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INSTRUCTOR:
Jean McIntosh
WEST VALLEY COLLEGE CONTACT:
jean_mcintosh@westvalley.edu
TELEPHONE: 408.741.2435
Office N - Business Division
EMAIL OFFICE HOURS:
I am available before and after chat to discuss or help with the class. If this isn't convenient, email me so we can arrange a time to have an email exchange.
ONLINE CLASS CONTACT:
EMAIL FOR ALL ASSIGNMENTS AND CLASS EMAIL:
dmis10c@gmail.com
URL FOR CLASS: www.jean-mcintosh.com/
COURSE
DESCRIPTION:
This course is an introduction to Adobe Photoshop. We will be using CS5, but you may be able to complete the class using an older version of Photoshop. This course introduces a variety of
tools and techniques designed to help you develop a proficiency in Photoshop and image development.
We will cover some introductory visual design principles and I encourage you to make the
most of your images whether you are a beginner, a practicing/budding artist, or you
are taking the course to acquire some image editing skills.
The homeworks are comprised of written and graphic assignments. Students are encouraged to use their own photography. Now is the time to get out your digital camera and use your own photos in some of the home work assignments.
Many of our students are learning Photoshop for professional purposes.
If you have some photography or artistic skills then you are in for a real treat.
Clear communication and patience are highly desirable in an online
learning environment. Photoshop is very fun! Believe it.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
UPON COMPLETION OF THIS COURSE STUDENTS SHOULD BE ABLE TO:
• Perform image editing techniques for many types of digital graphics.
• Develop a very good proficiency with Photoshop tools.
• Demonstrate a proficiency in image development and an understanding of the visual principles introduced in class.
TEXT BOOKS:
REQUIRED:
If you have CS5 - buy the CS5 version of One on One
If you have CS4 - buy the CS4 version of One on One
CLASS SCHEDULE/BEST PRACTICES:
Go to the lessons page for the class schedule and weekly lessons.
If you are new to Photoshop you may find that there is initially a heavy workload involved. Many students find it helpful to print out the lessons section, and mark on a calendar the due dates for the homeworks, and the chat schedule. Some students tell me that the weekly lessons come fast - so you need to be focused and complete the class work on a weekly basis so that you do not fall behind.
Most students that successfully complete the course are/or become very good learners. Some of the class assignments/tutorials may need to be revisited more than one time. Devote specific chunks of time to the class, and do not worry if you cannot absorb all of the information in one sitting. A consistent effort over the course of the semester will pay off in term of enhancing your proficiency in Photoshop :-)
MATERIALS:
Sketch/note book, a usb storage device if you will be working on more than one computer, a library
card for any library. Access to Photoshop, a scanner, a digital camera, and a printer. See SOFTWARE/HARDWARE in the Help section.
PREREQUISITES:
Students must be familiar with basic file management, how to run and navigate
a computer, and basic proficiency in surfing the world wide web. You may need to use a scanner or camera for some assignments.
SOFTWARE/HARDWARE:
Students will need access to Adobe Photoshop to complete the course.
Students will need access to Adobe Photoshop CS5. Please make sure that any trial version of the software does not impede your completion of the course.
A one month trial version of Photoshop CS5 is available at:
https://www.adobe.com/cfusion/tdrc/index.cfm?product=photoshop
You may buy the student version of Photoshop CS5 online at:
http://www.journeyed.com
http://www.uscollegebuy.com/s.htm
Please note that you typically need to submit student id card/number in order to qualify for the student edition.
The software is also available from Adobe:
http://tryit.adobe.com/us/cs5/studentteachereditions/?sdid=FXOBF&
WEST VALLEY COLLEGE TECHNOLOGY CENTER
The Technology
Centeris in the AAS Building on campus. It has Macs and PCs that are equiped with
Photoshop, scanners and printers that are available to all registered West Valley students. You need to obtain a student card from Admissions and Records, if you
want to use the computers in the lab.
