Genesee Community College

Art 209 Computer Graphics Fall 2011

Instructor: Class: Ofce: Ofce Hours: Pam Swarts (pswarts@genesee.edu) mon & weds. 2:30AM - 4:30PM Room E122 E122: 585.343.0055 Ext. 6436 T & Thurs 12:30-2:30pm

Catalog Description Introduction to Computer Graphics using the computer as an image making tool. Students will learn image development, dimensioning, modifying, storage, and system management. Course Objectives By the end of the semester students will be able to: 1. Demonstrate control of the Mac OS a) navigate the desktop b) set basic les and directories 2. Create a minimum of 15 logos using the program Illustrator. To achieve this they will need to master the following skills: a) manipulating type b) creating and manipulating simple shapes c) controlling the superimpositions of vector objects d) creating balanced and dynamic designs utilizing the interaction of shapes and letterforms 3. Create a minimum of 5 business cards using. To achieve this they will need to master the following skills: a) The linking of external les to another document b) Controlling the attributes of both text and graphic boxes. c) Simple type manipulation 4. Create a minimum of 5 backgrounds using Photoshop. To achieve this they will need to master the following skills a) le size management b) using lers c) using selection tool d) copying and pasting between documents e) managing color modes f) using adjustment tools g) using layers h) creating imagery that alludes to organic matter, suggests depth and has a variety of color and texture while employing elements of good design. 5. Create a minimum of 5 dream images using Photoshop. In addition to the skills mastered in the background assignment, students will also be able to: a) master the basics of scanning images b) control le size, image ratio and color modes of multiple scanned documents. c) Create imagery that has a surreal dream-like quality and displays knowledge of design basics. 6. Create a short animation. To achieve this they will need to master the following skills:

a) Correctly formatting graphics from other sources for importing into the Director program. b) Controlling motion in an animation program. c) Controlling the basic functions of the stage, cast and score. d) Manipulation of sounds for use within an animation e) Creation of a concept that will hold together the motion of simple red dots and result in a story that is understandable to viewers and linking all elements within the animation (image, motion, sound) to that concept. Attendance Policy - Students are allowed 2 unexcused absences. More than 2 absences will result in the reduction of your nal grade by one letter grade for every subsequent absence. Required Text/Supplies- No required text, jump drives required Reccomended text-The Litttle Mac Book by Robin Williams and The Idea Index by Jim Krause. Course Overview and Weekly Schedule Students will explore the elements of design and learn to control apparent space. * Week 1 Computer Basics * Week 2 Computer Basics and Vector based Programs * Week 3 Illustration: Creating a monogram * Week 4 Review of student monograms * Week 5 Critique of monograms: Introduction of layout program * Week 6 Creating a business card using page layout software * Week 7 Business cards due: Introduction of Raster/Pixel program * Week 8 Background project * Week 9 Background project * Week 10 Background Critique: Introduction to scanning * Week 11 Photo Retouching * Week 12 Dream imagery critique: Introduction to Animation * Week 13 Animation and Sound * Week 14 Animation Critique: Introduction to multimedia * Week 15 Multimedia * Week 16 Multimedia Portfolio Presentation Student Performance Outcomes: Upon successful completion of the course, as documented by projects, discussions, and presentations, students will be able to: 1.Demonstrate basic knowledge of the Macintosh OSX operating system. * 2.Create logos in a vector program. 3.Create business cards in a layout program. 4.Describe the principles of Bit Map/Raster/Paint programs. 5.Demonstrate knowledge of the basics of scanning and working with image resolution. 6.Explain the principles of creating motion and using audio and animation.
*This course objective has been identied as a student learning outcome that must be formally assessed as part of the College's Comprehensive Assessment Plan. All faculty teaching this course must collect the required data (see Assessing Student Learning Outcomes form) and submit the required analysis and documentation at the conclusion of the semester to the Ofce of Assessment and Special Projects.

Criteria for grading

An A project contains all of the following; a B project contains 4 of the following; a C project contains 3 of the following; a D project contains 2 of the following; and an F project contains 1 or less of the following: Project One: Monograms/Logos * 15 logos have been created * all personal logos are black and white with no gradients * initials of individual letters used to create monograms * letterforms are manipulated to create new shapes * a dynamic composition is created that is not centered and stagnant * other shapes that may be used (boxes, circles, etc.) do not create the composition. Project 2: Business Cards * 5 business cards created useing page layout software * Logos placed/linked to document * All linked logos included * Text boxes and picture boxes used * Measurement box used to access fonts and size business card Automatic Failure: *Logos not properly linked and not included Project 3: Backgrounds * separate backgrounds that have 640X480 pixels and 72 ppi resolution * effective composition that is not static and not centered * at least 3 different colors, combining cool and warm tones * areas of light and dark that suggest depth * contrasting textures that add visual interest Automatic Failure: * a swirl or globe or other centered object in the middle of the composition. Project Four : Dream Imagery 5 images 300dpi * 3 images using layers. * 2 images manipulated using any means that does not require layering and pasting images on top of each other. * Images have a surreal/impressionistic dream like quality with no purposeful composite imagery (ex. Placing Rover's head on Grandma's body). * At least 3 different colors, combining cool and warm tones. * Areas of light and dark that suggest depth. * Contrasting textures that add visual interest. Automatic Failure: * willfully manipulated imagery (ex. Placing one person's head on another person's body or placing someone in a new environment) that is meant to look realistic in nature. * a swirl or globe or other centered object in the middle of the composition. Project Five: Animation * A concept is created that is understandable to the viewers and all elements within the animation (backgrounds, sound, motion and red dots) are linked to that concept.

* Graphics are correctly formatted and imported from other sources and only red dots are used for characters. * Motion is controlled in a manner that suggests recognizable activities * Control of the basic functions of stage, cast and score are demonstrated * Sound is used to effectively advance the story and formatted properly with consistent levels.
* This course objective has been identied as a student learning outcome that must be formally assessed as part of the College's Comprehensive Assessment Plan. All faculty teaching this course must collect the required data (see Assessing Student Learning Outcomes form) and submit the required analysis and documentation at the conclusion of the semester to the Ofce of Assessment and Special Projects. Plagiarism Plagiarism is the dual act of presenting and claiming the words, ideas, data, or creations of others as one's own. Plagiarism may be intentional-as in a false claim of authorship-or unintentional - as in a failure to document information sources using MLA, APA, CBE, or other style sheets or manuals adopted by instructors in the College. Presenting ideas in the exact or nearly exact wording as found in primary or secondary sources constitutes plagiarism, as does patching together paraphrased statements without intext citation. Each faculty member will determine appropriate responses to plagiarism. Disciplinary action resulting from conrmed instances of plagiarism and/or cheating may include receipt of a failing grade on an assignment or the course, removal of a student from a class, or expulsion of a student from the College.