DES 283 / Digital Media 1 : Syllabus

Place: Group 6, Room 256 (middle computer lab)
Time: Thursdays 12:30 - 3:15 pm, Weds 6:00 - 8:50 pm (lab time)
Required Text: Photoshop CS4 Visual Quickstart Guide

Course Overview
The primary objective of this class is to become fluent with the use of digital tools and techniques and to learn to integrate these tools with art and design skills to develop a higher degree of visual literacy. There will be several projects this semester which will encourage you to explore various aspects of image creation on the computer including image production and manipulation, color, and typography. The primary technical focus of this class will be to develop proficiency in the use of Adobe Photoshop and various input and output hardware including flat-bed and slide scanners, digital cameras, black and white and color printers and preparing images for presentation on screen. Attention will be paid to the design concerns and responsibilities of using the computer as a creative tool. Other issues regarding the role of the computer in design and the emerging forms of media will be discussed throughout the semester.

Course Objectives
Furthering out understanding of and appreciation for the visual language.

Becoming fluent with the use of digital tools and techniques and integrating these tools with art and design skills to create meaningful visual communication.

Understanding systems for digital image acquisition, processing and enhancement and comprehending the theory and conceptual issues surrounding image creation.

Expanding our personal visual vocabulary by trying new and alternative computerized drawing, painting, photographic and typographic processes.

Developing a personal design process that synthesizes traditional design methods and the computer to develop more rewarding creative practice.

Learning how to respond to constructive criticism and take the steps necessary to defend or improve your project or incorporate new ideas.

Learning how to constructively critique the work of others from formal, technical and conceptual frames-of-reference.

Learning how to organize time and meet deadlines. The software we will use is incredibly flexible and will distract and divert you, it will endlessly suggest alternative possibilities. Only with patience, careful planning and clear thought will your ideas develop into visual work that communicates clearly.

Discussions and Demonstrations
There is a great deal of information to cover in this course and relatively little time. It is in your best interest to...

Listen
Throughout the semester I will be conveying information to you that may not be available in written form. It is critical that you pay attention to avoid missing out on key information.

Question
This is a must! In order to gain a high degree of comfort in computing, we all must attempt to obtain the information that will allow us to freely explore this exciting tool. Remember, your classmates may or may not have thought of the question you asked, so asking questions will allow us all to learn. In short, ASK! ASK! ASK!

Take Notes
It is essential for you to take notes during lectures, presentations, and demonstrations in order for you to have an organized body of information you can refer to in the future. Please be prepared to move and have the proper materials at hand for taking notes. I will tend to call the class to one computer to share in a problem or I may take the class to another area on campus for a demonstration, lecture or critique.

Projects and Exercises
Throughout the semester there will be several major projects in this class. There will also be class exercises covering some of the techniques discussed for that day. The class will meet as a group each week for a lecture or demonstration period and to look at homework. Additionally, you are expected to dedicate at least 6 hours outside of class each week to your EI1 homework. Please become familiar with the lab hours and regulations. You may work during any open hours unless a class is in progress and using the lab.

Integration of Traditional Skills and Computer Skills
The implementation of final designs will focus on, but not be limited to, the computer and its output. Design skills which you have learned and utilized in other classes will be necessary. For your major projects, thumbnail sketches and rough layouts will be required. Keep your tools and materials handy.

Critiques
Final assignments will be due at the beginning of class on the date specified. There is no time for last minute changes. All pertinent files must be in place and any print-outs prepared ahead of time, as specified. On that day we will hold critiques or discussions of the projects presented. Everyone is expected to participate and be vocal!

Materials
You will need the following materials for this course:
— a ring binder or other file folder to use as your notebook
— a USB2 Flash Drive (1 GB or larger)
— several writable CD's (700 MB CD-R's) for backup purposes
— general sketching materials (tracing paper, pens, pencils, etc.)
— presentation materials (matt board, special papers, etc.)

Attendance
Since I will be taking attendance every class, it is in your best interest to make every effort to be in class and to be on time. Of course there is some limited flexibility, however, excessive absences or tardiness will hurt your grade. You are allowed 2 unexcused absences. Each additional unexcused absence will drop your course grade by a full letter grade (B to C, etc.).

Late Assignments
In the design profession, missing a deadline will cost you money and can even cause you to lose the job. Late work is equally unacceptable in this class. Some projects will be broken into sequential stages due weekly. Late work will receive an automatic grade drop (B to C) on that assignment. Missing a group critique will also cause an automatic grade drop.

Course Evaluation Criteria
You will be evaluated based on the following:
— the quality of your projects and weekly assignments
— participation, motivation and attendance
— your demonstrated understanding of the use of the software and hardware
— your risk taking and visual innovation
— your overall artistic development

Project Evaluation Criteria
Each project will be evaluated using these criteria:
— concept / idea
— process / sketches
— form / composition
— craft / presentation
— risk taking
— personal development

Have a great semester!

© Scott Ahrens 2009. All rights reserved. Last Updated: 08 27 09