Engineering Technology Department • College of Business & Technology
Western Illinois University
135 Knoblauch Hall, 1 University Circle - Macomb, IL 61455-1390
GCOM 312-Sec 01: Introduction to Digital Image Manipulation
2 - 3:50pm Monday/Wednesday – Room: 51B
3 Credit Hours
Fall 2014
Instructor: Ms Pam Daniel
Knoblauch B32
Office phone: 309-298-1488
PE-Daniel@wiu.edu
Office Hours: Posted on Western Online and on the last page of this document.
Course Description: GCOM 312 Color Image & Halftone Scanning
The theory and practice of color, line and halftone image scanning. Activities include color separations,
corrections and working with halftones. Prerequisite: GCOM 211. 2 hours lecture; 2 hours lab.
Course Objectives:
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
 Effectively utilize Photoshop tools and techniques
 Produce projects with an emphasis on preparation for publication and digital use
 Manipulate digital images using Adobe Photoshop
 Repair damaged photos using Adobe Photoshop
 Create photo-based composition images
 Identify careers available in photo manipulation
 Effectively work independently and in groups, as required
 Create a PDF portfolio of Photoshop images, including a description of skills demonstrated
Department of Engineering Technology Goals for Student Learning
Engineering Technology (Construction Management, Graphic Communication, Manufacturing
Engineering Technology) is a field of study designed to provide students educational programs that
allow them to communicate effectively, design and apply technical solutions, use technology effectively,
and respond to project management tasks in an environment with continually changing and sophisticated
technology in an increasingly competitive global marketplace.
By graduation, Engineering Technology students should be able to:
1. Think critically and creatively;
2. Understand the theoretical principles of the profession;
3. Understand and apply relevant technology in the solution of technical problems;
4. Organize, manage, and maintain projects;
5. Develop an appreciation for ethical and professional practices;
6. Develop and refine oral, written, and visual communication skills; and
7. Demonstrate an overall competency in the program objectives.
Recommended Text:
Photoshop CS6: Visual QuickStart Guide
, by Peter Lourekas
and Elaine Weinmann
ISBN-10: 0-321-822-18-8
Publisher: Peachpit Press
Copyright: 2012
Online Course Material
Study guides, a class calendar, and a listing of suggested readings/videos related to the course content
will be provided within “Western Online” or provided within the library reference of resources for this
course.
Required Supplies:
 3-ring binder (for your course work and notes)
 4GB (or larger) flash drive to save or backup your files.
Do not save your digital documents on the computers. Lost work due to technology failure is not
an excuse. It is important to backup your files for redundancy. If you are using software outside
of class, remember that it is best if you have the same CS6 suite on your personal computer.
Class Website:
Every student enrolled in this class will be required to log in and use the university Western Online
system. Quizzes and tests may be administered through this online course delivery system, and the site
will also be the location for course materials, handouts, and links to helpful information. Students will
also be required to log in to check for announcements. The Web site can be accessed through the
following link.
https://westernonline.wiu.edu/
Log in using your “ecom” information and password. Please note this is the same as your e-mail log
in and password. I will assist you in logging in if you have problems. I cannot assign you an “ecom”
account, and I do not have access to your info or passwords. You will have to contact UCSS directly if
you are having problems logging into the system. For questions concerning access to Western Online
you can call 298-2704 or email: support@wiu.edu
If you miss a class for some reason, check the Western Online site to find out what you may have
missed. Often times I will post assignments directly on the course Web site.
Software:
Photoshop CS6 will be covered and is provided in Knoblauch B51 & B34. Students who choose to
work outside of this lab are responsible for ensuring that their files open correctly on the lab computers.
Lab Use
Outside of designated class time, students enrolled in the course are welcome to work in the lab
during open lab time. Additional time may be arranged in the lab provided the instructor utilizing the lab
gives permission. Food is not allowed in the labs, but drinks in re-sealable containers are permissible if
kept away from the equipment. Please do not allow your friends to use the labs at any time, since only
students currently enrolled in GCom courses may use the facilities and equipment.
Special Course Cost:
Students of this course are required to pay a special course charge of $25 for each lab-related
course in the Engineering Technology Department. This money is used to support the consumable
items used during the course.
Payment of the course cost is a required portion of the class and must be paid after the second week
of the semester but prior to your final exam. If you fail to pay your course cost, you will receive a grade
of "I" for the course until the lab fee is paid or the university automatically changes the grade from "I" to
"F" according to the University Policy. If the grade is changed to an "F", the grade will remain an F on
your permanent transcript, regardless of payment.
Payments can be made to the Engineering Technology department office (Knoblauch Hall 135) any
time after the beginning of the third week of classes. Also, for the convenience of the students, the
instructor will announce one date that a staff member will visit the classroom to collect course
charges en masse.
It is recommended that students’ pay by check made out to "WIU." Likewise, the student should
expect a receipt to serve as proof of payment. If you have questions or concerns, please direct them to
the staff in Knoblauch Hall 135 or call 309/298-1091.
Topic Outline & Schedule:
Access the Western Online course site (https://westernonline.wiu.edu/d2l/home) for specific assignment
details, including due dates. Once the due date has passed, the assignments (and your ability to submit)
will no longer be available on Western Online so do not wait until the last minute.
Tentative schedule

















Wk 1: Course Overview & Asset Management
Wk 2: Photo Correction
Wk 3: Layers, Selection Tools & Image Transformation
Wk 4: Image Mode & Resolution
Wk 5: Masking
Wk 6: Poster Design & Copyright Laws
Wk 7: Team Project & Midterm Exam
Wk 8: Color Theory
Wk 9: Drawing & Painting with Custom Brushes
Wk 10: Print Publishing
Wk 11: Web Publishing
Wk 12: Animation
Wk 13: Automated Processes
Wk 14: Framing
Thanksgiving Break
Wk 15: PDF Portfolio Creation*
Final Exam Week: Monday, Dec. 16 at 3:00 pm**
Last Day to Drop Course: November 2, 2014
* Portfolio includes all Photoshop projects assigned during semester. Accompanying each project is a
1-2 paragraph describing the tools, skills and concepts acquired in its execution.
** Any exceptions to the final exam schedule must be approved by department chair and the Dean of the
College of Business and Technology in writing including student’s name, ID# and signatures.
Course Requirements: Each student is expected to:
1. Attend Class. ATTENDANCE IS A MUST!! You must be prepared to interact and discuss
topics related to course assignments,
2. Participate in class discussions and group activities, and
3. Complete all assignments and submit by deadline.
4. Your grade will be determined on successfully achieving the requirements of this course.
The course requirements and percent of your grade are as follows:
 Class projects: 60%
 Participation: 10%
 Quizzes, Midterm and Final Exam: 30%
Grading:
All points will be cumulative and be totaled, ranked and graded according to the following scale:
A = 92-100% A- = 90-91%
B+ = 88-89% B = 82-87% B- = 80-81%
C+ = 78-79% C = 72-77% C- = 70-71%
D+ = 68-69% D = 62-67% D- = 60-61%
F = 59% and below
Method(s) of Evaluation/Assessment:
a. Project based assessments
b. Individual and Group work projects
c. Course portfolio
d. Participation
e. Quizzes, Midterm and Final Examinations
Rules for Giving an Incomplete
WIU policy – A temporary symbol of I (Incomplete) for a course may be given only when a student, due
to circumstances beyond his or her control, has been unable to complete the course requirements within
the official limits of the term. The circumstances must be documented to the instructor’s satisfaction.
Class Attendance:
Online Absence Reporting System (OARS): In accordance with WIU University Senate policy;
students are to report any absences through OARS. Beu Health Center will no longer issue
documentation of absence due to illness.
In a class such as this, the only way to learn as a student is to be present. Therefore, students are
required to attend class. I will be taking roll through out the semester, and it is required that you be in
class on a regular basis…. If you are not in class, you will not be learning with the other students, and
you WILL fall behind. In the case of unexcused absences, I am under no obligation to aid you, the
student, in making up missed assignments or missed lectures.
Excused absences are those that you tell me about before hand, or those that happen under
unexpected consequences such as a death or illness. Unexpected consequences do not include
hangovers, naps, or sunny afternoons. Excused absences must be supported with written documentation.
Further, it is the responsibility of the student to provide documentation if an excused absence is to be
granted.
It is your responsibility to be sure that your attendance is correctly recorded. If you are late, please
check in with me at the end of class. If you are absent for any reason, it is your responsibility to find out
what happened in class by asking me or a fellow student what you what you have missed.
There are 29 class sessions scheduled for this semester. After you have attended 15 classes, you will
earn 2 points for every class you attend. To keep track of your participation grade, each time you miss a
class, cross off a row in the table below (start at the top and work down).
Participation Grade
Number of classes you must
attend
Number of points you will
earn
A
A
A
A
B
B
B
C
C
C
D
D
D
F
F
29
28
27
26
25
24
23
22
21
20
19
18
17
16
0 to 15
58
56
54
52
50
48
46
44
42
40
38
36
34
2 to 32
0
In all cases of absences, it is your responsibility to get the lecture material you missed, or find out
what projects we may have started or finished. In addition, arriving late and leaving early will be not be
acceptable, unless you have a good reason to do so. Each student is expected to stay to the end of the
scheduled class period and aid classmates with learning opportunities. Absences, late arrivals, and early
departures will have a direct effect on your grade. If you decide to take a week or two off, I can
guarantee that your grade will be directly affected and you will have a hard time passing the course.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
Cell phones are prohibited in the classroom and the laboratory.
As a courtesy to all students, please turn off your cell phone before class begins; see instructor for
approval if having phone set to vibrate is necessary for medical reasons or special circumstances. Each
time a cell phone rings during class, every student will have 5 points deducted from their score.
Sending or receiving text messages is not allowed during class. You will be asked to leave the
classroom for the day if the instructor observes you doing this.
Headphones/Music: I love music and may play music during the lab times. I know some of
you feel the same way. So, feel free to bring in your iPod and your headphones. During normal lab times
you are welcome to listen to it at a reasonable volume level. You will not be allowed to wear headphones
during any type of examination.
Internet/E-mail: you are welcome to surf and check your e-mail before or after class, or during
lab time. I do not want you surfing, chatting, or e-mailing as I am lecturing or during times in which
you are supposed to be doing something class related.
Social Media: When working in the computer lab or listening to a lecture make sure you respect you
classmates and your instructor. I find it very rude for you to be checking your Facebook, Pinterest or
other social media sites while I am lecturing. I find it more rude for you to be doing so when one of your
classmates is making a presentation. When you are in this class, you should be focused on this class.
Disability Support Services
For students with special needs, please review this website
[http://www.wiu.edu/student_services/disability_resource_center/students/] for more information.
Western Illinois University is committed to justice, equity, and diversity. Providing equal opportunities
for students with disabilities is a campus-wide responsibility and commitment in which Disability
Support Services (DSS) plays a primary role.
Access & Disabilities
“In accordance with University policy and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), academic
accommodations may be made for any student who notifies the instructor of the need for an
accommodation. For the instructor to provide the proper accommodation(s) you must obtain
documentation of the need for an accommodation through Disability Resource Center (DRC) and
provide it to the instructor. It is imperative that you take the initiative to bring such needs to the
instructor's attention, as he/she is not legally permitted to inquire about such particular needs of students.
Students who may require special assistance in emergency evacuations (i.e. fire, tornado, etc.) should
contact the instructor as to the most appropriate procedures to follow in such an emergency. Contact
Disability Resource Center (DRC) at 298-2512 for additional services.”
