SYLLABUS
ARTS 2348 Digital Art 1
Instructor: Jay McMahan
Location: Alief Campus Room C122 MW 6-9 pm
Office hours: By appointment
E-mail: james.mcmahan@hccs.edu
Class Website: http://web.me.com/bluejayart/hcc/Home.html
Telephone: 713-718-7700 General SW Art Office Number leave message
Textbook: None required. Suggested readings:
Photoshop CS Classroom in a Book by Adobe; Photoshop CS Techniques by Adobe; Photoshop CS Visual Quickstart Guide by
Weinmann and Lourekas, Photoshop Elements 2 Visual Quickstart Guide by Hoeschen and Dahl
Catalog description
This studio course is an introduction to art using the computer. Digital approaches to imagery will be investigated using various tools
(possibilities include cameras, scanners, printers, etc.) and software. Emphasis will be placed on creating original images as well as
manipulating existing images. This course satisfies the fine arts component of the HCCS core. Credit: 3 (2 lecture, 4 lab).
Course purpose
The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the technical and aesthetic aspects of creating digital art. Using computer,
scanner, digital camera, and image editing software, along with handmade work, students will create original digital artworks that are
also personally expressive
Core Competencies
This course meets the basic intellectual competencies for core courses including reading, writing, speaking, listening, critical thinking,
and computer literacy.
Course objectives
1. To learn basic techniques of creating and manipulating digital art.
2. To become familiar with computer hardware, peripherals, and software.
3. To explore the elements (point, line, shape, color, texture, pattern, and value) and principles (space, balance, movement, rhythm
and repetition, unity and variety, scale and proportion, and emphasis) of design as they relate to working with digital images.
4. To gain a working knowledge of how to use Photoshop to manipulate digital images.
5. To develop original and exhibition quality artworks that reflect your unique experiences and perspectives.
6. To learn the vocabulary associated with art.
7. To develop critical thinking skills so as to intelligently discuss and analyze artworks in a critique with peers.
8. To conduct research in an effort to gather images or develop concepts.
Student requirements
 The student will complete seven projects in class under the supervision of the instructor.
 The student will demonstrate safe studio habits, material handling, and equipment operation.
 The student will participate in class critiques and in the analysis of their work and the work of other students.
 The student will explore a variety of image sources including scanners, cameras, or internet.
 The student will learn to solve problems in an original and expressive manner.
 The student will maintain a sketchbook/journal that will contain all handouts, notes, sketches, and research material for the
class.
 The student will conduct adequate research to uncover images or develop the conceptual aspect of their artwork.
 The student will attend class regularly, missing no more than 12.5% of class time.
 The student will arrive at class promptly, and bring all required materials for that day’s session.
 The student will demonstrate an appropriate positive studio demeanor.
 The student will demonstrate an understanding of ethical and legal issues in the digital world concerning image
appropriation, copyright, modes of distribution and apply it to their own work.
 The student will demonstrate an understanding of the difference between screen and print resolution.
 The student will demonstrate an understanding of basic image manipulation techniques using Photoshop, including collage,
cropping, resizing, and color correction.
 The student will demonstrate an understanding of the use of layers in Photoshop.
 The student will prepare one work for an exhibition and participate according to instructor or individual college.
 The student will explore a variety of materials, subject matter, styles (representational, abstract, non-representational)

The student will demonstrate knowledge of the medium from art historical and cultural contexts.
Grading
Projects (7 total) 65%
Sketchbook/journal 20%
Participation
5%
Final
10%
Evaluation criteria
1. Improvement, effort, and energy on assignments.
2. Technique and craftsmanship.
3. Attention to the formal elements and principles of art.
4. Ability to grasp concepts presented in class.
5. Experimentation of process and exploration of the media.
6. Originality and problem solving ability.
7. Participation during class discussions and critiques.
8. Steady work habits; work is finished for critique.
Grading scale
90-100
A (Excellent)
80-89
B (Above average)
70-79
C (Average)
60-69
D (Below average)
Below 60 F (Failing)
Sketchbook
Sketchbooks are a valuable tool in the art-making process. They are a portable and inexpensive way to record ideas and work through
problems. Each student will be required to maintain a sketchbook/notebook/journal to include lecture and demonstration notes, ideas,
sketches, resources, and assignments. This sketchbook is another means of participation and an alternative method of developing and
communicating your ideas.
