Description:

This course is an introduction to the use of the computer as a medium for making fine art. The course will emphasize developing the student's skill in making expressive visual statements using computer technology. 6 hrs./wk.

Supplies: Refer to the instructor's course syllabus for details about any supplies that may be required.

Prerequisites: NONE

Textbook(s): For information see - http://bookstore.jccc.net

Course Fees: NONE

Course Objectives:

Upon successful completion of this course the student should be able to:

1. Recognize and demonstrate safe lab procedures.
2. Define and demonstrate the use of basic computer hardware.
3. Describe and demonstrate the use of the operating system.
4. Explain and demonstrate the use of specific imaging software.
5. Define and demonstrate the way color is manipulated on the computer.
6. Use a variety of input devices and explain the differences between them.
7. Use a variety of output devices and explain the differences between them.
8. Create an edition of digital prints and explain the role of multiples in reference to art making.
9. Explain and discuss the difference in the archival quality of the various media utilized in digital imaging.
10. Develop digital images employing various compositional strategies.
11. Generate digital images showing an awareness of aesthetic coherence.
12. Produce digital images involving a variety of space and color relationships.
13. Make aesthetic decisions autonomously.
14. Critique artwork objectively, individually and in groups.

Content Outline & Competencies:

I. Studio Procedures
   A. Explain and demonstrate proper use of equipment, materials, and
supplies.
   B. Practice safe studio procedures.
   C. Identify and develop productive work habits, including completing
projects, maintaining the studio environment, and responding to
supervision.

II. Operating Basic Hardware
   A. Define and use the CPU.
   B. Explain the function of the monitor.
   C. Define and demonstrate the use of the keyboard and mouse.
   D. Describe and demonstrate the use of peripheral devices.

III. Using the Operating System
   A. Open and utilize menu options, i.e., Apple menu, File, Edit, View,
Special, Help.
   B. Open the hard disk folder, view content list, and close it (without
modification!).
   C. Employ find file.
   D. Create a new folder on the desktop.
      1. Name or rename the folder.
      2. Open the folder, resize the window, close the window.
      3. Drag to a new position, then to the trash, empty the trash.
   E. Perform a forced restart.
   F. Shut down the computer.

IV. Using Specific Imaging Software (Adobe Photoshop)
   A. Open the software.
   B. Open a new file.
   C. Open an existing file.
   D. Define and discuss the various menu and submenu items.
   E. Organize palettes and palette options.
   F. Utilize online help.
   G. Explore the various software tools.
      1. Use the selection tools.
      2. Utilize the paint tools.
      3. Manipulate the special tools.
      4. Use the screen tools.
   H. Explain and utilize masks and mask options.
   I. Define and use the navigator, info, and options functions.
   J. Describe and utilize the color, swatches, and brush functions.
   K. Explain and use the history and actions functions.
   L. Define and work with layers and layer options.
   M. Describe and use a variety of filters and filter options.

V. Manipulating Color on the Computer
   A. Define and use grayscale mode.
   B. Explain and utilize duotone mode.
   C. Identify and use indexed color mode.
   D. Define and utilize RGB mode.
   E. Explain and use CMYK mode.

VI. Using a Variety of Input Devices
   A. Digitize an image or object(s) using a flatbed scanner.
   B. Digitize a transparency using a slide scanner.
   C. Take a picture of an image utilizing a digital camera.
   D. Capture an image from the Web.

VII. Using a Variety of Output Devices
   A. Illustrate the function and purpose of images output to the
monitor.
   B. Define and demonstrate the differences output to various printers.
      1. Print and explain the properties of an image produced from an
inkjet printer.
      2. Print and define the properties of an image produced from a laser
printer.
      3. Print and explain the properties of an image produced from a
dye-sublimation printer.
      4. Print and define the properties of an image produced from a
thermal-wax printer.
      5. Output and explain the properties and reasons for creating an
image from a film recorder.

VIII. The Archival Qualities of Various Inks and Papers or Supports
   A. Identify and discuss fugitive inks.
   B. Classify and explain fugitive papers or supports.
   C. Identify and discuss permanent inks.
   D. Classify and explain permanent papers or supports.

IX. The Basic Visual Elements and the Elements of Composition
   A. Create images utilizing the software employing the basic visual
elements including line, shape, texture, value, and color.
   B. Using the software, develop images with clear figure/ground
relationships.
   C. Using the software, structure images that have a strong sense of
harmony and contrast.
   D. Create compositions using the software that demonstrate balance,
economy, dominance, volume, movements, proportion, and space.
   E. Using the software, devise compositions that accomplish a strong
sense of form unity.

X. Autonomous Decision Making
   A. Acquire and demonstrate confidence through practice and critique of
one’s own artwork.
   B. Develop and demonstrate self-assurance through the discussion and
criticism of other students’ artwork.
   C. Build and demonstrate comprehension of the decision-making process
through study of professional artists’ means of image development.

XI. Critiquing Artwork Objectively
   A. Define and discuss the importance of objective art criticism.
   B. Explain the significance of individual critiques.
   C. Judiciously accept criticism from fellow art students.
   D. Clarify the meaning and purpose of group critiques.
   E. Perform individual and group critiques without bias.

Methods of Evaluation of Competencies:

Evaluation of student mastery of course competencies will be accomplished using the following methods:

Final Portfolio: Production of a group of digital prints and images on
disk satisfying the requirements of a series of assignments to develop
specific skills and competencies and to stimulate the student’s creative
capacities for personal expression and self-understanding.

Written Tests: Stressing factual knowledge of hardware, software, and
related vocabulary to the production of digital imaging.

Out-of-Class Assignments: Production of a series of out-of-class projects
to supplement the in-class assignments which demonstrates the student’s
integration of the course content.

Research Project: A written research project to supplement the course
objectives.

Class Participation and Attendance: Active participation and attendance is
a mandatory requirement for this class.

Grades: The final portfolio is, by far, the major means of evaluation in
the course, representing 60-80% of the grade.  The other listed student
activities account for the remaining 20-40% of the grade.

Caveats:

1. JCCC is not liable for damaged or stolen work or personal property in classroom or hallway exhibition areas.
2. Students working in the studio are expected to acquaint themselves with the efficient and safe use of equipment and materials.
3. Students should realize nude models may be used in this course and decide if they are comfortable with this aspect of the class.

Disabilities:

If you are a student with a disability, and if you will be requesting accommodations, it is your responsibility to contact Access Services. Access Services will recommend any appropriate accommodations to your professor and his/her director. The professor and director will identify for you which accommodations will be arranged.

JCCC provides a range of services to allow persons with disabilities to participate in educational programs and activities. If you desire support services, contact the office of Access Services for Students With Disabilities (913) 469-8500, ext. 3521 or TDD (913) 469-3885. The Access Services office is located in the Success Center on the second floor of the Student Center.