Syllabus
DAT 101, Introduction to Digital Arts
Naugatuck Valley Community College
Waterbury, CT

Jerry Nevins, Professor
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Course:         DAT-H101                                           CRN:              1748                           

­­Instructor:    Jerry Nevins                                       Phone:          203-596-8615

Email:            jnevins@nv.edu, jnevins@jnevins.com (preferred)      203-596-2101

Class Meeting:        Monday . . . 5:30 –  8:25 pm . . . L303 (Waterbury Campus)

Office Hours:           Available by appointment, via email.

Course Description: This course is an introduction and overview of the digital arts. The basic elements, components and skills required for digital art development and production will be defined and explored. Topics include; applications of digital arts, presentation software, visual design principles, digital media design, Web design, configuring a multimedia system, emerging technologies, multimedia components, and interactive multimedia development.

Number of Credits:            3

Prerequisites:                      Prerequisite: CSA*H105 or equivalent experience.

Required Textbook:           None – Library/Digital Research

Required Materials:           USB drive (8 Gigabyte or larger recommended.)

Course Objectives:  The objective of the course is to provide the student with…

1. Become familiar with the multiple software programs and recognize the purpose of each one.
2. Understand the terminology as it relates to the various components of Digital Arts.
3. Utilize the correct software to achieve specific results.
4. Apply good graphic design and best practice principles.
5. Create a portfolio website incorporating original work.
6. Properly obtain and credit work that was not part of an original creation.
7. Adhere to project guidelines and deadlines.

Learning Outcomes:  At the end of the course the student will be able to…

1. -Identify key terminology and concepts relevant to digital arts and its related fields.

-Demonstrate competence in the independent creation of digital media products using current and relevant software and equipment.

2. -Use acquired skills and techniques to identify, evaluate, navigate and access appropriate digital media resources.

-Plan, create and modify digital media elements to address the need(s) of the intended audience.

3. -Use skills and knowledge acquired through navigating current digital media toplan, create and modify digital media in order to identify and solve problems, enhance decision-making and produce completed original products both in groups and independently.
4. -Evaluate and identify the economic, legal, ethical and social issues surrounding the access and use of media. This includes copyright, royalties, sampling and other issues relating to intellectual property.
5. -Apply appropriate concepts and terminology to address ethical dilemmas and propose possible resolutions as it pertains to the use of publicly obtained media.
6. -Utilize appropriate and current methods of citing the use of creative commons, fair use, or other copyright free material.  Reevaluate and defend standards regarding fair use based on legal research.
7. -Analyze ethical dilemmas and their possible resolutions as it relates to copyright, royalties, sampling and other issues relating to intellectual property.

-Recognize the differing points of view inherent in intellectual property debates.

-Design innovative and collaborative solutions to restrictions imposed by copyright law.

Instructional Methodology: The course will balance lectures with hands-on demonstrations, learner-centered application assignments, and a comprehensive final project.

Evaluative Criteria: 30% (  75 pts) Class Participation/Quizzes

40% (100 pts) Hands-On Assignments/Homework

10% (  25 pts) Midterm Project

20% (  50 pts) Final Project

Grading System: For the purpose of computing numerical credit point averages, grades are evaluated as follows for each semester hour of credit. Grades on exams, papers, and quizzes, will be based on this grading system.

Late Assignment Policy: All assignments are due at start of class on the date listed unless otherwise stated. Anything handed in late will be accepted, but will lose points based on how late it is.

Make-up Policy: It is the responsibility of the learner to submit all missed work during scheduled office hours or by arranging a mutual suitable meeting with the instructor. Select pertinent information from the missed class will be accessible through the class site on Blackboard.

Important! In the Digital Arts Program a majority of learning is done in the classroom. Since all classes in this program meet once a week, one absence is equivalent to missing two classes worth of information. One absence, while not encouraged, may not affect your learning experience or grade significantly; two or more will make it difficult to successfully complete the class. After a second absence, please set up a time with me to discuss options for the class. After three absences or more, in order to avoid receiving a failing grade, it is best to withdraw from the class.

