Note: If you contact us using email, please type: ARTT 255 in the subject line and send it to both the Instructor and the TA of your section.

Course Description:

This course introduces students to basic software and principles of digital imaging, and how they are applied to art and design. Topics covered: Digital image construction and manipulation, Vector-Based digital techniques layout, typography, time-based digital techniques (video and audio composition and manipulation), and basic interactivity (web-design). Digital media used to explore visual principles established in ARTT100.

Course Goals:

During the semester students will develop technical skills necessary to produce digital artwork. They will study design principles and develop compositional skills. Through critiques and class discussions, students will develop confidence and the necessary skills to evaluate artwork. Through artist statements, students will investigate and explain their own experience and methodology in creating artwork. The computer will be used as a tool and as a medium to explore creative possibilities. Upon completion of the course, students will have the necessary skills to create artwork for print, motion graphics and websites.

Additional information

There are five projects for the entire semester. Each project is designed for students to learn basic concepts and skills. Students are required to complete all projects.

Students must work on their projects during class time. In addition out of class time will be needed to complete the assignments. If you do not own a computer and software there are many computer labs available for students on campus. Please make a note of the locations and lab hours ahead of time. You will find a list of labs at the OIT website. If you are having difficulty finding please let us know so we can make other recommendations.

Note some computers may not have the same capabilities and the software needed for this class.

Evaluation:

Students will receive a grade for each project. Five project grades plus class participation will be the final grade. Students must complete all assignments successfully to get a passing grade for the course.

Projects will be assessed based on content, creativity and presentation. All projects must be submitted on time. Late assignments will receive a lower letter grade.

Extra Credit Project

Class participation: includes participation in critiques and tardiness. In addition to showing your work you must contribute to the discussion by critiquing the works of others. You are expected to demonstrate critical thinking, your understanding of the content and provide constructive criticism.

Attendance

More than 3 unexcused absences may drop a letter grade and more than 5 absences may receive a failing grade. http://www.umd.edu/catalog/index.cfm/show/content.section/c/27/ss/1584/s/1540

Students are expected to inform the instructor in advance of medically necessary absences, and present a self-signed note documenting the date of the missed class(es) and testifying to the need for the absence. This note must include an acknowledgment that (a) the information provided is true and correct, and (b) that the student understands that providing false information to University officials is a violation of Part 9(h) of the Code of Student Conduct. The university’s policies on medical and other absences can be found at: http://www.umd.edu/catalog/index.cfm/show/contentiousness/c/27/SS/1584/s/1540

Prolonged absence or illness preventing attendance from class requires written documentation from the Health Center and/or health care provider verifying dates of treatment when student was unable to meet academic responsibilities.

During class period all students are required to work on class projects on lab computers and not on personal computers.

Students with learning disabilities who may need to rely on that medium for note-taking, please inform the instructor beginning of the semester.

No eating and drinking are allowed in class.

Recommended Text and Video Tutorial from Lynda.com

The reading materials will include the recommended texts, handouts, manuals and selected web sites.
Adobe Classroom in a book series
Software Manuals and Class Handouts.
Tutorials from Lynda.com (this link will take you directly to the UMD access site)
More tutorials from Adobe TV. Select the product from the top menu and search for tutorials.

Supplies
o Good quality printing paper (as needed)
o Storage devices such as USB and Fire Wire drives etc.
o Sketch pad (approx. 11" x 8")
o Plastic sleeves
o Headphones

To download software TERPware

Printing - a suggested location
http://www.eng.umd.edu/copycenter/

 Course Evaluation - https://www.courseevalum.umd.edu/

Course evaluations are a part of the process by which the University of Maryland seeks to improve teaching and learning. Your participation in this official system is critical to the success of the process, and all information submitted to CourseEvalUM is confidential. (Instructors can only view group summaries of evaluations and cannot identify which submissions belong to which students.)