Class Schedule
Syllabus
Atomic Learning Tutorials
Title III Resources

Illustrator textbook
Bishop Home Page
Northark Home Page

CIS 2303 and ART 2303 Computer Illustration

Instructor: Sherry Bishop
Office: B203 - Office Hours
Voice: 870-391-3315
E-Mail: sbishop@northark.edu
Web: http://www.northark.edu/users/sbishop/index.htm
Links:
Student Responsibilities
Syllabus Acknowledgment

Course Description
This course will provide a basis to learning computer illustration, using Windows XP and Adobe Illustrator CS3. Students will learn not only the tools of computer illustration, but also the basics of graphic design. Specific tools will include the microcomputer, laser printers, and scanner.

Prerequisite
CIS 1103 Introduction to Information Technology

Rationale
Computer graphics is used today by many people worldwide to produce a variety of publications. With Adobe Illustrator, you can create everything from simple graphics, icons, and text to complex and multilayered illustrations, all of which can be used within a page layout, in a multimedia presentation, or on the Web.

Audience
This course is a requirement for the Associate of Applied Science Degree in Information Technology for the Graphic Design and We Design emphases.

Course Objectives
At the end of this course, you will be able to:

Method of Instruction
The textbook material will be presented by lecture and demonstration followed by classroom discussion. Lab assignments will be assigned for each unit for the student to complete during lab hours and outside of class.

A final project will be assigned for each student to complete by the end of the semester. This project must be published in some form following its completion.

Course Content
Getting Started with Illustrator
Creating Text and Gradients
Drawing and Composing an Illustration
Transforming and Distorting Objects
Working with Layers
Working with Patterns and Brushes
Working with Filters, Gradient Meshes, Envelopes, and Blends
Working with Transparency, Effects, and Graphic Styles
Creating Graphs in Illustrator
Drawing with Symbols
Creating 3D Objects
Preparing a Document for Prepress and Printing
Preparing Graphics for the Web

Course Evaluation
Students will be evaluated in this course and given grades: A, B, C, D, F, or other “grade symbols” as explained in the current college catalog.

Points will be earned from tests, homework, classroom assignments, and special projects. Assignments turned in late will not be accepted. Due dates will be posted on the class schedule web page for all assignments. You are responsible for checking all due dates.

Approximate points earned during this course are as follows:

Attendance 50 points
Unit Projects 200 points
Tests (4 @ 100 points) 400 points
Portfolio 50 points
Final Project 50 points
Final Exam 100 points
TOTAL 850 points

Grading Scale

100 - 90 A
89 - 80 B
79 - 70 C
69 - 60 D
Below 60 F

Attendance
Students are expected to attend all class meetings.  After a student has missed 15% of schedule class meetings (six hours in a traditional 3-credit lecture course, proportionately more in classes with laboratory, studio, or clinical components), the instructor has the prerogative to drop the student with a grade of a "W."  Instructors will monitor attendance in online classes based on participation in the class as evidenced by turning in assignments, participation in discussion boards, e-mail, or other formal contact.  Students who fail to participate in an online class for a period greater than two weeks will be dropped at the prerogative of the instructor.  Instructors will not allow a student to stay on their class roll when it becomes clear that excessive absences prevent the student's successful completion of the course but will officially drop the student rather than give the student an F at the end of the semester.  Please read the attendance policy found in the current college catalog, Page 52, and the student handbook. Students should make an effort to be seated and ready for class at the appointed hour. Tardiness disrupts the class and is distracting to both the instructor and other students.

Students are expected to "make up" any work he or she misses because of absences BEFORE the next scheduled class.  This is YOUR responsibility.  Late assignments will not be accepted for credit. If you must miss class and know prior to the absence, you may turn work in early.

Quizzes cannot be made up.  Exams can only be made up for unavoidable circumstances.  If you must miss an exam, you should make arrangements with the instructor to take the test early.  These arrangements must be made in a reasonable amount of time prior to test day.  In the event of unavoidable circumstances which might cause you to miss an exam, you must contact the instructor immediately to make arrangements—this MUST be done before the next class meeting after a test.  Exams not taken before the next class meeting will result in a score of zero.

All early and make-up exams will be taken in the Testing Center (Learning Assistance Center).  Please be aware of the Center’s guidelines and operating hours located on Page 42 of the College Catalog and on Northark’s Web site.  Testing Center Director:  Ms. Polly Jenkins, 870-391-3334, pjenkins@northark.edu

Challenge Exam
This course may be challenged and credit received by successfully passing a comprehensive examination.  Students desiring to receive credit through the challenge exam process must be enrolled in the course and complete the examination no later than the first week of class.  Students have the option to receive credit for the class with the grade earned on the challenge exam or to remain in the class.  See your instructor to challenge this course.  For additional information, see the college catalog, Pages 52-53.

Academic Integrity
North Arkansas College is committed to academic achievement supported by a strict but fair policy to protect academic integrity. This policy regards academic fraud and dishonesty as disciplinary offenses requiring disciplinary actions. Any student who engages in such offenses will be subject to one or more courses of actions as determined by the instructor, and in some cases other college personnel. For additional information, refer to the college catalog, pages 50-51.

Computer Lab Etiquette and Safety
Food and drinks are absolutely not allowed in the computer lab or classroom. Cell phones are also prohibited in classsrooms. Please turn cell phones off or to vibrated during class time. Text messaging is prohibited in the classroom. Please read the Student Conduct section of the College Catalog, pages 59-60.

Student Resources
Computer labs are available for you to use to complete class work. The labs in the JPH building are open for student use when classes are not in session; schedules are posted outside each lab. The open computer lab, located in the library, is open daily (check in the lab for times). The Digital Media Lab in the library is an excellent place to work. See library information in the College Catalaog on pages 43-44. You may also use your own computer to complete work if you have the correct software.

For additional information and resources, see the Northark College Catalog. You may obtain a catalog from Student Services.

Academic calendars, pages 3-7
Important phone numbers, pages 207-208
Withdrawal information, page 60
Certification Center information, pages 54-44

Resources Needed for Course
Textbook: Adobe Illustrator CS3 Revealed by Chris Botello

USB storage device: You also have the option of saving your files in a network folder; however, this folder will not be accessible off campus.

Data Files: The data files for your textbook are available on our campus network at the following location: data files on artemis\Illustrator CS3.

ADA Statement
North Arkansas College complies with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Students with disabilities who need special accommodations should make their requests in the following way: