Course Title: Digital Imaging with Photoshop

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Digital Imaging with Photoshop

Credit Points: 12


Course Code

Campus

Career

School

Learning Mode

Teaching Period(s)

GRAP2217

City Campus

Undergraduate

345H Media and Communication

Face-to-Face or Internet

Sem 1 2007,
Sem 2 2006,
Sem 2 2007

GRAP2217

City Campus

Undergraduate

345H Media and Communication

Internet

Sem 1 2006,
Sem 1 2008,
Sem 1 2010,
Sem 1 2011,
Sem 1 2012,
Sem 1 2013,
Sem 1 2014,
Sem 2 2008,
Sem 2 2011,
Sem 2 2012,
Sem 2 2013,
Sem 2 2014

Course Coordinator: Murray McKeich

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925 4679

Course Coordinator Email:murray.mckeich@rmit.edu.au

Course Coordinator Location: 04.02.17


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

None.


This course assumes the following knowledge and capabilities:

  • basic IT skills including web browsing, email, Windows and/or Mac based program usage, and the ability to use a word-processor for report writing
  • fundamental writing skills to a graduate high-school standard.

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Course Description

In this course you will use Photoshop software for visual communication projects and personal creative expression. Through immediate practical engagement with project-based learning, you will develop the processes required for an efficient, productive and professional digital imaging practice. You will research, analyse and critique visual art and design mediums, and apply theoretical insights to the development of your own personal creative goals. You will participate within a supportive learning environment that encourages discourse, celebrates creative experimentation and fosters your engagement within a global community of creative practice.

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Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

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  • an ability to resolve visual communication problems via: the interpretation and application of key principles of art & design; the planning and implementation of professional work practices and project management strategies; the identification and application of professional software techniques.
  • a capacity to analyse and critique visual imagery on the basis of aesthetic principles and theories, and apply subsequent insights to the development of your own creative practice.


At the conclusion of this course you will be able to:

  • identify and apply relevant work practices and methodology in the fulfillment of digital imaging production and design tasks within a professional context
  • explain the technical concepts and theories that underpin digital imaging technologies
  • provide critical analysis of visual art and design in relation to theoretical, historical and social contexts
  • apply the insights of theoretical analysis to the development of your creative practice
  • participate in a professional discourses within visual art practices
  • apply art and design theory in solving visual communication problems.


Overview of Learning Activities

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Course learning activities are designed with the belief that most effective way for you to learn Photoshop is to do so while completing real and meaningful tasks (e.g. making an artwork or communicating an idea). Lesson plans during this period are based on structured working processes that, although relatively easy to learn, are visually effective and engaging. Course learning activities are designed to quickly equip you with a range of productive techniques that will facilitate playful exploration and experimentation. Learning to work fluidly, comfortably and instinctively within Photoshop’s software environment is a key learning outcome of this course and course learning activities are designed to facilitate this.


Overview of Learning Resources

Teaching is delivered online via the course Blackboard site, accessible via the myRMIT link on the RMIT homepage. Learning resources are provided via two primary resources:

1. Tutorial movies
Tutorial movies are the primary learning resource for the course. These movies are produced by the course team and provide step-by-step Photoshop tutorials that you can follow and complete at your own pace. These movies can be watched via internet streaming or you can download and save copies to your own storage media for use and revision at any time. The image files you need to complete these tutorials are also available for download. You can work through the tutorials in Photoshop whilst playing the tutorial movies on your computer. We also make extensive use of third party tutorial movies from the Lynda.com database.

2. Course notes and guides.
Each week you will be provided with notes and guides pertaining to the weeks learning activities. You will have required/recommended readings along with access to a library to resources that can accommodate your own specific interests and self-guided learning needs. You will have access to a range of online e-books including Photoshop manuals and theoretical texts.


Overview of Assessment

Your learning is assessed progressively via two types of assignment:

1. Exercises: two exercise assignments require you to create multiple images that use the specific software tools and techniques learnt from tutorials. Exercises require you to use these techniques creatively to produce your own unique images in response to a brief.

2. Project: the project assignment requires you to produce images in response to a brief and through a documented process of research and development. This course offers the flexibility of being learner paced and directed. You can submit assignments at any time in advance of deadlines and you will be free to re-submit assignments if you feel they can be improved upon.

The assignments are scheduled and graded progressively so that your development can be monitored over the whole duration of the course. Technical proficiency provides approximately 50% of the grade criteria but your willingness to experiment and explore beyond the basic requirements will be encouraged and rewarded.

We have designed the course to be culturally inclusive and we will encourage you to use your own cultural background as a source of inspiration and meaning in your assignments. We do not grade spelling and grammar but instead, reward ideas and insights. You will be encouraged to engage in a positive and supportive community of practice with your fellow students via on-line forums. Your lecturer will be available to provide personal advice and feedback via email, phone or face-to-face consultation at any time (within practical limits) during the course.

If you have a long term medical condition and/or disability it may be possible to negotiate to vary aspects of the learning or assessment methods. You can contact the program coordinator or the Disability Liaison Unit if you would like to find out more.&#8232;

An assessment charter (http://mams.rmit.edu.au/kh6a3ly2wi2h1.pdf) summarises your responsibilities as an RMIT student as well as those of your teachers.&#8232;

Your course assessment conforms to RMIT assessment principles, regulations, policies and procedures which are described and referenced in a single document: Assessment policies and procedures manual (http://www.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=ln1kd66y87rc).