Description
Discussion, studio work, and critiques emphasizing the origination of visual form which effectively addresses the visual communication needs within a given social and cultural context. Introductory-level instruction in vector graphics construction and a continuation and review of bitmap editing techniques.
Course Objectives
• Produce computer artwork which effectively resolves given challenges in design and visual communication.
• Practical experience in basic vector drawing tools and techniques including basic keyboard commands and a demonstrated appreciation for efficient and logical file construction; gain practical introductory experience
in the basic tools and techniques of raster editing.
• Working vocabulary of visual, print and typographic terms.
• Develop design and artistic sensibilities; become increasingly articulate in discussion about design and visual communication.
• Increase awareness of professional practice in graphic design for print.
• Gain an introductory-level awareness of the uses and misuses of typography; demonstrate accompanying applied design and layout skills.
Attendance
More than three unexcused absences, repeated tardiness and/or partial attendance will result in a grade reduction. Professional courtesy suggests informing me if you will be absent, if possible. Email or phone message to my office is always welcome. An excused absence requires a doctor’s note, a college or university excusal form, or a department designated event.
Computing & Lab
You will be spending a the majority of your worktime for this course at a computer, both in and outside of class. We will do projects utilizing the applications Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign. Finished design projects will usually be turned in as a computer file, though some projects will be printed. The common directory for the class is for you to turn in work when finished, as well as serve as a respository for work in progress. You are required to maintain an archive of all the assignments you have done throughout the semester
for inclusion in a final portfolio that will be turned in at the end of the course. It is your responsibility to maintain your own file archive, and you are solely responsible to take any and all appropriate precautions to assure all files needed for class are available until the end of the semester. There will be no extensions or incompletes granted for lost or damaged files. I strongly reccommend that you make multiple copies of important
work, that you save often, and have more than one location for your documents.
Please familiarize yourself with rules governing the use of computers and labs at UNLV. Policies are posted at http://oit.unlv.edu/labs-classrooms/lab-rules.
Academic Misconduct –Academic integrity is a legitimate concern for every member of the campus community;all share in upholding the fundamental values of honesty, trust, respect, fairness, responsibility and professionalism. By choosing to join the UNLV community, students accept the expectations of the Academic Misconduct Policy and are encouraged when faced with choices to always take the ethical path. Students enrolling in UNLV assume the obligation to conduct themselves in a manner compatible with UNLV’s function as an educational institution. An example of academic misconduct is plagiarism. Plagiarism is using the words or ideas of another, from the Internet or any source, without proper citation of the sources. See the Student Academic Misconduct Policy (approved December 9, 2005) located at: http://studentconduct.unlv.edu/misconduct/policy.html
Copyright –The University requires all members of the University Community to familiarize themselves and to follow copyright and fair use requirements. You are individually and solely responsible for violations of copyright and fair use laws. The university will neither protect nor defend you nor assume any responsibility for employee or student violations of fair use laws. Violations of copyright laws could subject you to federal and state civil penalties and criminal liability, as well as disciplinary action under University policies. Additional
information can be found at: http://provost.unlv.edu/copyright
Disability Resource Center (DRC) – The Disability Resource Center (DRC) determines accommodations that are “reasonable” in promoting the equal access of a student reporting a disability to the general UNLV learning
experience. In so doing, the DRC also balances instructor and departmental interests in maintaining curricular standards so as to best achieve a fair evaluation standard amongst students being assisted. In order for the DRC to be effective it must be considered in the dialog between the faculty and the student who is requesting accommodations. For this reason faculty should only provide students course adjustment after having received this “Academic Accommodation Plan.” If faculty members have any questions regarding the DRC, they should call a DRC counselor. UNLV complies with the provisions set forth in Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. The DRC is located in the Student Services Complex (SSC-A), Room 143, phone (702) 895-0866, fax (702) 895-0651. For additional information, please visit: HYPERLINK “http://drc.unlv.edu/” http://drc.unlv.edu/.
