Course Syllabus for ITLS 4230/6230
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What will you need to take this class?
Important: Fall Semester 2020 will only be taught online due to Covid-19. Typically, this is taught as a blended course as discussed below. Unfortunately, I'm in the highest risk category for the virus, so it will be just online for fall 2020 and most likely spring 2021.
This is a blended course! Some of you are taking this course online with no face-to-face instruction. The rest of you are meeting weekly with me face-to-face on Tuesday afternoons from 3:00-5:30 PM. Undergraduate students should be registered for ITLS 4230. Graduate students should be registered for ITLS 6230. Please check and make sure you've registered for the right course!
Course fee: The University’s Course Fee Committee approved the addition of a $15/credit online course fee. Effective Spring 2020, the fee will be applied to all online courses to sustain current digital technologies and support services required for delivering online learning. |
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A piece of advice I'd like to give you. I have divided each lesson into smaller, daily chunks for each week's learning. Your ability to learn and retain information will be enhanced if you take it in daily chunks, rather than trying to accomplish the lesson in one sitting. You will also find that the course is easier and less stressful.
In this course, you'll need to be creative as you come up with your own graphic designs, and apply the principles you'll be learning each week. I've found that giving your mind time to subconsciously work on problems is critical to creative success. If you wait until the day the assignment is due to start thinking about it and working on it - you'll have a frustrating experience. In Canvas, look at the assignments at the beginning of the week so your mind can start working on it. Read the readings - often they'll help you with ideas. I am also an "idea" resource for you. Feel free to visit with me anytime. Please plan to work a bit each day on the week's lesson. Then, it won't overwhelm you. |
Your ability to recall information you've learned increases when you review it several times over a period of time. Click image to view its source.
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Course Goals
There are three essential goals we want to accomplish:
There are three essential goals we want to accomplish:
- Learn fundamental graphic design principles and generalizations
- Develop specific skills and competencies in Photoshop, Bridge, and Camera Raw
- Develop your creative capacity as you design instructional graphics and products
- The class is a team! I don't want to be the only voice you hear in this course! You are a talented, wonderful individual, and we need you. We're here to learn together, work together, and help each other become better Photoshop users and graphic designers. I want you to come away from the course with a network of peers you can communicate with long after the class is over, if you so choose.
- I want to give you flexibility in designing your own portfolio exhibits that use the required skills. Choose to explore your own creative ideas as you create graphic design pieces. You'll design graphics for your personal portfolio, which is your final project for the course. Your portfolio can be shared with potential employers. I desire to give you the freedom to choose what to create, and yet at the same time, still learn the required skills needed for this course.
- I will be a facilitator/mentor/team member for you as you work through your assignments. I will keep liberal office hours where you can visit with me in person, or you can contact me through the internet (Google Meet, Canvas, etc.).
- I will connect you with online community, mentors, and resources that will assist you far beyond the boundaries of this course.
- I want to provide you an engaging learning experience in the classroom and online.
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Class Attendance:
No matter if you registered as an online student, or a face-to-face class student, it doesn't matter to me how you participate in the course. I want you to do what works best for you, and whatever method helps you learn the best.
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Moon over Cache Valley - August 26, 2020. Photo by Nathan Smith ©2020
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Grading: Points will be assigned for the following:
- Each week, we will be doing Photoshop exercises and Canvas discussions. Some weeks include portfolio submissions (which may also be real world projects).:
- Each of these will have an associated scoring rubric. Review the rubrics to know what will be required to receive the number of points you desire.
- Portfolio exhibit assignments with their associated design reflection/notes will be submitted by the assignment's due date. Points will be docked for late submissions.
- You will always have the opportunity to adjust and re-design each assignment as you gain new understandings and skills during the course, and the grade on that assignment will be revised to reflect the improvements you make. The focus is on learning - not grading! Each week, the class will reflect and critique on the design elements and principles of assignments turned in. You will have the opportunity to take what you've learned to improve any assignment you've submitted.
