Dr. Kaitlin Hanger
Office: Rm 154, 1535 Levante Ave.
Photo Imaging Bldg. at Studio Arts
Photo Imaging Bldg. at Studio Arts
Email: k.hanger@miami.edu
Phone: 305-646-8046
ABOUT THIS WEBSITE:
Think of this website as your ART109 "Bible." Review it before and after every class for announcements, assignment details, instructions, quiz study guides, resources, and advice for all things ART109.
THE COURSE CONTENT ON THE WEBSITE:
There are 3 Learning Modules in this course:
- Module 1, Raster Imaging with Photoshop
- Module 2, Vector Imaging with Illustrator
- Module 3, Desktop Publishing with InDesign.
The website is organized accordingly. You will thus find schedules for each of our 3 learning modules for this semester (with all the deadlines and assignment details) provided at each of the appropriately named gray page tabs under the blog banner above.
You will also note that there is a TRAINING tab. This page lists all the video tutorials you'll be required to complete for each module this semester.
The tab called TOOLS provides quick-ref guides to the Adobe Creative Suite software used in this course.
THE FAQ TAB...answers frequently asked questions about the lab, software, and the course itself. If you are working alone in the lab and experiencing a problem, you may discover the answer here.
The remaining tabs are galleries of artwork accomplished in previous semesters, provided for inspiration in upcoming assignments.
Announcements and updates (in addition to campus opportunities) are posted daily on the HOME page.
THE LEGALESE (Your Official Syllabus):
for ART 109, INTRO TO ELECTRONIC MEDIA
COURSE DESCRIPTION: ART 109 (3 credits) covers principles in
and the practice of computer proficiency and related cognitive skills
development for desktop publishing, digital imaging, and visual design.
COURSE OBJECTIVES: ART 109 is fundamental for any student who plans
to enter one of the professional fields related to digital imaging or desktop
publishing. The course provides opportunities to explore creativity and learn
powerful software applicable to professional use while exploring intelligent
cognitive approaches. The class will help you:
·
Learn basic aesthetic
assumptions behind the structural elements of digital design, including layout,
typography, digital composition, resolution, electronic formats, effective
visual messaging, and clarity
·
Gain a comfortable
working knowledge of the Macintosh platform and Adobe’s Creative Suite
(Photoshop, Illustrator, and Indesign)
·
Build your visual
communication skills through lab work, computer practice, visual assignments,
class discussion, and critiques
·
Learn to distinguish
effective communication from ineffective when using digital tools
·
Understand the current
“artisan” and creative issues surrounding new media and apply design and
rhetorical (persuasion) theories holistically to your work
·
Become familiar with
expectations for professional presentation of digital media
·
Refine your creative
problem-solving skills pertaining to digital imaging and design
REQUIRED TEXT: DESIGN FUNDAMENTALS FOR
NEW MEDIA by James Bennett (Delmar Cengage Learning, 2012) 2nd edition.
ISBN-10: 1133131131 $64 new. (Homework and reading assignments are
assigned from this text. Order online or obtain from the UM Bookstore ASAP.) STAYING
CURRENT WITH THE ASSIGNED READINGS WILL ENSURE YOU A BETTER GRASP OF THE
PROJECT EXERCISES AND ENSURE A BETTER GRADE!
OTHER RECOMMENDED TEXTS
As
with most new skills you learn in the communication professions, the mastery of
the hardware and software needed used in this course is primarily in your own
hands. The more time you spend working with the programs, the more competent
you will become. I recommend software books published by Adobe (such
as the “Classroom in a Book” packages) and Visual
Quickstart Guides as aids. You can ALSO find many such resources
online or at your local bookstore. The online resources at AdobeTV.com and
Lynda.com are highly useful:
LIST OF ONLINE RESOURCES:
- Important
Ongoing Course Information, Resources, and Announcements: http://art109miami.blogspot.com/
- Blackboard
at MyUM: You should sign in on the course blackboard site to keep track of
your grade progress.
