Course Syllabus

Course Information
Assessment
Course Expectations
Policies

Course Information

Welcome

Hello and welcome to the online course, Creating Original Digital Art. This is your syllabus; you are responsible for the information provided in its contents. Please save it to your digital files and be sure to refer to it throughout this course.

Course Description

The course will focus on electronic visual art, and because of the amount of material to be covered, will not include audio or animation art. Students will look at what constitutes “art”, then look at how original art can be created using technological tools, such as Microsoft Paint, GIMP, Photoshop for pixel-based art; Microsoft Office, Adobe Illustrator, and Inkscape for vector-based graphics; and digital short-movies.

Course Overview

There are a number of assignments that, when combined, will culminate in an electronic portfolio of your work in this course. By the end of the course you will be required to create several art products that demonstrate your skill at creating digital art, and you will not need advanced technology skills because you will be given instructions or access to websites that will “walk” you through processes for each of the assignments and the software needed for those assignments. But what you will need is good self-regulatory skills, the ability to work in a group, and the ability to complete your assignments on time.

Be sure to ask questions if you are confused and the first person you should ask is your instructor, so be sure to post questions to the Creating Digital Art Question and Answer (Q & A) Discussion Conference and contact the instructor if you need more help.

If you have any emergencies that may take you away from an assignment, or are experiencing any challenges with an assignment, please contact your instructor immediately. If you have not taken an online course at SNL before, please explore the SNL Learning Management System (D2L) Tutorial, called "Taking SNL Online Courses in D2L," as well as take some time to explore the links to DePaul resources. If you experience problems and need support, you should contact the Technology Support Center by emailing tsc@depaul.edu, or by calling (312) 362-8765.

Don’t forget to email me and let me know that you have read and understand the information provided in this Syllabus. This is your contract for the course and I need to know you understand it and that you understand your responsibilities with respect to it. Thanks!

Course Learning Goals

After completing this course, you will be able to:

If you opt to address an X-X competence, you will be able to:

Course Competencies

In this course, you will develop the following competencies:

Competence

Competence Statement and Criteria

A-2-A

Can create an original work of art, explore its relationship to artistic form, and reflect on the creative process.

A-2-D

Can create an original work of art using an electronic medium and can discuss the creative process.

A-2-X

Can do original creative work in (subject area) and explain the creative process 

F-X

Can use digital graphics and/or video tools to solve topic-specific problems in the workplace.

SNL Professional Major Competencies

If you registered for CCA 181, the competencies that you will gain in this class are as follows:

Course Resources

To buy your books, go to http://depaul-loop.bncollege.com.

Required Reading:

Textbook
Art: A World History. (2007). Elke Linda Buchholz, Susanne Kaeppele, Karoline Hille, Irina Stotland, and Gerhard Buhler. NY: DK Publishing.

Course Modules
The course modules contain substantial course information so you will need to thoroughly read each module and your assigned textbook readings in order to have the information for your assignments. (There will also be Internet videos, and other assigned activities throughout the course that are designed to enhance your learning toolkit for this course).

You also can begin your readings as soon as you want to, but, remember that if you get ahead of the class, you will need to be mindful that your classmates may not be as far along as you are just yet. Accordingly, if you go ahead, please be thoughtful and post your questions to the appropriate week in the Discussions so that you do not confuse your classmates and everyone stays together throughout the course.

Technical Support

If you have technical questions please contact Technology Support Center at tsc@depaul.edu or (312)362-8765. Generally speaking, you should receive an answer within 24 hours. Please consider that many people have technical questions and it is likely that traffic is high during the first week of class. Again, the staff members who work at TSC will do everything they can to help you out as soon as possible. But technology is not perfect, and systems go down occasionally, so understand that your instructor is aware of this and will work with you to accommodate any assignments that are due when a downtime occurs if it is a DePaul technology failure.

