Digital Imaging

Course Syllabus

E-mail MS. HELLYER
Office #: ext. 292
C BLOCK
SPRING 2001

COURSE OBJECTIVES:
Primarily using Adobe Photoshop 5.0, students will learn state of the art approaches to the creation/production of two-dimensional images which fulfill a sequence of assignments design to increase in complexity as new skills are applied. This will involve following demonstraions as well as individual exploration during class time.

GRADING:
Grades will be determined based on the following components:

  • Organization, Preparation and Planning: Much of what we do during class is dependent upon you obtaining materials and making arrangements outside of class. Do not expect to use lab/class time to go to the library, make a phone call, go to your locker, etc. Use class time wisely! The kind of homework you get is not really time consuming, but usually requires remembering to bring something to class. Do what you have to to remember.

  • Concept and Idea: How do you come up with ideas? Is it the first thing that comes to mind, or do you dig a little deeper? Are you strictly in this for fun, or do you want to create images that have meaning and will withstand the test of time? Think of the most obvious idea that comes to mind and then DONÕT DO IT. Think again. Think smarter, not harder.

  • Collaboration and Cooperation: We share a classroom space and it is important to be conscious and respectful of those around you. Things like keeping your backpack out of the walkway, and wearing headphones when playing cds (no sound should ever come from the speakers!) Also, your core group will prove to be helpful when you have questions about assignments, etc..

  • Responsible Use of Time and Resources: Again, use class time wisely. 55 minutes goes by really fast if youÕve immersed yourself in a project. Absences are difficult to make up for. If you do have to miss class, you will be expected to make up for the lost time during your free time.

  • Completion and Presentation: We present works either in printed form or using a video projector, in the form of a class critique. There are detailed steps involved in preparing finished assignments for viewing, as we will both print (high resolution) and exhibit on the web (low resolution). You will be asked to turn projects in using different settings for the same file. Your verbal contribution to class critiques is valuable as well.

    MATERIALS:
    You will need:

  • a pocket folder
  • a sketchbook or notebook
  • a writing utensil
  • one Iomega Zip disk for backing up your work (available as PC formatted at the bookstore.
  • a family photo no smaller than 5X7 (family portrait assignment)
  • an older damaged photo of great grandparents or older (photo restoration project)
  • a collection of magazine ads or other forms of printed advertisements (ad spoof)
  • to select a Bay Area Non-Profit organization to help design a flier/poster for
  • an open mind and willingness to explore aspects, concepts, and ideation processing

    COMPUTER LAB and COMMON COURTESY:
    The lab is open every night until 5pm. While word processing does happen from time to time for computer and design-related classes, this is mostly a multimedia and graphics lab. Any writing assignments for other classes should be worked on in the writing lab whenever possible. Also, when other classes are in session, do not expect to be able to walk in and use a free computer. This is generally considered disruptive, especially if the teacher is lecturing. If urgent, wait for a moment when the teacher looks available before opening the door and asking to use a machine.
    There are a few basic rules that will make your experience in the computer lab a happy and healthy one.

    1. Absolutely no food or drink is allowed IN the lab. Period.
    2. You are allowed to listen to music while working on lab days if you bring your own headphones. Be aware that having multiple applications open (including Photoshop) uses the computers temporary memory. This may affect the performance of your machine and slow things down. Try not to let the music interfere with your graphic productivity!
    3. Be on time to class.
    4. Wash your hands before coming to class IF POSSIBLE. Food, germs, whatever... it all shows up on the keyboard, mouse, and scanning surface, and then gets passed on to the next person using that machine.
    5. Please do not install any outside software, shareware, downloads... anything! Conflicts often arise, disk space gets consumed, and it creates a mess for others who are count ing on machines and space to complete class assignments
    6. If things are not working correctly, save, quit your application and restart the machine.

    COMMON SENSE REQUIREMENTS:

  • Ask everyone in your core group any questions BEFORE you ask me. There are times when you might miss something and someone can help you, or try for yourself first.
  • All computers are to be in their original positions at the end of class.
  • Your crisis is your crisis. Do NOT expect me or anyone else to shift their priorities to accomodate your schedule. Plan in advance and you'll have time to recover from any unforseen technical difficulties...
  • Technical difficulties happen. Be sure to pay attention to what your process involves when things go nutty. That way you won't be likely to repeat the conditions.