Religious Holidays Policy – Any student missing class quizzes, examinations, or any other class or lab work because of observance of religious holidays shall be given an opportunity during that semester to make up missed work. The make-up will apply to the religious holiday absence only. It shall be the responsibility of the student to notify the instructor no later than the last day of late registration of his or her intention to participate
in religious holidays which do not fall on state holidays or periods of class recess. This policy shall not apply in the event that administering the test or examination at an alternate time would impose an undue hardship on the instructor or the university which could have been avoided. For additional information, please visit: http://catalog.unlv.edu/content.
Tutoring – The Academic Success Center (ASC) provides tutoring and academic assistance for all UNLV students
taking UNLV courses. Students are encouraged to stop by the ASC to learn more about subjects offered, tutoring times and other academic resources. The ASC is located across from the Student Services Complex, #22 on the current UNLV map. Students may learn more about tutoring services by calling (702) 895-3177 or visiting the tutoring web site at: http://academicsuccess.unlv.edu/tutoring/.
UNLV Writing Center –One-on-one or small group assistance with writing is available free of charge to UNLV students at the Writing Center, located in CDC-3-301. Although walk-in consultations are sometimes available,
students with appointments will receive priority assistance. Appointments may be made in person or by calling 895-3908. The student’s Rebel ID Card, a copy of the assignment (if possible), and two copies of any writing to be reviewed are requested for the consultation. More information can be found at: http://writingcenter.unlv.edu.
Rebelmail – By policy, faculty and staff should e-mail students’ Rebelmail accounts only. Rebelmail is UNLV’s Official e-mail system for students. It is one of the primary ways students receive official university communication
such as information about deadlines, major campus events, and announcements. All UNLV students receive a Rebelmail account after they have been admitted to the university. Students’ e-mail prefixes are listed on class rosters. The suffix is always @unlv.nevada.edu.
Grading –Your grade will be determined primarily by the design quality, technical refinement, and timeliness of the artwork you bring to critique. Point breakdowns for individual projects will be provided at the time of assignment. Other factors which will influence your grade are your participation in and contribution to class discussion and critiques and evidence of your extending your design skills and artistic sensibilities. Some examples of this would be multiple explorations of a set problem in your backup files for a project, the quality of work done for in-class exercises, research for given projects and subjects.Certain circumstances may warrant due date extensions. Speak to me ahead of time so that we can reschedule
your work accordingly. You may rework most projects after critique. If the original version was complete and turned in on time, I will consider improvements for potential grade alterations on a case-by-case basis. Assignments turned in late–this includes projects turned in after the start of critique–will be subject to point deductions of 20%.
Materials
portable external drive or USB thumb drive.
Sketchbook/notebook for developing design ideas and taking notes
Assorted traditional art materials for drawing/creating textures
Access to a camera and means to transfer image files. Digital SLR preferred.
Classroom lectures may not be recorded.
GRADING
A = Excellent Work of exceptional quality
Technical/Craft: has mastered technical skills and uses them to support and enhance artistic expression.
Visual/Creative: Images show imagination and exploration of the artist, original thinking and seeing
Research: Insightful or unique visual solutions, novel application of techniques, evidence of systematic development and visual research. Rigorous honing of final solution.
Time/Ambition: has set high standards for self and takes appropriate steps to attain them, participates and contributes to class discussions and understanding of materials
B = Above average, strong work
Technical/Craft–technically competent, file construction organized, accessible and “clean.”
Visual/Creative–Images show evidence of effort and thought in assignments.
Research: Evidence of and application of systematic visual research.
Time/Ambition–puts forth effort towards growth, participates in class
C = Average Good work
Technical/Craft–technically adequate
Visual/Creative–images of typical subjects with some thought
Time/Ambition–minimal concern or effort towards growth, attends classes and labs
D = Below average Poor Work
Technical/Craft–technically poor
Visual/Creative–typical subjects with little thought.
Time/Ambition–no evidence to show concern for growth
F = Poor Work is incomplete or of very poor quality
Technical/Craft–No effort to gain technical control of the medium
Visual/Creative–goes through the motions
Time/Ambition–regularly misses class and lab |