If you have emergency medical information to share with me, if you need special arrangements in
case the building must be evacuated, or if you need accommodations in this course because of a
disability, please make an appointment with me as soon as possible. My office location and hours are
listed in this syllabus. If you plan to request disability accommodations, you are expected to register
with the Disability Resource Center (DRC) at 298-2512.
Counseling Services
The University Counseling Center (UCC) provides free personal, academic, and career counseling
services to all WIU undergraduates and graduates. Individual, couple, and group counseling is available
and all counseling sessions are confidential http://www.student.services.wiu.edu/ucc/
Academic Integrity:
Review this website [http://www.wiu.edu/policies/acintegrity.php] for definitions and examples are
not meant to be exhaustive. The University reserves the right to determine, in a given instance, what
action constitutes a violation of academic integrity.
Preamble: Western Illinois University, like all communities, functions best when its members treat
one another with honesty, fairness, respect, and trust. Students have rights and responsibilities
(http://www.wiu.edu/provost/students/) and students should realize that deception for individual gain is
an offense against the members of the entire community, and it is the student's responsibility to be
informed and to abide by all University regulations and policies on Academic Integrity.
Plagiarism, cheating, and other forms of academic dishonesty constitute a serious violation of
University conduct regulations. Students who engage in dishonesty in any form shall be charged with
academic dishonesty. It is a duty of faculty members to take measures to preserve and transmit the
values of the academic community in the learning environment that they create for their students and in
their own academic pursuits. To this end, they are expected to instill in their students a respect for
integrity and a desire to behave honestly. They are also expected to take measures to discourage student
academic dishonesty, to adjust grades appropriately if academic dishonesty is encountered, and, when
warranted, to recommend that additional administrative sanctions be considered. Grading policies are
the exclusive prerogative of the faculty; administrative sanctions are under the authority of the Director
of Student Judicial Programs. This document provides policies and procedures to be followed when
academic dishonesty is encountered.
Definitions of Academic Dishonesty
The following definitions and examples are not meant to be exhaustive. The University reserves the
right to determine, in a given instance, what action constitutes a violation of academic integrity. (See
www.wiu.edu/policies/acintegrity.php for complete descriptions of the following topics:
 Plagiarism,
 Fabrication and Falsification,




Cheating,
Complicity in Academic Dishonesty,
Abuse of Academic Materials,
Multiple Submissions
Reporting Academic Dishonesty
All members of the University community share the responsibility and authority to challenge and
make known acts of apparent academic dishonesty. Any student, faculty member, or staff person who
has witnessed an apparent act of student academic dishonesty, or has information that reasonably leads
to the conclusion that such an act has occurred or has been attempted, has an ethical responsibility for
reporting said act(s).
Confronting and reporting academic dishonesty can be done in a variety of ways, and people should
choose the manner most appropriate for the circumstances. Acts of apparent academic dishonesty that
occur in the classroom should be reported directly to the course instructor, and/or the course instructor's
Department Chair, and/or the instructor's College Dean. The Council on Admission, Graduation, and
Academic Standards (CAGAS) or the Graduate Council will not accept or act upon anonymous reports,
but will hold in strict confidence the identity of any person reporting a suspected instance of academic
dishonesty, unless that person consents to having his/her identity revealed.
Resolution of Problems: Should a problem occur, students should speak to their instructor first. If the
problem is not resolved, meet with the chair of the department. If the problem continues to be
unresolved, go to the College of Business and Technology’s Dean. Students should observe the
following sequence for the resolution of problems: Student --- Instructor --- Chairperson --- Dean
Important info to remember all semester!
GCom 312
2.Participate fully during class by keeping track of the class schedule, attending all sessions, and
taking complete notes. Along the same lines, it would be much appreciated if cell phones are
not used during presentations (i.e., set ringers to silent mode and no text messaging). If you
choose not to participate in class or pay full attention during presentations, you do so at your own
risk!
