Introduction to Computer
Graphics FA2900
Spring 2008
Location: EiLAB (FA115)
Hours: 2 – 4:50 MW
Instructor: David
Sullivan
Office: EiLAB (FA118)
Office Hours:12:00 – 2:00 MW
dmsulliv@uno.edu
Prerequisites:
Foundation art courses or by permission of the instructor
Purpose
This course will allow those with a basic preparation in art fundamentals to
familiarize themselves with the expanding processes and possibilities of
computer based imaging. This opportunity should not only develop
important skills in an increasingly computer dependant world, but also allow
even greater opportunities for individual expression.
This course will serve as an introduction to the use of electronic imaging devices in fine arts production. Emphasis is on both aesthetics and process. The following will be covered, though not necessarily in this order:
Developments in electronic imaging
Computer imaging systems: general interface characteristics as well as specific applications
Moving from concept to output
Expanding "Input and Output" definitions: Internal and External manipulation
Conceptual and New Genre Issues
Terminology
Required
Reading:
No text is
required for this course. However, I do RECOMMEND that you find a good,
simple PhotoShop how-to text at your favorite bookstore or online. My
suggestion is a simple, thin, introductory text if you are a beginner.
For advanced users there is no better text than the current version of REAL
WORLD PHOTOSHOP. If you have any questions, come to me. There
should be a few texts available in the lab. Please take advantage of
them. I will make available a list of recommended reading that will help inform
your thinking and art making.
Supplies:
You will
need some kind of portable or removable storage media (zip disk, a usb key
drive, cd-r, etc.) to backup your work. It is imperative that you keep all your
work backed up.
Attendance
This class will meet for 2 sessions per week. The class will run from
2:00 until 4:50. This will be a time for discussion, presentations,
critiques, lecture, etc. as well as project work time. Due to the
technical nature of much of this introductory material, attendance is
expected at all classes. Class attendance and participation does not
only affect your grade. You will
benefit from the feedback, assistance and interaction with the instructor and
your fellow classmates. It is the student's responsibility to catch up
on any missed material outside of class time. Three absences are allowed
and may be recorded in case of late arrival or leaving class early.
Absences beyond this minimum will result in a reduction in the final
grade by one-half a letter grade for each missed class beyond that allowed.
Critiques:
Class critiques are very
important and will be held at the beginning of class on the due date of
each project. If your assignment is not complete for the critique your grade
for that assignment will be lowered by one full letter for each class day it is
late. You are required to attend critiques even if your work is not complete.
Critiques are not for my benefit. They are your best method to learn about art
making - from your fellow art makers.
Work
outside of scheduled classes
Due to equipment limitations, not all portfolio requirements can be met working
only during the class hours each week. Though much pre- and
post-production can be done away from the computer, you will need to
schedule numerous hours on the computers. Access to the lab will be
provided via the card scanner and keypad on the outside door. You will need a new UNO ID the card reader will recognize. I expect you to put in at least as
much time out of class as you will in class each week. You MUST use
this equipment to gain facility in making art with it. That takes time.
Do not expect to achieve this without the hours required.
Late work
Policy:
We will set
specific dates for each project presentation. There will be a critique
on these dates. I will expect a finished product and presentation
at this time. Any
assignments not turned in at this time will be marked late. Points will be
deducted from late assignments. An incomplete presentation will result in a
reduced grade on the project even if present in the final portfolio. If a student has any
emergencies or difficulties in completing an assignment, it is the student's
responsibility to notify me prior to that day. Under no circumstances will I
accept the work if I have not been notified and arrangements made prior to that
day.
Evaluation
There will be a mid-term grade that will be based on my assessment of your work
to date. This grade is a progress report and will not be averaged into
the final grade on the entire portfolio. Due to the variety of options
this media presents, no specific project definitions can be set.
You will, however, be provided a number (approximately 5) of both
specific and general project assignments to complete. Evaluation will
involve meeting both aesthetic and technical standards to be outlined in the
assignment handouts. Other factors will be taken into account, such as
participation in critiques, presentation of finished projects, thoroughness and
intensity of explorations of creative options, and mastery of processes.
These will all be assessed based on your critique presentation
and my observations of your efforts in and out of class.
Below is a
sketch of how I utilize letter grades.
A+ Exceeds
Expectations in ALL areas.
A Range (90-100%) Conceptual:
Concepts are engaging, thorough and coherent, showing original and creative
thinking that moves beyond assignment requirements, Writing: Excellent writing
and grammar skills that express ideas clearly and effectively.. Participation:
Thoughtful comments on other’s work. Participates fully, taking a leadership
role in discussion in class and on blackboard. Brings new ideas to class
consistently. Listens to other’s views with respect. Attends class on time and
turns in work on time.
B Range (80-89%). Conceptual:
Complete assignments with some originality; Satisfies aims of the assignment
well. Writing: Good writing and grammar skills. Writing is clear and ideas are
organized. Participation: Participates fully in discussion. Attends class on
time and turns in work on time. Participates on blackboard and engages with
others’ ideas.
C Range (70-79%) Conceptual:
Unoriginal or common sense thinking; doing only what is required; Writing:
Unclear writing, grammatical errors, lack of thoroughness, does not meet goals
of exercise, structural and technical problems. Participation: Inconsistencies
in presentation of work and participation, or does not frequently participate.
Attends class but minimally engages with others’ work.
D Range (60-69%) Falls
below expectations in most areas. Inconsistencies, sloppiness, inaccuracies, errors,
lack of effort.
F
(below 60%) Fails
to meet requirements of Assignment/Not turned in on time
Types of
Assignments
There will be 5 projects during the course of the semester. Each student is expected
to keep and maintain a sketchbook or other method of generating and working out
ideas, whether analog (the sketchbook) or digital (blog
(http://www.blogger.com) or website). There
will also be 2 short writing assignments and in-class presentations on relevant
artists and ideas and 1 written project proposal.
I will schedule a critique on the last day of class. A unique project of your own will be due on this day. This is an open assignment on which I expect you to be working throughout the semester. This assignment and all other work done during the semester must be available online in your final portfolio by the last week of class.
Blackboard:
I will set up
Blackboard so all EiLAB classes can use the discussion forum feature to help
each other out with technical problems or issues. This will not be required.
However it is highly recommended that the student learn how to effectively use
online forums to exchange information. This will help you through many
frustrating moments. Login using your UNO email login at http://uno.blackboard.com/
Plagiarism and copyright
All work
turned in for this class must be yours created for this class alone.
Previous assignments or “joint”
assignments, completed for two classes, are not acceptable. Failure to comply
with this expectation will result in a failing grade. Any copyrighted material
used in your work should be released for your use, fall under fair use, or be
open for creative use (such as Creative Commons).
A student with a disability that qualifies for accommodation should contact the Office of Disability Services on the web at http://www.unostudentaffairs.org/ODS/ or by phone (337) 235-4945
This is a list of
numbers that you can use if there is an emergency or crisis situation in the
lab or if you need assistance at other times.
University
Police (UP), Campus Police Building, 280-6371 or emergency at 280-6666
Student Health Services (504)
849-8068 or 280-6387
UNO
Student Counseling Services 280-6683