GREENSHEET FOR DSGD 83 (12:00 & 3:00 CLASSES)

BARBARA ALLIE, INSTRUCTOR SAN JOSE STATE UNVERSITY
DIGITAL APPLICATION BASICS (DSGD 83)
Classes meets Monday and Wednesday, 12:00 - 2:50 PM and 1500-1750 PM, Office Hours 11:00 AM – 12:00
on both Monday and Wednesday

Email: barbaraallie@gmail.com Blog: http://sjsu83-2010.blogspot.com/
Over the semester all assignments and handouts will be available on the blog -- please check it often


COURSE DESCRIPTION
This is a beginning course in the fundamental principles; theory and practices related to the creation of computer graphics, primarily exploring the fundamentals of design and color. Using the software Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, and InDesign, students will be encouraged to explore basic design and color principles to create effective and creative projects while at the same time learning the various Adobe software. Combining theoretical elements and practical experience in the use of these powerful digital programs, students will explore the various functions inherent within each program, as well as learn the basics of color and design. This knowledge base should provide a foundational awareness that will aid students in creating projects that are used by artists and designers in today’s world.

CLASS PROJECTS:
There will be approximately 1 project every week, with lecture/discussion at the beginning of every class.

COURSE OBJECTIVES
1. Understand basic design concepts and color theory. Demonstrate an understanding of the terminology, tools, and techniques used in graphic design production using the latest software.
2. Explain basic concepts function and features when using computer application software.
3. Plan and produce effective computer graphics.
4. Create basic computer graphic projects with a concentration on learning the software. This is not a graphic design or art course, but a class to help you learn the software so when you do create artistic projects using the software you are not hindered in any way for lack of software knowledge.
5. Describe cross platform and online multimedia development issues and techniques. As well as file formats for both the PC and Mac.

STUDENET LEARNING OBJECTIVES
On successful completion of this course students shall be able to:
• Be able to compare and understand differences in graphic software packages
• Know basic features and functions of each software package discussed
• Articulate the basic terms used by designers when creating designs using Adobe CS
• Have a fair understanding of shortcut keys

COURSE MATERIALS
Two (2) high capacity backup media (Zip) for course work (Flash disks are OK)
One inch black binder and plastic sheet covers. $1.00 -$5.00.
YOU MUST HAVE A LAPTOP AND ADOBE CS SOFTWARE
Costs of laptops vary and can range from 1000.00 and up.
Software can cost about $400.00 for the complete CS Set
(Check with www.creationengine.com for prices or the SJSU Bookstore

Students are required to sign up for Lynda.com (This is about $25.00 a month)


GRADING
Your earned grade will depend on the effort you put into class participation, assignments, quizzes, and your final project. Assignments are due at the beginning of class on the designated date. Grades for late assignments and projects will be lowered the equivalent of one letter grade and will not be accepted more than one week late. All written work should be typed, spell-checked, and proofread before it is submitted.

METHODS OF EVALUATION
• Assessment of student’s ability to solve computer graphic problems
• Projects that demonstrate an understanding of various elements and principles of software skills
• Assessment of student’s command of basic features and functions in the different application software programs
• Portfolio of all course work.
• Growth! Are you improving and developing new ideas and skills?
• Final project (to be discussed at length toward the end of the quarter).
• Failure to submit assignments or late submissions
• Effort, neatness, professional appearance, working diligently and with focus
• Punctuality and handing in all required work on time.
• Class participation: sharing ideas in class discussions and critiques, alertness, following instructions, being respectful and cooperative in the classroom
• Points will be deducted if you fail to bring required items to class.
Point system:
1,000 possible points
Knowledge of software features = 50 points
A working knowledge of basic design and color = 50 points
Class Projects= 500 points
Final Project= 200 points
Test = 100 points (the tests may be written or special basic design and color projects assignments)
Class participation = 100 points. You will get one free absence, but after that points will be deducted. 25 points deducted for leaving class early and tardiness
GRADING
Your earned grade will depend on the effort you put into class participation, assignments, quizzes, and your final project. Assignments are due at the beginning of class on the designated date. I will not accept late assignments unless accompanied by a doctor’s note.

1000 points – 800 = A
800 points – 600 = B
600 points – 500 = C
500 points – 400 = D
400 points – 200 = F

BACKUPS
It is the student's responsibility to backup all work. If unable to attend class, it is your responsibility to get the missing assignments form peers.

FINAL PROJECT (It is mandatory that you be in attendance during the final day – no exceptions)
Students are to in class to present examples of their assignments created during the semester. I will discuss this in more detail as the final draws near. If you are unable to make a final presentation you will have the option to turn in a six page term paper on a topic approved by me several weeks ahead of due date.

MAKEUP EXAMS:
There will be no makeup exams. If a student has a written medical excuse for missing an exam, the percentage earned on the final will be substituted for the missed exam. If a student does not have a written medical excuse, the student will receive a zero for the missed exam.

ASSIGNMENTS
All assignments will be discussed at length in class and appropriate material related to all assignments will be supplied as the class proceeds.

QUIZZES
The quizzes will cover material presented in lectures, readings, online materials, and class activities. Quiz dates will be announced one week in advance.

CLASS PARTICIPATION
Participation grades will be determined by 1) the quality and quantity of class exercises and course activities completed and 2) participation in class. Lab time during class periods is limited and all students are expected to spend additional time working in the lab to complete the course assignments and the final project.

Additional descriptive material and course content will be presented as the courses proceeds. Please feel free to contact me about all concerns related to this class. Should you want to talk to me on a one on one basis please email me with your questions.

Suggested Books for class:
Please check Preach Pit Press for which books would be best for your software.

Photoshop CS5 for Windows and Macintosh: Visual QuickStart Guide, Student Edition
· By Elaine Weinmann, Peter Lourekas.
· Published by Peachpit Press.
· Series: Visual QuickStart Guide.


Illustrator CS5 for Windows and Macintosh: Visual QuickStart Guide, Student Edition
· By Elaine Weinmann, Peter Lourekas.
· Published by Peachpit Press.
· Series: Visual QuickStart Guide.


InDesign CS5 for Macintosh and Windows: Visual QuickStart Guide
By Sandee Cohen
Published by Peachpit Press
Series: Visual QuickStart Guilde

UNIVERSITY POLICIES;
A. Academic Integrity Statement
“Your own commitment to learning, as evidenced by your enrollment at San Jose State University, and the University’s Integrity Policy, require you to be honest in all your academic course work. Faculty members are required to report all infractions to the office of Judicial Affairs. The policy on academic integrity can be found at:
http://sa.sjsu.edu/judicial_affairs/index.html

B. Campus policy in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act
“If you need course adaptations or accommodations because of a disability, or if you need special arrangements in case the building must be evacuated, please make an appointment with me as soon as possible, or see me during office hours. Presidential Directive 97-03 requires that students with disabilities register with the DRC to establish a record of their disability.”

College and Departmental Policies

A. You are responsible for understanding the policies and procedures about add/drops, academic renewal, withdrawals, incompletes, classroom behavior, and other policies described in the catalog. Please read your catalog thoroughly.

B. Students are not permitted to work together on Design Projects or Homework.

C. Your library liaison is Bernie Book. Mr. Book can give you guidance about how to find primary references for your paper and can guide you to useful information on the Martin Luther King Library website.

D. We will review the evacuation plan for this classroom during the first class meeting. If you missed the first meeting, please see me about the evacuation plan.

E. My office hours are for you. Please do not hesitate to come in and ask for help. I will hold group review sessions during my Tuesday 11:00 -12:00 office hour.