Syllabus - Computer Methods Art 3385 - 301 & 302
Adobe Illustrator • Adobe Photoshop
Course Description
Technical aspects of raster graphics and vector drawing will be
stressed. Use of digital peripherals to capture and construct images,
file integration and digital production will be introduced.
Course Purpose
This course is designed to provide a basic understanding of Adobe
Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop. You will gain a working knowledge
in basic technologies needed to produce quality work. The knowledge
gained will continue to develop as you follow a series of carefully
sequenced courses outlined in your major. You will develop the
necessary skills needed before entering conceptual, problem solving,
product-based design courses.
The first part of the class will cover basic functions of the Mac,
software and basic layout skills. All course work will utilize the
computer. As the class progresses you will be introduced to basic
production techniques and program integration. Production,
file integration and certain digital peripherals will be explored at
appropriate times throughout the learning process. Both Illustrator
and Photoshop have very specific functions and uses. Illustrator is
a vector based drawing program and Photoshop is a pixel based
photographic [raster] based program.
Course Structure
The course is structured around a sequence of short sections and
exercises. Each section will include an introduction, an in-depth
demonstration followed by student exercises, individual assistance (if
needed), and a review of information covered.
Expected Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, students should be able to:
• Demonstrate, identify and describe the differences between
Illustrator and Photoshop
• Demonstrate a working knowledge in Illustrator and
Photoshop
• Demonstrate a working knowledge in basic production
and the use of file integration (when to use + how to use)
• Demonstrate a working knowledge in digital
peripherals such as a scanner
Methods of Assessing the Expected
Learning Outcomes for this Course
Expected Learning Outcomes for this course will be assessed through
in class exercises, assignments, lab tests and notebook checks.
Facilities
Students have access to the lab as posted by the lab manager. The lab
provides 8.5”x11” and 11”x17” paper. Students are required to provide
their own specialty papers such as large format paper, glossy paper, etc.
There are digital cameras available in the lab that may be checked
out to any School of Art student currently enrolled. (Excludes Nikon
950 camera.) You should not have to purchase any additional printing
supplies for this class that have not been provided with the exception
of what was stated above.
Instructor: Cobey Shaver
4114 Avenue Q
daytime phone: 792.5141
cobey@kgcomm.com
Grades
Grades will be based on the following factors: ability to follow
instructions, accuracy, meeting deadlines and presentation
(craftsmanship).
Assignments Point System
Illustrator Assignment #1......................1
Illustrator Assignment #2......................1
Illustrator Assignment #3......................1
Illustrator Assignment #4......................1
Illustrator Assignment #5......................1
Illustrator Assignment #6......................1
Illustrator Assignment #7......................1
Illustrator Final Project ........................4
Ill Notebook Check #1..........................2
Photoshop Assignment #1...................1
Photoshop Assignment #2...................1
Photoshop Assignment #3...................1
Photoshop Assignment #4...................1
Photoshop Assignment #5...................1
Photoshop Assignment #6...................1
Photoshop Final Project ......................4
PS Notebook Check #2........................2
Illustrator Lab Test*............................12
Photoshop Lab Test*..........................13
Total Grades.......................................50
All 30 grades will be averaged for one final grade.
The scoring system is as follows:
90-100.........................................................A
80-89.......................................................... B
70-79.......................................................... C
60-69.......................................................... D
59-below......................................................F
Attendance plays an important role in determining the final grade.
Please see the attendance policy statement that relates to this on the
following page.
YOU MUST PASS THE LAB TESTS AT THE END OF EACH
SECTION (Illustrator and Photoshop) IN ORDER TO PASS
THIS CLASS.
Final Notebooks must have all assignment sheets, project sheets and
handouts as well as all class notes to be accepted.
Attendance
The student is allowed two [2] absences (which includes a doctors
visit, car trouble, illness, etc.). Upon the third [3] absence, the
students final semester grade will be lowered by one letter grade.
Upon the fourth [4th] absence the student WILL AUTOMATICALLY
FAIL THIS COURSE. This is a Communication Design program
policy and is not negotiable.
The following will be considered excused absences. Absence due
to officially approved trips states that the person responsible for a
student missing class due to a trip should notify the instructor of the
departure and return schedule in advance of the trip. The student
may not be penalized and is responsible for the material missed [see
pg 48 of the student catalog].
Absence due to religious observances states that a student who is
absent from classes for the observance of a religious holy day will be
allowed to take an examination or complete an assignment scheduled
for that day within a reasonable time after the absence.