- Adobe
Training Tutorials: http://tv.adobe.com/
- Lynda.com
Tutorials UM Student Sign-in: http://library.miami.edu/medialab/
- ADOBE
Creative Cloud User Guides http://helpx.adobe.com/creative-cloud.html
MATERIALS YOU’LL NEED IN THIS COURSE
Bring
a sketchbook (any size) to each class to use for note taking, thumb-nailing,
and brainstorming. You will also need to bring a set of working ear buds or ear
phones for listening to tutorials every day and a memory stick to back up your
projects. (Other supplies are available at Pearl Art. I recommend buying
them as needed.)
· Sketchbook (5 1/2 x 8
1/2 or larger)
· 2GB+ Memory (external
drive, approved Plug-n-Play Drive, or online space)
· a set of working ear
buds or head phones for tutorials
· Matt board, X-acto
knives and extra blades, and spray adhesive for mounting printed
projects when assigned
COURSE CONTENT
There
are 3 Learning Modules in this course:
- Module
1, Raster Imaging with Photoshop
- Module
2, Vector Imaging with Illustrator
- Module
3, Desktop Publishing with InDesign.
Announcements and updates (in addition to campus opportunities) are
posted daily on the HOME page.
Throughout the semester, each student will be responsible for
completing a number of visual presentations in the three different learning
modules (Photo/Illustrating/Design). In addition you will complete four
quizzes, seven introductory exercises completed in class, and a final project/
portfolio that includes a written self-evaluation of the work you’ve
accomplished for the term. Assignment details will be covered in
class and handouts available at the Blackboard site and on the student server
for downloading. All assignments must be completed to receive a passing
grade.
Outline of Assignments Grade
Percentage
4 Quizzes
|
8
|
7 Introductory &
Practice Exercises
|
14
|
3 Photo(shop) Assignments
1. Photo
Enhancement (5 pt.)2. Color (5 pt.)3. Composite Image (10
pt.)
|
20
|
3 Vector (Illustrator) Assmts
4. Logo
(5 pt.)5. Word Art (10 pt.)6. Illustration (10 pt.)
|
25
|
3-Desktop Publishing (Id) Assmt
7. Poster
(10 pt.) 8.Magazine
(10 pt.)9.Self-Promo(10pt.)
|
30
|
Class
Participation*
|
3
|
Total
|
100
|
*Class participation includes attendance, promptness,
preparedness, participation in class discussions, attentiveness to lectures,
teamwork, and performance on in-class work, tutorials, assigned practice
exercises, and critiques. For more detailed explanation see “Class
Participation” above.
GRADES: Scores are determined on varying point scales using
evaluation rubrics that you can access online. Your grade for each project
indicates the number of total points you have earned for the assignment (total
possible for each is listed above). All assignments together add up to 98 with
another possible 0 to 2 points added for class participation.* If you have
concerns regarding grades you receive on assignments, you must first present
your complaint to me in writing. I will review your concern and arrange to meet
with you to discuss it in a timely fashion. Unresolved problems will be
resolved following college guidelines for grade appeals policy.
ASSIGNMENT REQUIREMENTS: Presentation is everything in visual
communication. Before submitting work, ask yourself: "would I submit this
to a potential employer?" Learn professional work habits by thinking of
yourself as a pro now. If your work is refused for slipshod work or failure to
follow directions and resubmitted after the project deadline, you will be
penalized.
Written
assignments will be graded on clarity, demonstration of critical thinking
skills, competence in theoretical writing, and your illustrated knowledge of
the techniques presented in class. Any written assignments must be
typed. Email is accepted.
Visual
components of assignments will be graded on the demonstrated application of
concepts learned in class, a display of creativity, and a clear focus on
self-improvement in your work. I expect to see you making concerted attempts to
apply what you are learning about effective design, from the readings from this
class, Internet research, and from self-paced tutorials to your own visual
work. Some assignments will be submitted in electronic format, others in
printed hard copy. (Refer to the assignment details for each project in the
Learning Module handouts for more information.
Keep
a backup copy of all work turned in and SAVE OFTEN!! If you
turn in your only copy and it is “misplaced,” you will receive a failing grade
for the assignment unless I have seen you working on it in class.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: Throughout the semester I may also assign discussion
questions to you. In this case, you will typically be asked to post on
the blog or bring a written question for the class to discuss based on your own
design problems, the lecture topics, or other assigned topic.
