You can download the syllabus from here ->PDF:Download 2D Digital Design Syllabus-Chenxi
Section 3
12:00 P.M. – 01:55 P.M. , Tu,Th (01/17/2012 – 05/04/2012)
Montague 108
Course Description
This is a two-dimensional studio course, incorporating basic design concepts, utilizing the computer as your creative tool. You will use your pre-existing knowledge of composition and design and expand that vocabulary with the addition of typography and an understanding of color as it pertains to digital technology. The course expands skills using Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop. As the class moves forward each project will utilize these skills into more and more complex design projects.
Course Goals and Objectives
To gain greater understanding of design concepts
To gain knowledge about typography from both a historical and contemporary perspective
To gain an understanding of color as it pertains to digital technology
To gain historical perspective in digital / graphic design
To acquire technical skills working with type in Adobe Illustrator / Photoshop To acquire skills with design process and analysis
To leave with design portfolio pieces
Recommended Texts
• Adobe Photoshop CS5 Classroom in a Book
ISBN-10: 0321701763
ISBN-13: 978- 0321701763
Publication Date: June 6, 2010
Edition: 1
Print or Kindle Version
• Adobe Illustrator CS5 Classroom in a Book
ISBN-10: 032170178X
ISBN-13: 978-0321701787
Publication Date: June 3, 2010
Edition: 1 Print or Kindle Version
Required Materials
Macintosh laptop
Adobe Photoshop +Illustrator CS5
Storage device USB drive for submitting assignments
External storage device for backups (hard drive, USB drive, etc.)
Sketchbook (no larger than 9×12”)
Additional materials as needed (U-card with money for printing, mat boards, adhesive, etc.)
Grading Scale
A (95-100%) A- (90-94%)
B+ (87-89%) B (84-86%) B- (80-83%)
C+ (77-79%) C (74-76%) C- (70-73%)
D (60-69%)
F (59% and below)
The process of grading artwork can be subjective, but this in no way implies that a grading system cannot be used effectively. Grading expectations will accompany each project to help direct project assessment in a fair manner.
Class Requirements
60% Assignments
10%Process – exercises and sketchbook to be handed in regularly
20% Participation – attendance, critiques, etc.
10% Final Portfolio
• Assignments
The technical aspect of this class is taught through demos with an option to use recommended textbooks for extra practice. The creative work in this class consists of exercises. Every exercises take around two weeks to complete.
All assignments must be submitted on time. Late work will drop one letter grade for each day it is late.
• Sketchbooks
You are required to have a separate sketchbook for this course (type and size are your choice, however I suggest 9×12” or smaller to fit on the scanner bed). You will use it for taking notes and sketching for assignments. Sketchbooks will be submitted digitally by scanning your sketches along with the project/exercise files. Instructions for scanning will be given in class.
• Course Attendance
Attending class is mandatory. The allowance is three class periods missed before resulting in a reduced grade for the class. Tardiness is disruptive to class critiques and lectures. If the student is late for class, it is their responsibility to make sure they weren’t marked absent for the day.
• Critiques
There will be critiques throughout the semester. These are excellent opportunities for all of us to learn. The objectives of a critique are: to see what is working in a design; to offer advice so that a design can become more effective; and to learn from others’ efforts. Students are expected to be respectful to each other, especially during critiques. Your comments should not be about what you like or dislike; it is about how successfully the specific work answers the design problem and how successful the elements and principles of design are being used. Be thoughtful, considerate and concise when offering comments. Also, quiet discussion among classmates during critique is not allowed. It is disrespectful to everyone involved.
• Participation
The participation portion of your grade refers to your attendance and your level of engagement with in-class activities whether that is critique, or some other activity. If you miss class on a day when there is an in-class activity that goes towards this participation grade, then you are not eligible to receive those points unless you let me know ahead of time that you will be missing class (for a valid reason) and I excuse the absence.
• Final Portfolio
You are required to submit a digital portfolio at the end of the semester. It will include all the projects and exercises you did throughout the semester, including preliminary sketches and artist statements. Make sure you back up your work regularly—lost or damaged files are not an excuse for having an incomplete portfolio.
General Course Policies
Do not use cell phones in class. Phones should be silenced at all times. Texting during studio time is allowed within reason. Headphones and ear buds are only allowed during work time, so long as you are respectful about removing them when your peers or I would like to speak with you. Web surfing, checking Facebook, tweeting, skyping or any similar activity is not allowed during class time, unless you are asked to do so for the purposes of class. If any of these class policies are broken you will be asked to leave the class.
This syllabus is in progress and changes may be made throughout the semester. If you have any special needs or any type of disability which will hinder your ability to meet the basic requirements of the class, you are required to inform the instructor the first week of class. We will discuss arrangements so you as the student may have the most rewarding experience possible. All University policies apply to this class with regards to respect and fairness to all, no matter what race, creed, religion, sexual preference, gender, beliefs and physical disability. Not abiding by the university’s policy or inappropriate and/or excessive behavior, which is disrespectful and/or unsafe, will result in a removal from the class at the discretion of the instructor. Academic Dishonesty: Academic dishonesty tarnishes UMD’s reputation and discredits the accomplishments of students. UMD is committed to providing students every possible opportunity to grow in mind and spirit. This pledge can only be redeemed in an environment of trust, honesty, and fairness. As a result, academic dishonesty is regarded as a serious offense by all members of the academic community. In keeping with this idea, this course will adhere to UMD’s Student Academic Integrity Policy, which can be found at www.d.umn.edu/assl/conduct/integrity. This policy sanctions students engaging in academic dishonesty with penalties up to and including expulsion from the university for repeat offenders. Student Conduct Code: The instructor will enforce and students are expected to follow the University’s Student Conduct Code (http://www.d.umn.edu/assl/conduct/ code). Appropriate classroom conduct promotes an environment of academic achievement and integrity. Disruptive classroom behavior that substantially or repeatedly interrupts either the instructor’s ability to teach, or student learning, is prohibited. Disruptive behavior includes inappropriate use of technology in the classroom. Examples include ringing or use of cell phones, text-messaging, watching videos, playing computer games, doing email, or surfing the Internet on your computer instead of note- taking or other instructor sanctioned activities.
