G RAPHIC COMMUNICATIONS 25 > DIGITAL SKILLS FOR VISUAL MEDIA

CONTACT INFORMATION

Instructor: David Stevenson Email: dstevens@ccsf.edu Oce hours: By appointment, - pm M Oce: V/M
COURSE OVERVIEW

This is foundational hands-on Mac computer class for all graphic communications students. Topics of instruction will include computer hardware and OS software, networks, type and text formatting, raster and vector graphics, time-based media, layout for print and web, and best practices. Successful completion of this course is prerequisite to other courses in our program. Course topics will be covered through a combination of reading, lecture/discussion, and hands-on exercises. You must attend the entire class session each day. You will not pass the class if you consistently leave class early or arrive tardy.
LEARNING OUTCOMES

Upon completion of this course a student will be able to:

Use and apply common functions of the Macintosh operating system. Use and apply common computer hardware and peripheral devices. Demonstrate prociency with text entry and formatting operations. Use and apply an understanding of the tools, characteristics, uses and dierence between raster and vector graphics. Demonstrate procient use of font management software. Explain the concept of resolution and its relationship to sharpness, le size and color depth. Explain, compare and utilize scanners and cameras for resource acquisition. Explain, compare and utilize output devices such as monitors, speakers and printers. Explain, compare and utilize various le formats appropriately. Utilize email and web-browsing software for online research and communication. Create, modify and manage les and assets using common software applications. Create and publish simple page layouts, integrating text and graphics for print. Create and publish simple web pages. Create simple animations. Analyze and select the appropriate tools and processes for various tasks. Employ best practices in their work. COURSE MATERIALS

GRPH 25 Readersold at the CCSF bookstore. A downloadable .pdf version of the Reader will also be available, though you will not be able to print it in the classroom. A USB flash drive to backup your les. A notebook/folder for notes and other materials.

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COMMUNICATION

Email me day or night about any issues related to this class here: dstevens@ccsf.edu This class will be administered through Engrade. The use of this service will be explained in class.
CLASS POLICIES AND EXPECTATIONS

This is a fast-paced class and participation is very importantstudents are expected to attend all class sessions. If youre absent, its your responsibility to obtain class informationhaving a class study partner helps with this. Class will begin promptly at : pm. Please do not disrupt class if you arrive late and lecture has already begun. When possible, inform the instructor in advance if you will miss class.
CLASSROOM ATMOSPHERE: Please do not engage in side conversations, email, tweets, IM or

mouse clicking during lectures or presentations. Turn o your cell phone during class. No food or drinks in the classrooms or labs please.
ADDITIONAL OPEN LABS: Students requiring additional computer time outside of class are

able to work at the Academic Computing Resource Center, located on the Ocean Campus, Batmale Hall #. We will also post other open lab hours specially for Visual Media Design students.
ASSIGNMENT PROTOCOL: Refer to the class reader, website or the instructor if you have any

questions about in-class exercises. Any le that you turn in to the class server must be clearly labeled using the following format: LastnameFirstinitial_assignment.extension (example: StevensonD_portrait.psd)
SOFTWARE POLICY: It is illegal to copy applications, fonts or utilities from the computers in the labs at City College. You will be expelled if you are caught doing this. DROPPING THE CLASS: If you stop attending class, please remember to ocially drop the class. It is your responsibility to drop. If you simply stop attending, you may receive a grade of F. You may drop online and do not need the instructors permission to drop. ACCOMMODATIONS: If you need classroom or testing accommodations because of a disability; have emergency medical information to share; or need special arrangements in case of building evacuationplease make an appointment to see me as soon as possible. Students seeking disability-related accommodations are encouraged to register with Disabled Students Programs and Services located in Room , Rosenberg Library, ...

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GRADING POLICY

Your work will be evaluated using professional-quality standards. Late exercises will receive half-credit and will be accepted no later than one week after the initial due date. Keep backup copies of all your project les in the event of grading discrepancies or technical malfunction. There will be a written Midterm Exam and Final Exam for the course. A missed exam equals a zero with no make-up exams oered. If you must miss an exam due to extenuating circumstances, you may take the exam before the scheduled date. The Midterm and Final Exam are required in order to pass the course. Copying some elses work and submitting it as your own (plagiarism) will result in failure and withdrawal from the class.
GRADE BREAKDOWN: Your work will be evaluated using a point systemeach activity will be given a specic value. Shown below is a breakdown of the total points.

Operating System/Hardware . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Digital Fonts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Raster Graphics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vector Graphics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page Layout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Time-based Media . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Web Layout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Midterm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Final . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Total points. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 800
WEEKLY SCHEDULE

The following is the general outline for the semester and is subject to change depending on class needs. Section 1: Mac OS Digital fonts Suitcase Section 2: Raster graphics & Photoshop Section 3: Vector graphics & Illustrator Midterm Exam Section 4: Time-based media & Flash Section 5: Print layout, typography & InDesign Section 6: Web layout, HTML, CSS & Dreamweaver Final Exam Our nal meeting for this class will be held according to the schedule for nals week listed at ccsf.edu. Please plan accordingly.

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