CLASS CRITIQUES: Class critiques will be held on the day
projects are due. All students are expected to participate in these or will
sacrifice points.
EXAMS: The four quizzes cover readings, lectures,
and visual presentations and consist of multiple choice and short answer
questions. Questions will be designed to test the student's understanding of
the material covered in the textbook and in class. It is expected that each
student will respect the Honor Code and work individually on any exam. THERE
IS NO FINAL EXAM FOR THIS COURSE.
OTHER COURSE REQUIREMENTS
ATTENDANCE: Missed class periods and/or chronic lateness will
absolutely affect your final grade. You are allowed two (2) excused absences
only for the semester without suffering a grade penalty and only if
you provide appropriate documentation. (Excused absences must be discussed
with instructor a week or more in advance or, if due to illness, accompanied by
a doctor's notice. Family emergencies (involving immediate family members only
to be excused) also require documented proof. One or two absences without
documentation results in a point deduction each from your final
grade. Your third absence, whether excused or unexcused, will
drop the final grade by 3 points automatically with each subsequent absence
thereafter resulting in another (accumulative) point deduction. Do not
schedule flights, doctor appointments, appointments to get your car fixed,
vacations or other plans that conflict with this class. These are not
excusable. If you do have a conflict let me know ahead of
time. If you cannot attend the class period for a scheduled
presentation or exam, you must contact me at least one week PRIOR to your
absence by communicating with me via email in order to arrange a make-up.
Failure to do so will result in a zero on the missed assignment. Failure
to arrive on time may also be recorded as an absence.
If you do miss a class, it is your responsibility to check the course website for assignments and data missed, borrow class notes on lecture material from a fellow student, and make up any missed work. DO NOT EMAIL OR TEXT ME AND ASK WHAT YOU'VE MISSED. This is irresponsible and unprofessional behavior.
NOTE FROM THE COLLEGE ON ABSENCES FOR HOLY DAYS--The College of Arts & Sciences policy on Holy Day absences states: "It is the student's obligation to provide faculty members with notice of the dates they will be absent due to observance of religious holy days, preferably before the beginning of classes but no later than the end of the first two weeks of class. For religious holy days that fall within the first two weeks of class, students must provide faculty members with notice no later than two class days before the absence. Missing a class due to travel plans associated with a particular religious holy day does not constitute an excused absence. Absences due to observance of religious holy days that are not pre-arranged with the relevant faculty member within the first two weeks of class may be considered unexcused, and the faculty member may therefore prevent the student from making up examinations or assignments missed during the period of absence. Absence in observance of a religious holy day does not relieve students from responsibility for any part of the course work required during the period of absence. Students who are absent on days of examinations or class assignments shall be offered a reasonable opportunity to make up the work without penalty, if the student previously arranged to be absent.
PARTICIPATION: To earn the total points possible for class participation you must have consistently arrived on time, met all assignment deadlines on time, completed all lab and in-class exercises, participated verbally in class critiques, been willing to assist others, and joined enthusiastically in class discussions. Points are deducted when you fail to meet these requirements and you can continue to accumulate into the negative numbers when a zero for participation is reached. You have a mutual responsibility for shaping the classroom learning environment. Please take that role seriously. Be an active learner and an engaged listener, participate enthusiastically in discussions and in-class critiques, be prepared, offer constructive feedback on other students’ project progress, and apply what you're learning to your final work for this course. Most importantly SHOW UP & KEEP UP WITH THE READING! Share your experiences with me and your cohorts and set concrete goals for your own improvement.
ALSO, announcements are uploaded to the course website after each class. You are required to refer to the website regularly between classes for updates and changes in instructions or deadlines. Successful completion of this course requires your full attention and commitment as well as a great deal of self-directed, effective time management. I expect you to be well prepared for classes; to follow through on commitments made to me, yourself, and your fellow classmates; to read and know the details of all reading assignments and handouts; to complete your tutorials and self-training with software on time; and to be proactively self-directed.
When
you miss a quiz without making preparations to take it in advance and you don't
show up to make it up by the end of the next class period, you will receive a
zero.
