Introduction to Computer Graphics Syllabus for 2018-2019
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Administrative Drop Policy

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Students who wish to withdraw from a course must complete all steps indicated on the Academic Withdrawal Request form by the course withdrawal deadline.

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Course

ARTC-1325-001 Introduction to Computer Graphics

Prerequisites

Course Description

A survey of design concepts, terminology, processes and procedures. Topics include computer graphics hardware, digital images, digital publishing, vectorbased graphics and interactive multimedia.

Student ResourcesStudent Resources Website

Department Expectations

Occupational License Disclaimer

Notice to Students enrolled in an educational program for preparation of issuance of certain occupational licenses:

Students enrolled in an educational program in preparation for obtaining certain occupational licenses are potentially ineligible for such license if the student has been convicted of an offense. For further information, please contact:

Melodie Graves
Justice Involved Advocate
Student Service Center 117
mgraves24@actx.edu
806-371-5995
Make appointment at https://melodiegraves.youcanbook.me

You can also contact the Legal Clinic, or the faculty member in charge of the educational program that you seek to enroll in. The further information you will receive will include notification to you of your right to request a criminal history evaluation letter from the licensing authority in order to clarify your particular situation.

Hours

(3 sem hrs; 2 lec, 4 lab)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

No Textbook Required

Supplies

REQUIRED-

Access to a reliable computer and reliable internet. You are encouraged to use the lab to complete your assignments. I understand that not everyone can afford the software. You will need to plan on using available labs outside of class time to complete projects. If you have a computer or laptop at home with the software, be sure to that you can save a legacy version of the file needed to be turned in, otherwise, you will be asked to complete assignments in the labs and not on your personal machines . (Rm 306, Rm 308, Rm 312 and Rm 220 have the the current software installed) 

A flash drive or external hard drive. ( 32gb minimum recommended )

Wacom Intuos Small 2018 (CTL4100)  This is the minimum size required. Please come see me if you have any questions about your tablet if you own one already. 

Access to online service like Dropbox, Google Drive, or some other cloud storage service to backup your project files. (do not completely rely on flash drives or hard drives to back up your files - they get lost, stolen, and damaged) 

Sketchbook  (must fit on a scanner)

A pen and pencil for sketching design ideas and taking notes.

A good eraser that won't tear your paper or leave marks. 

A minimum of 12 color pencils. (for concept designs) 

A ruler (a metal 18" ruler is preferred) 

X-acto knife with #11 blades

Additional supplies may be needed as the semester progresses. You will be notified before any additional supplies will be needed. 

Some projects will need to be printed off campus. I recommend saving and having $100 printing and supplies budget available at all times. (will not be reimbursed) 

NOTE: The Final project will definitely be printed.  Please make arrangements to have funds available at least two weeks before Week 17. Totals will be assessed and calculated closer to this date. (note: total printing cost will depend on your design as well) 

Student Performance

End of Course Outcomes:  

Demonstrate and effectively show a basic understanding of the core tools and use of Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop and Indesign. 

Specific Performance/Learning Objectives (minimum competencies)

A) Exhibit basic understanding of the Mac OS X operating system.
B) Exhibit understanding of the tools used in Illustrator.
C) Exhibit understanding of the tools used in Photoshop.
D) Exhibit understanding of the tools used in InDesign.

Additional  Course Description:  

An introduction to Graphic Design. Learn the basic tools in Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop and InDesign. Topics will include creating, editing, compositing, Photo restoration, printing and critiquing peer designs while realizing the personal and social impact Graphic Design has on our every day lives.

Specific Course Outcomes:

1. Demonstrate a basic knowledge of Illustrator, Photoshop and InDesign.
2. Students will demonstrate effective use of the pen tool while using Illustrator, create vector designs, and create self promotional content.
3. Students will effectively demonstrate knowledge of when to use the various Photoshop selection tools, show acquired skills on how to restore, digitally manipulate,  enhance photographs and create multi-layer compositions.
4. Students will demonstrate how to create multi page layouts integrating Photoshop, Illustrator, Acrobat and InDesign. Students will also create publications, set up documents, demonstrate how to create master pages effectively, add and format content such as text, graphics, tables and show how to use InDesigns intuitive drawings tools while creating self promotional content. 

