ART216 Digital Art & Design II                         Spring 2009

Hartwick College

Department of Art & Art History

Spring 2009

 

Asst. Professor:          Joseph Von Stengel

Art 216:                       Digital Art and Design II

Day/Time:                    MON/WED 1:50pm-4:55pm

Location:                     Anderson 129

 

Office Hrs:                   M 12:00pm-1:50pm, T 12:15pm-1:00pm,

W 12:30pm-1:50pm, TH 12:15pm-2:00pm

or by appt

Office:                          Anderson 30

Email:                          vonstengelj@hartwick.edu

Phone:                         ext. 4912

                                                Web:                            www.hartwickdigital.com

                                                Blog:                            art-216.blogspot.com

 

 

 

Course Overview

Digital Art & Design 2 is an intermediate course in digital media with an emphasis on the printed image as a vehicle for creative expression. Visual issues covered in assignments will include composition, subject matter, design and context. Theoretical discussion will consider truth vs perception, individual vs corporate view, politics and media ethics, image history and the creation of reality, along with copyright issues. This course will investigate the mass proliferation of images in western, consumer culture and reprocess that information into art. Students will explore how these images are created, reasons for their creation, and the functions they serve. Students will appropriate, capture and create images through digital processes involving the use of scanners, digital cameras, and industry standard image manipulation software including Adobe Photoshop & Macromedia* Flash. This course will encourage hands-on investigation into the techniques used for the manipulation of images and how these manipulated images affect and construct our every day realities. Projects include book making, product creation, stencil tagging & image manipulation.

 

 

Please note: this course is not just about making you proficient with the tools of the applications. While this is inarguably important, our efforts will transcend the tool to reveal the greater meaning of digital media and its place in modern society. To this ends we will consider the computer just a tool, (one of many) not a means to an end. We will also discuss the issues of working in a discipline tied to technology and the reality of creating in a medium under constant change. We will focus on 'seeing'. We will consider content and context, and of course technique.

 

In Class time: Will involve a combination of application demoÕs and technical instruction, one on one help, lectures on pertinent issues within the medium, work time for projects, and critiques of projects.

 

Outside Class time: in addition to projects, will involve exercises and tutorials, independent research, and some reading and writing.

 

 

Technical Objective

Students will learn design and image creation concepts for print based media. Students will also be introduced to industry standard software including Adobe Photoshop and Macromedia* Flash along with developing creative & critical thinking skills concerning image & design in contemporary society.

 

 

Supplies

1 GB USB flash drive. Test 2/18/08 if you do not have a drive you loose 5 points

 

 

Recommended Texts (not required)

á       Photoshop 7 Visual QuickStart Guide for Windows & Macintosh.

á       Flash MX Visual Quickstart Guide for Windows & Macintosh.

* Most resources can be found on or linked to from the class blog: art-216.blogspot.com

 

Expectations

á       During class time, students are expected to engage in meaningful classroom participation.

á       Each student is expected to complete all projects, exercises, in-class exercises and required readings.  Details of the various assignments will be discussed in class.

á       Students are required to keep a Flickr account during the semester (details will be discussed in class.) Your Flickr site will be checked regularly and is factored into your grade.

 

 

Turning in Projects

á       Projects are due at the beginning of class on the scheduled critique day.  For projects that involve multiple images: each image that is not completed or turned in will lower the overall project grade by one letter grade.

á       Late projects are due exactly one week from the critique date. Projects will not be accepted after the late date and will be assessed based on the images turned in for critique.

 

 

Critiques

á       If you are late or miss a regular critique, the project for that critique will be lowered by one letter grade.

á       Attendance at the Final critique is mandatory. Missing the final critique will result in an ÒFÓ for the Final Project. NO late Final Projects will be accepted!

 

 

Grading

10%     Participation (in-class and online)

80%     Projects

5%       Flickr

5%       Flash drive Test

 

 

Grades are determind through the following Rubric:Craftsmanship, Aesthetic, Consideration, Effort & Directions

 

Craftsmanship - the quality and skill used in the creation and a presentation of your finished projects

Aesthetic - the visual appearance of the content of your finished project. Your images aesthetic quality, composition and the images content.

Consideration - this is the area that looks at the depth of your project. how does what you created function in society, what does it say (or not say)?

Effort - Did you try or not? If this comes easy to you then you really need to work hard to show effort.

Directions - all projects have specific directions on how to name files and when projects are due. following the directions makes it easier or me to work with and review your files. all projects are expected done on the due date.

 

 

 

100-92 A = You tried very hard, handed in all the projects and assignments on time and created excellent work.

91-83   B = You tried hard and handed in all the projects and assignments on time and created great work.

82-74   C = You tried, handed in most of the projects & assignments on time and created good work.

73-65   D = You barely tried, handed in most of the projects & assignments and created good work.

64-0     F = You really didnÕt try and didnÕt hand in much work.

 

 

Lab Policy

á       No Food and Drink (except designated area). Violation will result in the loss of lab privileges.

á       Students may not install/uninstall software of any type or reconfigure hardware without the permission of the professor.

á       Report computer problems to the lab assistant or professor with detailed information as to which computer and a descriptive explanation of the issue.

á       There will be open lab hours for student use through out the semester.

 

 

Attendance

á       Attendance is mandatory (with three get out of jail free cards).

á       In the case of an excused absence, such as, religious holidays or medical reasons, the student must notify the instructor prior to the missed class, if possible. In the case of a medical situation, the student may provide a doctorÕs note after the fact.

á       In the case of unexcused absences, the first three will result in no penalty. Each absence after the third will automatically lower the studentÕs grade one half of a letter grade.

 

 

Accommodations

If you are a student with a documented disability who will require academic accommodations in this course, please meet with Patty Jacobsen, Coordinator of Disability Services, Yager 504 or call 431-4546 or 431-4435 to make an appointment.