Visual Arts - Instructional Technology (IT)

This course prepares students for upper-level computer graphics and multimedia as well as entry-level career opportunities in the computer graphics industry. The course of study includes learning the foundations of computer graphics, photo design, and production as well as taking images from concept to completion in print and on the web. Tools such as digital cameras and scanners are used to import art and graphics into electronic formats. The students' artistic abilities will be enhanced as they master Adobe Photoshop software to complete the design and production process.

IT Computer Graphics 2 is a continuation of IT Computer Graphics 1. The course of study will include applications for image creation and manipulation. The emphasis will be on the study of aesthetics and on the production of original computer imagery. This course will enable modeling for print reproduction rather than web production. Students will work on individual as well as team projects. Students will be required to produce professional portfolios.

IT Graphic Design is designed to train students to become visual communicators. Students will apply the knowledge and understanding of the elements and principles of art through various media, techniques, and processes to solve problems in visual communications. A variety of 2D and 3D media will be used. Students will explore technical aspects of layout, typography, illustration, design, and color psychology using traditional graphic tools. Students will learn about the ethical issues in the commercial field, management of time to meet deadlines, working in a team, and expressing and defending their ideas. Also, students will study the history and cultural impact of visual communications. Works generated will be the basis for beginning a Graphics Art Portfolio.

Multimedia prepares students for the challenging world of information design, multimedia development, web-based development and learning management. The processes and tools that address these aims will be explored. Computer-based multimedia combines all the facets of communication into an interactive product. The ethical issues of copyright laws and fair use issues will be emphasized.

Multimedia 2 continues the student's study of the challenging world of information design, multimedia web-based development and learning management. Students will use informational design and multimedia software to study Advanced applications in this field. Video and computer-based multimedia will be combined into an interactive product. The ethical issues of copyright laws and fair use issues will be reviewed. Students will work individually and in teams to complete projects. Students will produce a digital portfolio.

Students must provide a 35mm SLR camera.

The study of 35mm print photography focusing on darkroom development will be introduced. Advanced studies of digital photography using cameras, scanners, and photo editing software will be explored. Through the camera lens, students will examine how the elements of art and principles of design contribute to effective compositions that communicate a clear message. Students will compare/contrast the history of photography and digital photography. Ethical issues concerning photographic imagery will be explored. Students will produce a portfolio containing both 35mm and digital photographs to be used in multimedia classes. This course is designed for interactive media students seeking an Advanced IT certificate.