Syllabus

COURSE SYLLABUS

This introductory studio course explores the computer as a creative and critical tool for producing two-dimensional digital artwork. Students learn foundational digital imaging and printing techniques while examining how contemporary visual culture shapes identity, perception, and social meaning. Through hands-on projects, critique, and discussion, the course situates digital art within broader artistic, cultural, and historical contexts, emphasizing conceptual development alongside technical skill.

Instructor: Fernando Orellana
Email: orellanf@union.edu
Telephone: 614-370-2428
Office: VA104
Office Hours: TBA
Class Time: T/TH
Location and Lab: VA118
Course: Digital Art AVA160

COURSE OBJECTIVES AND PROCEDURES

● Create original two-dimensional artworks using digital imaging tools.

● Develop an understanding of computer imaging within contemporary art practice. Through readings, lectures, discussions, critiques, writing, and art making, students examine what distinguishes digital media as a vehicle for artistic expression.

● Engage critically with the conceptual content of digital artworks produced in class. Projects address themes such as digital and electronic landscapes, identity, socio-political discourse, and the development of an individual conceptual voice.

● Gain technical fluency with the tools and processes used to create digital artwork, including scanners, inkjet printers, digital cameras, mobile devices, stylus input, and industry-standard software such as Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator. Coursework includes in-class demonstrations and independent project development.

● Experiment with integrating digital technologies into broader artistic practices, including bookmaking, printmaking, projection, installation, and hybrid forms, encouraging exploration beyond conventional digital formats.

● Projects situate contemporary digital practices in relation to historical and cross-cultural visual traditions.

CRITIQUES:

Class critiques are a central component of the course and are held at the beginning of class on each project’s due date. Students are required to attend critiques even if their work is not yet complete. Critiques are not conducted for evaluation alone; they function as a primary learning tool through peer discussion and collective analysis. Emphasis is placed on interpretation, intention, and context, helping students assess how visual meaning is constructed, communicated, and received within broader cultural frameworks.

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.

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.

Generative AI may be used as one element within a larger creative process, but it may not be used to author an entire project. AI-generated material should function as source material or a component of the work, much like an image found online, and must be substantially transformed and integrated through the student’s own creative decisions.

SUPPLIES:

Storage:
You will need a portable storage device to save and transfer your work from the lab computers. A USB thumb drive or external portable drive is recommended. These are inexpensive and available in a range of capacities; a minimum of 16 GB is suggested.

Digital Output:
You will be required to produce physical output for at least two assignments. The course will provide several paper options, including photo-quality inkjet paper, semi-gloss paper, canvas paper, and backlit film. Any additional materials—such as transparencies, iron-on transfer sheets, or sticker paper—will be the student’s responsibility. Please consult with me before purchasing specialty materials so we can plan appropriately, especially for the final project.

Notebook:
This is an information-intensive course. You are strongly encouraged to keep a notebook or sketchbook for notes, ideas, and project development.

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.