Synopsis:
New Media and Animation I is an introduction to the theory and practice of digital image manipulation. In addition to learning the industry standards in digital imaging software, the methods, purposes and context of making art in the age of the Digital Revolution will be explored. In this class you will be using the computer, one of the most potent image making devices ever created (at least since the invention of the opposable digit, i.e. your thumb). This is not just a PhotoShop Class! The computer is the place where still images, sound, video, television, radio, post office, library, and office collide. To help you survive that collision there will be several readings in conjunction with digital assignments. We will be reading essays that will form the theoretical framework for assignments. A reading response posted on the class web site (http://www.johnvalentino.com) is required for each reading. We will be using all of the readings in creating and critiquing images during this class.

Prerequisite: None

Course Goals and Objectives:
• Students will learn computer based imaging as an art form.
• Students will learn raster and vector based imaging software to create artworks.
• Students will learn critical theory as it relates to digital imagery.
• Students will learn various digital input and output techniques.
• Students will learn how to effectively use computer hardware including printers and scanners.
• Students will develop craftsmanship skills appropriate to a basic level of study.
• Students will learn the history of the digital art media.
• Students will learn to critically analyze computer-generated art works and to critique both verbally and in a written form, their art and the art of others.

Accommodations for Disability
Note: If you are a qualified student with a disability seeking accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act, you are required to self-identify with the Office of Disability Services, Student Union, Room 1304. No accommodations will be granted without documentation from the Office of Disability Services. The deadline for registering or making accommodation changes is two weeks prior to the start of the Final Exam period. Any requests received after the deadline will generally be considered for the following semester.

Note:The last day to resign from the University or withdraw from classes, without a grade penalty, is Friday, November 3 Deadline at 12:30 p.m.

Note: “Free discussion, inquiry, and expression is encouraged in this class. Classroom behavior that interferes with either (a) the instructor’s ability to conduct the class or (b) the ability of students to benefit from the instruction is not acceptable. Examples may include routinely entering class late or departing early; use of communication devices, or other electronic devices; repeatedly talking in class without being recognized; talking while others are speaking; or arguing in a way that is perceived as “crossing the civility line.” In the event of a situation where a student legitimately needs to carry a communication device to class, prior notice and approval of the instructor is required.” Classroom behavior which is deemed inappropriate and cannot be resolved by the student and the faculty member may be referred to the Office of Judicial Affairs for administrative or disciplinary review as per the Code of Student Conduct which may be found at http://www.selu.edu/admin/stu_affairs/handbook/.

Internet use During Instruction Time:
Internet access is provided to each computer in the New Media Lab. Students are encouraged to use the internet and world wide web as a resource, research tool and window into contemporary culture. However, students are not to spend time on personal Facebook or other social media sites, shop or otherwise surf the web during instructional time when it does not directly pertain to a New Media project. Students will not, under any circumstances, use the computers or internet connection to play games during instructional time. If you are observed partaking in these activities during instructional or independent work time you will receive a 50% reduction in grade for the current assignment.

No cell phones during class - check your messages during breaks.

Academic Integrity
Students are expected to maintain the highest standards of academic integrity. Behavior that
violates these standards is not acceptable. Examples are the use of unauthorized material,
communication with fellow students during an examination, attempting to benefit from the work of another student and similar behavior that defeats the intent of an examination or other class work. Cheating on examinations, plagiarism, improper acknowledgment of sources in essays and the use of a single essay or paper in more than one course without permission are considered very serious offenses and shall be grounds for disciplinary action as outlined in the current General Catalogue.

Facility Use Policy:
With this newly equipped facility, the Digital Arts Center is a state-of-the-Art complex. Students who enter and study within this environment are expected to treat its many electronic facets with complete respect. There will be no storage of projects on the hard drives of work stations. You will be instructed on the policies with regard to the proper storage procedures within each class. Each work station has been set-up for the needs of students within this center and there will be no altering of hard drives, systems, changes in font listings or software programs. If changes within these configurations are found, increased security will be implemented.

