Faculty Syllabus

A computer with a camera and microphone is required.

Adobe Photoshop CC software is required.  You are required to obtain the software before the first day of class. You should obtain the current version Adobe Photoshop. You MUST make sure your computer can handle the software. Visit Adobe at Adobe System Requirements to make sure. If your computer does not meet this standard, you will find it difficult to use the software. For ACC special pricing on Adobe software visit: Adobe Pricing for Students

High-speed Internet access and your ACC email are essential for online sections.

Recommend access to digital camera and/ scanner.

Pre-Requisite: None

Course Description

Digital imaging using raster image editing and/or image creation software: scanning, resolution, file formats, output devices, color systems, and image-acquisitions. (WECM) This is a solid introduction to Adobe Photoshop with specific attention to practical applications to include preparing images for print (halftone theory) and web output. Gain proficiency with Adobe Photoshop panels, image editing, selections, layers, masks, and paths. Introduction to layer styles, type effects, and filters. Encourages creative studio skills.

Course Rationale

Digital Imaging 1 is a foundation course using industry standard imaging software to help prepare students in the following specializations: graphic design, graphic arts technology, interactive design and motion graphics. Production and technical skills are reinforced through project-based assignments. Students are provided an opportunity to obtain real life experiences. Practicing professionals may upgrade their job skills.

Challenge to ARTC 1302:

Students cannot be currently or previously enrolled in the Digital Imaging I class they are challenging. Challenge test forms may be picked up in Admissions. Admissions will confirm whether the student has been previously enrolled. The form needs to be signed by the department chair and documented by Brandi Price, the instructor who is supervising the test. Brandi Price can be reached through email at brandi.price@austincc.edu. There is a fee to take the challenge test for credit.

Google Drive and Blackboard

All students at ACC have access to Google Drive. This is an excellent alternative to for backing up you work that could be accessible from any location. Google Drive is not fail safe. As with USB drives, be sure to download work at your computer for editing. Do not work on-line. You may also share your work with your instructor which could be an alternative to Blackboard uploads. Please verify usage with your instructor.

Instructional Methodology

Demonstrations/presentations/tutorials followed by independent lab work and “real world”, hands-on projects. Opportunity is provided for lab and on-line students to have discussion, exchange ideas and share projects. (Recorded tutorials and links to material in Blackboard)

Required Text and Materials
Adobe Photoshop CC (2026 release) Classroom in a Book by Adobe Press, ISBN-10: 0135495008

Optional Supplementary Text:

Visual QuickStart Guide by Elaine Weinmann and Peter Lourekas Photoshop (your version) for Windows and Macintosh.

Library Resource Centers

Review Print Magazine, Communication Arts Magazine, Photoshop User Magazine and others. In addition, the library has stock photo files. See this URL for Library services for the Visual Communication Dept: http://researchguides.austincc.edu/viscom

Useful URLs

http://tv.adobe.com/, https://helpx.adobe.com/support.html/, http://www.planetphotoshop.com/.

Course Description

Digital imaging using raster image editing and/or image creation software: scanning, resolution, file formats, output devices, color systems, and image-acquisitions. (WECM) This is a solid introduction to Adobe Photoshop with specific attention to practical applications to include preparing images for print (halftone theory) and web output. Gain proficiency with Adobe Photoshop panels, image editing, selections, layers, masks, and paths. Introduction to layer styles, type effects, and filters. Encourages creative studio skills.

Modules

• Module 1:  Discover Photoshop Work Area and File Formats
• Module 2: Apply Basic Photo Corrections
• Module 3: Use Photoshop Selections and Layers
• Module 4: Make and Use Masks for Non Destructive Editing
• Module 5: Make and Use Type and Vectors
• Module 6 Capstone: Prepare Files for Print and Web Output

Instructional Methodology

Demonstrations/presentations/tutorials followed by independent lab work and “real world”, hands- on projects. Opportunity is provided for lab and online students to have discussion, exchange ideas and share projects. (Recorded tutorials and links to material in Blackboard)

Grading System

90 —100 =A, 80 —89 =B, 70 —79 =C 60 —69 =D, 59 and less = F

Passing Grade Policy:Effective September 2005 “Ds” are not accepted as a passing grade within the Visual Communication Department courses. Students receiving a grade of D must retake the course to receive credit and to progress to the next level course. Students who made a D prior to September 2005 will be allowed to proceed to the next level course.

Course Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• Identify and categorize common graphics file formats for print and web, and explain their appropriate uses.
• Differentiate image resolution from device resolution and explain how each impacts image quality.
• Apply retouching tools (healing brush, clone tool, patch tool) to correct and enhance images for composites.
• Select and refine image areas using a variety of tools (wand, marquee, lasso, quick selection) with accuracy and control.
• Organize and manage layers by naming, grouping, and applying styles and adjustment layers to maintain a flexible workflow.
• Construct and edit masks (Quick Mask, Channel Masks, Layer Masks, Clipping Masks) to control visibility and blend elements.
• Compare and analyze the characteristics of vector and raster graphics, and determine when each is appropriate.
• Create precise paths and shapes using the Pen tool and integrate them into selections, shape layers, and vector masks.
• Design and format type using appropriate tools and effects to enhance visual communication.
• Prepare and optimize images for output to print and web, following technical specifications and best practices.
• Produce well-executed composite images that demonstrate non-destructive editing techniques and creative decision-making.