SAN JOSE STATE UNVERSITY
Dept of Design
Instructor: Barbara Allie
Corse: DIGITAL APPLICATION BASICS (DSGD 83 –Section 5)
Class meets: 8:00 AM – 10:50 AM (Starting 1/23/2014-5/13/2014), Room 201
OFFICE HOURS: 11:00 – 12:00 (Room 327)
Email: barbaraallie@gmail.com
Prerequisite: Art 012, Art 024
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This is a fundamental course using features, functions inherent within Adobe Photoshop,
Adobe Illustrator, and InDesign. Combining theoretical elements and practical
experience in the use of these digital programs, students will explore the various tools
inherent within each program. The content of this class will also include basic design
principles and color theory. This knowledge should help to prepare students for more
advanced classes in graphic design and other design fields at San Jose State University.
CLASS PROJECTS:
Each class will begin with lecture, demonstration, discussion, or any combination of the
forgoing. There will be at least one project assigned each week, at times in-class
assignments, and homework will be assigned as well. It is recommended that you allow
for at least two hours of homework for every hour in class.
THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW!
It is very simple. I expect all of you to be respectful of myself, of your peers and of the
learning environment, and to take responsibility for your own actions and behaviors. Any
behavior that interferes with either (1) my ability to conduct the class or (2) the ability of
other students (or yourself) to profit from the instructional program will not be tolerated.
This Includes:
Arriving late to class.
Disruptive entrances and exits during lecture, if you must leave early, or arrive late, do
so quietly.
Carrying on personal conversations while I am lecturing.
Not turning off cell phones while in class. You are here to learn the digital software not
surfing the Internet while in class and or texting.
Your grade for the semester will be lowered one full grade point if you seen
working on other class assignments other than those of assigned in DSGD 83!
Other important information:
I do not give extra credit. Don’t ask.
I reserve the right to make changes to my syllabus at any time.
It is the responsibility of the student to attend class and keep informed on any changes
or new information given during lecture. You may want to get the email of a peer in class
to do so.
I will not give you my lecture notes if you miss class, ask a peer.
If you miss an exam, quiz or other assignment, and you have a valid excuse, you must
take the time to come and speak with me IN PERSON. You must bring proof of your
valid excuse with you or I will not even consider your request to make up the missed
work. I will not respond to emails regarding missed due dates. I require a written doctor's
excuse if you miss class due to illness.
It is the responsibility of the student to drop classes; I will not drop you after the first
week of class. If you decide you do not want to take this class and fail to drop, you will
receive a grade of WU at the end of the semester. This grade is the same as an F, but
worse because it makes you appear irresponsible.
* Please take responsibility for your failures and mistakes as well as your successes by
not making excuses.
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
Learn basic design principles.
Demonstrate an understanding of the terminology, tools, and techniques used in
graphic design production using.
Explain basic concepts function and features when using computer software.
Plan and produce effective computer graphics.
Create basic computer graphic projects to demonstrate software knowledge.
Describe cross platform issues and techniques and file formats for PC and Mac.
STUDENT LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
On successful completion of this course students should be able to:
Compare and understand differences in graphic software packages
Know basic features and functions of each software package.
Articulate the basic terms used by designers
Have a working knowledge of shortcut keys
REQUIRED COURSE MATERIALS
You Must Have a Mouse!!! You will be asked to leave the class if you do not have
one.
Lynda.com (This is about $25.00 a month)
Two (2) digital storage devices
One-inch black binder and plastic page protectors.
YOU MUST HAVE A LAPTOP AND ADOBE CS SOFTWARE
Costs of laptops vary and may range from $1,000.00 and up.
Software can cost about $400.00 for the complete CS Set
(Check with www.creationengine.com for prices or the SJSU Bookstore
There is no required textbook however, students are required to sign up for
Lynda.com (This is about $25.00 a month)
METHODS OF EVALUATION
Student’s ability to solve computer graphic problems
Projects that demonstrate an understanding of various elements and principles of
software skills; as well as, basic design principles.
Student’s command of basic features and functions in the different application software
programs
Portfolio of all course work.
Demonstrating growth! Are you improving and developing new ideas and skills?
Final project of accumulated skills.
Failure to submit assignments or late submissions
Effort, neatness, professional appearance, working diligently and with focus
Punctuality and handing in all required work on time.
Class participation: sharing ideas in class discussions and critiques, alertness, following
instructions, being respectful and cooperative in the classroom
Points will be deducted if you fail to bring required items to class.
Point system:
1,000 possible points
Knowledge of software features = 150 points
Class Projects= 500 points
Final Project= 200 points
Test = 100 points (the tests may be written or special drawing assignments)
Class participation = 50 points
GRADING
Your earned grade will depend on the effort you put into class participation,
assignments, quizzes, and your final project. Assignments are due at the beginning of
class on the designated date. All written work must be typed, and proofread before it is
submitted.
1000 points – 800 = A
800 points – 600 = B
600 points – 500 = C
500 points – 400 = D
400 points – 200 = F
BACKUPS
It is the student's responsibility to backup and save all work. If unable to attend class, it
is your responsibility to get the missing assignments from peers.
FINAL PROJECT (It is mandatory that you be in attendance during the final day – no
exceptions)
Students are to present examples of their assignments created during the semester in
class. I will discuss this in more detail as the final draws near. If you are unable to make
a final presentation you will have the option to turn in a six page term paper on a topic
approved by instructor several weeks ahead of due date.
QUIZZES:
The quizzes will cover material presented in lectures, readings, online materials, and
class activities. Quiz dates will be announced one week in advance.
CLASS PARTICIPATION:
Participation grades will be determined by 1) the quality and quantity of class exercises
and course activities completed and 2) participation in class. 3) Ability to complete
assignments when they are due. I will not accept late work unless accompanied
with a written doctor's note! You must must also stay the full length of the classtime unless formally excused.
Additional descriptive material and course content will be presented as the courses
proceeds. Please feel free to contact instructor about all concerns related to this class.
Should you want to talk on a one on one basis please email instructor with your
questions.
UNIVERSITY POLICIES;
A. Academic Integrity Statement
“Your own commitment to learning, as evidenced by your enrollment at San Jose
State University, and the University’s Integrity Policy, require you to be honest in
all your academic course work. Faculty members are required to report all
infractions to the office of Judicial Affairs. The policy on academic integrity can
be found at:
http://sa.sjsu.edu/judicial_affairs/index.html
B. Campus policy in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act
“If you need course adaptations or accommodations because of a disability, or if
you need special arrangements in case the building must be evacuated, please
make an appointment with me as soon as possible, or see me during office
hours. Presidential Directive 97-03 requires that students with disabilities
register with the DRC to establish a record of their disability.”
College and Departmental Policies
A. You are responsible for understanding the policies and procedures about
add/drops, academic renewal, withdrawals, incompletes, classroom behavior,
and other policies described in the catalog. Please read your catalog thoroughly.
B. Students are not permitted to work together on Design Projects or
Homework.
C. Your library liaison is Bernie Book. Mr. Book can give you guidance about
how to find primary references for your paper and can guide you to useful
information on the Martin Luther King Library website.
D. We will review the evacuation plan for this classroom during the first class
meeting. If you missed the first meeting, please see me about the evacuation
plan.
E. My office hours are for you. Please do not hesitate to come in and ask for
help. I will hold group review sessions during my Tuesday 1:30 to 2:30 office
hour.
Week
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Week
Assignment
Due