MM 336:
2-D Graphic Imaging

MM 336 Home
Syllabus
Schedule
Assignments
Lectures
Help

MM336
2-D GRAPHIC IMAGING

PREREQUISITES: mm336 & MM332

COURSE DESCRIPTION

An intermediate course in computer-aided photographic manipulation and the merging of vector and raster graphic files used in web authoring and print design. Students produce images in a variety of digital formats, applying aesthetic and composition design principles. Covers technological limitations of Internet graphics. Software instruction is in Adobe Photoshop & Illustrator.

COURSE GOALS

Students will

• Learn the fundamental components of computer-aided image manipulation, focusing on visual design in web construction and print.

• Practice file organization in the production of collages, montages, and other images, employing compression techniques for optimal delivery.

• Learn to compare and contrast photo styles on formal aesthetic criteria, and to identify the visual limits imposed by internet technological restrictions.

STUDENT OUTCOMES:

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. Identify and use photographic art principles applied to web page site design and construction.

2. Compare and contrast web images to print photographs.

3. Recognize and implement still photography principles as they apply to the various screen sizes and characteristics of web sites.

4. Analyze the use of color as an aesthetic quality necessary to convey visual information.

5. Implement images to meet specific communication goals, including those of advertising, instruction, and entertainment.

6. In Illustrator and PhotoShop, demonstrate proficiency in manipulation of scanned photos, digital images and screen captures—using alpha channel adjustment, masking methods, and colorizing techniques

COURSE CONTENT

• Readings on aesthetic, visual, information and message design theory.

• Research, analysis, evaluation and critique of graphic designs for digital media based on aesthetic and communication criteria.

• Detailed class discussion of course readings.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS

Students will complete written assignments (graded and ungraded) of approximately 5-10 pages (1250-5000 words) relevant to the topic and issues of the course. Typical writing assignments may include one or more of the following: audience and project analyses, creative briefs, descriptive and analytical critiques, executive summaries, media evaluations, needs assessments, project proposals and procedural documents.

In the course outline, the instructor will assign a documentation style (APA, MLA, Chicago Manual, etc.) appropriate to the writing context and provide assessment criteria for each of the required course assignments listed below.

• Design and creation of a variety of publications and graphics.

• A written assignment, demonstrating knowledge of digital design and production.

• A self-assessment journal that comments on design decisions and lessons learned.

• A written statement of purpose for a developed product, addressing audience analysis and design decisions.

• An oral presentation of the final project (including a written outline).

REQUIRED TEXT:

The Adobe Photoshop 7 Wow! Book, Jack Davis, Linnea Dayton
ISBN: 0321123972, Peachpit Press

RECOMMENDED TEXTS:

Alves, Sandra, Steven H. Gordon & Sharon Steuer, The Illustrator 9 WOW! Book. Berkeley: Peachpit Press, 2000. ISBN: 0201704536
Clark, Michael T. Illustrator 9 Visual Insight. Scottsdale, AZ: Coriolis Group, 2000. ISBN: 1576107493
Kinross, R., McLean, R. & Tschichold, J. The New Typography: A Handbook for Modern Designers. Berkeley, University of California Press, 1998. ISBN: 0520071476
Krause, Jim. Idea Index: Graphic Effects and Typographic Treatments. Cincinnati, OH: North Light Books, 2000. ISBN: 1581800460
. Layout Index. Cincinnati, OH: North Light Books, 2001. ISBN: 1581801467
Parramon, Jose Maria. Color Theory. Toronto: Watson-Guptill Publications, 1989. ISBN: 0823007553
Weinmann, Elaine & Lourekas, Peter. Illustrator 9 for Windows and Macintosh Visual Quickstart Guide. Berkeley: Peachpit Press, 2000. ISBN: 0201708981

WEBLIOGRAPHY

About.com, Graphic Design. http://graphicdesign.about.com/
Adam.ac, art, design, architecture & media information. http://adam.ac.uk/
Adobe.com. http://www.Adobe.com/
Animation World Magazine. "Vilppu Drawing Online: Drawing Ellipses." http://www.awn.com/mag/issue3.11/3.11pages/3.11vilppu.php3
American Print Alliance. http://www.printalliance.org/
Apollo13: Color. http://www.apollo13art.com/National/com%20480/lectures/color/overview.html
Computer Arts, Photoshop and 2-D Tutorials. http://www.computerarts.co.uk/tutorials/2d/
David Gould.com: Illustrate. http://www.davidgould.com/
Differences Between Print Design and Web Design. http://www.useit.com/alertbox/990124.html
Dmitry's Design Lab. http://www.webreference.com/dlab/
Encyclopedia of Educational Technology. http://coe.sdsu.edu/eet/Admin/TOC/index.htm
Jones Telecommunications & Multimedia Encyclopedia, Printing: History and Development. http://www.digitalcentury.com/encyclo/update/print.html
Print Art.com. http://www.print-art.com/gb/home/home.htm
Print.com, America's Graphic Design Magazine. http://www.printmag.com/
Print Council of America. http://www.printcouncil.org/
Web Developer's Virtual Library, Graphics Tools, Techniques, Examples and Resources. http://wdvl.com/Authoring/Graphics/

NATIONAL UNIVERSITY LIBRARY

The NU Library System (NULS) supports academic rigor by providing access to scholarly books, journals, ebooks, and databases of full text articles from scholarly journals. Library books and journal articles can be shipped to online students. Librarians are available to assist students at the Spectrum Library in San Diego, at the regional Library Information Centers (LIC), and online (www.nu.edu/library/index.html).

GRADING:

Grades are based on a percentage scale. The grade breakdown is as follows:

Definition of Grades:

A Outstanding Achievement that significantly exceeds standards
B Commendable Achievement that exceeds standards
C Acceptable Achievement that meets standards
D Marginal Achievement that is below standards
F Failing