Tardiness
If a student comes to class after the class has begun, the student
is considered tardy. It is the responsibility of the student to sign-in.
Details will be discussed in class. If a student is ten [10] minutes late
or more, they will automatically be considered absent. Four [4] tardies
(less than 10 minutes each) will be considered one [1] absence, six [6]
tardies will be considered two [2] absences, and so on.
Due Dates a safe academic and working environment for students, staff and
The student is responsible for turning in all assignments regardless of
absence. No late assignments will be accepted. No discussion. If a
student is absent when an assignment or project is given, upon their
return the student will be given additional time equivalent to the time
missed. (i.e. one absence = one additional class day to make up the
assignment.)
Long term assignments, those assigned and developed over
multiple class meetings (2 or more) are due at the assigned due date
regardless of absence. Late work will not be accepted. There are
no redos of any assignments. Graded assignments will be returned
to students in a reasonable amount of time. Any problems a student
has had with the assignment can be discussed with the instructor,
however the student may not resubmit the project for a higher grade.
Students MUST keep their digital files until their graded assignments
are returned by the instructor. If there is a question about a grade,
the instructor will ask to see the digital files. No grade questions or
technical problems can be resolved if the student does not make the
digital files available.
Civility
Students are expected to assist in maintaining the classroom
environment which is conducive to learning. In order to assure that
all students have an opportunity to gain from time spent in class,
unless otherwise approved from the instructor, students are prohibited
from websurfing, checking email, shopping, using cell phones,
pagers or texting devices, making offensive remarks, reading outside
material, sleeping or engaging in any other forms of distracting or
inappropriate behavior. Inappropriate behavior in the classroom shall
result in, minimally, a request to leave the class. Disrespect to the
instructor or fellow student will not be tolerated.
All students will remain in the classroom until they are dismissed by
the instructor. If a student leaves without instructor permission they
will be considered absent for that class.
The aim of the faculty of Texas Tech University is to foster a spirit of
complete honesty and a high standard of academic integrity. Any
student attempting to present work as their own which they have not
honestly performed is regarded by the faculty and administration
as a serious offense. Serious consequences, including possible
suspension, will follow any act of plagiarism, deception about origin
or creator of work, or copyright infringement. Many assignments will
be worked on by multiple students. Each student is responsible for
his/her own work.
ADA
Any student who, because of a disability, may require special
arrangements in order to meet the course requirements should
contact the instructor as soon as possible to make any necessary
arrangements. Students should present appropriate verification
from Student Disability Services during the instructor’s office hours.
Please note instructors are not allowed to provide classroom
accommodations to a student until appropriate verification from
Student Disability Services has been provided. For additional
information, you may contact the Student Disability Services office in
335 West Hall or 806-742-2405.
Safety
The School of Art will endeavor to comply with the intent of state laws
or acts and the University Health and Safety Program to maintain
faculty.
Supplies
• MANDITORY REQUIREMENT - Laptop (MUST HAVE THE FIRST
DAY OF CLASS)
• One 2” 3-Ring Binder for notes, handouts and projects.
• A USB powered jump or flash drive OR some other form of digital
storage device (iPod, external hard drive, etc.).
• Notebook paper for notetaking. These notes will be added to your
binder and turned in at the end of each section.
• Other supplies such as pens, pencils, etc. as needed.
• Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop CS5 versions of “Classroom
In A Book” (ISBN numbers are as follows: ISBN: 032170178X for
Illustrator, ISBN: 0321701763 for Photoshop).
A blog will be kept by the instructor as a supportive tool. Assignment
sheets and additional notes will be included in the blog:
cshaver.wordpress.com
Office Hours
Any student that needs to speak with me outside of class can set
up an appointment by contacting me at 792-5141 between 8:30am
and 5:00pm weekdays. My office is located off campus at King and
Gibson Advertising, 4114 Avenue Q. I will be in the computer lab
Mondays and Wednesdays 3-9 during classes. The easiest way to
reach me is via email at cobey@kgcomm.com during my office hours.
Class Rules
• DO NOT websurf, online shop or otherwise engage in distracting
activities online during class.
• DO NOT CHEAT, PLAGIARIZE OR COPY OTHERS WORK.
• Work will be done in class for this class only, unless given
permission to work on outside projects by instructor.
• SILENCE YOUR CELL PHONE. Phones must be turned off or set
to silent during class. NO TEXTING during class. During breaks,
missed phone calls may be returned.