Course Description:

½ credit - Fall Semester. In this class basic graphic design principles (emphasis, scale, proportion, balance, etc.) for web and print will be explored. Emphasis will be placed on developing creative and critical thinking skills, as well as acquiring proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop. Students will learn how to visually communicate their ideas in image and type through design problems such as logos, business cards, greeting cards and CD covers, etc.

Course Learning Objectives:

Students who successfully complete Computer Graphics will be competent in the following areas:

• Use the elements & principles of art/design to visually communicate ideas in image and type
• Basic use of Adobe Illustrator

Course Requirements:

• Come to class every day on time and ready to work
• Complete all assignments with your best effort in a timely manner
• Upon completion of each design problem you will write a design statement. An assignment is not considered complete until this is handed in.

Methodology:

Computer Graphics is a hands-on problem-solving learning experience. Students learn through doing, following a teacher or video demo of concepts and skills to be explored. Below is a general outline of the course. Please note that assignments and dates will vary.

Student Evaluation:

Grades will be determined by the satisfactory and timely completion of assignments. The grade of each assignment is based on the outline of expectations given for each assignment.  The grading breakdown for the Art Department at James I. O’Neill High School is as follows:

Attendance Policy

School policy dictates that students who miss class for unexcused absences (to school or the period itself) may receive a zero for any work due or assigned during that class period. Additionally, assignments which require class participation may be negatively impacted by student absences. Consequently, regular and prompt class attendance is essential to the student’s educational experience.

Academic Fraud, Plagiarism and Cheating

Plagiarism is the practice of copying words, sentences, images and/or ideas for use in written or oral assessments without giving proper credit to the source. Academic dishonesty also involves the portrayal of someone else’s work as one’s own when such citations are inappropriate to the assigned task. Cheating is defined as giving or receiving illegal help on anything that has been determined by the teacher to be an individual effort. Academic dishonesty is a serious offense and will result in consequences which can significantly affect a student’s course grade. See the Student Handbook for additional information.

Extra Help

If you are having difficulty with this class, attend extended day and/or contact me so I can work with you. If you wait until the end of the marking period, it may be too late. Be proactive in getting assistance.

Classroom Rules and Expectations:

1. Respect your classmates, the teacher, and your environment.
2. Arrive to class on time.
3. Be prepared.
4. Cell phones should not be used for anything other than a teacher designated activity.