advanced technology. During the course, students will be introduced to the basic Art concepts – Color Theory and composition, the fundamentals of digital imaging, basics of industrial design, digital drawing, aesthetic values of computer generated art, and copyright regulations. Designers use design principles to evaluate and inform the consistency and visual hierarchy of their design. Put into action, design and typographic principles, can then be used to make sure designs reach an intended target audience and/or meet the goals of a company or individual. Use this unit to introduce how to use design and typography principles so students can evaluate and inform their designs and how to create design comps to present multiple design ideas as part of the design process.

Software: Adobe Photoshop, Pivot Animator, Crazytalk 8 Pro, WinMorph, Wix and more!

Course outcomes:

Students will understand the difference and the structure of digital images (bitmap vs vector)
Students will be able to make an educated decision of using an appropriate selection tool while editing an image in Adobe Photoshop.
Students will understand the concept of layers in Photoshop and learn to use them appropriately.
Students will be able to enhance and retouch a damaged image
Students will be able to combine multiple images into an artwork.
Students will be able to match the colors of an image to a particular color scheme.
Students will be able to create vector images.
Students will understand the basic Gestalt principles
Students will be able to critique a design/layout based on Principles of design
Students will be able to manipulate an image in Photoshop and Illustrator

Goals

To teach the software skills that professional designers use
To teach and reinforce the art elements and principles of design (the language of all visual arts) and theories specific to graphic design
To challenge the students to think conceptually
To encourage creative problem solving
To provide a basic understanding of the career of all designers, with the most emphasis on communication design
To provide opportunities for the students to exhibit their work online and in art shows, including entering juried art shows
To provide a fun, creative environment where all students learn through revision grading*, independent thinking, hands-on learning, class discussion, and peer teaching.

Grading

All assignments must be completed on or before the due date. Late projects will lose 50% of the grade
Unfinished work is graded as such.
If you are absent, it is your responsibility to make up all work.
If your project requires extra time to be completed, you have to make arrangements with me prior the due date. This is your responsibility.
Each project has a rubric with specific requirements and guidelines. Follow them.
Unless an assignment specifically requires copying, it will be interpreted in the same manner as plagiarism.

Classroom Rules

A bottle of WATER is permitted. Please do not spill it on the computer keyboards.
Cell phones are not allowed at any time. Phones should be turned off and put away.
Be in the room before the bell rings. Dropping your stuff and leaving does not qualify you as being on time.
Sit at your assigned seat unless I give you OK to move. That means you do not walk around the room during the class.
Talk quietly with students at your table. Do not talk during the instructional time.
You can bring your work home anytime. You are responsible for having it back next day.
You are responsible for cleaning your work area.
If you are in the Graphics lab, use the printers for the current CLASS assignments only!
Encourage your fellow classmates in a positive way... treat them fairly and nicely. This room should be a fun and comfortable place for everyone.