- Tests: To be arranged. My personal preference is not to give tests. I've found that cramming and regurgitating test answers is not an effective learning strategy. I'd prefer to hold class discussions where we can intelligently talk about what we've learned and share ideas and resources with each other. If you participate well in the discussions, I'll skip testing.
- Completed Portfolio - The course final project!
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Grades will be assigned based on the percentage of points you've earned out of the class total for the semester. The instructor's evaluation of your effort in class and your improvement in design and Photoshop skills over the semester can also factor in to your final grade. Your completed percentage of the total number of points will be assigned a letter grade as follows::
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Ember. Photo by Nathan Smith ©2020
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Course Policies:
Instructor Feedback/communication: The best way to communicate with me is to either visit with me during my office hours in the YETC, or to message me in Canvas. I will use Canvas for announcements, for its grade-book, class discussions, assignment submissions, etc., but most of my class content and resources I'll share with you will be here at this website. I can arrange with you to communicate via a Google Meet as well anytime you need to share your computer screen with me to solve a problem or issue.
Student Feedback/communication: Outside of class, I will communicate with you several ways, through Canvas announcements or inBox messages, or with a Google Meet if we've arranged one beforehand. Please take time to check Canvas often for messages, assignments, discussions, and more.
Syllabus or Class Changes: During the course of this class, you will be notified of any changes to the class syllabus by a message in Canvas. Changes to this syllabus before or after the course may occur without any notification. Please check back. Changes to a scheduled class or a class cancellation (because of illness, bad weather, natural disaster, etc) will be posted to the Weekly Lessons section above, and also a message in Canvas. Please check before class for any changes in plans. I suggest you bookmark this page in your browser.
Submitting assignments and electronic files: Instructions for submitting each assignment will be given with the assignment.
Late work: In the industry, it's critical that you meet your deadlines. You need to have the skill of getting work done well and on time! In this class, late work will be accepted, because I realize that "life" happens. On the other hand, you shouldn't procrastinate getting your assignments in on time, or you'll find that you'll quickly get so far behind that it's extremely difficult to catch up. And to be honest, scoring late work makes more work for me! Late work will be accepted as follows:
Ethics and Honesty: "Each student has the right and duty to pursue his or her academic experience free of dishonesty. The Honor System is designed to establish the higher level of conduct expected and required of all Utah State University students.
The Honor Pledge: To enhance the learning environment at Utah State University and to develop student academic integrity, each student agrees to the following Honor Pledge: "I pledge, on my honor, to conduct myself with the foremost level of academic integrity." A student who lives by the Honor Pledge is a student who does more than not cheat, falsify, or plagiarize. A student who lives by the Honor Pledge:
Plagiarism: "Plagiarism includes knowingly "representing, by paraphrase or direct quotation, the published or unpublished work of another person as one's own in any academic exercise or activity without full and clear acknowledgment. It also includes the unacknowledged used of materials prepared by another person or agency engaged in the selling of term papers or other academic materials." The penalties for plagiarism are severe. They include warning or reprimand, grade adjustment, probation, suspension, expulsion, withholding of transcripts, denial or revocation of degrees, and referral to psychological counseling."
Please take time to read through Utah State University's Academic Honesty/Integrity Policy - we will adhere to it in class. In particular, the Photoshop assignments you turn in must be your own work! Sources of images that are not your own must be documented and credited. Using Photoshop brushes, gradients, actions, styles, etc., that are not your own must be documented and credited.
Students with Disabilities - The Americans with Disabilities Act states: "Reasonable accommodation will be provided for all persons with disabilities in order to ensure equal participation within the program. If a student has a disability that will likely require some accommodation by the instructor, the student must contact the instructor and document the disability through the Disability Resource Center (797-2444), preferably during the first week of the course. Any request for special consideration relating to attendance, pedagogy, taking examinations, etc., must be discussed with and approved by the instructor. In cooperation with the Disability Resource Center, course materials can be provided in alternative format, large print, audio, diskette, or Braille."
