Tamalpais Union High School Distrtict
Larkspur, California  94939

Course of Study

COMPUTER GRAPHICS 1

I.	INTRODUCTION

This one-semester course gives students the skills and knowledge necessary to complete a variety of graphic design projects using computer software applications.  The main focus of this course is introductory graphic design of 2-D still graphics.  Computer Graphics 1 is a prerequisite for Computer Graphics 2-4.

This course is intended for all students wishing to gain further experience using software after completing Introduction to Computers.  Skills learned in this course prepare students for many entry-level positions in the technology sector of the job market.  The skills learned also prepare students for the types of assignments they will be completing in college-level work.

This course provides students with many opportunities to satisfy Outcomes 1, 2, 3, 11, 12 and 13. 

This course also provides students opportunities to gain proficiency towards the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) standards for Basic Operations and Concepts; Social, Ethical and Human Issues; Technology Productivity Tools; Technology Communications Tools; Technology Research Tools and Technology Problem-Solving and Decision-Making Tools.

II. STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES

Students will:
2.	Use manuals and online tutorials/resources to learn software applications.
3.	Complete projects, such as creating CD covers, magazine covers, posters, logos and web graphics, demonstrating their knowledge of and basic competency in the following:
Introductory Graphic Design Concepts
Intentional Design, Color, Contrast, Balance, Symmetry, Unity, Composition/Layout, Texture, Rhythm 
ScanningDigital photography
Graphics tablet image creation/editingFormatting for print and web/computer output
File format conversions
Graphics Applications
Raster and Vector creation and editing of 2D graphics using Photoshop, Painter and/or Illustrator software applications.
Specific software skills include
Photoshop – creation tools; selection tools; masks; feathering/modifying; layers including linking, merging and styles; clone stamp; image adjustments including brightness/contrast, levels, size, resolution, mode; palettes; rulers/grids/guides/snap; opacity; scale/rotate/flip; text – effects/rasterization; filters; file types
Illustrator – creation tools; selection tools; layers; size, resolution; palettes; rulers/grids/guides/snap; actions; opacity; scale/rotate/flip; text – effects/rasterization; filters; file types
Painter - creation tools; selection tools; brushes; layers including linking, merging and styles; image adjustments including brightness/contrast, levels, size, resolution, mode; palettes; rulers/grids/guides/snap; actions; opacity; scale/rotate/flip; text – effects/rasterization; filters; file types

4.	Present their work to an audience.
5.	Compare their work to the work of others and professionals in the field.
6.	Self-evaluate their work orally and in written form.

Samples of assignments include CD covers, posters, logos, magazine covers and webgraphics.  Assignments can be found at the following website:
http://drake.marin.k12.ca.us/academics/apptech/compapps/comp_graphics/compgraphics1.htm

III.  ASSESSMENT

A.	Student Assessment

Students will be given the grading criteria and course expectations in writing at the beginning of the course.  Teacher evaluation of completed student projects, teacher observations of student in-class activities and written tests and quizzes may be used.  Student self-evaluation may also be used.     

B.	Course Assessment
Student, teacher and community/industry feedback will be used to assess the course. Computer Graphics teachers will meet annually to discuss successes and difficulties in an effort to improve the effectiveness of the course.

IV.	METHODS AND MATERIALS

A.	Methods
Students will use manuals and online tutorials/resources to learn software applications. Lectures, readings and presentations by other students, the teacher and, possibly, guest lecturers/presenters.
Students will work individually and in groups.
Students will tutor each other.
Student will make oral presentations to the class and/or industry experts of finished product(s).
The vast majority of time is “hands-on” doing work on the computer resulting in less direct instruction and more student self-discovery.

B.	Materials
Students will use current hardware, software and manuals as needed for their work/projects.

C.	Technology
Technology will be the major focus of this course and students will be using current hardware, software and Internet access in this course.

D.	School-to-Career
Guest speakers, job shadows, adult mentors and/or real-world projects will be used to increase student awareness of the connection between this course and the world of work.

V.	GENERAL INFORMATION

Computer Graphics 1 is a 5-credit course open to all 9th-12th grade students.

A. 	PrerequisitesThere are no prerequisites for Computer Graphics 1.

B.	Requirements MetThis course may be used as elective credit towards graduation but does not meet any specific graduation requirement.This course is not currently accepted towards any requirement for UC admissions.  It is also not currently accepted for any CSU requirement.

Adopted: 9/10/91
Revised: 4/96, 6/98, 4/00, 6/03, 10/03