*Email is the best way to reach me except during office hours. When sending email messages, please use proper grammar, punctuation, and spelling.   

REQUIRED TEXTS

Williams, Robin, The Non-Designer’s Design Book, Peachpit Press: 2008. (“NDDB” in schedule) http://proquest.safaribooksonline.com.ezproxy.gvsu.edu/9780321563088

Anderson, Andy and Johnson, Steve, Adobe Photoshop CS3 on Demand, Que: 2007 (“APOD”)

Sitter, et al, Apple Pro Training Series DVD Studio Pro, 2nd edition, PeachPit Press: 2008 (“APTSDVD”)

After Effects Basic Training, Video Copilot (“Video Copilot”)

http://www.videocopilot.net/basic/

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course will provide an introduction to graphic and motion design on the Macintosh platform with emphasis on Adobe Photoshop, Adobe After Effects, and Apple’s DVD Studio Pro. In considering digital imagemaking, emphasis will be placed on how the computer as a tool affects the communications environment.  You must have been accepted to the Film/Video major in order to take this class.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

• to introduce basic design aesthetics for still images and motion sequencing
• to introduce students to specific tools (software) used to create computer-based images                                
• to engage students in “learning to learn” – how to gain technical expertise and skills by self study
• to study and gain experience in the use of typography in design
• to consider the message/effect of varied interactive multimedia approaches
• to distinguish between more and less effective visualizations and enable students to better articulate the strengths and weaknesses of multimedia/new media work
• to develop skills in methods of written and oral critique using the terms of formal media analysis

IMPORTANT NOTE

Some of the programs we will use in this course, especially AfterEffects, can have a steep learning curve.  However, the end results are very rewarding, and will benefit you outside of your college career.  You will be expected to spend time practicing with these tools on your own, outside of the assignments asked of you, to achieve proficiency.  Your own initiative in learning will be essential

COMPUTER USAGE

Do not use class time for Internet or email purposes.  Anyone found using class time to read email or explore the Internet (unless part of the class discussion) will be asked to leave class and will receive an absence for that day.  The same penalty applies to anyone who answers a phone call or text messages during class.

CLASSROOM BEHAVIOR

Disruptive and rude behavior—including carrying on side conversations, eating/drinking, using computers for non-class work, arriving late, leaving early, and cell phone calls/texts—will not be tolerated.  Food and beverages are not permitted in the lab. 

ACADEMIC HONESTY

Responsibility for your own learning is in your hands, and that includes an understanding of and commitment to honesty and integrity in your scholarly work. Violations or attempted violations of academichonesty include, but are not limited to, cheating, fabrication, plagiarism, and submission of the same work for credit in different courses without permission (also known as self-plagiarism). Plagiarism is the unacknowledged use of another person’s labor, ideas, words or assistance.  All work done in this course is expected to be the original effort of the student(s) presenting the work.
Violations may result in failure of the assignment and possibly failure of the course.

ATTENDANCE & PARTICIPATION

This class will move quickly as we tackle multiple tools, platforms, and concepts. Your active participation in class is essential to your learning and the overall thriving of the class.  You are allowed two unexcused absences; after that, you will lose three points for each unexcused absence. If you know you will miss class, email me in advance to let me know – failure to do so may result in an unexcused absence.  Excused absences include illness, family emergencies, and sanctioned university events; all other absences may be unexcused.  In addition, late arrivals and early departures count as 1/3 of an absence for each occurrence. No incompletes will be given in this course.

LATE WORK

I will accept late work up to the next class meeting after the deadline.  Your grade will be lowered one grade for each day (not class meeting) it is late.  Work will not be accepted after this grace period.

TRAINING EXERCISES

Training Exercises are due on the date specified in this syllabus.  Save your training exercise files to the CFV326>Training Exercises folder on MACDATA.  Create your own folder using your last name and name each exercise by its name/number (“TrainingExercise1”, e.g.).

GRADING BREAKDOWN

*Please note that while I am happy to discuss your grade, my policy is that you must wait 24 hours after receiving a graded assignment back before approaching me with questions or concerns.

PROPOSED SCHEDULE (subject to change)

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