INTRO TO COMPUTER GRAPHICS Instructor: Jayna Conkey Phone: 283-1822 Email: jayna@wnc.edu Office: 326E at the High Tech Center Office Hours: M: 4:45-5:30, T: 2:30-4:00, W: 4:45-5:30 and 6:45-7:15, Tr: 2:30-4:00 or by appt. Class Website: https://sites.google.com/site/grc103graphics/ (this is where you will find assignments and resources) Fall 2013 5:30-6:45P.M. M/W Course Description An introduction to processes involved in the creation and reproduction of graphic design for print media. Graphic communications history, design theory, software applications, production processes, printing processes, and job opportunities are covered. The course will present a hands-on overview of a variety of graphic design software. No Prerequisites. Course Objectives An introductory yet broad-based understanding of the graphic communications industry for print media, and an introductory level understanding of current popular graphics software will be achieved through reading assignments, classroom lectures and a variety of software exercises. Upon successful course completion, the student will acquire an understanding of: The history of traditional graphic communications processes. Job descriptions and skill requirements for employment in the industry. The various measurement systems for print media and how to use them. Past and present developments of type, including, classification and type design. Traditional and current technologies for typographic imaging. Basic principles and applications of design in graphic communications. Computers and their applications in graphic communications. Computer graphics software at an introductory level, including page layout, vector-draw, raster/image manipulation, and electronic publishing. Prepress, and production technologies and related applications. Past and present printing processes, including traditional and electronic technologies, post-press processes and related applications. 1
General Education Outcomes: Have problem solving, creative, and critical thinking skills. Have effective and efficient learning skills, including the location and evaluation of information. Have appropriate technological skills, including computer skills. Have an understanding of the fine arts. Learning Outcomes Linked to Educational Program Mission: The Associate of Applied Science degree in Graphic Communications will provide employment-related knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in the graphic communications field. The degree will meet educational criteria for employment and prepare the student for possible transfer to other colleges and universities to meet higher educational and professional goals. AIGA: Founded in 1914 as the American Institute of Graphic Arts, AIGA remains the oldest and largest professional membership organization for design and is now known simply as AIGA, the professional association for design. We have a local chapter that you should join. Talk to me about how to become a member. lynda.com Hands-down, the best design/software tutorial service used by designers, photographers and artists. I live on this web site! Course Outline This class has been divided into 6 units. Each unit contains a specific area of instruction. Some units may take half of one class, some may take several classes, depending on unit content. UNIT #1 History and Overview UNIT #2 Typography and Measurement Systems UNIT #3 Design basics UNIT #4 Design with vector software UNIT #5 Manipulating Pixel Based Images UNIT #6 Page layout for Print/Image Reproduction Prepress and Printing Required Textbooks The Non-Designer s Design Book, Robin Williams Please get the book and read it. You will be tested on it and will not pass the class without reading it! Supply List Portable digital storage: Flash media (512 MB+), Portable Hard Drive Attendance Students are allowed a maximum of 5 absences (excused or unexcused). If you miss 6 classes, you will lose 10% of your total points for the class. If you miss 7 classes, you will lose 20% of your total points for the class. If you miss 8 classes, you will lose 30% of your total points for the class. Attend every class. The course moves on, whether or not you move with it. Two partial absences (arriving after the class has started or leaving before class is dismissed) will count as one full absence. You are expected to be on time for class and this is especially true with regard to project introductions, demonstrations and group critiques. It is disruptive and rude to everyone else when someone walks in the middle of a project introduction, demonstration, or critique. If you do not have time to attend class, you should not enroll in it. 2
Class Cancellations The only method of notification for class cancelations is via your email address used for mywnc. Make sure to check your email before coming to class to make sure the class is not cancelled. Class Structure Turn your cell phone off while in class. Use of your cell phone while in class, either for phone calls or text messaging is grounds for dismissal from the class. The emphasis of this class is hands-on learning, but expect to put in additional time per week outside of class to complete the projects on time. You will have some lab time, but not enough to finish projects. Project introductions and demonstrations will only be given once. If you miss these it is your responsibility to find out what you missed from a classmate. Please make sure to turn off computers when leaving the classroom. Special Accommodations If you have a disability for which you will need to request accommodations, please contact Susan Trist, Coordinator for Disability Support Services at 775-445-3268 or susan.trist@wnc.edu as soon as possible to arrange for appropriate accommodations. Grading System Projects The three projects are meant to compliment the knowledge gained from the exercises and introduce new design and technical skills. Projects are worth 40 points each. Projects handed in late will have 10 points deducted from the overall grade. Projects will not be accepted if received later than one week after due dates. In the Graphic Communications field designers meet