Digital I syllabus

Art 3923, Digital Imaging I,

Spring 2011, Room: HBFFAC 168, T,R, 1:00 - 3:50

Instructor: Aaron Hauck

Office - HBFFAC 176

580-559-5355

ahauck@ecok.edu

OFFICE HOURS:

M 11:00 – Noon, T by appointment, W 11:00 – noon R by appointment, F 11:00 – 1:00

(If I am not in my office check room 161 or 168)

Course Objectives:

This course is an introduction to acquiring, creating, and manipulating digital images. Through various projects the student will learn how to operate Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Flash. Projects will be designed to teach both technical skills and creative production. Digital devices have revolutionized the 20^th and 21^st centuries and the visual arts are no different. Technology has always been used in art production and digital devices are only the most recent extension of the artist’s hand. This course will focus on art production and only briefly cover graphic design. It is important to understand that even though you will be using a computer, this is not a purely graphic design course.

Textbook:

There is not a required textbook, but I suggest getting a manual on Photoshop.

Assignments:

Class projects will be both in-class and out-of-class. Assignments will be based on the learning of new technical skills and follow artistic themes. These themes will usually be addressed in series (self-portrait, landscape, transformation of scale, trick photography, passage of time, spoof ads, etc.). Projects do not need to be printed. Please do not use any of the printers without my permission. The Audio/Visual Office in the library will print poster-sized images for you at a substantial discount. I have my digital work printed there. All assignments will be turned in by posting them on the class blog.

Class Blog

ECUtube video contest

Tutorials

Critiques and Evaluation:

Critiques will take place after a group of projects have been completed. The projects will be projected onto a screen. This changes the dynamic of the work. The work will “glow.” This is much different than a printed image, but similar to the computer monitor it was created on. All projects should be done in RGB for this purpose. I will not organize your images for the critiques. It is your responsibility to organize them and have them ready on a jump-drive before the critique begins. You must also have your projects formatted and organized on a flash drive. Evaluation will be based primarily on the organization of visual elements (creativity, concept, & composition), relevance to the assignment, craft, ambitiousness, and timeliness.

This course will utilize Blackboard

Course handouts, assignments, quizzes, announcements, and grades will be available on this site. You are required to use Blackboard. Assignments will be located in a folder on the Course Content page.

Class Blog – www.ecudigital.blogspot.com

This course will also utilize a community blog that you will all have access to. You will be required to contribute to this blog by posting new content. You will turn in all projects by posting them on this blog. This blog will be used to post assignments, tutorials, and other projects for both Digital Imaging 1 and 2. Course materials such as the syllabi, assignments, and announcements will also be posted here.

You need to make comments on the completed assignments that your peers post on this blog. You do not have to comment on every one, but you should maintain a constant presence on the blog during the entire semester.

You are required to create at least 5 tutorials, in video or screenshot / text form, during the semester. These tutorials should show how to accomplish an advanced effect or process using Adobe Photoshop or in the case of Digital II Adobe Illustrator or Flash. Due dates will be announced at a later time. You are welcome to post more than five tutorials. You may not copy other tutorials from the internet verbatim. Each tutorial will be worth 30 points. To get all 30 points your tutorial must be ambitious, coherent, unique, and helpful. Please do not repeat a topic from someone else's previous tutorials.

All assignment posts must be titled. If you are in Digital I you should always begin each blog title with D1. D2 if you are in Digital II. This should be followed by the name of the assignment and the number and end with your name.

Example - I am in Digital II and I am posting my 3rd tutorial... "D2 Tutorial #3 Thomas"

Example - I am in Digital I and I am posting the second picture from the project "Old to New / New to Old"... "D1 Old to New / New to Old #2 Jones"

Casual posts do not need to have formal titles. Please post info about ANYTHING than relates to this course.

You are required to interact and contribute to this class blog. Failure to do this will result in a substantial reduction of your final grade.

You must have a free GMAIL email account to be able to contribute.

Attendance is required. Failing to attend class sessions more than 4 times will result in the lowering of your final grade by one letter grade. After 6 absences two letter grades. Roll will be taken at the beginning of class. Promptness is expected.

Required Materials:

Jump-drive (at least 4gb)

Digital camera (optional) with card reader

Studio Policy:

This space is shared with other courses. Back your work up on a flash-drive! Proper equipment handling will be a serious factor in the evaluation of each project. PLEASE DO NOT TOUCH THE COMPUTER SCREENS! I will not repeat announcements and or instructions if you are watching internet video or listening to music. Please do not use the computers to play games, complete other homework, or to check Facebook during class. The lab is open from 9 – 5 M - F. Any Art Dept. faculty member can unlock the room if it is locked. Please do not use any of the printers without permission. Continual disregard of any or all aspects of the studio policy will result in an AW.

ADA Statement: East Central University is committed to providing equal access to University programs and services to all students. Under University policy, Federal, and State laws, students with documented disabilities are entitled to reasonable accommodations to ensure they are presented with an equal opportunity to perform in class. If anyone in this class has such a disability and needs special academic accommodations, please report to Student Support Services, Room 115, Administration Building as soon as possible. Reasonable accommodations may be arranged after Student Services has reviewed and verified your needs. Please do not hesitate to contact the instructor if you need any assistance in this process.

WAC Statement: In accordance with the university’s emphasis on writing proficiency, oral communication, and critical thinking all student produced writing and oral presentations will be expected to reflect clear content, coherent and organized structure, and adherence to the stylistic and mechanical standards articulated by the instructor.