Course Syllabus
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What will you need to take this class?
This is a blended course!: That means some of you are taking this course totally online with no face-to-face instruction. You may even live somewhere else in the world than Logan, Utah. The rest of you are meeting weekly on Tuesday afternoons from 2:30-5:00 PM as a face-to-face course. Anyway, that's what you signed up for when you registered. You are either undergraduate students registered for ITLS 5230, or ITLS graduate students registered for ITLS 6230. You'll want to double check and make sure you're not an undergrad registered for 6230, or a grad registered for 5230 - I want you to be sure you've registered for the proper course number needed for your degree!
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Petra - Photo by Nathan Smith
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As far as online or face-to-face attendance, it doesn't matter to me. If you're registered as an online student, but feel you would learn better in a face-to-face environment - please come to the face-to-face class. If you're registered as a face-to-face student, but feel it would be better to do the course online - please do so. And sometimes my face-to-face students have something come up that they are unable to attend class - then be a online student for that week. Either way, I'm happy to work closely with you to help you learn the principles and skills taught in the course. All you need do is to let me know, so I can prepare properly for you. I don't take attendance - but I do watch carefully what you submit and discuss in Canvas.
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A piece of advice I'd like to give you. I have divided each lesson into smaller, daily chunks each week. Your ability to learn and retain information will be enhanced if you take it in daily chunks, rather than trying to accomplish the lesson into one sitting. You will also find that the course is easier to accomplish if you divide it into smaller chunks over a week's time.
In this course, you'll be asked 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. So what I'm say is, 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. Each week, 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. Anyway - plan to work a bit each day on that week's lesson. |
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: I want to share my goals for facilitating this course for you:
Class Attendance:
This is a blended course (having off campus students at a distance participating, as well as face-to-face instruction for students at the Logan campus). Face-to-Face students, class time is a time you can ask and receive answers to questions you may have. (Online students can communicate with me through a Google Hangout or through Canvas.) We will focus on critiquing student assignments from the previous week (and learning design elements and principles in the process), on teaching an aspect of graphic design, and on teaching a Photoshop feature set.
- The class is a team! 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 assignments that use the required skills. Choose to explore your own creative ideas as you create graphic design pieces. You'll design assignments that will end up in 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 want to 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 (Skype, Google Hangout, Canvas, etc.).
- I want to 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.
Class Attendance:
This is a blended course (having off campus students at a distance participating, as well as face-to-face instruction for students at the Logan campus). Face-to-Face students, class time is a time you can ask and receive answers to questions you may have. (Online students can communicate with me through a Google Hangout or through Canvas.) We will focus on critiquing student assignments from the previous week (and learning design elements and principles in the process), on teaching an aspect of graphic design, and on teaching a Photoshop feature set.
Rose - Photo by Nathan Smith
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Grading: Points will be assigned for the following:
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- Tests: To be arranged.
- Completed Week 15 Portfolio: Up to 150 points.
- 94-100% = A • 90-93% = A-
- 87-89% = B+ • 83-86% = B • 80-82% = B-
- 77-79% = C+ • 73-76% = C • 70-72% = C-
- 60-69% = D • Less than 60% = F
Course Policies: Course Fees: There is a course fee of $75. The fee supports the hardware and software for the ITLS student computer lab. During the semester, you will have access to that lab and its software anytime the Education building is open to work on assignments and projects. From time to time there will be classes scheduled into the lab, such as our class, but other than those, you can use the lab anytime.
Instructor Feedback/communication: The best way to communicate with me is to either visit with me during office hours in the YETC, or to message me in Canvas. I will use Canvas for announcements, gradebook, class discussions, assignment submission, etc., but most of my class content will be here at this website. I can arrange with you to communicate via a Google Hangout as well.
Student Feedback/communication: Outside of class, I will communicate with you several ways, through Canvas, or a Google Hangout. Please take time to check Canvas often for messages, assignments, discussions, and more.
Syllabus or Class Changes: During the course of the clsss, 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 submitting each assignment will be given along with the assignment.
Late work: In the industry, it's critical that you meet your deadlines. You should develop 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 of 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 office hours in the YETC, or to message me in Canvas. I will use Canvas for announcements, gradebook, class discussions, assignment submission, etc., but most of my class content will be here at this website. I can arrange with you to communicate via a Google Hangout as well.
Student Feedback/communication: Outside of class, I will communicate with you several ways, through Canvas, or a Google Hangout. Please take time to check Canvas often for messages, assignments, discussions, and more.
Syllabus or Class Changes: During the course of the clsss, 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 submitting each assignment will be given along with the assignment.
Late work: In the industry, it's critical that you meet your deadlines. You should develop 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:
- I will give you a 2 day grace period on turning in your assignments - no penalty.
- After the 2 day grace period, late work will be accepted at 50% the score you would have received if turned in on time or during the grace period.
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 of 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.
Logan River Walk II - photo by Nathan Smith
IDEA Student Course Evaluation at Semester's End
I value your candid feedback on this course. Each semester, I use that feedback to redesign the course to better fill your needs. I will provide extra credit for completing the USU IDEA student course evaluation. You have my sincere thanks as well!
I value your candid feedback on this course. Each semester, I use that feedback to redesign the course to better fill your needs. I will provide extra credit for completing the USU IDEA student course evaluation. You have my sincere thanks as well!
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This page was last updated August 28, 2018
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