Course Grading Scale

A = 92 to 100

A- = 90 to 91

B+ = 88 to 89

B = 85 to 87

B- = 81 to 84

C+ = 77 to 80

C = 73 to 76

C- = 69 to 72

D+ = 65 to 68

D = 61 to 64

F = 60 or below

INC

Grades lower than a C- do not earn credit or competence at the School for New Learning.

Course Structure

This course consists of 10 modules. The expected time to complete each module is one week.

The following table outlines the course:

Week,  Module # and Title

Readings

Assignments

Points

Module 1
Ancient History

Module 1 Content

Buchholz, Pre and Early History through Antiquity, pp. 1-67

Watch video: How Art Made the World

1.1 Introductions Discussion

1

 

1.2 One page summary

3

1.3 Module 1 Studio Discussion

1

Module 2
Dark Ages, Renaissance, Romance 

Module 2 Content

Buchholz, Renaissance pp. 116-206

Watch Dark Ages video

Watch Art in Early Europe video

Watch Art History Timeline video

2.1 Module 2 Discussion

 

3

2.2 Module 2 Studio Discussion

2

Module 3
Industrial Revolution 

Module 3 Content

Buchholz, Baroque, pp. 210-312

Watch the second part of the video, How Art Made the World.

3.1 Module 3 Discussion

3

3.2 Module 3 Studio Discussion

2

Module 4
Lines, Forms, Shapes 

Module 4 content

Buchholz, 18th Century, pp. 270-312

4.1 Group Discussion

5

4.2 Module 4 Studio Discussion

1

Module 5
Drawing and Painting 

Module 5 content

Buchholz, 19th Century, pp. 316-411

5.1 Module 5 Discussion

1

5.2 Module 5 Studio Discussion

14

Module 6
Photo and Video 

Module 6 content

Buchholz, 20th Century before 1945, pp. 412-461

6.1 Module 6 Discussion

1

6.2 Module 6 Studio Discussion

14

Module 7
Practicing 

Module 7 content

Buchholz, After 1945, pp. 462-501

7.1 Module 7 Discussion

1

7.2 Module 7 Studio Discussion

9

Module 8
Combining Media 

Module 8 Content

8.1 Module 8 Discussion

1

8.2 Module 8 Studio Discussion

9

Module 9
Show Time & Review 

Module 9 content

9.1 Module 9 Studio Discussion

20

Module 10
Evaluating Art 

Module 10 Content

10.1 Reflection Discussion

4

10.2 Reflection Paper

5

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Assessment of Learning

Discussion Forums

There will be module discussion forums available to you during the course to allow you and your classmates to discuss topics covered in the material. All forums will be asynchronous, which means you will not have specific dates or times arranged to have electronic discussions. You may participate in all of our discussions at a time and place convenient to you. Since your participation is essential in the course, you should know that it is an expectation that you actively engage in discussions throughout each week and the course does record how often students are online in the course. Please participate actively and consistently during the entire quarter so that I will be able to issue a grade in your behalf for class participation.

Conferences

There will be one phone conference in the course that will last approximately 30-40 minutes but will be optional so that any student who feels the need to talk with the instructor and other students can do so in the conference. The phone conference numbers will be posted on the website at least two weeks prior to the phone conference. I will also send out reminders at least a week prior to the phone conference to remind you of the upcoming conference.

Percentage distribution of Assessments

Grading Category:

% of Final Grade:

Module 1 Discussions and Assignments

5%

Modules 2 Discussions

5%

Module 3 Discussions

5%

Module 4 Discussions

6%

Module 5 Discussions

15%

Module 6 Discussions

15%

Module 7 Discussions

10%

Module 8 Discussions

10%

Module 9 Discussion: Show and Tell

20%

Module 10 Discussion

4%

Module 10 Paper

5%

Grading Policies and Practices

In this course I will work under the assumption that you will log into the website area regularly, will read assigned readings on time, and will produce the work that is needed on time and following instructions. You will need to receive at least a 75% in the course to receive a passing grade and receive the credits for the selected competencies.