Withdrawal Policy and "I" Grade Policy: Students are required to complete all courses for which they are registered by the end of the semester. In some cases, a student may be unable to complete all of the coursework because of extenuating circumstances, but not due to poor performance or to retain financial aid. The term 'extenuating' circumstances includes: (1) incapacitating illness which prevents a student from attending classes for a minimum period of two weeks, (2) a death in the immediate family, (3) financial responsibilities requiring a student to alter a work schedule to secure employment, (4) change in work schedule as required by an employer, or (5) other emergencies deemed appropriate by the instructor.
Instructor Feedback/communication: The best way to communicate with me is to either visit with me during my office hours in the YETC, or to message me in Canvas. I will use Canvas for announcements, for its grade-book, class discussions, assignment submissions, etc., but most of my class content and resources I'll share with you will be here at this website. I can arrange with you to communicate via a Google Meet as well anytime you need to share your computer screen with me to solve a problem or issue.
Student Feedback/communication: Outside of class, I will communicate with you several ways, through Canvas announcements or inBox messages, or with a Google Meet if we've arranged one beforehand. Please take time to check Canvas often for messages, assignments, discussions, and more.
Syllabus or Class Changes: During the course of this class, you will be notified of any changes to the class syllabus by a message in Canvas. Changes to this syllabus before or after the course may occur without any notification. Please check back. Changes to a scheduled class or a class cancellation (because of illness, bad weather, natural disaster, etc) will be posted to the Weekly Lessons section above, and also a message in Canvas. Please check before class for any changes in plans. I suggest you bookmark this page in your browser.
Submitting assignments and electronic files: Instructions for submitting each assignment will be given with the assignment.
Late work: In the industry, it's critical that you meet your deadlines. You need to have the skill of getting work done well and on time! In this class, late work will be accepted, because I realize that "life" happens. On the other hand, you shouldn't procrastinate getting your assignments in on time, or you'll find that you'll quickly get so far behind that it's extremely difficult to catch up. And to be honest, scoring late work makes more work for me! Late work will be accepted as follows:
- Points will be deducted for late assignments.
- I will allow you two "Life Happened To Me This Week" - where I will excuse you from an assignment so it doesn't impact your final grade. You don't need to give me an excuse, or tell me why - just let me know that life happened to you for that assignment and I will excuse you from it. However, you cannot use this option on the final portfolio project!
Ethics and Honesty: "Each student has the right and duty to pursue his or her academic experience free of dishonesty. The Honor System is designed to establish the higher level of conduct expected and required of all Utah State University students.
The Honor Pledge: To enhance the learning environment at Utah State University and to develop student academic integrity, each student agrees to the following Honor Pledge: "I pledge, on my honor, to conduct myself with the foremost level of academic integrity." A student who lives by the Honor Pledge is a student who does more than not cheat, falsify, or plagiarize. A student who lives by the Honor Pledge:
- Espouses academic integrity as an underlying and essential principle of the Utah State University community;
- Understands that each act of academic dishonesty devalues every degree that is awarded by this institution; and
- Is a welcomed and valued member of Utah State University."
Plagiarism: "Plagiarism includes knowingly "representing, by paraphrase or direct quotation, the published or unpublished work of another person as one's own in any academic exercise or activity without full and clear acknowledgment. It also includes the unacknowledged used of materials prepared by another person or agency engaged in the selling of term papers or other academic materials." The penalties for plagiarism are severe. They include warning or reprimand, grade adjustment, probation, suspension, expulsion, withholding of transcripts, denial or revocation of degrees, and referral to psychological counseling."
Please take time to read through Utah State University's Academic Honesty/Integrity Policy - we will adhere to it in class. In particular, the Photoshop assignments you turn in must be your own work! Sources of images that are not your own must be documented and credited. Using Photoshop brushes, gradients, actions, styles, etc., that are not your own must be documented and credited.
Students with Disabilities - The Americans with Disabilities Act states: "Reasonable accommodation will be provided for all persons with disabilities in order to ensure equal participation within the program. If a student has a disability that will likely require some accommodation by the instructor, the student must contact the instructor and document the disability through the Disability Resource Center (797-2444), preferably during the first week of the course. Any request for special consideration relating to attendance, pedagogy, taking examinations, etc., must be discussed with and approved by the instructor. In cooperation with the Disability Resource Center, course materials can be provided in alternative format, large print, audio, diskette, or Braille."