Written projects
In order to satisfy the college’s core curriculum writing requirement, students will be asked to complete several writing assignments.
These could take the form of informal journal entries, more formal comparison and analysis projects, or even multimedia presentations.
Participation
Students are expected to participate in daily activities, critiques, and the student show, as well as bring necessary materials to class
and maintain a positive demeanor and clean workspace.
Attendance
Students are expected to attend classes regularly. Students are responsible for material covered during their absences, and it is
the student’s responsibility to consult with instructors for makeup assignments. Class attendance is checked daily by instructors.
Although it is the responsibility of the student to drop a course for non-attendance, the instructor has the authority to
drop a student for excessive absences.
A student may be dropped from a course for absenteeism after the student has accumulated absences in excess of 12.5 percent
of the hours of instruction (including lecture and laboratory time).
For example:
For a three credit-hour lecture class meeting three hours per week (48 hours of instruction), a student may be dropped after six
hours of absences.
For a four credit-hour lecture/lab course meeting six hours per week (96 hours of instruction), a student may be dropped after 12
hours of absences.
Certain departments or programs may be governed by accrediting or certification standards that require more stringent
attendance policies.
NOTE: IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE STUDENT TO WITHDRAW OFFICIALLY FROM A COURSE.
Administrative drops are at the discretion of the instructor.
Failure of a student to withdraw officially could result in the student receiving a grade of "F" in the course. For the deadline for
course withdrawal, check the current course Schedule of courses. Fall 2009 Last Day for Administrative/Student
Withdrawals:
Regular Term: Thursday, November 12, 2009; 4:30 p.m.
Second Start: Friday, November 19; 4:30 p.m.
Tardiness
Because demonstrations and lectures are often given at the start of class, tardiness can mean not receiving valuable information.
Please let me know when you arrive late for class, so you can receive credit for partial attendance. Frequent or longer tardiness can
count against class attendance.
Late work
It is important that each student completes his or her work in time for the announced due date. Late work will be deducted five points
(one half letter grade) for each class period it is late.
Students with visas, or those receiving financial aid are expected to understand the consequences of receiving a grade of
“W”, “I”, or “F”. In some cases, such a grade could cause the loss of financial aid, or a change in student visa status.
Student Success:
Dropping a course is going to have a serious impact on your academic career. The following is important information you need to know
about dropping courses.
The New Official TEXAS 6 Law:
Effective 2007, section 51.907 of the Texas Education Code applies to first-time in college freshman students who enroll in a Texas
public institution of higher education in the fall semester of 2007 or thereafter. High school students currently enrolled in HCC Dual
Credit and Early College are waived from this requirement until they graduate from high school.
Based on this law, HCC or any other Texas Public institution of higher education may not permit students to drop after the
official day of record more than six college level credit courses for unacceptable reasons during their entire undergraduate
career.
Studio policies
1. The Digital Art studio is to be used only by students enrolled in art classes.
2. For safety and liability reasons, no children are permitted in this studio.
3. Food and drink (including bottled water) are not allowed in this studio.
4. No copying of software.
5. No installation of programs or games to any of the computer hard drives.
6. No downloading of music files or image files unrelated to the course.
7. Studio computers are configured according to the needs of students and faculty. Users must not change hardware or software
configuration settings. Users who have suggestions for a hardware or software configuration change should speak to the
instructor.
8. Students are expected to be conservative in their use of paper and to exercise discretion when printing documents to prevent
waste of expensive printing materials.
9. Students must only print materials of academic relevance or co-curricular significance.
10. No e-mailing or instant messaging.
11. Please avoid loud talk or disruptive behavior that might disturb others who are working in the studio.
12. No personal stereos or headphones.
13. All work is to be saved to a USB flash drive, CD, or saved to a folder on the desktop with your name on it (risky)—work stored
anywhere else on the hard drive will be deleted.
14. Students are responsible for maintaining a clean work environment.
15. Immediately report any problems with the computer, printer, scanner, or software, to the instructor.
Disabilities
Students who require reasonable accommodations for disabilities are urged to contact Becky Hauri if you have any questions about
Disability Support Services at the Southwest College at 713-718-7909. Faculty are only authorized to provide accommodations
requested by the Disability Support Services Office.
