COURSE SYLLABUS
Through technical demonstrations, readings, practice and discussion, this course will explore various possibilities and techniques in mobile platform digital art creation. Using San Francisco and other sites in Northern California as inspiration, students will learn processes in digital drawing and painting, digital imaging, animation and augmented reality. Content production will be achieved using traditional materials and iPad Pros that will be assigned to each student. 

Instructor:  Fernando Orellana

Email: orellanf@union.edu

Telephone Cell: 614-370-2428

Office: TBA

Office Hours: TBA

Class Time: M/F 2-5pm

Location and Lab: TBA

Course:  CALIFORNIA DREAMIN' - Topics in Digital Art

Course Number: ???

COURSE OBJECTIVES AND PROCEDURES:

• Learn how to use mobile hardware to make digital art.

• Become familiar with the mobile app Procreate to draw from observation and from the imagination.

• Use the mobile version of Photoshop to create digital collages, using drawn and photographed elements 

• Create animations using smartphones or the iPad.

• Experiment with augmented reality using Reality Composer, Aero, Forger and other mobile 3D modeling tools. 

• Learn about San Francisco as it relates to innovation in contemporary art.

CRITIQUES:
Class critiques are very important and will be held at the beginning of class on the due date of each project. You are required to attend critiques even if your work is not complete. Critiques are not for my benefit; instead, they are likely your best method to learn about art making - from your peers.

GRADING:
To receive a letter grade of "C", at the minimum, you must maintain regular attendance, complete in-class assignments and the four major projects, as well as participate in class discussions and critiques. An "A" in this course will require that you far exceed the minimum expectations for quality, concept and class participation. Your work should show a highly developed understanding of the techniques of mobile platform digital art production, as well as an innovative incorporation of this medium into your own developed aesthetic or narrative. Your contribution to class discussions and class critiques is vital for an "A". 

At midterm I will meet with you individually to discuss all the work you have made and your progress in terms of a grade. Each student is evaluated on their own creative growth, which is crucial given the often extreme difference between students with minimal art experience and more seasoned art practitioners. In terms of grade weight, the first three major projects are equal, with the final project carrying the most as it is an opportunity to demonstrate a thorough understanding of the course materials and independent creative thinking.

Project 1 = %20 | Project 2 = %20 | Project 3 = %20 | Project 4 = %30 | Participation = %10

Grade Scale:

A =   93 - 100

A - =   90 - 92.99

B + =   87 - 89.99

B =   83 - 86.99

B- =   80 - 82.99

C + =   77 - 79.99

C =   73 - 76.99

C - =   70 - 72.99

D =   60 - 66.99

F =   0 - 59.99

Class participation, in-class assignments and readings will not be evaluated, but can make a significant difference in your final grade if I do not witness that you are regularly taking part or completing them.

ATTENDANCE POLICY:
Don't miss class. Don't arrive late or leave early. You are expected to come to class on time, ready to work and with all necessary supplies and materials. Excused absences are: family emergencies, established religious holiday, illness or injury. To be excused, you must email me before class time or within 24 hours after the absence. If you have COVID or other contagious illness, please let me know as soon as possible as I may be able to accommodate your participation via zoom if circumstances allow and you feel well enough to do so. Otherwise, you are responsible to find out what you missed and complete any missed work.

Please note: three unexcused absences will result in a full letter grade reduction of your final grade.

HONOR CODE:
Union College has instituted an Academic Honor Code, available at  honorcode.union.edu. It is each student's responsibility to read and be familiar with it, and to ensure that submitted work is his or her own and does not involve any form of academic misconduct.

SUPPLIES:
Most of the supplies for this course will be provided for you, including medium format drawing paper, graphite pencils, associated software and an iPad Pro, keyboard, and Apple Pen that will be assigned to each of you. In addition it is highly recommended that you bring a personal smartphone, laptop or both as access to these technologies will amplify the possibilities of the content you can make. 

Below are supplies that are required and that you must supply: 

• A notebook or sketchbook

• Pens and pencils for note taking or sketching

• A backpack or bag for carrying supplies to locations
  
  

LEARNING DIFFERENCES:

It is the policy of Union College to make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. If you are a person with a disability and wish to request accommodations to complete your course requirements, please contact the Office of Student Support Services at (518) 388-8785. Once you have received documentation from that office, please contact me as soon as possible to discuss your needs. Please be aware that no accommodations will be provided without documentation from the Office of Student Support Services.