Maui Community College
Course Outline
1. Alpha and Number
ICS 245
Course Title
Advanced Computer Graphics Design
Credits
three (3)
Date of Outline
March 31, 2005
2. Course Description
Evaluates and categorizes the history, development,
and creative tools of digital media. Reviews the
technology and creative approaches of digital tools.
Constructs concepts, content, and distinctive
projects summarizing a firm grasp of design theory.
Originates and manages the preproduction,
production, postproduction of projects in print, web,
digital imaging, and animation. Employs graphics
software: digital imaging, illustration drawing,
design layout, web authoring, and animation to
achieve project solutions. Assembles projects into
traditional, content, and digital portfolios. Analyzes
professional issues for careers in digital media:
resume, portfolio, exhibiting, personal web site,
employment, and professional organizations.
3 Contact Hours/Type
three (3): lecture/laboratory
4. Prerequisites
ICS 261, or consent
Corequisites
Recommended Preparation
Approved by _____________________________________ Date________________
2
5. General Course Objectives
Students will integrate an advanced level of digital imaging, illustration drawing,
publishing, web, and 3D software to execute well-designed concept and content projects
through the process of preproduction, production, and postproduction. Design and
production skills will demonstrate a wide range of portfolio projects in the field of
computer graphics.
6. Student Learning Outcomes
For assessment purposes, these are linked to #7. Recommended Course Content.
On successful completion of this course, students will be able to
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
h.
i.
j.
Analyze the key developments of technology in creative application
Differentiate the creative tools of digital media
Assess creative strategies for digital design
Construct a production pipeline for preproduction materials
Apply visual literacy to designs in print
Construct a web design through the web site production process
Compose a digital image through the production pipeline
Produce a 3D animation through the production process
Assemble a professional portfolio of a range of design projects
Prepare for real world employment issues in the field
7. Recommended Course Content and Approximate Time Spent on Each Topic
Linked to #6. Student Learning Outcomes.
1-2 weeks
History and overview of Digital Media (a) (b)
Development of technology and its creative uses (a) (b)
Computers and Digital Media (b)
The use of technology for mass communication (b)
1-2 weeks
Digital Media Creativity and Methods (c)
Visual Literacy: Drawing, Research, Digital Images (c)
Production Pipeline: (d)
Preproduction, production, postproduction (d)
Idea/concept, Research/sketching, Script (d)
Storyboard/flow chart, Animatic/prototype (d)
Project 1: Produce Preproduction Materials (d)
1-2 weeks
Design and Typography (e)
Elements, Paths, Plane, Structure (e)
Color, Modular Construction, Image Organization (e)
Type as Design Element : Communicate Message (e)
Type as Image : Visual Literacy in Design (e)
Project 2: Design Print:
Images, Graphics, Type, and Layout Development (e)
3
1-3 weeks
Web Site Production Process (f)
Concept/Idea, Define Content (f)
Gather Information/Resources (f)
Information Architecture (f)
Site Design and Prototype (f)
Production, Testing, Bug Fixing, Going Live (f)
Live Review (f)
Project 3: Design Web Site (f)
1 Week
Digital Photography Production Process (g)
Technical Issues
Define Project, Shoot, Digital Editing,
Image Archiving, Final Format
Project 4: Produce Digital Image (g)
2-4 Weeks
3D Animation Production Process (h)
Idea/concept, Research/sketching, Script (h)
Storyboard, Animatic, Modeling, Lighting (h)
Animation, Texture maps, Rendering, Editing (h)
Project 5: Produce a 3D Animation (h)
2 Weeks
Assemble Portfolio (i)
Traditional, Content, and Digital Portfolio (i)
Class Portfolio Review (i)
Professional Issues (j)
8. Text and Materials, Reference Materials, Auxiliary Materials and Content
Appropriate text(s) and materials will be chosen at the time the course is offered from
those currently available in the field. Examples include
Digital Creativity, Bruce Wands
The Graphic Designer’s Guide to Portfolio Design, Debbie Rose Myers
9. Recommended Course Requirements and Evaluation
Specific course requirements are at the discretion of the instructor at the time the course
is being offered. Suggested requirements might include, but are not limited to the
following:
10-20%
Research and design journal:
print, web, or new media content.
10-20%
Class exercises
4
30-50%
Class projects
15-20%
Portfolio project presentation
5-10%
Testing
0-10%
Class participation
10. Methods of Instruction
Instructional methods will vary considerably with instructors. Specific methods will be at
the discretion of the instructor teaching the course and might include, but are not limited
to
a. lecture
b. digital media smart board presentations
c. software program tutorials
d. hands-on computer tutorials
e. design project handouts
f. class exercises and projects
g. instructor and student critiques
h. student class participation
i. collaborative problem solving
j. Service-Learning
k. testing with feedback and discussion