Course No: GD150
(formerly CS125ci)
Credits:
3
Date: February 2011
Course Title:
Computer Illustration (Illustrator)
Institution:
Rogue Community College
Type of Course:
Occupational Preparatory
Length of Course:
A minimum of thrity (30) lecture hours per one term.
Prerequisites:
CS120 or equivalent computing experience.
Department Assignment:
Computer Science
Course Description: Students develop competency in the creation of computer-generated
illustrations. Includes instruction in creating vector graphics and techniques for logo design, as
well as brochure, book, magazine, and advertising illustration. Adobe Illustrator is currently the
application used in this course.
Course Outcomes, ISLO (Institutional Student Learning Outcomes) Indicators and
Assessment: On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
Intended Outcomes:
1. Identify and use basic
Adobe Illustrator tools and
functions to enhance and add
interest to object oriented
designs.
ISLO Key Indicators
AK 1 - Demonstrate
ability to transfer
learning in familiar and
unfamiliar contexts in
order to complete tasks.
2. Find effective solutions for CT 4 - Envision creative
a range of design problems
approaches to issues and
involving both conceptual
problems.
and technical learning.
1
Assessment Methods:
1. Students will complete a series of
exercises to demonstrate an
understanding of the Illustrator
interface. Criteria for assessment
include appropriate use of Illustrator
techniques for drawing and painting.
2. Students will investigate the
application of visual design to vector
objects. Criteria for assessment
include successfully styling and
editing type, and designing logos and
symbols to accomplish an intended
visual message.
Intended Outcomes:
3. Learn team building skills,
interpersonal skills, and
project modification to meet
a client’s needs.
ISLO Key Indicators
COM 2 - Express ideas
clearly in oral, written
and visual work.
4. Apply technology to
publish digital illustrations
for print and screen
presentation.
AK 1 - Demonstrate
ability to transfer
learning in familiar and
unfamiliar contexts in
order to complete tasks.
5. Use Adobe Illustrator in
concert with the other
primary graphic design
applications.
AL 5 - Use technological
tools to research new
information, solve
problems, and
communicate effectively.
Assessment Methods:
3. Student will participate in several
group critiques. Criteria for
assessment includes the students
ability to evaluate his/her work and
the work of others, identify problems,
and apply standards to correct or
improve their solutions
4. Students will produce a variety of
digital illustrations and graphics for
use in print and electronic media.
Criteria for assessment include
professional execution of quality
digital illustrations and successful
delivery for print and screen.
5. Students will use design and
technical resources to problem solve
and implement new techniques.
Criteria for assessment include the
effective use of additional digital
illustration techniques and
applications for successful visual
communication.
Typical Required and Recommended Text(s):
 “Before and After: How to Design Cool Stuff” by John McWade
 “Adobe Illustrator CS5 On Demand” By: Steve Johnson - Perspection, Inc.,
 Adobe Online Help Menus Adobe TV and Adobe Design Workshop and other
professional videos will be extensively utilized.
Typical Required and Recommended Equipment and Materials:
 For Online Delivery: Access to the Internet and a personal computer with Adobe
Illustrator CS5.
 For Face to Face: Access to the Internet and a personal computer with Adobe Illustrator
CS5 (or access to the college computer labs) and Internet access plus thumb drives, CD’s
or DVD’s for backup storage.
 This course requires some work to be printed on the printer in the computer lab (students
may wish to print files at a commercial shop for use in a professional portfolio) and the
use of mount board and mounting glue to mount their work for presentation.
2
TYPICAL COURSE OUTLINE:
Technique
Design
Week 1
Illustrator Interface
Basic Design Overview
Week 2
Working with Objects
Week 3
Working with Color
Week 4
Applying Fills, Strokes and Gradients
Week 5
Working with Points and Paths
Week 6
Working with Layers
Week 7
Drawing and painting
Week 8
Working with Type
Week 9
Using Symbols
Type, Text and Logo
Design
Week 10
Working with Images and Graphics
Posters and Page Layout
Week 11
Final Project
Presentation
3
Point, Line Plane and the
Elements of Illustration
Rhythm and Balance and
the Principles of
Illustration