deadlines or lose jobs. Exercises Six exercises are meant to increase your awareness and understanding of graphic design, they will be assigned throughout the beginning of the semester. Exercises are worth 20 points each. No late exercises will be accepted except when permission has been given in advance. Tests Two tests will be given during the semester, test dates and times will be announced in advance. Questions will be based on textbook readings, handouts, and lecture material. Total test points is 30 points each. If a student cannot take a test on the assigned day due to illness or other unforeseen circumstance, the student will be expected to take the test during the next attended class unless other arrangements are made with the instructor. Six exercises worth 120 points, three projects worth 120 points, two tests worth 60 points = 300 Total points possible for this class with final grade totals as follows: 285-300 = A 246-255 = B 225-236 = C 195-206 = D 270-284 = A- 240-245 = B- 210-224 = C- 180-194 = D- 256-269 = B+ 237-239 = C+ 207-209 = D+ below 180 = F Critiques All students will share in articulating, analyzing and evaluating their work and peer projects. Students not present during preliminary and final critiques will have points deducted from the overall grade of the assignment. You will not only miss getting feedback on your work, but you will also deprive your fellow students of your advice and encouragement. Academic Integrity Students are expected to do their own work. If a student turns in a project done by someone else, he/she will receive 0 points for that project and will not be allowed to make it up. 3
Withdrawals/Incompletes October 18: Last day to change credit to audit or audit to credit for full-term classes through mywnc October 28: Last day to drop full-term classes with a W Please refer to WNC s policy about Incompletes. Computer Access/High Tech Center Rules You have access to the computers at Pod #6 from 2:30 p.m. 10:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday. I recommend you save your work on portable flash media or a portable hard drive. You will have your own file folder on the server, but its size cannot exceed 100 MB! Food, drink, and gum ARE NOT ALLOWED in the classroom or open lab area. You may place your drinks on the table outside the classroom door. There are Macs loaded with Photoshop at the main campus library which is open in Fridays and Saturdays. Graphic Communications Program A.A.S. Degree Suggested Course Sequence and Prerequisites First Semester 15 credits ART 100 3 credits ART 101 3 credits General Education Courses 3 credits GRC 103 3 credits (No Prerequisites) GRC 109 3 credits (Prerequisite: GRC 103 recommended) Second Semester 15 credits General Education Course: 6 credits GRC 156 3 credits (Prerequisite: Basic computer skills. GRC 103 recommended.) GRC 183 3 credits (Prerequisite: Basic computer skills. ART 100 and GRC 103 recommended.) GRC 144B 3 credits (Prerequisite: Basic computer skills. GRC 103 or consent of instructor.) Third Semester 15 credits General Education Courses 6 credits GRC 175 3 credits (Prerequisite: Basic computer skills. GRC 103 and GRC 183 recommended.) GRC 188 3 credits (Prerequisite: Basic computer skills. GRC 103 or consent of instructor.) GRC 283B 3 credits (Prerequisite: GRC 183) Fourth Semester 15 credits General Education Course 3 credits GRC 275B 3 credits (Prerequisite: GRC 175) GRC 179B 3 credits (Prerequisite: Basic computer Skills, GRC 103 or consent of instructor). GRC 294B 3 credits (Prerequisite: Minimum 21 GRC credits REQUIRED) Program Elective 3 credits It is important students adhere to this sequence because not every course is offered every semester. Western Nevada College cannot guarantee a student will graduate in 2 years if this sequence is not followed. 4
Schedule (subject to change) M 08.26 Review course outline. W 08.28 Unit #1. History. Design. Exercise 1 Unit 2. Exercise 2 M 09. 02 LABOR DAY HOLIDAY W 09.04 CLASS CANCELED - CARSON BACK TO SCHOOL NITE M 09.09 Unit 2 continued W 09.11 Exercise 3, Part I, begin Part II M 09.16 Lab time for Exercise 3 Part II W 09.18 Critique Exercise 3 M 09.23 Unit 3. Elements of Design, Design Principles W 09.25 Exercise 4 M 09.30 Exercise 4 Presentations W 10.02 Exercise 5 M 10.07 Critique Exercise 5 W 10.09 Unit 4. Illustrator. Assign Project 1. M 10.14 More in Illustrator. W 10.16 Mounting Demo. Lab. NOTE: For full-term classes through my WNC: Oct 18- last day to change from credit to audit or audit to credit. Oct 28 - last day to drop full-term classes with a W M 10.21 Project 1 Due mounted. Critique. W 10.23 Test #1 M 10.28 Exercise 6 - due by end of class W 10.30 Unit 5. Assign Project 2. M 11.04 W 11.06 M 11.11 Photoshop Photoshop VETERAN S DAY HOLIDAY W 11.13 Lab time for Project #2 M 11.18 Project 2 Due Critique. W 11.20 Unit 6. Assign Project 3. M 11.25 W 11.27 M 12.02 InDesign INSTRUCTIONAL HOLIDAY InDesign W 12.04 Project 3 Critique. M 12.09 Test #2 5
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Student Agreement with Instructor Course Name: GRC 103 Computer Graphics Student Agreement with Instructor I affirm that I have read and understand the entire course syllabus. I am aware that this syllabus explains how my grade in the course will determined and provides an explanation of my instructor s expectations. In addition, I understand that as a student at this institution, I am expected to follow guidelines for academic integrity and civility as established in the documents and policies of this institution (see Academic and Student affairs policy 3-4-5 on Academic Integrity in addition to Principals of Community as established by the president s office). I am also expected to heed reasonable community standards in any communications or contact with fellow students and my instructor (even if not explicitly set forth in the course syllabus or this institution s code). At this time, I would also like to allow my instructor share my projects in future semesters and class discussions. request my projects not be shared in future semesters and class discussions. Signed: Date: Print name: 7