Introduction to Computer Graphics Syllabus for 2025-2026
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Instructor Information

Course Information

AI Statement

Collusion is defined as “the unauthorized collaboration with another person or by any other means, including artificial intelligence (AI) and computer translators, in preparing work for fulfillment of course requirements.” Using AI like (ChatGPT or Google Gemini) to create a document is considered colluding. The use of Generative Artificial Intelligence on specific assignments is at the discretion of the instructor.

Title IX and Sexual Misconduct Reporting

Amarillo College prohibits discrimination and harassment based on sex, including sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking, under Title IX and Texas Education Code §51.253–255. Faculty and staff are mandatory reporters and must share any related concerns with the Title IX Coordinator at titleix@actx.edu. Reports and additional information are available at https://www.actx.edu/hr/title-ixtitle-ix. Confidential counseling and advocacy services are available through the Counseling Center and Advocacy & Resource Center.

Recording Policy

Disability Statement

If you have a disability (learning, mental, physical) that affects your ability to participate effectively and have access to any program or service at Amarillo College please contact Disability Services at (806) 345-5639 . Our offices are located in the Enrollment Center, Suite 700. More information may be found at www.actx.edu/disability.
Disability Services facilitates access to all programs and services according to the ADA, Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, as well as other federal and state laws.

Amarillo College Web Accessibility Policy Statement

Amarillo College is committed to providing equal access to all programs and services, including all working, learning, and service environments that affect equal access for persons with disabilities. This commitment to provide equal access and opportunity for persons with disabilities is in compliance with federal and state law. Amarillo College also strives to provide Electronic and Information Resources (EIR) that are accessible to all authorized users.

If you find you are unable to access material in an accessible format please contact the Disability Services Office at (806) 345-5639 . This office will work in conjunction with other campus resources to address and accommodate your issue in a timely manner.

Statement for Mental Health and Advocacy & Resource Center:

As a student you may experience a range of issues that can cause barriers to learning, such as strained relationships, increased anxiety, alcohol/drug problems, feeling down, difficulty concentrating and/or lack of motivation. These mental health concerns or stressful events may lead to diminished academic performance or reduce a student's ability to participate in daily activities. Amarillo College offers services to assist you with addressing these and other concerns you may be experiencing. If you or someone you know are suffering from any of the aforementioned conditions, you can learn more about the broad range of confidential mental health services available on campus by calling the AC Counseling Center at 806-371-5900. The AC Counseling Center website is https://www.actx.edu/counseling/ . Also, if you are in need of social services (affordable housing, utilities, transportation, food, clothing, childcare, medical/dental/vision, legal), please call the AC Advocacy & Resource Center at 806-371-5439. The AC Advocacy & Resource Center website is https://www.actx.edu/arc

Amarillo College Tutoring for Success Policy:

Tutoring for Success applies to any student whose overall performance in the course falls below 75%. The instructor will create the task in the Student Engagement Portal (Watermark) to direct the student to the appropriate tutoring service, which may be faculty- or SI-led, discipline-specific, and/or general. The tutoring service assigned, the due date for when the tutoring must be completed, and the amount of tutoring required are at the discretion of the instructor. Additionally, the task will alert the student’s success team. Students who do not fulfill the assigned tutoring task may be subject to program- and course-specific penalties that could result in a grade reduction and/or in not being allowed to progress in the course until the tutoring requirement has been satisfied.

Administrative Drop Policy

Students who do not attend class on or prior to the census date will be administratively dropped. Effective Fall, 2016

Student Withdrawal Procedures

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

NOTE: Students who are attending Texas institutions of higher education, for the first time fall 2007 and later, may not withdraw from more than six courses during their academic career. This withdrawal limitation does not include dual credit or developmental classes (Senate Bill 1231 Rule 4.10.) For more information on Drop and Withdrawal Policies, please visit the Registrar's Office Web site.

Privacy Statement

The Amarillo College Privacy Policy is found at https://www.actx.edu/-amarillo-college-privacy-notice , and applies to all Amarillo College students.  If you have questions about this privacy statement or you believe that your personal information has been released without your consent, send email to humanresources@actx.edu .

Course

ARTC-1325-005 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 Resources Student 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 labs in Parcells Hall to complete your assignments. I understand that not everyone can afford the software. Plan on using available labs outside of class time to complete assignments. If you have a computer or laptop at home with the software, be sure that the version of your software is compatible with the versions we have in the labs. (more about this in class)  If there is a compatibility issue, you will be asked to complete assignments in the labs and not on your personal machines. (Rm 220, Rm 306, Rm 308, and Rm 312 have the current software installed) 

• A USB 3 flash drive or external hard drive.
  (32 GB minimum recommended)
   
• Access to online services like Google Drive (AC Account) or some other cloud storage service to back up your project files. (Do not completely rely on flash drives or hard drives to back up your files - they get lost, stolen, and damaged) "I don't have my flash drive today" is not an acceptable excuse for turning in homework late. 
   
• Sketchbook  9x12 or smaller (it must fit on a scanner). Sketchbooks are used for thumbnailing. You will scan your images and turn in the digital file. 
   