Withdrawal Policy and "I" Grade Policy: Students are required to complete all courses for which they are registered by the end of the semester. In some cases, a student may be unable to complete all of the coursework because of extenuating circumstances, but not due to poor performance or to retain financial aid. The term 'extenuating' circumstances includes: (1) incapacitating illness which prevents a student from attending classes for a minimum period of two weeks, (2) a death in the immediate family, (3) financial responsibilities requiring a student to alter a work schedule to secure employment, (4) change in work schedule as required by an employer, or (5) other emergencies deemed appropriate by the instructor.
Milkweed seeds. Photo by Nathan Smith ©2020
IDEA Student Course Evaluation at Semester's End
I chose to teach this course for several reasons...
One of the ways you can help me is to give thoughtful, honest feedback through the course evaluation process. I take your suggestions seriously, and use them to improve my course each time I have the opportunity to teach it. Each year's offering is different from the one I taught last, due in part to thoughtful feedback I received from my students last year. I particularly read through the written responses you give as part of the evaluation.
Please, take time to fill out the evaluation when you receive the email prompting you to do so for this course. Sometimes it's difficult to know how some of these broad IDEA objectives apply to a specific class like ours. Let me share my thoughts with you.
There are twelve objectives in IDEA that I've marked either (M) minor or no importance, (I) important, and (E) essential. The IDEA instructions to me were to pick 3-5 as important or essential, and mark all the rest as minor. I've followed those directions, but don't feel entirely comfortable with them. So, let me go through the essential ones with you so you understand why I marked them the way I did...
Thank you in advance for taking the time to complete the evaluation.
Sincerely,
Nathan Smith, Instructor - ITLS 4230/5230/6230
I chose to teach this course for several reasons...
- I love working with our students at USU. I like to getting to know each one of you.
- I love teaching. I love to see the smiles, and hear the "Wow!" when the concepts sink in. I love sharing and learning along with my students.
- I love the challenge - it forces me to learn and improve my skills. I get to learn right alongside you.
One of the ways you can help me is to give thoughtful, honest feedback through the course evaluation process. I take your suggestions seriously, and use them to improve my course each time I have the opportunity to teach it. Each year's offering is different from the one I taught last, due in part to thoughtful feedback I received from my students last year. I particularly read through the written responses you give as part of the evaluation.
Please, take time to fill out the evaluation when you receive the email prompting you to do so for this course. Sometimes it's difficult to know how some of these broad IDEA objectives apply to a specific class like ours. Let me share my thoughts with you.
There are twelve objectives in IDEA that I've marked either (M) minor or no importance, (I) important, and (E) essential. The IDEA instructions to me were to pick 3-5 as important or essential, and mark all the rest as minor. I've followed those directions, but don't feel entirely comfortable with them. So, let me go through the essential ones with you so you understand why I marked them the way I did...
- Learning fundamental principles, generalizations, or theories. I marked this as essential because I felt it was critical that you understand and be able to apply the design principles effectively and thoughtfully in your creations. In evaluating this course, the question you should ask yourself is, "Have I learned important principles of graphic design this semester?"
- Develop specific skills, competencies, and points of view needed by professions in the field most closely related to this course. I marked this as essential. These Photoshop skills you've learned are essential to using the tool effectively. The principles you've learned are essential as you apply them in your field of study. In evaluating this course, the questions you should ask yourself are, "Have I developed new Photoshop skills needed to work effectively with this tool?" and "Am I more comfortable using Photoshop as a tool than I was at the beginning of the semester?"
- Developing creative capacities (writing, inventing, designing, performing in art, music, drama, etc.) I marked this as essential, because creativity is so important to the process of design. I have tried to inspire you through sharing creative ideas, in making suggestions on your work, in doing class critiques. In evaluating this course, the question you should ask yourself is, "Have I developed my creative capacity this semester?"
Thank you in advance for taking the time to complete the evaluation.
Sincerely,
Nathan Smith, Instructor - ITLS 4230/5230/6230
This page was last updated August 27, 2020
