Syllabus

Instructor

Texts

Adobe Photoshop CS2:Classroom in a Book (w/CD)
Adobe Photoshop CS2 Revealed (w/Data Files CD) - Student Online Companion

Course Tools/Software

We will be mainly using Adobe Photoshop and Adobe ImageReady. Both the COE GAL and the LT ERDL have this software available for student use. The current installed version will be CS2.

"Photoshop is the most well known and widely used graphics editing software. Recognized by most professionals as the single most important tool. Photoshop has since it's introduction always been a tool which has evolved steadily over time - each new version bringing more new features to help in image editing and drawing. Many of the features known to everybody working with graphical application originates from Photoshop. And today Photoshop is considered the most feature-rich application of it's kind. Basic features like layers and channels are supplemented by paths and other vector based tools. All text editing is done with vectors just as you create or select from a library of 2d vector shapes - to add more life to you drawings. Layer styles is also a great feature the allows you to quickly and simple create logos with just the right gradient, outline, shadows and more - and even using non-destructive editing. Each new version of Photoshop is worth looking out for." (ref)

Students can purchase the educational version of Photoshop from several sources. The UNT Bookstore uses Efollett. The student price is $299 (normally sales for $699).

You can accomplish some of the course assignment using other graphic applications. You can find photoshop-like application discussed at osalt.

Pre-Requisite

CECS 5030, Introduction to the Internet.

Course Description

Application of computer graphics to the preparation and presentation of mediated materials. Includes principles of graphics communication, concepts in computer graphics, graphics input systems, graphics manipulation software and graphics output systems.

Course Requirements

There will be assigned homework problems. Graphic projects will require the students to spend time at the computer. To plan a minimum of six hours a week of outside preparation is a safe time allocation for successfully completing this course.

Server Space

Information regarding uploading will be provided during the course.

Course Topics and Objectives

The goal of this course is to prepare students in the mechanics and design of computer-based graphic images. This course is a necessary foundation for those interested in developing multi-media, web pages, or computer presentations. The course will emphasize the importance of various file format mechanics and how those file formats influence presentation outcomes.

The content of the course will emphasize basic design techniques, use of color, fonts, artwork, etc to enhance the intended message. The student will demonstrate mastery of the concepts by creating images and other products. While the course should not be considered a "how to do" power point or photoshop, these applications will be the primary tools used in the course along with some others. It should be noted that the course is not a message design course, but it is a course that will require mastery of the design of graphic messages.

Other topics will include text design, image acquisition and manipulation, format conversions, 3D graphics, and others as time allows.

Create computer graphic projects utilizing accepted design practices.
Describe major color theories related to computer graphics.
Describe the difference between vector and bitmapped graphics.
Identify various graphic file formats.
Convert one graphic format to another.
Demonstrate competence in the design of text for computer graphics.
Demonstrate competence in the application of text, clip art, and photo images.
Demonstrate competence in the manipulation of photo images.
Create graphics related to Internet and web applications.
Create cell animation.
Create graphics appropriate for inclusion in printed documents, screen backgrounds, and web pages.

Grading

The class lectures will cover the assigned reading materials. Selected topics and assigned projects will also be discussed in class. There will be a midterm exam, final exam, and projects during the semester.

A total of 100 points for the course will be allocated as follows


Book Tutorials (portfolio)	30
5 Assignments	40
Participation	5
Exam	25

Total	100 points

Letter grades will be the higher grade resulting from the following two standards:


>=90	A	Top 10%	A
>=80<90	B	Next 20%	B
>=70<80	C	Next 40%	C
>=60<70	D	Next 20%	D
<=59	F	Last 10%	F

Homework

Homework will result in files that will be uploaded for grading. See the assignments for more details.

Late homework will lose 5 points each week it is late. Any assignments not turned in by the last class meeting will be assigned a grade of zero, unless the student has made prior arrangements with the instructor.

Students may elect to correct homework and resubmit for a re-grade. A student may resubmit work two times. Resubmitted homework when corrected and functional will count 80% of the original points.

Assignment Postings are due the day of the assignment due date. No redos are allowed on assignment postings. Replies to assignment postings can be made up till the last day of the course.

Meeting Information

This class meets the first two week of the semester then has additional days as listed below. Other than these times, this course will use the listserv to provide instruction, feedback, and help.