Blackboard Learn: This course makes extensive use of Blackboard Learn, the digital teaching and learning platform for the Connecticut Community Colleges, and all students will need access to the Internet (there are plenty of computing resources on campus) in order to take quizzes and access course resources.  Some course content as presented in Blackboard Learn is not fully supported on mobile devices at this time.  While mobile devices provide convenient access to check in and read information about your courses, they should not be used to perform work such as taking tests, quizzes, completing assignments or submitting substantive discussion posts.  If you have any problem using Blackboard Learn Mobile, you should contact Distance Learning at 203-575-8182dl@nv.edu.  During off-hours please visit our ConnSCU Student Support Help Desk https://websupport.ct.edu and search “Blackboard Mobile Learn” or call 860-723-0221 (Mon-Thr 8a.m. - 8p.m., Fri 8a.m. - 5p.m., Sun 1p.m. - 9p.m.).  If these resources are not available, please resort to using your desktop/laptop computer for all course viewing and activity.

Students and Faculty can access Blackboard Learn through our myCommNet portal http://my.commnet.edu, our Blackboard Learn App https://websupport.ct.edu/content/can-i-use-blackboard-my-smartphone-or-tablet-device, or directly at https://learn-cc.ct.edu/.

Tutoring Resources: The Academic Center for Excellence (ACE), provides tutoring in math, sciences, English and writing, and numerous other subjects. Students can learn about the full range of tutoring and other student success services by going by the ACE in E500 Ekstrom Hall, visiting its webpage at http://www.nv.edu/Student-Life/ACE-Tutoring, or by calling (203) 596-8717.  The ACE is located on both campuses, Danbury and Waterbury.

Waterbury Hours:      

Danbury Campus Hours:

The Danbury campus ACE is located on the third floor, outside CL4. 

Hours are arranged as the schedule is finalized each semester.

Library Resources: The Max R. Traurig Library is located on the 4^th and 5^th floors of the L building. The library has books, journals, databases, research guides, DVDs and CDs to support the college curriculum, as well as copies of all the textbooks used at NVCC. Textbooks and ESL readers are available in the administrative office at the Danbury Campus. The online journal databases, ebooks, and streaming videos can be accessed via the library website at www.nv.edu/library or through the Library tab in MyCommNet.

Hours:

Library Circulation Desk: (203) 575-8024

Reference Desk: (203) 575-8224

Text Us! (203) 951-8189

Email:    library@nv.edu

Danbury Campus Hours:

For the Danbury Campus, librarians work with faculty to schedule in-class instruction.  Textbooks are available from the Administrative offices.

Dean of Academic Affairs:           Dr. Irene Rios-Knauf

Kinney Hall – 719

Irios-knauf@nv.edu

NVCC Absences and Attendance Guidelines:

• The Faculty expects that each student will exercise personal responsibility regarding class attendance.
• All students are expected to attend every class session of each course for which they are registered.
• Students are responsible for all that transpires in class whether or not they are in attendance, even if absences are the result of late registration or add/drop activity at the beginning of a term as permitted by college policy.
• The Faculty defines excessive absence or lateness as more than the equivalent of one week of class meetings during the semester. Distance Learning courses will use criteria established by the Instructor.
• When presence counts towards class participation, excessive absence or lateness may, at the discretion of the instructor, lower a student’s course grade.
• Instructors will maintain attendance records.

Class Cancellations:  With the potential for faculty emergencies or inclement weather, class cancellations or delays are a possibility.  If a class is cancelled or delayed, instructors may plan for a qualified substitute instructor or plan make-up assignments for any class time missed. Faculty can plan for make-up assignments through a variety of ways including, but not limited to, the use of reading days, extended class time, or online/additional class assignments. Cancellation or delay of classes due to inclement weather is made only by the President of the College. To promptly learn of these cancellations or delays, please sign-up for MyCommNetAlert for immediate notifications.

Students with Special Needs-ADA: Students who may require academic adjustments on the basis of a learning disability are encouraged to contact the Counselor for Students with Learning Disabilities (Terry Latella K519C). At the Danbury campus, contact Associate Dean, Antonio Santiago.

Students who may require adjustments on the basis of all other disabilities should contact the Coordinator of Disability Services (Laurie Novi K519D).  After providing documentation and completing the disability disclosure process, students are then encouraged to meet with their instructor(s) to discuss the adjustments approved by the appropriate disabilities contact and to complete the Adjustments Agreement form.  Adjustments are not retroactive, students are therefore encouraged to meet with their instructor(s) at the beginning of each semester.  Instructors, in conjunction with appropriate college personnel, will provide assistance and/or adjustments only to those students who have completed the disability disclosure and academic adjustments process.