To complete the course, you must complete each of the assignments as described in the course and submit them to your instructor by the assigned deadline.  In addition, you must participate in the course discussion forum by responding to all instructor requests and by interacting with fellow classmates as necessary.

Points are deducted for late work.

General Assessment Criteria for All Writing Assignments

All writing assignments are expected to conform to basic college-level standards of mechanics and presentation.

Consider visiting the Writing Center to discuss your assignments for this course or any others. You may schedule appointments (30 or 50 minutes) on an as–needed or weekly basis, scheduling up to 3 hours worth of appointments per week. Online services include Feedback–by–Email and IM conferencing (with or without a webcam). All writing center services are free.

Writing Center tutors are specially selected and trained graduate and undergraduate students who can help you at almost any stage of your writing. They will not do your work for you, but they can help you focus and develop your ideas, review your drafts, and polish your writing. They can answer questions about grammar, mechanics, different kinds of writing styles, and documentation formats. They also can answer questions and provide feedback online, through IM/webcam chats and email. Obviously, the tutors won’t necessarily be familiar with every class or subject, but they are able to provide valuable help from the perspective of an interested and careful reader as well as a serious and experienced student-writer.

Schedule your appointments with enough time to think about and use the feedback you’ll receive. To schedule a Face-to-Face, Written Feedback by Email, or Online Appointment, visit www.depaul.edu/writing.

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Online Discussion

Discussion Forums

Discussion Forums are an important component of your online experience. This course contains discussion forums related to the topics you are studying each week. For requirements on your participation in the Discussion Forums, please see “Course Expectations” in the syllabus.

A Course Q & A discussion forum has also been established to manage necessary, ongoing social and administrative activities. This is where the management and administrative tasks of the course are conducted, and where you can ask ‘process’ questions and receive answers throughout the course. Please feel free to answer any question if you feel you know the answer; this sharing of information is valuable to other students.

The Golden Rule Policy

The Golden Rule, "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you" often is forgotten in the information overload in our daily lives. Our everyday world has become so hectic that “road rage” and courtesy lapses occur too often, and sometimes even in online courses.

Remember that postings in online courses are not anonymous; let us be reminded of the Golden Rule in this class, and that every person should make a diligent effort to observe courtesies to each other and to the instructor. So please do not make demands of others, send angry remarks to other students or the instructor, and do observe common courtesies, such as the expression of appreciation for requests and feedback, to each other and to the instructor.

For more information on how to observe electronic courtesies (netiquette), please go to http://www.albion.com/netiquette/  or http://www.albury.net.au/new-users/netiquet.htm

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Course Expectations

Time Management and Attendance

SNL's online courses are not self-paced and require a regular time commitment EACH week throughout the quarter.

You are required to log in to your course at least four times a week so that you can participate in the ongoing course discussions.

Online courses are no less time consuming than "face to face" courses. You will have to dedicate some time every day or at least every second day to your studies. A typical four credit hour "face to face" course at SNL involves three hours of classroom meeting per week, plus at least three to six hours of study and homework per week.

This course will require at least the same time commitment, but your learning activities will be spread out through the week. If you have any problems with your technology, or if you need to improve your reading or writing skills, it may take even longer.

The instructor should be notified if your life events do not allow you to participate in the course and the online discussions for more than one week. This is particularly important when there are group discussions or you are working as part of a team.

If you find yourself getting behind, please contact the instructor immediately.

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Your Instructor's Role

Your instructor's role in this course is that of a discussion facilitator and learning advisor. It is not their responsibility to make sure you log in regularly and submit your assignments. As instructor, s/he will read all postings to the general discussion forums on a daily basis but may not choose to respond to each posting. You will receive feedback to assignments.

The instructor may choose to designate "office hours" when s/he will be online and available and will immediately respond to questions. Depending on the instructor, this response may be by e-mail, instant messenger or telephone. Otherwise, you will generally receive a response to emailed or posted queries within 48 hours.

