jonathan gabel . com
syllabus
The Course
This course is an introduction to the use of the computer as an art and design tool. We will focus on both the technical skill needed to create artwork on the computer, and the principals of composition and design that transfer from traditional media to the digital world.
Required Materials
No textbooks or manuals will be required for this course. Instead, you will need a student subscription to lynda.com. This is a video tutorial library where you can learn how to use the software we will be covering in this course.
Pre-requisites
No prior computer knowledge is assumed, but you will be expected to make yourself familiar with the Macintosh platform. If you feel you are having trouble with basic computer proficiency, or keeping up with the technical aspects of the class, there are lab assistants available to help you outside of class on a one-to-one basis. Please get in touch with me as soon as you feel this could be of benefit and I will help arrange this type of help for you.
Core Units
This course will follow 5 basic units, each of which will focus on a specific aspect of computer art and design. A project will be assigned for each of these units, and will be due on time. We will also have critiques on these projects, and participation in creating a positive and constructive critique will be the core of your participation grade.
Grade Breakdown:
Course Grades are decided by the following formula:
- Class Attendance and Participation 15%
- Project 1: Foundations 17%
- Project 2: Image 17%
- Project 3: Space 17%
- Project 4: Motion 17%
- Project 5: Final Project 17%
Academic Integrity:
Students are expected to comply with the college-wide requirements for academic integrity. Mercer County Community College is committed to Academic Integrity—the honest, fair, and continuing pursuit of knowledge, free from fraud or deception. This implies that students are expected to be responsible for their own work. Presenting another individual’s work as one’s own and receiving excessive help from another individual will qualify as a violation of Academic Integrity. The entire policy on Academic Integrity is located in the Student handbook and is found on the college website.
You can read the full course outline here