8/28/07	5:30pm - 8:20pm	MH 308
9/4/07	7:00pm - 8:20pm	MH 306
9/18/07	5:30pm	MH 306
10/9/07	5:30pm	MH 306
10/30/07	5:30pm	MH 306
11/27/07	5:30pm	MH 306

Contact Information

E-mail is the best method to contact us, since I check my e-mail multiple times daily. Electronic mail is also an extremely effective system for setting up appointments -- it is frequently possible to set up a meeting on shorter notice than the 24-hour minimum notice that is required when making appointments through the departmental office staff. Students may use my cell phone to contact me outside office hours. Please use appropriate discretion at what times you call.

Dr. Greg Jones
Office: Matthews Hall Room 322
Phone (972) 672-0811
E-Mail: gjones@unt.edu

Office Hours: by appointment.

Class Attendance

Attendance and punctuality are professional behaviors expected of educators. Educational or Instructional technology is not "doing computer projects" - it is much more. Hence, you need to be in class for discussions and learning activities.

Due dates, for all assigned materials, will be announced in advance. Changes, on the assignment's requirements or due dates may be announced at later dates, in class, therefore attendance to all classes is necessary. It is the student's responsibility to keep up with these updates and to have all assignments ready on time. If you miss a class, YOU are responsible for what occurred, please make arrangements with classmate for notes, hand outs, etc. Any student, who has to be absent on an assignment's due date, may arrange to have the assignment submitted early.

You must notify your instructor in advance if any exam is to be missed. If an exam is missed without prior notification, 20% will automatically be deducted from the exam grade. Make-up exams must be taken outside of regularly scheduled class time. Any missed exam must be made up within one week of the scheduled time. Date and time to be determined by the instructor upon student request.

Academic Ethics

Students are expected to create and edit their own assignments and take tests without outside assistance. This is a programming class and it is acceptable to ask for help from others after you have put forth significant effort to debug written code that is not working correctly and when testing your software. However, asking for help in debugging does not mean you have someone rewrite your code. All work is expected to be your own. Cheating and disciplinary action for cheating is defined by the UNT Policy Manual Code for Student Conduct and Discipline. Cheating is an act of academic dishonesty. It is defined and is to be handled as follows:

"Plagiarism and cheating refer to the use of unauthorized books, notes, or otherwise securing help in a test; copying tests, assignments, reports, or term papers; representing the work of another as one's own; collaborating without authority, with another student during an examination or in preparing academic work; or otherwise practicing scholastic dishonesty."

Although there are other possibilities, you should expect that the penalty that will be assigned for such infractions will include a failing grade in the course and a recommendation that you be denied a degree. You are expected to conform to all policies of the University of North Texas and work within the honor code.

As defined by the United States Copyright Act, it is your responsibility to clearly identify all elements in your work that are not "original works of authorship". You are expected to strictly obey the provisions of all laws of the United States and the State of Texas in the completion of all course activities, taking particular notice of the provisions of the United States Copyright Act (Title 17 United States Code). This law provides that you may legally use, within certain limitations, certain copyrighted materials in the context of research and scholarship. Do not confuse your ability to legally copy materials under the "fair use" provisions of the Copyright Act with the ability to claim that such a copy is an original work of authorship.

For more information on academic dishonesty, please refer to your current student catalog.

Americans with Disabilities Act Compliance

The Department of Technology and Cognition complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act in making reasonable accommodations for qualified students with disabilities. This university will adhere to all applicable Federal, State, and local laws, regulations and guidelines with respect to providing reasonable accommodations as required to afford equal educational opportunity. It is the student's responsibility to contact the faculty member outside of class to make any arrangements involving special accommodations and/or the Department ADA Representatives: Dr. Bertina Hildreth and Dr. Cathie Norris. Their offices are in Matt 316. You may schedule an appointment by call (940) 565-2057.

EEO/ADA on Discrimination

The University of North Texas does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability or disabled veteran status in its educational programs, activities, admissions, or employment policies. In addition to complying with federal and state equal opportunity laws and regulations, the university through its diversity policy declares harassment based on individual differences (including sexual orientation) inconsistent with its mission and educational goals. Direct questions or concerns to the equal opportunity office, (940) 565-2456, or the dean of students, (940) 565-2648. TDD access is available through Relay Texas: (800) 735-2989.

For more information on EEO/ADA, please refer to your current student catalog.

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