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Your Role as a Student

As an online student, you will be taking a proactive approach to your learning. As the course instructor's role is that of a learning guide, your role is that of the leader in your own learning.

You will be managing your own time so that you can complete the readings, activities and assignments for the course, and you will also be expected to take a more active role in peer learning.

Please also note that this is a course offered by DePaul University's School for New Learning (SNL), a college for undergraduate and graduate degree-seeking students 24 years and older. SNL welcomes the perspectives and encourages the participation of all DePaul students, and students who take this course should respect and be mindful of SNL's mission in supporting a diverse and inclusive environment. More information about SNL can be found here.

View this brief demo Taking SNL Online courses in D2L to learn how to navigate through your course.

If you’re new to SNL Online see additional resources on the course home page under Student Resources/Getting Started.

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Course Netiquette

Online discussions are an important part of your course experience. To ensure a positive learning environment, please follow the following minimum expectations. Use your common sense, as not all situations can be covered:

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Policies

Academic Integrity

DePaul University is a learning community that fosters the pursuit of knowledge and the transmission of ideas within a context that emphasizes a sense of responsibility for oneself, for others and for society at large. Violations of academic integrity, in any of their forms, are, therefore, detrimental to the values of DePaul, to the students' own development as responsible members of society, and to the pursuit of knowledge and the transmission of ideas.

Violations include but are not limited to the following categories: cheating; plagiarism; fabrication; falsification or sabotage of research data; destruction or misuse of the university's academic resources; alteration or falsification of academic records; and academic misconduct. Conduct that is punishable under the Academic Integrity Policy could result in additional disciplinary actions by other university officials and possible civil or criminal prosecution. Please refer to your Student Handbook for further details.

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Plagiarism

Plagiarism is a major form of academic dishonesty involving the presentation of the work of another as one's own. Plagiarism includes but is not limited to the following:

Plagiarism, like other forms of academic dishonesty, is always a serious matter. If an instructor finds that a student has plagiarized, the appropriate penalty is at the instructor's discretion.

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DePaul University Incomplete Policy

The intent of the Incomplete grade is to allow students extra time to complete their final assignments. This need arises because, in the closing weeks of the course, they have an event of significant magnitude that adversely affects their ability to complete the course, e.g. serious illness, death in the family, overseas deployment, or natural disaster.

You must request an incomplete grade in writing two weeks before the end of the quarter. Incomplete grades will be considered only after you have satisfactorily completed at least 75 percent of the coursework, and you have such an unexpected, uncontrollable event that prevents you from completing your course. Do not assume that you will qualify for an incomplete. Students who are failing the course at the point where they request an incomplete will not receive one, nor will they be granted after the end of the quarter. Incomplete grades are given at the discretion of the instructor.

If you do receive permission from the instructor to take an incomplete in the course, you will be required to complete a contract with the instructor, specifying how you will finish the missing work within the next two quarters (excluding summer). See the Incomplete Grade Contract Form.

Undergraduate and graduate students will have up to two quarters to complete an incomplete. At the end of the second quarter (excluding summer) following the term in which the incomplete grade was assigned, remaining incompletes will automatically convert to "F" grades. Ordinarily no incomplete grade may be completed after the grace period has expired. Instructors may not change incomplete grades after the end of the grace period without the permission of a college-based Exceptions Committee. This policy applies to undergraduate, graduate and professional programs. NOTE: In the case of a student who has applied for graduation and who has been approved for an Incomplete in his or her final term, the incomplete must be resolved within the four-week grace period before final degree certification.

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Description of Pass/Fail Grading Options

Students have the option of taking all SNL undergraduate courses as Pass/Fail even if a class is initially structured for a letter grade assessment. In these cases a Pass is awarded when competence is demonstrated at a level that would otherwise earn a grade of C- or higher.

In deciding to select Pass/Fail grading students should be aware that competencies assessed in a course as Pass will earn credit hours toward degree completion but will not be included in computing grade point averages. Attempted competence demonstration assessed within a class as Fail will not only be recorded as credit hours attempted but will also be included in computing a student's grade point average.

