COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course is an introduction to Adobe Photoshop. We will be using CS4, but you may be able to complete the class using CS3. 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 design principles and I encourage you to make the most of your images whether you are a beginner, a practicing/budding artist, or you need to acquire some basic image editing skills.

The homeworks are comprised of written and graphic assignments. Students are encouraged to use their own source 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 profesional
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 this kind of learning environment. Photoshop is very fun! Believe it.


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 creating digital images and implementing design and visual principles covered in class.



TEXT BOOKS:
REQUIRED:
If you have CS4 - buy the CS4 version of One on One
If you have CS3 - buy the CS3 version of One on One
The lesson schedule follows the CS4 version. But you should be able to easily adapt to the version 3 One on One text. All the tutorials are named the same, even if the page numbers quoted are off by a page or two.

click here for text info

CLASS SCHEDULE:
Go to the lessons page for the class schedule. You may like to print out the lessons section, and mark on a calendar the due dates for the homeworks, major assignments and the chat schedule. The summer schedule requires that you complete approximately 3 homeworks per week.


MATERIALS:
Sketch/note book, a zip disk or 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 will need to use a scanner or camera for the major assignments. More on this in the homeworks part of the class.


SOFTWARE/HARDWARE:
Students will need access to Adobe Photoshop CS4 or CS3. Please make sure that any trial versions of software do not impede in your completion of the course. The Technology Center in the AAS Building on campus has a Mac lab and a PC lab with Photoshop, scanners and printers available to all West Valley students.

You need to obtain a student card from Admissions and Records, if you want to use the computers in the lab to do homework or view the instructional videos . Here’s a link to the Technology Center for more information.

TUTORIAL SERVICES:
There are Photoshop tutors available if you need some extra help. Sometimes students new to Photoshop benefit from meeting with a tutor a couple of times 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 the week to absorb the following within the given deadlines: experiment and play with new techniques, complete assignments, read book material and pursue additional web resources. It is not advised that students plan a vacation or heavy workloads during this course.

The lecture part of this class is equivilent to 3 hours per lesson. Some weeks may vary due to the nature of the lesson, and/or your proficiency.

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. I will provide grades with feedback on homework 3, the mid-term, homework 10 and the final. 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, the class gallery, and blogs.

CHAT begins week 2. Please read the community section to see how we do chat.

GRADING:
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 design and technical skills. You will be graded on the effectiveness of your communication based on class assignments, concept & execution. To obtain an “A” in this class requires paying attention to details, using original graphics when appropriate, and developing a critical eye.

Late assignments will be penalized.

Students are encouraged to resubmit work as we progress through the class. I will consider all reworked assignments into your final grade.

ASSIGNMENTS:
Please see the grading section to see the grade break down for the class.

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.


IMPORTANT DATES:
First day of classes - August 31
Last day to ADD a class - September 11
Last day to DROP a class without a “W” and with a refund - Septmeber 11
Last day to DROP a class without a “W” - September 18
Last day to drop with a 'W' - Nov. 20

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