FA 332 Introduction to Digital Media

Instructor: Harrison Higgs
Office hours: M, W 11:45 - 12:15
MMC 102N
higgs@vancouver.wsu.edu

This is a studio-based course which serves as an introduction to the digital studio. It entails learning new technical skills, as well as discovering conceptual and aesthetic concerns, while using computers to develop and produce finished works.

The main themes of this class are--
> characteristics of digital art
> composition and structure of the digital art work
> the uses of digital imaging
> sequential and non-linear relationships
> process and workflow

Technical areas include--
> resolution, scanning, file formats
> bitmap and vector art
> photomontage and transformation of the image
> presentation tools
> digital output

For software, we will mainly use Adobe Photoshop CS4 (and Adobe Dreamweaver CS4).

COURSE REQUIREMENTS

Required text:

Photoshop: Masking and Compositing by Katrin Eismann (New Riders, 2005)

Other recommended texts:

In past semesters we have used the Real World Photoshop books as it is one of the best resources for Photoshop. Peachpit Press' Visual Quickstart series is also a popular series for learning software.

Grading
assignments: 50%
exams: 25%
journal and participation: 25%

You will have roughly 4 graded assignments, and 2 exams. I may choose to tweak those numbers as each class moves at a different pace.

Assignments-- Assignments will be evaluated on craftsmanship, technical proficiency, conceptual complexity, how well you follow instructions for the assignment, apllication of course materials and readings, visual problem-solving, effort, and your overall success on the assignment. (Different assignments may emphasize one aspect over others.) Late work will be docked 3 points for each class past the deadline. If you know you're going to miss a class, get the assignment in early so that you will not be penalized.

Exams-- The examinations will test your comprehension and retention of the readings, demonstrations, lectures, discussions, and major themes of the course.

Journal and Participation:
Participation does not mean simply to meet the minimum requirements; instead it is an honest effort to engage with course materials and develop as a scholar. The largest share of your participation grade will come from class discussions and from your electronic journal. The journal is a place to base your investigations, outline your ideas, notes, images of inspiration, etc. This collecting and organizing of resources will be self-driven, so it is up to you to prove your engagement and level of scholarship. I will be giving you a few directed assignments for the journal as well, but the bulk will be of your own design. The electronic journal will be collected and graded twice. What I am trying to assess is how involved you are with your work, evidence of reflective thinking, problem solving, and appreciation of process. One deficiency I often see in these journals is-- only describing what you did on an assignment, without a critical analysis of strengths and weaknesses of the work. Another one is that you will have a good idea, but then no follow through.

Attendance-- We all have families, jobs, medical appointments, and unforeseen emergencies. It is none of my business why you need to miss an occasional class or arrive late (or leave early), so do not report to me your schedule conflicts. Set your own priorities and live with the consequences of your decisions.

You are allowed four absences without penalty. For each absence beyond that, your final grade will be lowered 3 points. If you frequently arrive late or leave early, this too will count against your final grade. If you miss more than twenty minutes of a class period, it's considered an absence.

We will use the standard grading scale.
A ..... 93-100
A- .... 90-92
B+ ... 87-89
B ..... 83-86
B- .... 80-82
C+ ... 77-79
C ..... 73-76
C- .... 70-72
D+ ... 67-69
D ..... 63-66
D- .... 60-62
F ...... below 60

Supplies

The most convenient way to transport digital files from one location to another is flash memory, also known as a "thumb" drive, jump drive, or keychain storage. These are miniature USB drives that hold roughly between 32 MB - 2 GB.

Computers do occasionally break down. A handful of CD-R discs for archiving or backing up your work may be useful as well, but not required. You may not store work on the network drive, which is to be used only for turning in assignments, and for shuttling files around when flash memory is less convenient. Keep the network drive clean and lean.

The lab fee primarily helps to defray the cost of software upgrades, but also for consumables such as ink and paper for the inkjet printers, for the laserprinter, cutting blades (the studio's knives and paper cutters), and other miscellaneous supplies.

Class website
http://www.vancouver.wsu.edu/fac/higgs/cl/fa332/
(This is also linked from my faculty homepage.) I will use this space to update the class calendar, distribute assignments, post online resources and visual aids, and for occasional announcements. You can be sure that I will make updates to the online calendar, so check it weekly.

Note-- You should be putting in roughly five hours (or more) per week outside of class practicing your skills and refining your work. It's a lot like practicing a musical instrument; you cannot expect to get good if you don't practice. So practice, practice, practice...

Your attention please!
Cell Phone ringers turned off during class and no text messaging. Also, no ipods during class time.