COURSE DESCRIPTION
This introductory course is designed to provide students the opportunity to learn about and use industry standard design hardware and software. The course teaches students how to communicate ideas and stories through different media, including print, video, motion graphics, and the web. This course challenges students to create and manipulate still and animated two and three dimensional digital images using a variety of graphic and audio / video software programs.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
Students will design and manipulate original images to communicate ideas using the techniques and concepts basic to digital technology.
The first half of the course will focus on print, 2D and interactive design. Students will learn basic skills in creating still and animated two dimensional digital images using a variety of graphic and web animation software programs. Students design and manipulate original images to communicate creative ideas using the techniques and concepts basic to digital technology for use in both print and interactive media. Students will utilize industry standard graphic, animation and audio software programs such as Photoshop, Illustrator, Flash, and Soundtrack Pro.
The second half of the course focuses on basic digital video, motion graphics, and portfolio development. Students will learn the basics on how to produce film and broadcast quality graphics and special effects using a variety of industry standard digital software tools. Students will utilize industry standard video editing and motion graphics software such as iMovie, After Effects, Livetype, Soundtrack Pro and Photoshop. At the end of the course, students will compile all of their digital art and design work into a comprehensive physical and web-based portfolio that best highlight their technical and creative abilities as a digital artist.
REQUIRED EQUIPMENT
-Each student must purchase a minimum 1GB USB2 flash drive. The purpose of the flash drive is to store all project and resource files used in the class and to also be used as a tool for transferring files from the Mac desktop computers to the Dell laptop in order to work on projects at home.
-A pair of good stereo ear or headphones for private audio monitoring and to ensure accuracy of audio levels while working on class projects that require audio.
TYPE OF INSTRUCTION
-The course will consist of short teacher lecture and demonstrations followed by students performing a variety of computer art skills.
-Hands on activity-based units will drive most of the curriculum and reinforce major learning areas
-An emphasis on problem solving and creative thinking will be present in most units of instruction.
COURSE GOALS AND EXPECTATIONS
-Discuss the ethical implications of the present and future states of electronic communications, including media, social, cultural, and political topics.
-Comprehend how computer technology operates as a social force affecting our everyday lives.
-Demonstrate the ability to read and comprehend the types of technical manuals included with high tech consumer items.
-Demonstrate the ability to work with highly specialized computer equipment and graphics software.
-Define those practices and terms used in computer art.
-Demonstrate all safety and proper operating procedures when interacting with computer technologies and when using the tools / equipment associated with computer technologies.
-Identify the various foundation skills for different career options in computer art.
GRADING POLICY
50% of a student’s final grade will come from an average of computer project scores. A project consists of a product and a presentation of the product to the class. 30% of a student’s final grade will come from pre-production assignments such as sketches, storyboards, proposals, descriptions etc. for the various projects assigned. 20% of a student’s final grade will come from the completion of a variety of class assignments and completion of software exercises and tutorials. Every student will earn his /her grade according to the time and effort he/she invests in the course. All grading will be determined using a standard 100 point scale.
50%- Project Product / Presentation
30%- Tests/Project Proposals & Pre-Production Assignments
20%- Homework/Skills Practice Assignments
100%- Total
PORTFOLIO
A portfolio of completed projects and all documentation that shows planning, including the storyboards, sketches and scripts, will be kept by the computer art student for future references and career planning.