Computer Graphics II ARTC-251
Course description from catalog
Computer Graphics II is the second semester of our sequence in Computer Graphics on the Macintosh platform. This course will use fundamental industry applications to prepare students’ work for artistic and commercial computer graphic design packages. Lecture topics include: preparation, input, manipulation, display and output of digital images.
Instructor’s information
Name: Ryan Seslow
E-mail: rseslow@nyit.edu or ryan@ryanseslow.com
Office hours: Remote via Zoom or Other Video Chat App – After class (or by appointment)
Course information
Term and date: Spring 2021
Credits: 3
Course number and section: ARTC-251 Computer Graphics II
Meeting times: Remote / Online via Zoom – Fridays, 9 am–12 pm
https://artc-251.com/ for all details.
Building and room number: Remote / Online via Zoom – please see
Prerequisites and co-requisites: ARTC-201
Suggested text books (not mandatory)
Caplin, Steve. How To Cheat In Photoshop CC: The art of creating realistic photomontages. Routledge, 2013. ISBN: 978-0-415-71238-5
Danea Lisa, Photoshop CC Bible. Wiley & Sons, 2013. ISBN: 978-1-118-64369-3
Smith, Jennifer, Adobe Photoshop CC Digital Classroom. Wiley & Sons, 2013. ISBN: 978-1-118-63956-6
Smith, Jennifer, Adobe Illustrator CC Digital Classroom. Wiley & Sons, 2013. ISBN: 978-1-118-63971-9
Smith, Christopher, Adobe InDesign CC Digital Classroom. Wiley & Sons, 2013. ISBN: 978-1-118-63964-1
Adobe Creative Team. Adobe Photoshop CC Classroom in a Book (2018 Release). Adobe Press, 2017.
Adobe Creative Team. Adobe Illustrator CC Classroom in a Book (2018 Release). Adobe Press, 2017.
Required Items
USB flash drive (8GB) external HD or access to dropbox, google drive, etc.. You will need access to your data and files for each class.
Sketchbook/notebook for brainstorming designs and ideas, and taking notes Folder to keep handouts
Course Introduction
This course is a continuation of Computer Graphics I, and will build upon the techniques explored in it. Students will use the computer as a tool and as a medium to explore creative possibilities for various formats of visual communications. Students will create digital artwork using Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, (and others), in conjunction with various analog media and other related equipment. The course structure will be a combination of lectures, demonstrations, and hands-on projects. Emphasis will be placed on advancing technical skills, developing rich concepts and ideas, and developing one’s own aesthetic. Students will also be exposed to artworks of historical and contemporary importance. Upon completion of this course, students will be prepared to utilize these tools and apply them when necessary in the following courses in the Computer Graphics sequence.
Student Learning Outcomes and Methods of Assessment
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate proficiency in using Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop at an intermediate/advanced level to produce complex designs and artworks.
- Utilize Adobe InDesign to effectively produce a multi-page document utilizing intermediate/advanced techniques such as styles and table of
- Execute artwork and designs with knowledge of historical and contemporary contexts, as well as design
- Critically address works of art and design in a knowledgeable
- Produce artwork and design that is conceptually driven, uses problem-solving skills, and is portfolio- and presentation-ready.
Methods of assessment will include:
- Main Projects
- Participation and Professionalism
- Weekly Assignments/Discussion
Description of Assignments
Some projects will focus on Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator, and some will involve a combination of both, as well as (but not mandatory) Adobe InDesign, After Effects or Dimension and other alternative applications. Projects for this semester will emphasize the ability to create something fun and interesting within practical real-world constraints. Weekly assignments will review and go deeper into the software to help build and retain tech skills. Students will be expected to take the initiative in some instances and reverse-engineer digital art processes themselves.