Students Rights and Responsibilities

Student Rights and Responsibilities

Log in using the AC Connect Portal

In order to receive your AC Connect Email, you must log in through AC Connect at https://acconnect.actx.edu .

If you are an active staff or faculty member according to Human Resources, use "Exchange". All other students, use "AC Connect (Google) Email".

Expected Student Behavior

• Cell phones and communication devices will be required to be kept inside your purse, bag or pocket.
• No texting during lecture, critique or class room instruction.
• No social networking of any kind during class time.
• Students are required to come to class prepared with all supplies.
• Student are expected to be respectful to each other and all faculty.
• Critiques are to be constructive and professional. Cruelty will not be tolerated.
• Good attendance and strong communication about absences if they are absolutely necessary.  

PLAGIARISM:

The student understands that plagiarism will not be tolerated in this class.  Plagiarism is defined by the Amarillo College Student Handbook as: “...the appropriating, buying, receiving as a gift, or obtaining by any means another’s work and the unacknowledged submission or incorporation of it in one’s own written work.” This also includes copying Internet or written sources in any course assignment discussions or projects without citing the source, as well as copying another student’s work for this course.  If a student is found plagiarizing any material in the course, it will result in a grade of "0" for that assignment discussion or project and can result in disciplinary action and expulsion of the student from the course. 

COPYRIGHT NOTICE: 

Students must be aware and responsible for the Copyright Notice for the course: The materials on this course website are only for the use of students enrolled in this course for the purposes associated with this course and may not be retained or further disseminated.

DROPPING, WITHDRAWING, AND NON-CREDIT STATUS:

The student is responsible for dropping courses, withdrawing from college by the last day to drop a course, changing to non-credit status, etc., if the need arises. See the Amarillo College master calendar on the AC website and our course calendar for the date of the last day to drop a course.  The instructor will not drop any student after the last day to drop a course. (this may change) To drop a course, you must receive written approval from your instructor. Call ASK AC (806-371-5000) for more information on how to drop a course if you have any further questions. 

Grading Criteria

Class Grade Breakdown

Projects - 40%

The majority of time spent in class will be devoted to major projects covering different areas of design and layout, typographic study, interactivity and preparing content to be printed or published online. There will be approximately 8 major projects throughout the semester accompanied by a number of smaller projects, lessons and knowledge tests. The amount of these will be determined by overall class participation and understanding of the material.

 

Final - 20% 

In addition to the 8 major projects, you will be expected to plan and properly execute a final project using the skills and knowledge you acquired throughout the Semester. You will not be allowed to ask peers or tutors for help with your Final Project. All work must be yours. Time management will be crucial. 

 

Dailies - 20%

We will do approximately 5 "daily" projects which will usually be completed within the span of one class day. Your activity grade is a measure of whether you are completing each daily task and staying on track with the class. For that reason, points may be deducted from Activity for reasons such as tardiness and not abiding by class guidelines. 

 

Participation - 20% 

We will do approximately 5 "Participation" projects which will usually be completed within the span of one or two class days. Your participation grade is a measure of whether you are completing the assigned tasks and staying on track with the class. Participation projects may require you to work with your peers and you will be graded based on your contribution and effort. Points may be deducted from "Participation" for reasons such as tardiness and not abiding to the project guidelines. 

 

• All projects are due when class starts on the day they are specified to be submitted by the instructor.(unless otherwise noted by the instructor in writing) 

• LATE PROJECTS and EXERCISES WILL NOT BE TOLERATED. Instructor will evaluate circumstances with each student individually to determine the consequences of LATE work submissions.

• Instructor reserves the right to decline the acceptance of any and all late work.

• LATE PROJECTS will receive a 0 (zero) and will not be eligible for a "REDO" option.

• All LATE exercises and projects must still be present and completed in the Dropbox.