Academic Honesty Statement: At NVCC we expect the highest standards of academic honesty. Academic dishonesty is prohibited in accordance with the Board of Trustees’ student discipline policy 5.2.1 Policy on Student Conduct, Section 3, Paragraph 2. This policy prohibits cheating on examinations, unauthorized collaboration on assignments, unauthorized access to examinations or course materials, plagiarism, and other proscribed activities. Plagiarism is defined as the use of another’s idea(s) or phrase(s) and representing that/those idea(s) as your own, either intentionally or unintentionally. Anyone who violates the Board policy may fail the course at the discretion of the instructor. (Please see the Student Handbook on the College website link [page 7] for more information.)

A student may not obtain a transcript notation of “W” in a course if there exists substantial reason to believe the student has engaged in academic misconduct in the course. A transcript notation of “W” will only be permitted for such students when the final resolution results in finding the student did not commit academic misconduct in the course.

Student Academic Appeals Process:

A student has the right to appeal the decision of a full-time or adjunct faculty member, staff member, program director, clinical coordinator or employee of the college. An academic appeal is defined as an allegation by a student that, as to him or her, an employee of the college has violated federal or state laws and regulations, college or department policies, accreditation standards or the faculty member’s own stated policy relating to the student’s assignment of grades or other academic evaluation.  The five steps of the Academic Appeals Process are:

Step One

The student must discuss the concern or issue with the college faculty member, clinical instructor or other employee of the college directly involved within fourteen (14) business days of the incident (48 hours if it is a clinical appeal). See Appeal Form 1.

Step Two

If the student is not satisfied with the resolution or outcome of step one, the student may bring the concern to the college employee who is one level above the college employee previously consulted. The student should provide additional supporting information within fourteen (14) business days of the previous resolution or 48 hours if it is a clinical appeal See Appeal Form 2. The clinical coordinator, course leader, department chair/coordinator, program director or other involved college employee will review the concern with the Division Leader. The resolution or outcome will be put in writing and a copy will be sent to the student, department chair, Dean of Academic Affairs and faculty member as well as any other college employees involved in the concern within 5 days.

Step Three

If the student is not satisfied with the resolution or outcome of step two, the student may request that an appeals committee reviews the matter. See Appeal Form 3. The appeal must be filed within fourteen (14) days of receipt of the response to Step Two. For academic matters, the Academic Appeals Committee will review the concerns, outcomes and resolutions from the previous steps. If it is a clinical decision or concern, the resolutions and outcomes will be reviewed by the Clinical Appeals Committee. The Clinical Appeals Committee will convene within 48 hours.

The Academic Appeals Committee/Clinical Appeals Committee can dismiss an appeal in which:

1. no new evidence has been presented to change a consistent decision emanating from the initial appeal steps

2. the appeal is untimely

3. the appeal is being pursued in another college procedure or tribunal

4. the appeal is intended to harass, embarrass or has otherwise been filed in bad faith.

If a quorum is not available, the Dean of Academic Affairs will hear the appeal. A response will be made to the student within five (5) days of receipt of the appeal or within 48 hours if it is a clinical appeal. The student may still appeal to the Dean if the appeal is dismissed by the committee.

Step Four

If the student is not satisfied with the resolution or outcome of step three, the student may bring the concern to the Dean of Academic Affairs. See Appeal Form 4. The appeal must be filed within five (5) days of receipt of the response to step three or within 48 hours if it is a clinical appeal. The student will submit the appeal in writing along with any other relevant documents to the Dean of Academic Affairs, who will need to respond within five (5) days of the receipt of the appeal or within 48 hours if it is a clinical appeal.

Step Five

If the student is not satisfied with the resolution or outcome to Step Four, the student will appeal to the College President directly in writing. See Appeal Form 5. The appeal must be filed within five (5) days of receipt of the response to step four or within 48 hours if it is a clinical appeal. The President will respond within 14 days.

Academic Appeal Forms are available in the Student Handbook at: http://www.nv.edu/Portals/0/documents/studentservices/Student%20Handbook%201-29-15%20.pdf

 (Full policy can be found in the NVCC Student Handbook)

Official Student Email: All Naugatuck Valley Community College students are given an official student email address. This email address is the primary mode of communication with the college. It is a student’s responsibility to check this e-mail for all communications from their instructors and the college. Emails will no longer be sent to personal email accounts. The College gives free access to web applications of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and OneNote. Visit nv.edu/email for details on setting up your account or for help, call or visit IT: 203-575-8092 or nv.edu/IT.