Visual Arts + Design Unit Attendance Policy:
Students are expected to be punctual and attend all classes. Attendance will be recorded at the beginning of each class period. A student’s presence in class has a direct impact on overall course evaluation. Lectures, critiques, and in-class assignments are formative in shaping a student’s participation grade and overall success in the course.
If a student is absent within the first 14 days of the semester he/she may be withdrawn by the instructor. The last day to withdraw from this course is Friday, March 24, until 12:30 p.m. Students must drop the class if they plan not to attend, otherwise the appropriate failing grade will be assigned at the end of the semester. It is the student’s responsibility to make up any missed project, in-class assignment, or other information covered during class time.

Assignments:
In addition to the reading assignments you will have four imaging assignments. Most of the assignments will require that you make new images. Previous work can only be used with the instructor's approval. All assignments must be submitted to the instructor one week after the critique in print form or on the New Media Server. You are required to keep backup copies of all of your files which means you will need at least a 500GB USB External Drive to archive your work.

Reworked assignments may be resubmitted for a higher grade at the instructors discretion only. No assignment will be accepted after the final critique at the end of the semester.

Evaluation (testing and grading):
• Students are evaluated regularly in one-on-one and in groups through verbal and visual critiques and are evaluated on their ability to participate in critiques.
• Students will address content, problem solving, craftsmanship, and creativity, during critiques.
• Students are evaluated by the instructor in a one-on-one review of works assigned for that review.
• Students are given a written evaluation of each assignment. The evaluation assesses the following items: Concept, technique, problem solving, and challenging personal limits.
• Students are also evaluated at the end of each semester in a final group of a digital portfolio of their artworks.

Evaluation (testing and grading):

• Assignments - 60%
• Work in progress Critiques/Participation in Critiques - 30%
• Exams/Reading responses/Class Participation- 10%

Assignment grades will be based on the following criteria:

• Concept - 25%
• Technique - 30%
• Problem Solving -25%
• Challenging Personal Limits - 20%

Artworks will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

Concept 25%

• Complexity of subject matter
• Maturity of subject matter
• Appropriateness to audience

Technique 30%

• Camera technique
• Image Correction Technique
• Quality of graphics
• Composition

Problem Solving 25%

• Overcoming technical difficulties
  
• Utilizing resources

Challenging Personal Limits 20%

• Relative difficulty of project/concept
• Length/size of project/object
• Time management

Final Exam
Thursday, December 7, 10:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.

Project Requirements
Specific project requirements will be outlined as each project is assigned, however some guidelines will remain constant for all projects:

Supplies

• 500GB USB External Drive or larger.

Critiques and project submission
For every scheduled group critique students must present to the class their solution to the visual problem presented in class in a state of completion suitable for discussion. Work presented at critiques, and the student’s effective visual and oral presentation will be assigned a grade.

You must paricipate in group critique. Failure to show your work in critique will result in a 25% reduction in grade.

Final submissions are due before class one week later (or by a time specified by the instructor). It is your responsibility to make sure the instructor has your work on time.

Submissions:
Student work must be submitted in digital file format and in inkjet prints (unless otherwise specified by instructor) to the appropriate section within Classwork/ART190 folder on the Digital Arts – Server. Students MUST make prior arrangements with instructor for submissions if they will be absent when a project is due and are responsible for arranging a critique and submission of work with the instructor.

Course Notes:
CourseNotes and other resource materials for this course can be found on-line at <http://www.johnvalentino.com/Art190/190Notes.htm>. Please download a copy of the notes from the web site, and keep them on your portable hard drive for future reference.

Software:
The software tools we will be exploring will include:

Adobe PhotoShop One of the most popular and important graphics programs. It is used by professionals in nearly every field from publishing, design and photography to 3D modeling and animation. PhotoShop is the standard for pixel based artwork.

Adobe Illustrator: An object-oriented drawing program used to create logos, scientific illustrations, clip art, page layouts and any vector based design materials.

After Effects: Adobe After Effects is a multimedia developing software which is used to create animation, and video.

Projects and Exercises

• Project 1: Building Character
  Designing a character with vector imagery. Students use Adobe Illustrator to create a character for their walk cycle.
  
• Project 2: Panoramic Setting
  An exploration of the communication impact of recombining and reprocessing found and created images.
  
• Project 3: Walk Cycle and body language
• We learn how to create a simple walk cycle animation using Adobe After Effects. This animation will contain a simple narrative.
  
• Final Project: Existential Crisis: After EffectsAnimation
• Talking Sequence and internal debate
  

Class Schedule: