ARTT 354

University of Maryland, University College
Elements of Computer Graphics
ARTT 354

Instructor: Naré Ratnapala
Phone: 301 405 1455
E. Mail: nare@umd.edu

Teaching Assitant
Luis Aguilar
E. Mail laguilar79@yahoo.com

If you are contacting us through email in the subject line please type ARTT 354 UMUC.

Please check this site regularly for updates and special announcements. Project specific updates will appear in the calendar section.

Overview:

This course introduces students to basic concepts in electronic imaging. Students will use the computer as a tool and as a medium to explore creative possibilities. Students will create artwork with the use of computers, scanners digital cameras and other equipment and use a range of digital imaging software. They will design and create digital images, page layouts, digital movies, a web site and other documents. The artwork will be presented in various formats including hard copies, on screen, and on the WWW. It is expected the students have prior experience in art fundamentals.

This is a very hands on course

Goals and Objectives

Students will become familiar with various graphics programs and 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 necessary skills to evaluate artwork. The work will be presented in various formats: on paper, on screen, and on the WWW.

Out of class time will be needed to complete assignments. Please note the open lab hours. You may use home computers and computers at other locations. Also, note some may not have the same capabilities and software as the computers in this lab and beaware of compatibility issues.

Evaluation:

Students will receive a grade for each project and for the final portfolio (optional). Average of six project grades will be the final grade. Evaluation is based on successful completion of assignments, class participation, and presentation. To receive a passing grade for the course all projects must be completed successfully.

Please note that the work will be critiqued during class time and the students are required to participate in critiques. Please have your work ready for the critiques on days mentioned in the calendar. Although much of the work could be done outside of class time, during the studio sessions students must work on their projects in class.

Projects are due on the days mentioned in the calendar. Projects not handed on time may receive a letter grade lower. Also projects can be improved and resubmitted for further evaluation on the day mentioned in the calendar. However this option is not available for the projects originally submitted late.

Attendance

This is a very "hands-on" course. There will be demonstrations on each program used in the class and It is highly advised that you attend every class as not to miss the information shown on screen.

Recommended Text

Adobe Classroom in a book serise is recommended for students who may need extra help. This will be discussed in class during the first day of class.

A book on basic HTML would be very useful

Software Manuals and reccomended websites.

Supplies

Good quality printing paper (as needed)

Storage device(s), USB drives CD's etc.

Sketch pad for drawing (approx. 11" x 8")

Plastic sleeves and a portfolio (three ring binder)

ARTT 354 Calendar


Week one Sep 4		Introduction to Photoshop, scanning. Image manipulation. First project: Three compositions.
Week two Sep 11	.	More on Photoshop and studio time.
	.	.
Week three Sep 18		Introduction to digital photography and Image manipulation Second project: Panoramic QTVR
Week four Sep 25		More on Photoshop and critique project one and two
	.	..
Week five Oct 2		Introduction to Illustrator Third project Designing the cover pages for the Catalog Project one and two due.
Week six Oct 9		More on Illustrator and studio time
	.	.
Week seven Oct 16		Introduction to InDesign Fourth project Catalog with an artist statement
Week eight Oct 23	.	More on InDesign and critique projrct one and two
	.	.
Week nine Oct 30		Introduction to Premiere Fifth project Digital movie Project three and four due.
Week ten Nov 6	.	More on Premiere and studio time
	.	.
Week eleven Nov 13		Studio time
Week Twelve Nov 20		Introduction to HTML Sixth project Designing a web site for your artwork.
	.	.
Week thirteen Nov 27		Thanksgiving
Week fourteen Dec 4		Project five due. Introduction to Dreamweaver

Week 15 Dec 11		Studio time
Week 16 Dec 18	.	Project six due. Final portfolio (Optional) is due during the last class period. It should contain all the assignments