Academic dishonesty
The HCCS policy on scholastic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to cheating on a test, plagiarism, and collusion:
1. Cheating on a test includes:
a. Copying from another student's test paper; using during a test, materials not authorized by the person giving the test;
b. Collaborating with another student during a test without authorization;
c. Knowingly using, buying, selling, stealing, transporting, or soliciting in whole or part the contents of an unadministered
test;
d. Bribing another person to obtain a test that is to be administered.
2. Plagiarism means the appropriation of another's work and the unacknowledged incorporation of that work in one's own written work
offered for credit. This is especially true of work taken from sources via the internet.
3. Collusion means the unauthorized collaboration with another person in preparing written work offered for credit.
Possible punishments for academic dishonesty may include a grade of 0 or F on the particular assignment, failure in the course, and/or
recommendation for probation or dismissal from the College System.
Student insurance
The Fine Arts Department at Central College strongly recommends that all HCCS students carry some form of medical insurance to
cover illness and injury, both on and off campus. Information regarding low-cost insurance for students is available in the Fine Arts
office. Under Texas state statute, HCCS is immune to liability in the event of accident or injury.
Academic advising
Academic advisement concerning specific Fine Arts courses and degree plans for Art is available to students during the academic
semesters. Please contact the Fine Arts office.
HCC Statement on Scholastic Dishonesty:
The following comes from the HCCS Student Handbook:
Students are responsible for conducting themselves with honor and integrity in fulfilling course requirements. Penalties and/or
disciplinary proceedings may be initiated by College System officials against a student accused of scholastic dishonesty.
“Scholastic dishonesty” includes, but is not limited to, cheating on a test, plagiarism, and collusion.
“Cheating” on a test includes:
 Copying from another student’s test paper;
 Using materials during a test that are not authorized by the person giving the test;
 Collaborating with another student during a test without authority;
 Knowingly using, buying, selling, stealing, transporting, or soliciting in whole or part the contents of an unadministered test;
 Bribing another person to obtain a test that is to be administered.
“Plagiarism” means the appropriation of another’s work and the unacknowledged incorporation of that work in one’s own written work
offered for credit.
“Collusion” means the unauthorized collaboration with another person in preparing written work offered for credit.
VIOLATIONS:
Possible punishments for academic dishonesty may include a grade of “0” or “F” on the particular assignment, failure in the course,
and/or recommendation for probation or dismissal from the College System. A recommendation for suspension or expulsion will be
referred to the College Dean of Student Development for disciplinary disposition.
Students who wish to appeal a grade penalty should notify the instructional supervisor within 30 working days of the incident. A
standing committee appointed by the College Dean of Instruction (Academic or Workforce) will convene to sustain, reduce, or reverse
the grade penalty. The committee will be composed of two students, two faculty members, and one instructional administrator. A
majority vote will decide the grade appeal and is final.
Digital Art 1 tentative calendar
August
24
Intoduction, syllabus
26
Design Basics
31
Project 1 Design project symmetry/balance
September
2
Project 2 Silhouette design project
7
Off Holiday
9
Silhouette Design project finish
14
Project 3 Photoshop and text project
16
Photoshop and text project
21
Photoshop and text project finish
23
Project 4 Xerox transfer project
28
Xerox transfer project finish
30
Scan demonstration and techniques
October
5
Project 5 Texture Project
7
Texture Project
12
Texture Project finish
14
Project 6 David Hockney Project
19
David Hockney Project Finish
21
Vector Demonstration
26
Project 7 Multiple Personalities project
28
Multiple Personalities project
November
2
Multiple Personalities project finish
4
Introduction to Final Exam
9
Final project studio
11
Final project studio
16
Final project studio
18
Final project studio
23
Final project studio
25
Off Holiday
30
Final project studio
December
2
Last class of studio
7
Exam/Project due
Supply List
Mandatory:
3 white posterboards around 22x30
Sketchbook/journal
USB drive (I recommend at least 1gig)
Cheap watercolor set
Small container of fingernail polish remover
Optional:
Color Pencils
Sharpie
Scissors, xacto knife
Ruler
White Glue