COM 115
Introduction to media environments

Tuesday
Room 1P-231, 3:35 - 5:25 PM
Professor David Jimison
david.jimison(at)gmail.com

Developed by:
Professor Michael Mandiberg


Course Information

This course introduces the fundamental tools, skills and principles that are a prerequisite to using a computer for graphic design, digital imaging, and web design.  We will start with navigating the computer's operating system, and end with creating simple animations.  In between we will cover scanning, digital cameras, basic illustration, digital imaging, and web design.  You will learn about vector and raster graphics, graphic file types and naming conventions, and how to get master files ready for print or the web.  It seems like a lot, (it is a lot,) but it will be very exciting.


Materials and Supplies  

A USB pen drive (also called key drive, or thumb drive)  You need a 512MB or larger drive (2GB is recommended if you are purchasing a new one).  Please search for "USB Pen Drive" at DealMac.com for the cheapest prices J&R in downtown Manhattan; if you go to Staples et all, you will probably pay double.

Grading Criteria:

Attendance:Lateness and absences will affect your grade. Because of the length of the course, one absence will significantly reduce your grade (as a result of missed material and quizzes) and two absences will prompt a grade of WU (withdrew unofficially).

Quizzes: Quizzes begin at the the start of every class, and last 15-20 minutes (duration reflecting difficulty, and chosen at the discretion of the Professor.)  Quizzes cannot be made up.  Which is to say: come on time. 

Final Exam: The Final exam will cover the core material we have learned.  It will be an on-computer exam, not a paper exam.

Scale:

Lab Policies

Turn your phone off.  Yes, that means no TXT'ing(!)
No food allowed in class or lab at any time.
No private software is to be brought to lab or loaded onto school computers.
No software games are allowed in lab

Class Outline:

Week 1: Welcome to your Mac
Lesson Plan: http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=dkbx2sx_8f9vfcq


Week 2: Scanning and Digital Cameras
Lesson Plan: http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=dkbx2sx_12cjrmfv


Week 3: Drawing Shapes: Illustrator
Lesson Plan: http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=dkbx2sx_9fbjs88


Week 4: Digital Imaging: Photoshop
Lesson Plan: http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=dkbx2sx_17ff5qvh


Week 5: Web Design: Dreamweaver
Lesson Plan: http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=dkbx2sx_19gp9qtj


Week 6: Web Animation: Flash
Lesson Plan: http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=dkbx2sx_21hcb8bf

Week 7: Uploading & Final Exam