| Spring 2008 | prerequisite: | Art 215 |
| MW 11:00 - 1:30 |
semester hours: |
3 |
| Garwood 22 |
materials fee: |
$50 |
| Instructor: Bruce Walters |
office: |
Garwood 21 |
|
hours: |
MW 10-11, 4:30-5, 7-7:30 | |
|
phone: |
298-2139 | |
| home email: | bwalters1@mchsi.com | |
| portfolio: | www.bruce-walters.com | |
| Syllabus content |
links: |
Introduction |
| Objectives | ||
| Outline (assignments) | ||
| Format | ||
| Attendance | ||
| Evaluation | ||
| Required text and materials | ||
In 1965, Gordon Moore, co-founder of Intel, predicted that the transistor density of semiconductor chips would double roughly every 18 months. His prediction, commonly referred to as Moore's Law, continues to hold true as computer have doubled their capabilities about every year and a half. If transportation improved at the same rate as information technology over the past thirty years, an automobile would now cost $200, go 100,000 miles per hour, and travel 150,000 miles on a gallon of fuel.
As amazing as this statement is, it really don't surprise us. Each of us has a wealth of examples from our own lives of this revolution -a revolution as significant as Gutenberg's invention of the movable-type printing press (what may surprise you is that this revolution began in Eastern Illinois).
Computer art - from animation to web design (almost A-Z :) - is a significance part of this revolution. Art has always utilized new technology. Two example include the invention of oil painting during the Northern Renaissance and the invention of photography in 1827. However, the computer may have even more profound and far reaching impact on the visual arts. Pong is only separated from PlayStation games by some twenty years. Desktop publishing is only fifteen years old.
The revolution has only begun.
I have spoken with numerous professional graphic artists -asking several questions that relate to this course. To a person, they felt that the most important quality needed to succeed was a good understanding of design. Other answers included experience with software and work speed.
My other questions related to what software and hardware these artists used at work. The graphics software used most frequently was Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator and QuarkXPress (now in competition with Adobe InDesign) - which are regarded as the industry standards.
We will work primarily with Photoshop and Illustrator in this class. It is important that you learn to use these applications beyond a fundamental understanding. It is also important that we understand how these programs can be integrated. We will also use the Internet as a resource for our assignments. Learning, as well, how to use images in websites.
The graphic artists I spoke with used both Macintosh and PC workstations. Though we will primarily work in a Mac environment, it is important that you become familiar with the operating system for both platforms.
COURSE OUTLINE click here
This is a lab course in which you are expected to work during and outside of class time. The lion's share of class time will be spent working on the computer. However, the class will also include critiques, lecture, and discussions.
In this class, we will use a combination of approaches to learning:
1. introduction to concepts and terms through brief lectures and written summaries
2. use of a tutorial that allows you to learn processes and techniques at your own pace
3. observation of artwork by other artists to discover new approaches to solving visual proplems
4. experientation (i.e. play!!)
5. application of what you've learned by creating your own work
6. presentation and discussion of your ideas and decisions in class critique.Your work will be discussed and evaluated in a critique format. These critiques will be an integral part of this course. You will be expected to CONSTRUCTIVELY discuss your work and the work of the other students. Without the full participation of the class, these critiques will be less than fully realized. We will discuss your intentions and how you chose to convey your ideas through your use of the software and principles of design.
Your evaluation will be primarily based on the assigned visual problems. Your work will be graded on the following criteria:
- Effort
- Utilization of design principles
- Use of software
- Interpretation of assignments (concept)
Your final grade will also reflect:
- Attendance
- If your work is completed on time. Your assignment grade will drop one letter each class that an assignment is late.
- Participation in critiques and discussions
70%
Assignments 10%
Conceptual phase of assignments (written portion and rough) 10%
Completion of four textbook lessons 10%
Participation in critiques and discussions 100%
of final grade (unless more than three unexcused absences) Incomplete grades will be granted only in cases involving verified illness or other emergencies. All decisions on incomplete grades rest with the instructor.
Class attendance is required. It is important in terms of your individual learning and for class cohesion. You will be expected to take an active roll in all aspects of this course. Attendance policy: after three unexcused absences, your final grade will drop one letter. Each additional unexcused absence will further drop your final grade.
ACADEMIC ACCOMMODATIONS
In accordance with University policy and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), academic accommodations may be made for any student who notifies the instructor of the need for an accommodation. It is imperative that you take the initiative to bring such needs to my attention, as I am not legally permitted to inquire about such particular needs of students. Students who may require special assistance in emergency evacuations (i.e. fire, tornado, etc.) should contact the instructor as to the most appropriate procedures to follow in such an emergency. Contact Disability Support Services at 298-2512 for additional services.
Policy on Services for Students With Disabilities
Student Rights and Responsibilities
Adobe Photoshop CS3 Classroom in a Box, Adobe Press.
REQUIRED MATERIALS
You will need a USB flash drive for transporting and backing-up the files you create.