3.Meet all deadlines, including the stated date and time.
4.Manage your files, including by saving backup copies in an alternate location and by making sure
they’re readable in the lab if you choose to work elsewhere. To downsave a file (i.e., save an
InDesign CS6 file so it can be opened in InDesign CS5), open it in the newer version and do the
following. (Note: “upsaving” doesn’t exist, since newer versions of software are designed to
open files from older versions.)
a. Photoshop: Downsaving is not an issue, since layered .psd files interact relatively well from
version to version.
b. Illustrator: In CS6, when you save the file, you’ll see an “Illustrator options” window that
will allow you to choose the version of Illustrator (for example, CS5 or earlier).
c. InDesign: In CS6, go to File - Export; change the format to “InDesign Markup” (extension
will be .idml).
d. QuarkXPress: File - Export - Layout as Project; change the version in the appropriate area of
the “Export” window.
5.If you need to be absent from class for any reason, it is to your benefit to e-mail or call the
instructor before the start of class. Also, get complete notes from a classmate (or two!) and
make an honest effort to gather as much info as possible before requesting help. Please do not
expect to be individually tutored by the instructor.
6.Your instructor is available Monday-Friday, including scheduled classes, posted office hours, and
other times by prior appointment).
7.Be responsible for your own learning! If you ask questions, attend all classes (including required, take
thorough notes, manage your time well, and otherwise do your best work in this class, there’s no
reason you shouldn’t be able to receive the grade you want. Remember, you earn your grade
based on how well you meet the requirements of this class!
Image guidelines (unless otherwise noted for a project)
15.You cannot reuse content that you’ve created for any other class or job / internship. Therefore, any
designs you do outside of this class cannot be turned in for credit.
16.The images you use should be photos, not drawings (such as clip art / vector art / line art). If you
have a legitimate reason for using non-photos for any work, please talk to me well before the
deadline.
17.You cannot use any pre-Photoshopped images from any source. Choose only images (or parts of
images) that appear to be unaltered, and use Photoshop to create unique compositions.
Instructor: Ms Pam Daniel
Knoblauch B32
Office phone: 309-298-1488
PE-Daniel@wiu.edu
Office Hours: You may make an appointment outside of scheduled office hours by emailing or talking
in person with the instructor at least 24 hours prior to meeting time. Look for confirmation of
appointment (via the method used to make appointment) before your arrival.
Monday
11-12 pm
Office
12 - 1:15 pm
GCOM 320
1:30 - 2:00 pm
Office
2 - 3:50 pm
GCOM 312
Tuesday
11-12 pm
Office
12 - 1:50 pm
GCOM 313
2 - 3:50 pm
GCOM 415
Wednesday
11-12 pm
Office
12 - 1:15 pm
GCOM 320
1:30 - 2:00 pm
Office
2 - 3:50 pm
GCOM 312
Thursday
11-12 pm
Office
12 - 1:50 pm
GCOM 313
2 - 3:50 pm
GCOM 415
Friday
By Appointment
GCOM 312 – Fall 2014
Upon reading your syllabus, please sign the following form. This form will act as a contract
between you (the student) and me (the professor). By signing the form you acknowledge reading the
syllabus and understanding such things as; what might happen if you break the honor code (you fail
the project, fail the course, and are reported to the University honor code office), what might happen
if you do not turn in a project on time, what might happen if you miss more than one class (your grade
will suffer).
This “contract” allows me to know that you have read the syllabus and understand the consequences. On
a different note, by reading the syllabus and signing this form, you also understand how it is easy to pass
this course, and get a good grade; show up to class everyday, complete your projects on time, do a little
more than the assignment asks for, and clean up after yourself.
Please print your name and sign the line below, and turn this into me at the end of class.
Thanks!
Print your name here: ________________________________________________
Print your preferred e-mail address here __________________________________________
Sign your name here: ________________________________________________