Scheduled Course Offerings
Fall 2008
Course Information
This course is an introduction to the primary features, functions,
and various applications of a vector, or object-based, drawing
program using Adobe Illustrator. This course covers text creation and wrapping, path maniuplations, and palette operations.
To do well in this class you should plan to dedicate between 8-12 hours per week to class activities, homework, and assignments (This assumes a 16-week Fall or Spring semester. Summer semesters are of a shorter duration, which increases the weekly workload.)
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon successful complete of this course, the student will be
able to:
- Discern when and how to use bezier handles when drawing complex
shapes
- Compare methods for creating an illustration and select the
fastest and most appropriate method within the software application
- Analyze a design problem in the context of traditional design
principles and render the creative solution with vector software
tools
- Create icons and symbols that communicate concisely
- Design pages for print and multimedia that have balanced elements
and are easy for the reader to navigate
- Understand how type is classified and know how to successfully
mix fonts in a design
- Create technical renderings as well as stylized illustrative
images
- Create web graphics including buttons, banners, and animated
images
Course Requirements
Students must have their textbook(s) and software the first day of class. If you anticipate any shipment delays from a particuluar retailer, you should find an alternate source that has the product in stock and ships overnight.
Requisite Skills
This is an entry-level course. No previous knowledge of Adobe Illustrator is required. Students should have strong skills in computer and internet use, however. This includes, but is not limited to, the following:
- opening, saving, and managing files and directories
- installing software, plug-ins, and fonts
- troubleshooting operating system errors
- navigating the Web
- researching the Web
- sending and receiving e-mail with attachments
Take this quiz to see if you are ready for an online course.
Textbooks
- Adobe Creative Team (2007). Adobe Illustrator CS3 Classroom in a Book. Berkeley: Adobe Press. ISBN-10: 0321492005
(Note that the software application does not come with the book and must be purchased separately)
- Wilde, J., Wilde, R. (2000). Visual Literacy. New York: Watson-Guptill. ISBN: 0823056201
Software (online classes only)
- Adobe Illustrator CS3 Software
If you plan to complete the Web Design certificate or degree, purchasing one of the Adobe Creative Suite packages is a better value to obtain all the software you'll need. (purchase into)
System and Connectivity Requirements
Minimum System Requirements (based on Adobe Creative Suite 3 Design Premium. The Master Collection, which includes motion graphics and video applications has more stringent requirements.) Both Windows and Macintosh platforms are acceptable.
Students can successfully complete the course with dial-up internet connectivity. However, if students wish to participate in optional weekly live presentations, they should have access to DSL connectivity or faster. If you don't have this at home, accessing these demonstrations at a public or school library might be a viable option.
Assignments
An online class entails 4 required asynchronous student activities:
- Completing textbook reading assignments
- Reading text-based lectures
- Completing tutorials, quizzes, assignments, and project
- Participating on the class discussion board, including several collaborative critiques
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