Sylabus

Instructor: Kenneth Deprez

Fall 2009

Digital Studio (FN113.05)

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

This course introduces the use of digital imaging software, skills and technologies as tools critical to contemporary art and design fields. Students will be working on the Macintosh computer in the Moore College of Art & Design computer lab environment. Project-based assignments will develop a wide range of visual, conceptual and practical skills, specifically in the use of the Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator programs. Students will also be introduced to the Adobe InDesign and Bridge software programs and the use of internet-based software and media for research and electronic communication skills. The course will help and encourage students to learn the means to continue to develop and apply their skills in the use of the computer as an investigative and creative tool as they prepare to enter their chosen field of study. Satisfies: First Year Requirement.

Week 1- Introduction. Mac Environment (hardware/software), Supplies| Assessment Test.

Week 2- Class Blog, download, upload, click/copy/paste

Week 3- Photoshop I. Layer manipulation. Picture Plane, shape composition

Week 4- Self-Designed Project 1. Group Critique 1. Blog Update

Week 5- Photoshop II. Photo fixing. Back, foreground, push and pull.

Week 6- Photoshop III. Heavy manipulation, contrast and concentration

Week 7- Small Group Self-Designed Project 2. Group critique 2. Blob Update.

Week 8- Illustrator I. Vector Shape Design. Color Composition

Week 9- Illustrator II. Text Manipulation. Weight and scale composition

Week 10- Illustrator III. Convert Image to outline. Line variation and dynamics.

Week 11- Self-Designed Project 3. Small group and one-on-one critiques

Week 12- Bridge I. Across programs

Week 13- InDesign I. Page layout and design

Week 14- InDesign II. Page layout and sequential design

Week 15- Self-Design Project 4. Final group critique.

Supplies:

1- 2-4 Gigabyte USB Thumbdrive ($10-20).

Print Credits approximately $5.

*- Other supplies will be determined as needed ($15-25).

Course Requirements: The student’s relationship to her work must exhibit a full commitment to the process of thinking, looking and doing.

All projects are subject to faculty and peer review in the form of critique. Critique is the means by which the class will engage with visual information as an attempt to fully realize a technical, cognitive and intuitive understanding.

Utmost is the student’s responsibility to embrace the process and all imposed limitations (such as deadlines) as a challenge not only to her benefit, but also to her peer’s benefit for the insight she will bring to the class.

Attendance: Students are expected to attend every scheduled class. Any absence from class constitutes a cut. Students may have a total number of cuts without penalty equivalent to the number of times the class meets per week plus one. For this class each student is permitted two cuts. Each additional cuts will lower the final grade by half a letter, and more than Four cuts will result in a failing grade. Graded home-work due on a cut class will be considered late, unless the student notifies the professor prior to class. If the student is absent, it is her responsibility to contact the instructor in regards missed work.

Lateness: Attendance will be taken at the beginning of class. It is better (of course) to come to class late, than not at all. Three late arrivals (15 minutes or more) is considered a cut.

Grading and evaluation: Grading will occur twice during the semester: at midterms and again at finals. At those times students receive an evaluation that will reflect the following criteria for grading.

1. Completed in-class and home work assignments—A demonstration of clear objectives, experimentation, and a drive for excellence

2. In-class participation—in-class to work and contribute constructively

3. Four critiques—Presentation of a mature and serious attitude toward her own and her peer's work

Deadlines: Course content will develop towards complexity both technically and conceptually. Completed project are to be learned from. Late projects will be down graded by one full letter grade for each week late. Projects more than two weeks late will not be accepted. Exceptions must be discussed prior with the professor.

Redo/ Extra-Credit: The Student may wish to redo an assignment to achieve more significant results, which is acceptable and encouraged. The student should discuss this situation as it arises with her instructor.