Important Link to additional information:

Please see the Student Handbook on the College website for more information on these and other policies and procedures such as Code of Conduct Violations, Cell phone use in class, Children on Campus, Smoking Policy, and more. http://www.nv.edu/Portals/0/documents/studentservices/Student%20Handbook%201-29-15%20.pdf

Continuing Notice of Nondiscrimination: Naugatuck Valley Community College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, age, sex, national origin, marital status, ancestry, present or past history of mental disorder, learning disability or physical disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression or genetic information in its programs and activities.  In addition, the College does not discriminate in employment on the additional basis of veteran status or criminal record. 

The following individual has been designated to handle nondiscrimination policies regarding disability policies:  Robert Divjak, Director of Facilities/Section 504/ADA Coordinator, Room C216, Naugatuck Valley Community College, 750 Chase Parkway, Waterbury, CT 06708; 203-575-8235.   The following individual has been designated to handle nondiscrimination policies regarding sex discrimination as well as other forms of prohibited discrimination:  Jacquie Swanson, Associate Director of Human Resources/Title IX Coordinator, Room K704, Naugatuck Valley Community College, 750 Chase Parkway, Waterbury, CT 06708; 203-575-8043.

Office of the Dean of Academic Affairs

March 11, 2016

March 16, 2016

March 28, 2016

Digital Arts Lab Policies:

• On the average, students should expect to work 3-4 hours per week, outside class meetings, on assignments for this course. The Digital Arts Technology (DAT) Lab facilities are available during Lab Hours. Please consult the Lab schedule.
• Absolutely no food or beverages are allowed at the computers in the DAT Labs.
• Students will not download and install software (of any kind), and will not alter computer configurations in any way, unless specifically given permission by the instructor.
• Students will not mishandle Lab equipment and furniture.
• No equipment or materials are to be taken from the DAT Labs without explicit permission from Professor Leite.

Any person not in full compliance with the policies stated above will lose the privilege of using the facilities of the DAT Labs.

Videos to accompany class lessons

Class 2: Photoshop Edit for focal point and emphasis, Sculpt light... feathered selections the levels tool, the curve tool, Color              correction. View How to Video Here another video to see:   Watch this video I made on basic editing for light,              contrast and color balance using a student image.

Class 3and 4 : Photoshop Mirrored and Rotational Symmetries Intro to composite project. View How to Video

               Photoshop Surrealism/ the composited reality.

                Composited images... Surrealism Video How To....

                 Zen Textures Collection

                 Mirrored Face Video How To

Class 5: Illustrator Tools - examples of various tools, fills strokes, objects, clones, the pen tool, bezier curves.
                 How To Video Here

                 Getting Started in Illustrator CC, 10 things ...

                 Adobe Ping Pong Poster tutorial

                 Illustrator 10 Things Beginners Want To Know, Terry White

               Also, same link has a anonther tutorial on how to create dolphin logo.

Class 6 InDesign Tools - Design for print. Design Magazine cover of  your choosing.
             Video, Getting Started With InDesign    InDesign Finish Magazine cover, create 2 page spread layout including              text and images. Video, InDesign, Part II

Class 8 Flash Tools, animate text, shape and motion tweens. Export options. Video Here
            How to animate a Logo Video
            How to create a Star Wars opening crawl in Flash CC 2015 Video      
            Animate multiple shapes using presets Video

Class 9 Adobe Premier Tools, importing, exporting, movie formats,strategies to create footage. Incorporate Flash titles into             movie.

              Sculptural Medieval Portraits, Cluny Museum, Paris
              Create Premiere Pro slide show example video

               How To Video, Premiere Pro

               How to export as MP4 for YouTube

Class 10 Flash Scrolling Titles and text object... Explore motion presets, 3 D effects, bouncing, fading, etc... Adobe After               Effects for special effects.

Class 11 Adobe Audition, introducing Sound to your Premiere Pro editing.

Class 12 Dreamweaver Introduction to design for the web. Layers, tables, inks, sizing raster images for the web.

                 Dreamweaver Tutorial, Part 1

                 Dreamweaver Tutorial, Part 2

                 Basic 1 page website

                 Code for basic website

Class 13 Continue working with Dreamweaver leading to final project.

Course Outline/Readings:

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