Instructor: Barbara Allie

SAN JOSE STATE UNVERSITY Dept of Design

Corse: DIGITAL APPLICATION BASICS (DSGD 83 –Section 4)

Email: barbaraallie@gmail.com
Prerequisite: Art 012, Art 024

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This is a fundamental course using features and functions inherent within Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, and InDesign. Combining theoretical elements and practical experience in the use of these powerful digital programs. Students will explore the various functions inherent within each program. The content of this class will also include basic design principles and also color theory. This knowledge base should help to prepare students for more advanced classes in graphic design and other design fields.

CLASS PROJECTS:
Each class will begin with lecture, demonstration, discussion, or any combination of the forgoing. There will be at least one project assigned each week.

THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW!
It is very simple. I expect all of you to be respectful of myself, of your peers and of the learning environment and to take responsibility for your own actions and behaviors. Any behavior that interferes with either (1) my ability to conduct the class or (2) the ability of other students (or yourself) to profit from the instructional program will not be tolerated.
This includes:

• Arriving late to class.
  
• Disruptive entrances and exits during lecture, if you must leave early, or arrive
  late, do so quietly.
  
• Sleeping during class. Stay at home if you want to nap, it’s more comfortable.
  
• Carrying on personal conversations while I am lecturing.
  
• Not turning off cell phones while in class.
  
• Text messaging and reading newspapers during lecture.
  Other important information:
  

• I do not give extra credit. Don’t ask.
  
• I reserve the right to make changes to my syllabus at any time.

• It is the responsibility of the student to attend class and keep informed on any changes or new information given during lecture.
  
• I will not give you my lecture notes if you miss class, ask a peer.
  
• If you miss an exam, quiz or other assignment, and you have a valid excuse, you
  must take the time to come and speak with me IN PERSON. You must bring proof of your valid excuse with you or I will not even consider your request to make up the missed work. I will not respond to emails regarding missed due dates.
  
• It is the responsibility of the student to drop classes; I will not drop you after the first week of class. If you decide you do not want to take this class and fail to drop, you will receive a grade of WU at the end of the semester. This grade is the same as an F, but worse because it makes you appear irresponsible.
  * Please take responsibility for your failures and mistakes as well as your successes by not making excuses.
  COURSE OBJECTIVES
  

1. Learn basic design principles.
   
2. Demonstrate an understanding of the terminology, tools, and techniques used in
   graphic design production using.
   
3. Explain basic concepts function and features when using computer software.
   
4. Plan and produce effective computer graphics.
   
5. Create basic computer graphic projects to demonstrate software knowledge.
   
6. Describe cross platform issues and techniques and file formats for PC and Mac.
   

STUDENET LEARNING OBJECTIVES
On successful completion of this course students should be able to:

• Compare and understand differences in graphic software packages
  
• Know basic features and functions of each software package.
  
• Articulate the basic terms used by designers
  
• Have a working knowledge of shortcut keys
  REQUIRED COURSE MATERIALS
  

• Lynda.com (This is about $25.00 a month)
  
• Two (2) digital storage devices
  
• One-inch black binder and plastic page protectors.
  
• YOU MUST HAVE A LAPTOP AND ADOBE CS SOFTWARE
  Costs of laptops vary and may range from $1,000.00 and up.
  Software may cost about $400.00 for the complete Set
  (Check with www.creationengine.com for prices or the SJSU Bookstore
  There are no required textbooks, however, students are required to sign up for Lynda.com (This is about $25.00 a month)
  METHODS OF EVALUATION
  

•   Student’s ability to solve computer graphic problems
  
•   Projects that demonstrate an understanding of various elements and principles of software skills; as well as, basic design principles.
  

•   Student’s command of basic features and functions in the different application software programs
  
•   Portfolio of all course work.
   Demonstrating growth! Are you improving and developing new ideas and
  skills?
  
•   Final project of accumulated skills.
  
•   Failure to submit assignments or late submissions
  
  •   Effort, neatness, professional appearance, working diligently and with
    focus
    
  •   Punctuality and handing in all required work on time.
    
  •   Class participation: sharing ideas in class discussions and critiques, alertness, following instructions, being respectful and cooperative in the classroom
    
•   Points will be deducted if you fail to bring required items to class. Point system:
  1,000 possible points
  Knowledge of software features = 150 points
  Class Projects= 500 points
  Final Project= 200 points
  Test = 100 points (the tests may be written or special drawing assignments)
  Class participation = 50 points
  GRADING
  Your earned grade will depend on the effort you put into class participation, assignments, quizzes, and your final project. Assignments are due at the beginning of class on the designated date. All written work must be typed, and proofread before it is submitted.
  

1000 points – 800 = A 800 points–600=B 600 points–500=C 500 points–400=D 400 points–200=F
BACKUPS
It is the student's responsibility to backup and save all work. If unable to attend class, it is your responsibility to get the missing assignments from peers.

FINAL PROJECT (It is mandatory that you be in attendance during the final day – no exceptions)
Students are to present examples of their assignments created during the semester in class. I will discuss this in more detail as the final draws near. If you are unable to make a final presentation you will have the option to turn in a six page term paper on a topic approved by instructor several weeks ahead of due date.
QUIZZES
The quizzes will cover material presented in lectures, readings, online materials, and class activities. Quiz dates will be announced one week in advance.
CLASS PARTICIPATION
Participation grades will be determined by 1) the quality and quantity of class exercises and course activities completed and 2) participation in class.
Additional descriptive material and course content will be presented as the courses proceeds. Please feel free to contact instructor about all concerns related to this class. Should you want to talk on a one on one basis please email instructor with your questions.
UNIVERSITY POLICIES;
A. Academic Integrity Statement
“Your own commitment to learning, as evidenced by your enrollment at San Jose State University, and the University’s Integrity Policy, require you to be honest in all your academic course work. Faculty members are required to report all infractions to the office of Judicial Affairs. The policy on academic integrity can be found at:
http://sa.sjsu.edu/judicial_affairs/index.html
B. Campus policy in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act
“If you need course adaptations or accommodations because of a disability, or if you need special arrangements in case the building must be evacuated, please make an appointment with me as soon as possible, or see me during office hours. Presidential Directive 97-03 requires that students with disabilities register with the DRC to establish a record of their disability.”
College and Departmental Policies
A. You are responsible for understanding the policies and procedures about add/drops, academic renewal, withdrawals, incompletes, classroom behavior, and other policies described in the catalog. Please read your catalog thoroughly.
B. Students are not permitted to work together on Design Projects or Homework.
C. Your library liaison is Bernie Book. Mr. Book can give you guidance about how to find primary references for your paper and can guide you to useful information on the Martin Luther King Library website.

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15 Week

Assignment Due

D. We will review the evacuation plan for this classroom during the first class meeting. If you missed the first meeting, please see me about the evacuation plan.
E. My office hours are for you. Please do not hesitate to come in and ask for help. I will hold group review sessions during my Tuesday 1:30 to 2:30 office hour.