New York City College of Technology

The City University of New York

COMD 1162  Sec E058  Raster & Vector Graphics • Wed 6pm-9:20pm

Fall 2023 In-Person , Room P-121

Professor Mary Brown

E-Mail: mary.brown69@citytech.cuny.edu

Course Description

Basic concepts related to the two fundamental digital graphic forms (raster and vector graphics) and learning best uses and practices for each. This course covers basic digital imaging terminology and techniques including size, resolution, color space, file elements, measurements, file formats, and scanning software and hardware. Class projects require students to explore the meaning of communication through design and how it correlates with client satisfaction and target audience. Students become proficient with both raster and vector applications, such as Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator.             

2 class hours, 2 lab hours, 3 credits

Prerequisites

CUNY proficiency in reading, writing and mathematics or concurrent enrollment in ENG 092R, ESOL 022R or 032R; ENG 092W, ESOL 021W, or ESOL 031W; MAT 0630 or MAT 0650 as required.

Course Overview

Course Focus: This is a project-oriented course designed to introduce vector art (Illustrator) and continuous tone digital imaging (Photoshop) with the tool set required of today’s designers and graphic artists.

Required Reading

All reading assignments will be posted here on our OpenLab website.

Suggested Texts

Adobe Photoshop CC Classroom in a Book (2022), by Conrad Chavez. Published by Adobe Press. ISBN-13: 978-0138262525; ISBN-10: 0138262527 

Adobe Illustration CC Classroom in a Book  (2022), by Brian Wood. Published by Adobe Press. ISBN-13: 978-0138263829; ISBN-10: 0138263825

Attendance

The COMD BFA and AAS are design studio programs. In-class activities and engagement with other students is a significant portion of the course. Absences in excess of 10% of the total class hours will result in a 10% drop from your grade due to an inability to meet deliverables of participation. This is in addition to other penalties that will be imposed for failure to complete academic requirements. No more than 4 class absences will be tolerated. It is expected that you will be ready to work at the start of each period. Any 2 latenesses will be considered to be equal to 1 absence.

Academic Integrity Standard

You are responsible for reading, understanding and abiding by the NYC College of Technology Student Handbook, “Student Rights & Responsibilities,” section “Academic Integrity Standards.” Academic dishonesty of any type, including cheating and plagiarism is unacceptable. “Cheating” is misrepresenting another student’s efforts/work as your own. “Plagiarism” is the representation of another person’s work, words or concepts as your own. Information in reports or other academic assignments from sources must be accompanied by a citation in either footnotes, bibliography or both.

Grading

• Participation
 Attendance, In-Class Work, Critiques, etc)……10% 

• Discussion Questions…………………………………………10%

• Quizzes (4)……………………………………………………………20%

• Major Projects (4)……………………………………………….60%

TOTAL…………………………………………………………………..100%

If a student finds they will not be able to present or hand in a project on the scheduled due date, it is their responsibility to notify the instructor PRIOR to the due date and request alternate arrangements. Points will be deducted for late projects and missed critiques. It’s better to turn in incomplete projects than late projects. If you turn in your work on time, you will have the opportunity to rework to improve your grade.

Office Hours

By Appointment: Wednesday, 5pm-6pm, Room P-121
Contact Professor Brown ahead of time via email to make an appointment.
mary.brown69@citytech.cuny.edu

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