•  Instructor reserves the right to decline the acceptance of any class work or projects that are significantly incomplete.

•  Students are responsible for staying informed of their grades and status in the class.

 

Each project will receive a grade from 0 - 100. The criteria for grading is listed below. Individual project criteria will be discussed during class, before the project is graded:    

• Concept / Project Goal ( 0 | 5 | 10 | 15 | 20 )
• Met the overall conceptual and practical goals of the project.
• Project Specification ( 0 | 5 | 10 | 15 | 20 )
• Project was submitted in the proper format, according to size and media specifications, and followed project guidelines.
• Professionalism ( 0 | 5 | 10 | 15 | 20 )
• Project was submitted in a timely fashion, exhibits proper craftsmanship and physical presentation, and is presented in a suitable manner to instructor and class.
• Layout/Design ( 0 | 5 | 10 | 15 | 20 )
• Demonstrates an understanding of fundamental design concepts and uses these effectively to achieve assigned task. This includes exhibiting an understanding of composition, typography, hierarchy, and other design concepts.
• Artwork ( 0 | 5 | 10 | 15 | 20 )
• Project exhibits appropriate and effective use of chosen or specified medium.

Point Value Definitions:

0: Fails to meet requirements | 10: Meets minimal requirements | 20: Clearly understands and accomplishes goal. Well above average.

Grading Schema:

A: 90 or above

B: 80-89

C: 70-79

D: 60-69

F: 59 or below

 

Attendance

THIS IS A STUDIO COURSE. YOUR ATTENDANCE AND PROMPT ARRIVAL TO CLASS ARE ESSENTIAL FOR LEARNING AND EVALUATION.

If you miss a class, it is your responsibility to find out what you missed, including new assignments and due dates, and to make arrangements to obtain the materials dispersed (if applicable) and/or catch up on instruction.

ABSENCES
Students will be allowed 2 unexcused absences without penalty. After the second unexcused absence, 1 letter grade will be deducted from the total class grade for each additional absence. 6 absences will result in automatic failure of the course. A breakdown of penalties for absence is presented below:

• Up to 2 Absences: No penalty
• 3 Absences: Loss of 1 letter grade
• 4 Absences: Loss of 2 letter grades
• 5 Absences: Loss of 3 letter grades
• 6 Absences: Failure of course

Any exceptions to the above policy will be made at the discretion of the instructor. For an absence to be excused, instructor may require appropriate documentation of the reason for absence.

Late arrival of more than 30 minutes, or early departure of more than 30 minutes will be counted as an absence. On days designated as Work Days or for individual consultation, leaving without first checking in with instructor will result in an absence.

TARDINESS
3 tardies = no penalty
4 or more tardies = 1 point removed from final Activity grade per tardy after 3.

INSTRUCTOR RESERVES THE RIGHT TO DISALLOW LATE ENTRANCE INTO THE CLASSROOM.

In such cases grades for Attendance, Activity, Quizzes, and Exercises for that day will be lost. You may sign in no earlier than 15 minutes prior to class and no later than 30 minutes after class has begun. Any earlier or later may result in an absence. 

• Students will be responsible for swiping their own badge by the door for attendance.(Attendance is registered through Blackboard by swiping your badge at the door. If you do not have your badge, you may use the Ellucian app on your mobile device to scan)
• Instructor is not responsible for student's failure to sign in with badge or Ellucian app.
• Failure by student to sign in using their badge or Ellucian app will result in an absence.

• Any student caught swiping another students badge will be reported for dishonest conduct and all parties involved may be subject to academic disciplinary action pending investigation. 
• Students may request a review of their own attendance record with the instructor outside of class time.

Calendar

Additional Information

Project-specific information will be provided to you in class. Daily or weekly handouts with specific details for each project and it’s deadline will be given to you via the on-campus server. This is to encourage attendance. Should you miss a class, be sure to check the Server in the Carrillo /INTRO folder for the handout and or project materials before asking the instructor or other students what you missed. It is your responsibility to check the server each class for any new or updated content. This on-campus server is not the same as Blackboard.