COMPUTER GRAPHICS 350 SYLLABUS
Designing and communicating electronically continues to grow in the field of visual communication. Today’s advertising and design studios rely heavily on computers for tasks that traditionally were done by hand. This includes design for print and the web. It also includes digital video. This course is intended to prepare you in the use and knowledge of several tools required in developing and executing visual information. Some of the opportunities that exist for today’s computer graphics /visual communications professionals include working in Corporate Identity, Environmental Graphic Design, Editorial Design, Illustration, Exhibit Design, Packaging Design, Electronic Imaging, Print Design, Multi Media design, Web Design, Type Design, Film Title Design and Corporate Communications. This course is introductory in nature and can serve as a springboard to more specialized areas of computer graphics including Web Design, Multi Media Design and Electronic Imaging.

The objective of the course is to prepare you to:
• Research, problem solve, develop, and execute effective solutions to assorted problems utilizing computer graphic technology.
• Become proficient in several of the software programs most commonly used by today’s advertising/graphic design professionals. These tools include Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop. The goal is for you to become an intermediate level user of Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop.
• Gain a broader understanding of graphic art/design history through various assignments exploring the past while linking to the future.
• Understand the computer’s role historically, culturally and socially.
• Become familiar with the different opportunities in visual communication. In particular, how visual communication relates to computer graphics.
• Understand elements essential to today’s computer artists. This includes composition, shape, volume, line, hierarchy and color. This includes typography, letterforms, illustration, digital imaging, photography and preparing graphics for web design.
• Understand computer graphics is more than learning software. It is used in conjunction with developing creative intellect, critical thinking, problem solving and the ability to communicate ideas through words and pictures. Emphasis will be placed on articulation of ideas through content and form utilizing computer graphic technology.
• Become familiar with software and hardware terminology relative to today’s technologies. Students will be expected to:
• Demonstrate an understanding of the concepts and terminology related to computer graphics and and graphic design principles.
• Develop the ability to create and design utilizing Adobe Illustrator andAdobe Photoshop.
• Understand the basics of problem solving including understanding/identifying the problem, research, concept development and execution.
• Understand that computer graphics is more than bells and whistles and that several philosophies exist regarding creation and execution of visual materials.
• Submit a portfolio of assignments at the end of the semester. There will be critiques during and after projects are finished. These critiques will be group critiques.

Specific assignments include:
• Poster
• Book Cover
• Illustration Problem
• Collage Poster
• Design History Project
These assignments will be executed in the style of the several Art & Design movements including DeStijl and Constructivism. The class will be additive in nature; computer skills learned from the beginning and throughout the semester will apply to each assignment. Assignments may change as semester progresses.

For each assignment, from beginning through completion the "IDEA" or concept development will be examined and achieved through a problem solving process. Research will be an integral aspect of the process. For each assignment students should execute "thumbnail sketches". Before one sits down at the computer, they should have a strong idea(s) before they proceed.

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Definition of terms:
Thumbnail sketches - miniature hand drawn quick sketches
Comprehensive layouts - realistic presentation of all elements in place at final size.

A portion of class will include
• demonstrations
• critiques
• movie(s)
• possible field trips

The SNC Academic Honor Code applies to all written and created work for this course.

Attendance Policy
Art Department attendance policy applies to this course and will be discussed in more detail during first class. Regular class attendance is required to all classes to successfully complete the course requirements. Absence from more than three classes/labs will affect the final grade. (1 letter grade reduction 4 absences, 1.5 letter grade reduction 6 absences, etc.) Any absences must be pre-approved by me. Again, any absences not approved will adversely affect the final grade.