PREPAREDNESS: Announcements are uploaded to the course website
after each class. You should refer to the website regularly between classes for
updates and changes in instructions or deadlines. Successful completion of this
course requires your full attention and commitment as well as a great deal of
self-directed, effective time management. I expect you to be well prepared for
classes; to follow through on commitments made to me, yourself, and your fellow
classmates; to read and know the details of all reading assignments and
handouts; to complete your tutorials and self-training with software on time;
and to be proactively self-directed. Additionally, I expect projects to be well
thought out in advance of the due dates and professionally executed when turned
in. (‘C’ assignments are often ‘A’ assignments turned in too early and not
given time for creative “incubation.” Learn to revisit and revise your work
several times before sending it in. That means getting an early start on each
step of the project!) Since deadlines for assignments are clearly marked in the
course schedule you should plan appropriately NOW for finishing them on time.
The time to be concerned about your performance in this class is at the beginning of
the term—not the end. Failure to present assignments on time will markedly
lower your grade.
DECORUM: Behavior and conduct must be consistent with university
guidelines and honor codes. In addition:
- Come
to class on time. Announcements, crucial messages, assignment details, and
lectures are made promptly at the BEGINNING of class. Because you will be
learning at your own pace, leaving early if you must be somewhere else is
much more preferred to arriving late!
- Reading
your email, newspapers, magazines, or other textbooks in class while I am
lecturing or while the class is having a discussion or critique is
inconsiderate and will affect your class participation grade. If you
insist on being rude in this way then you will receive several really mean
looks from me, and your name will be entered in “Dr.Hanger’s All-Time List
of Students Who Have Irritated Me” –a list I plan to publish one day when
I’m famous. The good news is that this may be one of your few classes where
cell phones, mp3 players, and talking are not met with scowls during
non-lecture lab work sessions. During such studio time--after lecture and
announcements are made and quizzes completed--you are often working on
your own and friendly conversation is actually welcomed.
LAB AVAILABILITY: You will inevitably need to spend some time
outside of class in the classroom working on your assignments. Sunday, evening,
and additional work hours in the lab will be posted on the bulletin boards
outside the classroom door. (The lab is closed to undergraduate students on
Saturday.) Students who wish to use the lab outside of class time are expected
to act responsibly, back up your projects, refrain from changing or moving
files that are not your own, and follow the lab rules just as you would in
class. These computers are not to be used for work other than that you must
accomplish for classes in the art department (no games, downloading music).
Students using the lab are fully and independently responsible for its safety
and for the safe and undamaged transport or storage of any files you
create.
FOOD AND DRINK ARE ABSOLUTELY NOT ALLOWED IN THE LAB AT ANY TIME. If you are acting
irresponsibly in the lab or are in the lab at the wrong time, the monitors on
duty will ask you to leave and can have Public Safety escort you out if you do
not cooperate.
READING: It is imperative that you maintain a working understanding of the
reading material, as this knowledge will guide you through class discussions,
papers, and a critical synthesis of the concepts learned in class. Without
reading the assigned texts you cannot expect to do well on the project
assignments. I expect you to read all assignments (specified in the course
schedule). The best way to tackle concepts and theories covered in the course
is through spirited discussion, argument, and collective laughter, none of
which are possible without a thorough emersion in the reading material prior to
class. Some reading material is in addition to the textbook and is
linked from the blog.
ACADEMIC HONESTY: Do your own work and correctly cite sources that
you have used in your research where appropriate. Plagiarism of assignments
will be reported to the honor code council and can result in dismissal from
class or the college. Plagiarism is the deliberate use of another’s
work as your own. This can result in a failing grade or more severe
consequences. All work for this course is expected to be completed
specifically for this course in the current term. Consult your
Student Handbook, the library’s page on plagiarism, academic dishonesty, and
documentation regarding the Honor Code for the college’s official policies.
EQUITY STATEMENT: All persons, regardless of gender, age, class,
race, religion, physical disability, sexual orientation, etc., shall have equal
opportunity without harassment in this course. Mutual respect for your fellow
students and the professor and a tolerance of diversity is demanded of all students
as well as the professor. Any problems with, or questions about harassment
can be discussed confidentially with me.
