Course Syllabus
Spring 2009
Prof. Kirt Witte
Montgomery Hall, 417B
(912) 525-8534
Office Hours: Mon-Thurs: 10am to 11am
Savannah College
of Art and Design
ATLANTA ––LACOSTE– SAVANNAH– e-LEARNING
School of Film and Digital Media, Department of Visual Effects, Savannah
CMPA 110, 14Advanced Survey of Computer Art Applications
Mission of the College: The Savannah College of Art and Design exists to prepare talented students for professional careers, emphasizing learning through individual attention in a positively oriented university environment.
Course Description: This course is for students already well versed in the use of art and design computer applications. The course covers basic components of digital design tools including vector, raster, modeling language and animation, culminating in the completion of a final project. Following an overview of HTML and Web page design, students create their own home pages. Prerequisites: DSGN 100, DSGN 101.
Course Goals: The following course goals articulate the general objectives and purpose of this course:
This course is designed to explore advanced computer skills used in the field of digital art and creation. Students will experience the possibilities of digitally based solutions and learn techniques, tools and features of industry-standard graphics software.
Students taking this course will:
implement advancing techniques in vector-based files
use advancing techniques in raster-based work
exercise three dimensional-based techniques
apply image capturing techniques
set time-based techniques
demonstrate the importing and exporting of files
apply file management
critique digitally created solutions using correct terminology
apply advancing Web-design techniques
Course Outcomes: The following course outcomes indicate competencies and measurable skills that students develop as a result of completing this course: Upon completing this course, students will be able to create:
advanced vector graphics using Adobe Illustrator,
advanced raster graphics with Adobe Photoshop, basic 3D renders using Maya, Understand Self-Promotion
and Presentation, advanced web-based files using Adobe Dreamweaver.
Required Text(s):
Maya 8 for Windows and Macintosh: Visual QuickStart Guide
By Morgan Robinson, Nathaniel Stein
ISBN: 0321476751
Published: March 13, 2007
Recommended Text(s):
Photoshop CS4 for Windows and Macintosh: Visual QuickStart Guide
Illustrator CS4for Windows and Macintosh: Visual QuickStart Guide
Adobe Photoshop for VFX Artists, by Lopsie Schwartz (1-59200-487-3)
Required Materials:
Blank CDs or DVDs. Sharpie to label your CDs/DVDs. An external, portable hard drive is also highly recommended.
SCAD Attendance Policy: There are no excused absences. The accumulation of more than four absences will result in the student’s failure for the class. Missing more than fifteen minutes of class is considered an absence.
Additional information: http://www.scad.edu/~kwitte
Schedule of Classes: Key events including assignments, projects due dates/exam dates: Please note, this schedule is subject to change.
Class 1: Tuesday, 3/24: Intro to class and overview, syllabus, pre-test given
Class 2: Thursday, 3/26: Lecture on Resumes, Business Cards, and Logos
Class 3: Tuesday, 3/31: Lecture on Artist Statements and Illustrator
Class 4: Thursday, 4/2: In class work session
Class 5: Tuesday, 4/7: Lecture on Photoshop
Class 6: Thursday, 4/9: Assignments 1 & 2 Due, in class critique
Class 7: Tuesday, 4/14: Lecture on Photoshop
Class 8: Thursday, 4/16: Lecture on Photoshop
Class 9: Tuesday, 4/21: Lecture on Photoshop
Class 10: Thursday, 4/23: In class work session
Class 11: Tuesday, 4/28: Assignment 3 Due, in class critique
Class 12: Thursday, 4/30: Lecture on Maya
Class 13: Tuesday, 5/5: Lecture on Maya
Class 14: Thursday, 5/7: Lecture on Maya
Class 15: Tuesday, 5/12: Lecture on Maya
Class 16: Thursday, 5/14: Lecture on Dreamweaver
Class 17: Tuesday, 5/19: In class work session
Class 18: Thursday, 5/21: Assignment 4 Due, in class critique
Class 19: Tuesday, 5/26: In class work session
Class 20: Thursday, 5/28: Assignment 5 Due, in class critique, post test
Grading Opportunities:
As you move through this course, the topics we will cover are broad and the areas of practical implementation are vast. The exploration of the subject matter will include handouts, textbook references, PDF files, web links, and critiques. Completing projects is also key, for these will provide both an outlet for presentation of newly gained knowledge as well as serve as a means to express creativity. Your overall course grade will be computed according to the following breakdown:
Assignment #1 / 20 percent
Assignment #2 / 20 percent
Assignment #3 / 20 percent
Assignment #4 / 20 percent
Assignment #5 / 20 percent
Grading Standards / Range
Letter grade: A = excellent / 90 –100%
Letter grade: B = good / 80 – 89%
Letter grade: C = * / 70 – 79%
Letter grade: D = * / 60 – 69%
Letter grade: F = failing / 0 – 59%
*Refer to the student handbooks and departmental standards for minimal acceptance for passing grade.
Field Trip (s): Multiple opportunities will be given throughout the quarter. Professor Witte will
announce them during class as they arise.
Extra Help Session (s): Will be conferred as necessary
Conference (s): Each student enrolled in the course will have a midterm conference scheduled outside of class time with the professor. Students are expected to keep this appointment.
Academic Integrity: Under all circumstances, students are expected to be honest in their dealings with faculty, administrative staff, and fellow students. In speaking with members of the college community, students must give an accurate representation of the facts at hand. In class assignments, students must submit work that fairly and accurately reflects their level of accomplishment. Any work that is not a product of the student’s own effort is considered dishonest. Students may not submit the same work for more than one class. A student may be suspended or expelled for academic dishonesty. Please refer to the Student Handbook for additional information regarding the policy on academic integrity.
Incomplete: A grade of incomplete may be granted to students who have suffered serious personal illness or critical, emergency circumstances during the academic term, preventing the student from completing all assignments by the end of the quarter. The appropriate school dean must approve a grade of incomplete before the end of the quarter. Students with more than four total absences are not eligible for an incomplete. Please refer to the college catalog for additional information.
Learning Support Resources and Academic and Safety Polices: Information about SCAD learning support resources and academic and safety policies, including the Learning Assistance Center, the Jen Library, the Writing Center, SCAD Helpdesk, the Visual Resources Center, and Student Counseling and Disabilities Services can be found in the menu area of the Blackboard web site for this course.
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Revised November 2007