Academic Support
“In keeping with the St. Norbert College mission to help students develop their full potential, and in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the College provides supportive services to students with disabilities. For enquiries and further details, please visit the Academic Support Services Office located on the 2nd floor of Todd Wehr Hall, Room 211.
www.snc.edu/academicsupport

Policies/Procedures
•Ask as many questions as you need to. All questions are good questions.
•Work only on class projects during class time.
•You are responsible for reading and understanding the course syllabus and handouts. If there are any questions, please ask.
• Learning computer graphics software and related subject matter should be a cooperative experience. It will be to your advantage to get to know your classmates. You will find the collective exchange of ideas and techniques will only enhance your personal knowledge of the subject matter.
• When I am giving demonstrations, please pay attention and do not view your computer.
• Instant messaging, facebooking, surfing the web etc. are absolutely unacceptable during class unless you are accessing the web for research.
• Whenever possible, please verbally ask questions/comments etc. as opposed to email. We have become to dependent on email and I prefer to communicate face to face.

Grading
Grading will be based on several criteria in order of importance:
• Portfolio Strength
• Creativity/Aesthetic Quality
• Technical Proficiency
• Ability to Problem Solve
• Enthusiasm/Attitude/Desire to learn
• Attendance
• Completion of assignments according to project deadlines
• Participation during critiques
• Quizzes
• Progress/Advancement of growth

All of the above are extremely important. During the semester if you have any questions, issues regarding your grades, please ask. I am always willing to discuss your grades and how they might be improved. If you would like to improve your grade by going above and beyond the required coursework, contact me and we can discuss this.

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Class Suggestion
Computer Graphics File
It is suggested (optional) you keep a collection or file of Computer Graphics/Advertising Design. This file should be of items that are of particular interest to each student in terms of how it communicates and what it looks like. Items that possibly could be included are illustrations brochures, catalogs, invitations, wedding announcements, business cards, photographs of signs, packaging, newspaper ads etc.- it is wide open. The purpose of this is to get you to realize that there is Computer Generated Art happening everywhere and that these samples that you collect can aid you in developing your own thoughts and ideas. This sample collection should serve as inspiration for your personal growth. Any time during the semester if you wish to review your collection, I would be glad to go over it with you. If you are not a member of Pinterest, I highly recommend that you become one. It is a tremendous resource for stockpiling assorted art and design works (in addition to other things). I will talk more about this in class.

Safety and the Bush Art Center
The Art Discipline is dedicated to maintaining a safe environment conducive to learning, creating, and working at St. Norbert College and the Bush Art Center. In collaboration with the Chemical Hygiene Officer and the Campus Safety Department, the Art Discipline insists that all students act in compliance with the particular safety measures associated with the various art classes, labs, and studios. Students will be instructed in the proper and safe use of (art) materials and tools and approved methods of the storage and disposal of chemical and solid waste materials. Safety manuals and first-aid kits are located in all studios, as are clearly marked containers, receptacles, and informational signs.

Furthermore, all students are asked to cooperate in observing the posted hours of operation of the BAC (no student will be given permission to work in the BAC during those times in which the building is closed for daily, weekend, and school holiday hours). Certain studios maintain particular hours of operation (see Art Faculty/class syllabus for particular information). Failure to comply with measures intended to assist and secure the safety and well-being of the students will be forwarded to the appropriate departments for immediate action.

All BAC student workers MUST complete safety training under the supervision of the SNC Chemical Hygiene Officer prior to working in the building.

Office Hours
Mon/Wed - Noon-1:00p.m.
Or by appointment

Class Schedule
Lecture: Room Bush Art Center 220
Mon/Wed
1:10-3:00p.m.

Tests/Quizzes
Occasional quizzes may be given throughout the semester; this is contingent upon how well you perform as students. The subject matter of the quizzes will be readings assigned as well as items on reserve at the library. You will be given information on quiz content at least one week in advance.

Supplies
Supplies will be discussed on a per needed basis. I do not like to issue a long list and have you go out and buy these things and never have you use them.
However these things I recommend buy:
• Consider buying a portable, USB Hard Drive.
• You are required to have the Adobe Creative Cloud on your computer. You can contact IT to help get you set up. You can also use financial aid to purchase.

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