Course Syllabus

ART 186, Computer Graphics/Adobe Illustrator, Fall 2021
This is an online class. There will be live Zoom class sessions on Tuesdays from 1:30pm-2:30pm. Students who can not attend at that time will be required to watch the session video recording. I will not be videoing every class, just the important ones.
Teacher: Jerry Jankowski / jjankowski@cerritos.edu
Office Hours via Zoom are available by appointment. Request appointments by email.

Class Description with a note on online instruction

There are pluses and minuses to online learning. The big plus is how flexible the class is if you have a job and can't make the classes in person. With recorded Zoom meetings, videos and information organized on Canvas, it's all there to learn from. The key is you have to LOOK at the videos and READ the emails that I send.

You must participate in the class one way of the other. If you don't want to do the work, don't want to read the emails or don't want to view the videos, then you should not be taking this class or any other online class. You have to work in this class if you want a good grade. Students who are behind three class projects in a row get dropped. No excuses. You have to set aside the time and be motivated to learn to be in this class. If you are a few days late on a project up until mid-semester, you will not be graded down. After mid-semester, I start taking off points from your project. Pls email me if you have any questions.

1. A computer that can run Adobe software. System requirements are here: https://helpx.adobe.com/creative-cloud/system-requirements.html
2. Adobe Creative Cloud Subscription. Best student price here: https://foundationccc.org/CollegeBuys
   
3. A High speed Internet connection.
4. Textbook is NOT REQUIRED, but is optional for more advanced learning.
   

• Adobe Illustrator CC Classroom in a Book (2020 release). Author: Brian Wood. 
• Publisher: Peachpit Press
  ISBN: 978-0-13-641267-0
• (Used copies should be available) Also available as an ebook for mobile devices.

Student Learning Outcomes

1. Demonstrate knowledge of computer graphics terminology and formats.
2. Produce three original vector illustration designs.
3. Demonstrate knowledge of computer graphics color modes and systems.
4. Demonstrate vector drawing skills using the Pen Tool and the Object Tools.

Class Outline

• Digital graphics applications and systems overview
• Computer graphics concepts and terminology
• Color theory and terminology
• Applying the principles of art and design to creative projects.
• Image research / finding visual sources for original work.
• Abstraction and creative interpretation of photographic sources.
• Intellectual property rights and responsibilities

Canvas and turning in your work

• You can access Canvas from any computer with an Internet connection. There is also a Canvas Mobile app.
• Lessons and assignments will be turned in to Canvas.
• Quizzes will be online on Canvas.
• Important Email communications will be sent to the email address listed on your Canvas Account.
• Once you create a Canvas account, edit the NOTIFICATION settings in your account.

Your files and folders must be titled correctly to receive credit.

• File naming instructions will be given in each assignment.
• Use your Canvas Account File Folder, Google Docs or a DROPBOX account as a back-up.
• Back up your unfinished lessons and other files to an online cloud service at the end of each class.

Supplementary Resources for ART 186

Instructional Methods

• Instructions, lecture slides and how-to videos posted on Canvas.
• Hands-on tutorials in the textbook
• Individual help
• Creative projects
• Canvas Discussions and critique.
• Each student is responsible for all materials posted on Canvas. 

Evaluation

Textbook Lessons and Creative Projects will be evaluated in the following areas;

• Following directions (completing the requirements of the project)
• Accuracy (meeting the objectives of the project)
• Design quality (creative concept, originality, aesthetics)
• Presentation (files named and formatted correctly and uploaded to the Canvas Assignment).
  

Late work may be not be accepted. Plan ahead!

Grades are on a point system, letter equivalents are listed below.

• 100–95%  A+ Professional quality
• 94–90%    A Excellent work. Original design and fine craftsmanship
• 89–85%    B+ Very good work, well above the average produced by students at this level
• 84–80%    B Good work, above the average produced by students at this level
• 79–75%    C+ Competent work that fulfills the requirements with distinction
• 74–70%    C Competent work that fulfills the requirements of the assignment
• 69–65%    D+ Work that partially meets the requirements of the assignment
• 64–60%    D Work needing significant improvement to meet minimum requirements
• 59–0%    Failing Work that fails to meet the requirements of the assignment

Student Expectations

• Students should spend 1-2 hours per week accessing information and watching videos posted on Canvas
• Students should spend 4-5 hours per week working with Adobe Illustrator to complete textbook lessons and creative projects.
• Check Canvas Announcements and Modules several time each week
  
• Setup NOTIFICATIONS  for due dates and grading in your Canvas Account.
• Maintain professional standards of online speech and conduct.
• If you are having a problem with an assignment, talk to the instructor, she will do her best to help you.
• As a reminder, students will learn a beginning to intermediate level of software skills. This is not an advanced Adobe Illustrator class.

Need for Assistance

If you have any condition, such as a physical or learning disability, which will make it difficult for you to carry out the work as outlined, access services here: https://www.cerritos.edu/sas/

If you will require academic accommodations, please notify the teacher within the first week of class. 

Ethics

This is a pre-professional program committed to upholding the highest standards of professional behavior. Everyone is encouraged to bring their ethical questions to the class for group discussion. Deception, plagiarism, dishonesty or any form of cheating are not acceptable. Representing the work or ideas of another as one’s own is plagiarism. For information on Cerritos College Academic Honesty policies,  refer to the Cerritos College Student Handbook.