• A pen or pencil for taking notes (black or blue) 
   
• A  pencil for sketching design ideas. 
   
• A good eraser that won't tear your paper or leave marks. (recommend kneaded eraser)
   
• A minimum of 12 color pencils. (for concept designs) 
   
• A ruler (a metal 18" ruler is preferred - can't cut through it when using exacto blades) 

RECOMMENDED but not mandatory: Bring your own keyboard and mouse so you don't have to use  "community" equipment.

If you use a communal mouse and keyboard, you should have your own hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes. Gloves, if you want them. (We will not provide gloves)

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

Cleaning supplies should be provided, but there may be times when we run out. This is why I recommend that you have some of your own available. Sadly, sanitizing items have been stolen in the past. 

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

• NOT REQUIRED, BUT HIGHLY SUGGESTED

One Drawing Tablet (iPad) Is Recommended for Animation Majors, as they will likely need one in the future. 

Or Wacom Intuos - there are wireless and wired versions available. The price difference between these is around $20. 

Wireless - Model: CTL4100WLK0  SKU:6196634

Wired - Model: CTL4100  SKU:6196636

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. You will have the skills and knowledge to apply the basic principles of design when creating content for print, web, and television. 

Specific Performance/Learning Objectives (minimum competencies):

A) Exhibit working knowledge of the Mac OS X operating system.

B) Learn the process for designing vector-based content in Illustrator. 

C) Learn how to select and edit raster images, digitally paint, and create content for social media using Photoshop. 

D) Learn how to prepare single and multi-page layouts using InDesign.  

E) Collectively learn how to organize and prepare your digitally produced content for print, web, and television. 

Additional Course Description:

We will learn the importance of a deadline, cover time management, give and receive peer-to-peer critiques, and work in groups to further understand the limits, setbacks, and advantages of working in a team setting. You will learn some of the basic terminology and better understand the process behind creating good and bad designs. We will discuss the social impact Graphic Design has on our everyday lives.

Students 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

• No eating or drinking in the lab.

• Communication devices will be required to be kept inside your purse, bag, or pocket.

• Cell phones and other communication devices must be turned to silent.

• No texting during lecture, critique, or classroom instruction.

• No social networking of any kind during class time.

• Students are required to come to class prepared with all supplies.

• Students 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 necessary. 

• Ask for help if and when you need it! 

• If you choose to wear a mask, it must be worn over your mouth AND nose at all times while you are in class.

• Wipe down your workspace before you leave. (We will all need to work together to ensure a safe and clean learning space.)

• If and when you are distance learning, prompt attendance is still required in order to receive class content. 

• Minimize distractions while attending tech-supported classes.

• Meet your deadlines!  Extensions are subject to approval. Proof of illness may be required. 

• Plagiarism of any kind will not be tolerated and will be reported. You will receive a zero for the project in question.

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

Daily Assignments:
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. 

Projects:
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.

Participation:
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 by the project guidelines. 

Final:
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. 

• 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. The instructor will evaluate circumstances with each student individually to determine the consequences of LATE work.

• 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. I will not track you down to remind you that your assignments are late. 

Each project will receive a grade from 0 - 100. The criteria for grading are 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 )
  The project was submitted in the proper format, according to size and media specifications, and followed project guidelines.

• Professionalism ( 0 | 5 | 10 | 15 | 20 )
  The project was submitted in a timely fashion, exhibits proper craftsmanship and physical presentation, and is presented appropriately to the instructor and class.

• Layout/Design ( 0 | 5 | 10 | 15 | 20 )
  Demonstrates an understanding of fundamental design concepts and uses these effectively to achieve the 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 the 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.

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Grading Schema:
All projects/assignments are graded on a point scale according to the following weight:

Projects: 800 Total Points
(100/Project)

Daily Exercise: 400 Total Points
(50/Daily)

Participation: 400 Total Points
(50/Participation)

Final Project: 400 Total Points

Extra Credit: 80 Total Points
Additional Day Participation

= 2,000 Total Points
 

Final Grades are Assigned as Follows:

A = 89.5% - 100%
(>1790 Total Points)

B = 79.5% - 89%
(>1590 Total Points)

C = 69.5% - 79%
(>1390 Total Points)

F = 69.4% and lower
(<1390 Total Points)

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. I do not teach the lesson again. For those who distance learn, your prompt attendance is still mandatory to receive details on daily lessons and projects. Zoom recordings will only be provided to those who attend class. If you miss a class and need the ZOOM video link, a valid reason for missing the class will be required before the class content and links are provided.

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 the course

Any exceptions to the above policy will be made at the discretion of the instructor. For an absence to be excused, the instructor may require appropriate documentation of the reason for the 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 the 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 badge at 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 it.
• Instructor is not responsible for the student's failure to sign in with the badge or the Ellucian app.
• Failure by the student to sign in using their badge or the Ellucian app will result in an absence.

• Any student caught swiping another student's 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 attendance record with the instructor outside of class time

Calendar

Additional Information

Project-specific information will be provided in class. Course materials for demos and projects will be provided in class, gathered by students as instructed.