TUTORIAL SERVICES:
There are Photoshop tutors available if you need some extra help. Ask me if you are interested in meeting with a tutor. Sometimes students new to Photoshop benefit from meeting with a tutor to get them over the initial learning hump :-)
West Valley Tutorial Services
STUDENT COMMITMENT:
This course will cover a lot of material and requires a serious
commitment of time and energy both from students and the instructor. Students
should have enough time in each lesson to absorb the information, experiment and play with the techniques, read/do the text tutorials and complete the home works. It is not advised
that students plan a vacation or heavy workloads during this course.
The material posted for each lesson is equivilent to 3 hours of lecture per week. An additional 6-8 hours of work is typically necessary to complete each lesson and keep up with the class schedule. Some weeks may require more hours depending on the nature of the homework, your proficiency, and your desire to do a great job. You should spend more time on the assignments that are worth more points.
Proficiency typically comes with accumulated hours spent in Photoshop over the course of the semester. Most students tell me that they lose count of the hours because they get so 'into' Photoshop. This is a good outcome!
CLASS COMMUNICATION:
Please plan on participating in chat. It is not mandatory, but can help if you have questions, troubles, etc. Also, you will be expected to post your homework assignments in your blog so you can see your peers work, and they can see yours. I look at each assignment that comes in and if I see any problem I will notify you immediately. If you have any concerns about assignments, grades, etc, please contact me and I will do my best to get back to you within 48 hours.
CHAT:
Please read the community section to see how we do chat.
GRADING:
I will provide grades with feedback on homework 3, the mid-term, homework 10 and the final. I will post an inventory of assignments received, twice during the semester. I will also conduct e-mail tutoring on an as need basis. Other class communication will be facilitated by posting student's work, class emails, and encouraging you to communicate with each other via chat, and the blogs.
Grading is done by the traditional letter grade only; A through F basis. 100-90%=A,
89-90%=B, 79-70%=C, 69-60%=D, 59-0%=F. No credit {NC} or credit {CR} are not available for this class.
The nature of studying graphic communication requires developing graphic
and technical skills.
To obtain an “A” in this class requires paying attention to
details, using original graphics when appropriate, and demonstrating an excellent understanding of the tools and techniques.
Late assignments may be penalized.
Students are encouraged to resubmit work as we progress through the class. I will consider all reworked assignments into your final grade.
CRITERIA FOR GRADING:
Demonstrates growth in abilities and understanding of material taught. Meets the objectives of each assignment. Timely completion of all assignments within prescribed deadlines.
Willingness to participate and utilize critical evaluations.
Ability to meet industry level standards in quality and aesthetics.
GRADING CATEGORIES:
A: Superior Work: 100 - 90%
Consistently demonstrates a superior understanding of the principles and methodologies taught at a level well above the norm, Exceed nominal requirements of aesthetic and visual quality more than 80% of the time. Great expectations.
B: Above Average: 89 - 80%
Demonstrates on a regular basis, an above average understanding of the principles and methodologies taught. Exceed nominal requirements of aesthetic and visual quality more than 50% of the time. Potential is there more effort and understanding of concepts is needed.
C: Average: 79 - 70%
Demonstrates a basic understanding of the principles and methodologies taught. Work meets the nominal requirements of visual and aesthetic quality the majority of the time. It's going to take some work to be successful but with the right work ethic and attitude it can happen.
D: Below Average: 69 - 60%
Demonstrates a below average understanding of the principles and methodologies taught. Work meets the nominal requirements of visual and aesthetic quality less than 50%. Reevaluation of career and educational goals is highly recommended.
F: Failure: > 60%
Unable to perform at an acceptable level in demonstrating principles and methodologies taught. Work meets the nominal requirements of visual and aesthetic quality at less than 40% of the time. This is not the right career choice.
ASSIGNMENTS:
Please see the grading section to see the grade break down for the class.
IMPORTANT DATES:
First day of classes- January 30
Last day to ADD a semester length class is - February 10
Last day to DROP a semester length class without a “W” and with a refund is February 10
Last day to DROP a semester length class without a “W” and no refund is February 17
President’s Holiday (All Offices Closed) - Friday, February 17 and Monday, February 20
Deadline to petition for Spring graduation - March 1
Last day to DROP a semester length class with a “W” is April 27
Spring Break. - March 26-31
Cesar Chavez Observance - March 30
Final exams - May 19-25
Graduation - May 24
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