Syllabus

This introductory course focuses on the fundamentals of using the computer as an art tool in the production of two dimensional content. Topics covered include essentials of digital imaging and digital printing.

Course objectives and procedures:
• To create two-dimensional art using digital imaging tools.

• To gain an understanding of the context of computer imaging as it relates to contemporary art practice. Through readings, lectures, discussions, critiques, writing and art making we will explore what makes the computer and digital media unique in the expression of artistic ideas. 

• While this is a studio course in which we will learn software and digital techniques, there will also be a strong focus on the topics of the digital art works created in class. These topics include envisioning digital and electronic landscapes, investigating our notion of identity, generating socio-political discourse and, most importantly, discovering your own conceptual voice.  

• To achieve a level of comfort with the tools and techniques needed to create two-dimensional digital artwork. We will use flat bed scanners, inkjet printers, digital cameras, digital microscopes, multi-touch screens, stylus input, cellphones, Adobe Photoshop, and if time permits, Adobe Illustrator. There will be demos on technique as well as assignments to be completed in-class and out-of-class. Time spent working on assignments outside of class will be necessary; plan for about 8 out-of-class hours per week. Making good art always takes longer than you think!

• To experiment with new ways to connect digital technology to your own art making practice. There are numerous ways to use digital technology in conjunction with traditional art making techniques such as bookmaking, printmaking, projection environments, installation and many more ways yet to be discovered!

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" you must maintain regular attendance, complete all assignments and participate in class discussions and critiques. An "A" in this course will require that you far exceed the minimum expectations for both quality and concept. Your work should show a highly developed understanding of the concepts and techniques of digital image manipulation, as well as an innovative incorporation of this medium into your own developed aesthetic. Your contribution to class discussions and class critiques is vital for an "A".

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 holidays and illness with an official doctor's note indicating that you needed to stay home on that particular class day. You are responsible to find out what you missed and complete any missed work.

Honor code:
Union College has instituted a new 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:
Storage: You will need to purchase some form of media to extract your data from the lab's computers. I recommend buying USB thumb drives or other portable drives. They come in various disk sizes from 2 - 200+gigs and are fairly inexpensive. I recommend one that is at least 16Gigs.

Digital output*: You will be required to output your artwork from the computer for at least two of the assignments. I will supply you with several types of paper, including photo quality ink-jet paper, semi-gloss paper, canvas paper, and back-light film. Any other types of paper, such as transparency, iron-on transfer sheets and sticker paper will be your responsibility to purchase. Please see me first so I can guide you in what to buy. Depending on what you decide to create for your final project, we should plan accordingly with supply purchases.

Notebook: Taking notes will be necessary in this information-intensive course. I highly recommend keeping a sketch book during the course. 

Reading and writing:
Addition to the suggested book below, I will be giving you readings relating to digital art and ideas that you will be expected to discuss in class.

1. Adobe Photoshop Classroom in a Book (2024 release)

Disability Policy:
Any student who feels he/she may need an accommodation based on the impact of a disability should contact me privately, as soon as possible, to discuss specific needs.

*Note: Digital output may be interrupted by the pandemic situation on campus. To that end, remember to wear your masks and wash your hands.