Course Syllabus
Intro to Computer Graphics mART 314
CRN: 92149
Digital Art & Animation
Cañada College Fall 2023 Semester
Instructor: Emanuela Quaglia
Class Dates and Times: Tue-Thu 11:10AM-12:25PM
Classroom Number: 22-132
Office Hours: Monday, 12:00pm or by appointment
Email: quagliae@smccd.edu
Phone: 650-704-8047
Class Website: https://canadacollege.edu/canvas/
Studio Hours Website: http://www.daam.us
Introduction to Computer Graphics covers the basics of typography, graphic design, web design, and motion design. Layout/design fundamentals, as well as digital design software skills and appropriate computer graphics uses are explored. The differences between vector, raster, container, web, and presentation software are explained through the introduction of state-of-the-art multimedia software such as Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and Animate.
Students generate their own creative content for projects assigned. Students are responsible for saving and backing up their work. The final will include a web gallery presentation of all work done during the semester, therefore it is essential that the student keep an original and backup copy of all work to date. Do not “lose” your work in the middle of the semester!
You will use your “my.smccd.edu” email account for this class. You may direct email to another account, but you will be responsible for all course communication to that account. If you do not have access to email at home there are computers in the lab, in the library and the learning center that all have net connection.
Course Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
1. Differentiate between several design and multimedia software programs, and assess which program should be used to produce projects demonstrating both marketable skills and personal artistic vision
2. Recognize the use of computer digital images for multimedia, hypermedia, animation and print.
3. Describe different graphic file formats such as .tiff, .ai, .jpg, .gif, .pdf, .swf, and .doc and their compatibility within WEB, graphic design, fine art, and animation.
4. Through lectures and field trips, students will gain an understanding of employment possibilities and the academic and career requirements of a WEB, graphics or motion graphics designer.
Topics
1. Overview of computer graphics software like Illustrator, Photoshop, and Animate
2. Principles of layout, design, and typography
3. File type, format, compatibility, size, and resolution
4. Computer graphic terminology - e.g., color palettes, raster and vector images Input and output devices (scanners, cameras, printers, web and desktop)
5. Copyright and use of stock images
Student Learning Outcomes
1. Describe and defend their definition of six Graphic Design Principles; Balance, Proximity, Alignment, Unity, Emphasis and Rhythm
2. Compare and contrast the difference between a Native File Format and a Standard File Format
3. Evaluate the differences between Raster and Vector images by describing one advantage and one disadvantage of Raster and Vector creation software.
Course Units:
This is a 3-unit course, and it requires about nine hours of your time each week.
PROJECTS (TBA Hours):
Week 1 –Students Introduction (2 hours)
Week 2 – Introduction to Graphic Design Principles (2 hours)
Week 3 –Introduction to Illustrator - Shapes – Poet (2 hours)
Week 4 –Working in Illustrator - Lines (2 hours)
Week 5 –Working in Illustrator – Pen Tool (Vermeer) (2 hours)
Week 6 –Working in Illustrator – Pen Tool - (Cat or Dog) (2 hours)
Week 7 –Identifying Design principles (2 hours)
Week 8 –Identifying Design principles (2 hours)
Week 9-10 –Typography (2 hours)
Week 11 –Identity Package (2 hours)
Week 12 –Introduction to Photoshop - Digital Painting Project (2 hours)
Week 13 –Photoshop - Layers Assignment (2 hours)
Week 14 –Photoshop - Design Production Assignment (2 hours)
Week 15 – Introduction to Animate – Animation Project (2 hours)
Week 16 – Final Project – (2 hours)
Attendance:
The course is fully online, but we also have optional Virtual Meetings via Zoom each Monday from 11:10am to 12:25pm. The Zoom meeting link is posted on Canvas.
Backing up data:
You MUST back up your data. Back up your data in MORE THAN ONE PLACE, meaning on a hard drive you leave at home or on two USB drives in SEPARATE LOCATIONS, on your home computer + USB drive. “My dog ate my USB” will never be a legitimate excuse for late work.
Optional Textbook:
Digital Foundations
Xtine Burrough & Michael Maniberg
ISBN 9780321555984
Additional supplemental material will be made available online.
Required Materials:
4GB+ USB drive to store your files
QUIZZES:
There may be various quizzes covering the material discussed in the module. These quizzes have no time limit and can be taken unlimited times.
FINAL PROJECT:
The final project is 20% of your final grade, and it will be a web portfolio. It is a culmination of your work throughout the class, and it will involve many of the principles and practices we learned during the semester.
EXTRA CREDIT
During the semester, various extra credit assignments may be offered. These are always optional but are subject to the same grading criteria as regular assignments (although of course, extra credit work will never lower your grade). Extra credit will never take the place of a project or assignment not turned in or turned in late.
Important Dates: You can find the important dates in this college website: Canada College Academic Calendar .
DEADLINES AND MAKE-UP POLICY
Deadlines occur at dates and times specified on Web Access. If you absolutely have to turn in an assignment late, be aware that you will lose 10% each DAY late it is. Plan to do your work well before the deadline so that if you have a problem with your computer or a network failure, you can find an alternative and still get your work done on time. If you need an extension because you have an emergency, please, send an email to the professor the soonest you can.
ATTENDANCE AND COURSE WITHDRAWAL
There is no attendance requirement. If you decide to drop this course, you are required to officially withdraw through the Canada College Admissions and Registration Office.
STUDENT WORKS
Sometimes student works will be used by Cañada College for educational purposes and to promote the program or college or in galleries or shows or other forums. It is important to always include your name in your file so proper attribution can be given. Unnamed or improperly named files may be attributed to ‘Anonymous’. To ‘opt out’, submit a request in writing at the end of the semester.
EOPS (EQUAL OPPORTUNITY PROGRAM)
If you are receiving Equal Opportunity Program financial aid and need a progress report, please send me a message in Private Messages.
STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES
If you have a learning disability or physical challenge, you are entitled to any assistance you need to achieve your academic goals. Mart 362 is very student-centered and flexible within the structured weekly format. It is an appropriate course for students with learning disabilities, although students are required to manage their time efficiently within the weekly deadline format. Most students with disabilities are successful without special accommodation. But Cañada College has an on-campus lab with talking computers, print enlargers, tactile maps of the campus, and other alternate learning options. If you or anyone you know would benefit from such a service, please call the Disabled Student Services Office (650)306-3259 or the TDD line (650)306-3161.
Please note that you must identify yourself as a learning disabled or physically challenged student at the beginning of the semester in order for me to get you the help you need.
ACADEMIC HONOR CODE
All students are expected to know and adhere to the Cañada College Academic Honor Code. Students who violate this code will be subject to the academic and administrative consequences set forth by the code. In short, don’t submit work that is not your own or use copyrighted work without permission. If you aren’t sure, ask.
DISRUPTIVE BEHAVIOR
All students are expected to know and adhere to the Cañada College Student Conduct, Discipline & Due Process Code. Students who violate this policy will be immediately excused from class until meeting with the Dean of Students, who will explain Canada's student code of conduct.
SEXUAL MISCONDUCT
The San Mateo County Community College District is committed to maintaining safe and caring college environments at Cañada College, College of San Mateo and Skyline College. The District has established policies and procedures regarding Sexual Misconduct, Harassment, and Assault. A District website has also been developed which provides you with important information about sexual misconduct and sexual assault. http://smccd.edu/titleix/.
I have read and accept the terms of this syllabus
Signed: ___________________________________________
Date: ______________________