COMPUTER+GRAPHICS+I+curriculum+and+pacing+guide

(one credit – full year)
 * COMPUTER GRAPHICS **

Art 1, Basic Design or Art History
 * PREREQUISITE: **

This course is an exploration of the creative potential, nature and use of computer imaging, typography, layout and design programs as an artist’s tool. It will provide an opportunity for students to acquire and develop the skills needed to create various types of computer generated work through their interactions with software, internet and various input and output devices. Students will be expected to acquire and develop the skills associated with operating and maintaining a computer. They will be expected to develop proficiency in their use of the hardware, programs and accessories available to them in this course. This includes but is not limited to: the Adobe Suite, the Macromedia Suite, digital cameras, scanners, printers, various backup and storage devices, computer, monitor, mouse and keyboard. Art History, Art Criticism and Aesthetics, as well as, Art Production will be addressed as it relates to computer imaging, typography, and layout and design in order to assure that students acquire knowledge and understanding of the visual and graphic arts and a foundation upon which to make sound aesthetic judgments. Computer typography, desktop publishing, drawing, painting, graphics for print using the Adobe and Macromedia Suites will be explored. Visual computer literacy will be acquired and developed through problem solving and hands-on assignments both in and outside of the classroom. High school art teachers, art specialists and art supervisors designed this guide in order that computer graphics teachers have a document, which has continuity, structure, recognition of individual uniqueness, interdependence and cultural diversity within a pluralistic society. Great care has been taken to insure that teachers have a number of diverse art activities that can be realistically taught during the school year. Therefore, each art experience area has been designated a specific number of weeks in which to be taught. Consideration has been given to the possibility that teachers may adjust the time schedule to fit the special needs of a class.
 * COURSE DESCRIPTION: **
 * The course assignments are based on 84-minutes per class. ** Assignments include computer design and layout, image manipulation, reading assignments, research, sketchbook and written reflections. Students will be introduced to the many facets of computer graphics and creative problem solving through the teaching of design and visual communication. These facets will be explored from their aesthetic, cultural, historical and social contexts as well as their implications on contemporary society.

This course will enable students to: • Recognize assessment of art as a tool to use in order to measure growth and to manage the learning process.
 * COURSE OBJECTIVES: **
 * Recognize how a visual image can be an effective means of communication
 * Acquire and develop the skills needed to creatively solve visual communication problems.
 * Understand, develop and employ visual hierarchy using images and text.
 * Analyze and utilize a broad range of aesthetically, historically and culturally diverse approaches to design.
 * Distinguish and interpret various types of typography.
 * Utilize a broad range of type styles in combination with visual images.
 * Understand how graphic design may be used as an international visual language.
 * Use a computer and various backup and storage devices to organize, store and retrieve information.
 * Use a computer to create and manipulate images and text for use in various print and digital mediums.
 * Respond to objects or ideas using their head, eyes, hands and heart in order to create written and/or visual images that convey their ability to record their environment and project their feelings, thoughts and ideas.
 * Acquire the ability to critique and judge their work based on the opportunities and experiences afforded to them during the learning process in the classroom.

Topics in this course will include: • An introduction to the hardware and software used for creating various types of computer generated work. • An exploration of the concepts of layout and design, image manipulation and visual communication through the use of the Adobe and Macromedia suites. • An exploration of various peripheral devices including but not limited to: scanners, digital cameras and printers. • Historical overview of the production of graphic design by traditional and computerized methods. • Career exploration in the design world.
 * COURSE TOPICS: **

Computer graphics lab Specialized equipment as stated under materials Each student will be required to have a notebook, sketchbook and a backup or storage device
 * INSTRUCTIONAL STRATEGIES/CONDITIONS: **