SYLLABUS +

Classroom Classroom Expectations Expectations

COURSE DESCRIPTION :

Graphics Communications I + II is dedicated to the exploration of our ever changing world through the lens of aesthetic awareness, creativity, and ability. This class teaches students the baseline skills needed for a professional art career. It is an introductory exposure to a wide range of programs and materials. Students will learn intro level skills in Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Digital Photography, Fine Arts, Critiquing Skills, Portfolio Assembly, Artist Statement Creation, as well as constant work on critical thinking, teamwork, and overall professionalism.

Instructor: Nicole Deisinger

Contact: 815.858.2203 Ext. 117

Email: graphics@cteacademy.net

Supplemental Resources: Various readings (including digital photography, color theory, copyright law, and contemporary artists)

Student Work Hours: 5-10 clock hours per week of hands on experience.

COURSE OBJECTIVES & OUTCOMES:

Given the instruction and support to learn Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, students will display beginner to intermediate knowledge of these programs through the pieces that they create

Given the instruction and support to learn Digital Photography, students will display beginner to intermediate knowledge of a DSLR camera, as well as composition based on the projects that they create

Given the instruction and support to understand the elements and principles of design, students will display beginner to intermediate knowledge of aesthetic awareness through the pieces that they create and art vocabulary they use.

Given the expectation to display professionalism, students will exhibit use of proper language, respect, honoring deadlines, and overall maturity in class

Given the expectation of professionalism, students will create a professional resume and artist statement that showcases their ability to market themselves

Given the expectation to professionally market oneself, students will create a portfolio based website that showcases their brand and developing abilities (Currently using WIX)

Given the expectation to examine visual culture and display critical thinking, students will create work that incorporates their own interests and highlight and develop critical awareness of the visual world

Given the use of supplemental materials, exposure to contemporary artists, products, class discussions and media, students will display a developing understanding of logo creation, typography, marketing, and branding

Given the expectation to grow as a communicator, students will display critique skills through written reflections and verbal comments during formal critiques throughout the school year

Based on the State mandated Student Learning Objectives growth, all students will advance one category unless stipulations apply

Methods Of Instruction

Demonstrations, Hands-On Learning, Lectures, Peer Review, Critique, Group Discussion, Sketchbook Prompts, Technology, Portfolios, Guest Speakers, Master Classes, Field Trips, Educational Games, Peer Grouping, and Individual Practice.

*While all students share the classroom space and often assist each other, Graphics I students are often taught separately from their Graphics II peers and the class time is divided in order to ensure each level is challenged and individual course objectives are met. / 24

Course Grading Procedures

Final grades will be determined by performance within these categories.

Your participation in the form of questions, comments and feedback is invited, expected, and appreciated. Note: there truly are no stupid questions. If you have a question, please ask it. In fact, you are not allowed to keep yourself from asking questions or making comments based on the assumption that you will sound a) stupid or uneducated, b) obvious, or c) lame.

Mutual respect is an expectation of everyone involved in the class. Respect is demonstrated through active listening when others are talking, thinking before speaking, and sharing comments based on fact rather than opinion. Students will contribute to their own learning and that of their classmates through peer discussions and interactions. NO MONITORS ON DURING STUDENT PRESENTATIONS.

While respect is at the core of classroom discussion, realize that it is entirely appropriate to discuss, disagree, and challenge myself and each other. In fact, this challenge is encouraged, provided it is not abusive, disrespectful, or dismissive, as this dialogue is imperative to learning.

Humor will be used often and is a valuable educational tool, as well as life skill.