Grading Formula
1. Participation/Professionalism ————— 15%
2. Final Portfolio Project ———————— 15%
3. Individual Class Projects ——————— 70%
Schedule of Dates: (subject to change)
| Date | Topics | Assignments |
| Week 1 | Class Introduction, Photoshop Review |
Project 1: Discussion |
| Week 2 | PS: Pen Tool, Compositing & Editing | Project 1: Process / Research |
| Week 3 | PS: Painting & Animation / GIFs | Project 1: Critique |
| Week 4 | PS/ AI: Digital Recreations – Mobile Apps | Project 2: Discussion |
| Week 5 | PS/AI Review: Shapes, Forms, Color | Project 2: Process / Research |
| Week 6 | AI: Type, Effects & Appearance | Project 2 Critique |
| Week 7 | AI: Layout Tools / Layout -Zine Collab | Project 3: Discussion |
| Week 8 | Process Research: PS / Ai -Zine Cont. | Project 3: Process / Research |
| Week 9 | Spring Break | |
| Week 10 | Ad Hacks & Replacements | Project 3: Critique |
| Week 11 | Web Portfolio Optimization | Project4: Discussion |
| Week 12 | ID Review: ID VS AI – Fusions | Project 4: Process / Research |
| Week 13 | ID Review: Masterpages, Styles, Importing | Project 4: Critique |
| Week 14 | Final Project Work Session 1 | Final project work session |
| Week 15 | Final Project Work Session 2 | Final project work session |
| Week 16 | Final Project Presentation and Critique | Final project Critique |
Exams and Quizzes
There will be no exams in this class, just various projects, collaborations and critiques.
Policy for make-up exams and missed or late assignments
Late assignments will always be accepted. All assignments can be revised.
Attendance Policy
We are now using a remote and online platform. Attendance in the remote / video class sessions is not mandatory but highly recommended.
NYIT Email
All official announcements related to the course will be sent through NYIT e-mail. Students are expected to check their @nyit.edu e-mail regularly.
Withdrawal Policy
A student may withdraw from a course without penalty through the end of the 8th week of class during a 14- or 15-week semester and through the 8th meeting during an 8week course cycle. After this, the student must be doing passing work in order to receive a W grade. Students who are not passing after the 8th week or equivalent will be assigned the grade of WF.
It is the student’s responsibility to inform the instructor of his/her intention to withdraw from a course. If a student has stopped attending class without completing all assignments and/or examinations, failing grades for the missing work may be factored into the final grade calculation and the instructor for the course may assign the grade of:
The grade of F is used for students who have completed the course but whose quality of work is below the standard for passing.
Withdrawal forms are available in departmental offices and once completed must be filed with the registrar. Students should be reminded that a W notation could negatively impact their eligibility for financial aid and/or V.A. benefits, as it may change the student’s enrollment status (full-time, part-time, less than part-time). International students may also jeopardize their visa status if they fail to maintain full-time status.
Academic integrity and plagiarism policies
Each student enrolled in a course at NYIT agrees that, by taking such course, he or she consents to the submission of all required papers for textual similarity review to any commercial service engaged by NYIT to detect plagiarism. Each student also agrees that all papers submitted to any such service may be included as source documents in the service’s database, solely for the purpose of detecting plagiarism of such papers.
Plagiarism is the appropriation of all or part of someone else’s works (such as but not limited to writing, coding, programs, images, etc.) and offering it as one’s own. Cheating is using false pretenses, tricks, devices, artifices or deception to obtain credit on an examination or in a college course. If a faculty member determines that a student has committed academic dishonesty by plagiarism, cheating or in any other manner, the faculty has the academic right to 1) fail the student for the paper, assignment, project and/ or exam, and/or 2) fail the student for the course and/or 3) bring the student up on disciplinary charges, pursuant to Article VI, Academic Conduct Proceedings, of the Student Code of Conduct.
Library Resources
All students can access the NYIT virtual library from both on and off campus at www.nyit.edu/library. The same login you use to access NYIT e-mail and NYIT-Connect will also give you access to the library’s resources from off campus.
On the upper left side of the library’s home page, select links for “Find Resources”, “Research Assistance”, “Services”, “Help”, and “About”. Using “Quick Links” on the right hand side of the home page will also assist you in navigating the library’s web pages. Should you have any questions, please look under “Research Assistance” to submit a web-based “Ask-A-Librarian” form.
If you would like additional help in the course, please contact your instructor for guidance. You are also encouraged to use NYIT’s academic support services: the Learning Center, the Writing Center, the Math Center, and Brainfuse (online tutoring, 24/7). For more information and links to the individual centers, see: www.nyit.edu/student_resources/centers/.
Support for Students with Disabilities
NYIT adheres to the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and the rehabilitation Act of 1973, Section 504. The Office of Disability Services actively supports students in the pursuit of their academic and career goals. Identification of oneself as an individual with disability is voluntary and confidential. Students wishing to receive accommodations, referrals and other services are encouraged to contact the Office of Disability Services as early in the semester as possible although requests can be made throughout the academic year.
