Chabot College
November 1995
Removed Fall 2006
Course Outline for Art 52
CURRENT TOPICS IN DIGITAL DESIGN
Catalog Description:
52 - Current Topics in Digital Design
3 units
Current processes, equipment and trends of the medium as it applies to graphic designing. Aesthetic
and technical issues relevant to working in today's electronic image-making environment. Strongly
recommended: Art 50. 2 hours lecture, 4 hours lab.
Prerequisite Skills:
None
Expected Outcomes for Students:
Upon completion of the course, the student should be able to:
1. know how to take a sketched idea and develop it through digital thumbnails, laser proofs and color
output comprehensives;
2. have an understanding of and the ability to use all advanced applications of the Macintosh
operating system (or software with equivalent functionality);
3. use the advanced level functions found in operating the current versions of the graphics software
programs Quark Express and Adobe Illustrator or software with equivalent functionality;
4. enhance designs through application of techniques and skills in use of Fractal Design Painter;
5. operate a flatbed scanner, film scanner, digital camera, color printer and black-and-white printer;
6. understand the more sophisticated role of the service bureau in the graphic design industry and
how its applications impact the artistic as well as business side of the industry.
Course Content:
1. Use of digital processes (software and hardware) to enhance idea development.
2. More advanced applications of the Macintosh operating system (or system with equivalent
functionality).
3. More advanced applications in the use of Quark Express and Adobe Illustrator (or software with
equivalent functionality).
4. Introduction to Fractal Design Painter.
5. Operation of various computer peripherals designed for image, import, storage, and output, i.e.,
digital scanners, cameras, and printers.
6. Introduction to the role of the service bureau in the graphic design industry.
Methods of Presentation:
1. Lecture and demonstration
2. Use of computer system and software
3. Video tutorials
Methods of Evaluating Student Progress:
1. Quizzes
2. Evaluation of visual images submitted for assignments
Chabot College
Course Outline for Art 52, Page 2
November 1995
3. Portfolio of finished work
4. Final exam
Textbooks (Typical):
1. Quark Express Tutorial
2. Adobe Illustrator Tutorial
3. Fractal Design Painter Tutorial
Assigned reading from the following books and magazines on new equipment, latest trends technical
know-how:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
Mac Bible
Quark Express Bible
Adobe Illustrator Bible
Fractal Design Painter Bible
Step-By-Step Magazine
How Magazine
Mac World
Communication Arts Magazine
Print Magazine
Graphics Magazine
Current Issues in Art Periodical
Special Student Supplies:
A required list of needed supplies to work with the computer is posted each semester in the book
store.
JG:kh Art 52
11/7/95