For SNL students, competencies awarded for Independent Learning Pursuits and in the Lifelong Learning Domain do not count toward the university's specification that only twenty credit hours may be earned through the Pass/Fail assessment option.

Please note:There are three SNL courses within the BA curriculum that are always assessed on a Pass/Fail basis: Foundations of Adult Learning (course number LL 250; competences L-2 and F-1), Advanced Project (course number FA 303; competences F-11 and F-12) and Summit Seminar (course number LL 390; competence L-12). These classes may not be taken for a letter grade assessment. Therefore, work that might otherwise be assessed at grades A through C- will earn a Pass in these classes.

There are an additional five SNL courses within the Lifelong Learning Area of the BA curriculum for which instructors regularly use a Pass/Fail grading system that may instead be taken for a letter grade assessment if this is a student's preference. These classes are: Independent Learning Seminar (course number LL 103; competence L1); Writing for Competence (course number LL 260; competence L-4), Critical Thinking (course number LL 270; competence L-5), Research Seminar (course number LL 300; competences L-8 and L-9), and Externship (course number LL 302; competences L-10 and L-11). In addition, SNL's undergraduate Writing Workshop (course number LL 140; competence H-3-J) regularly uses Pass/Fail, although students may request a letter grade assessment. In these instances SNL offers undergraduate students the opportunity to request a letter grade assessment from their instructor. Students who need a letter grade for tuition reimbursement may wish to consider this option, as well as those who wish to raise their GPA. Students planning to attend graduate school may also prefer letter grades to Pass/Fail assessments.

If a student wants to switch the method of assessment, either to or from the Pass/Fail option, this must be requested from the instructor in writing by the beginning of the third week of the quarter. For courses that meet fewer than ten weeks of the quarter, this request must be made by the beginning of the third week of the course. The grading basis may not be changed after these deadlines, with no exceptions.

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For Students Who Need Accommodations Based on the Impact of a Disability

Students seeking disability-related accommodations are required to register with DePaul's Center for Students with Disabilities (CSD) enabling you to access accommodations and support services to assist your success. There are two office locations:

Center for Students with Disabilities (CSD)
Loop Campus: Lewis Center 1420. (312) 362-8002
Lincoln Park Campus: Student Center 370. (773) 325-1677
csd@depaul.edu

Students are also invited to contact their instructor privately to discuss your challenges and how the instructor may assist in facilitating the accommodations you will use in this course. This is best done early in the term and the conversation will remain confidential.

Dean of Students Office

The Dean of Students Office (DOS) helps students in navigating the university, particularly during difficult situations, such as personal, financial, medical, and/or family crises. Absence Notifications to faculty, Late Withdrawals, and Community Resource Referrals, support students both in and outside of the classroom. Additionally we have resources and programs to support health and wellness, violence prevention, substance abuse and drug prevention, and LGBTQ student services. We are committed to your success as a DePaul student. Please feel free to contact us.

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Protection of Human Subjects

For more information see: http://research.depaul.edu/

Demonstrating the acquisition of competencies in this course can involve "interactions"—interviewing and or observing other people—discussing those interviews or observations with other class members and writing them up in one or more final report(s). As such, these activities qualify as "research" with "human subjects" and are subject to University and Federal guidelines. Because it takes place in the context of this course, your research is exempt from approval by the School for New Learning's Local Review Board only under the following conditions:

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Copyright and Student Privacy

In accordance with DePaul’s Acceptable Use Policy, commentary and materials within SNL Online classes shall not be copied, reproduced or published elsewhere without the express written consent of individuals involved.

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Credits

This course was designed and produced by Dr. Ruth Gannon-Cook and staff at SNL Online of the School for New Learning of DePaul University.

© 2012 School for New Learning, DePaul University. All Rights Reserved by SNL during contractual interval with the author. Printed in the USA.

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