Computer Graphics

• Credits: 10

• College Prep Course

The curriculum is aligned to the CA CTE Model Curriculum Standards and Career Ready Standards for the Arts, Media and Entertainment Industry Sector and Design, Visual and Media Arts career pathway.

This UC approved fine arts elective is designed to introduce a variety of techniques, concepts, and software used to create digital graphics within the sectors of graphic design, illustration, product design, app design, and entertainment design. This class will complete an overview of Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator, with an additional introduction to Adobe XD. Emphasis is placed on the application of elements and principles of design. 

Course Objectives

The student will:

1. Express original ideas through an understanding of the elements of art and principles of design, as verified by the development and completion of assignments.

2. Compose imagery which illustrate knowledge of the elements and principles of design, as verified by completion of assignments.

3. Develop a historical perspective of art and design by recognizing varying individual and cultural themes and styles, as verified by completed assignments.

4. Develop the ability to make informed aesthetic judgments about works of art, nature, and objects in the total environment, as verified by teacher observation.

5. Demonstrate understanding and use of vocabulary and terminology associated with computer generated imagery as verified by observation and assignments.

6. Demonstrate proper uses and care of computers and materials, and equipment as verified by teacher observation.

7. Participate and display original art work in art shows/contests.

8. Work safely and appropriately online using Google apps, and Adobe Creative Suite software.

9. Demonstrate an understanding of copyright laws as it pertains to art and digital imagery.

10. Produce a sample design portfolio.

• Recommended Placement: A passing grade for both semesters of Computer Graphics and teacher approval.

• Credits: 10

• College Prep Course

The curriculum is aligned to the CA CTE Model Curriculum Standards and Career Ready Standards for the Arts, Media and Entertainment Industry Sector and Design, Visual and Media Arts career pathway.

Advanced Computer Graphics is an advanced level class. Students will apply their knowledge of art elements and design principles in real work design scenarios. Projects may include but are not limited to packaging, marketing, branding and identity, illustration, entertainment design, and app design.

• Recommended Placement: A passing grade for two semesters of Advanced Visual Imagery/Photo, Advanced Animation or Advanced Computer Graphics.  

• Credits: 10 (Weighted Grade)

• College Prep Course

This is a full-year course developed to accommodate students who have demonstrated a strong interest and commitment to excel in their computer graphics and/or photographic artwork. Students will complete an AP 2-D Art and Design portfolio with an emphasis on computer graphics and/or photo-based media.

The Course will emphasize 3 Skill Areas:

• Inquiry and Investigation

• Making Through Practice, Experimentation and Revision

• Communication and Reflection

Course Description

1. Research, field trips, regularly oral and written critiques will be integral parts of this course. All students will submit a portfolio at the end of the course that has followed the AP Art and Design Portfolio Submission requirements. With direct teacher instruction, the emphasis will be placed on the development of the AP Portfolio. The students will complete both sections (Sustained Investigation and Selected Work Quality Section) of the portfolio.

2. This course will emphasize ongoing documented experimentation with design concepts, composition, and media. Students will document their research, planning, practice, experimentation and ideation as part of their Sustained Investigation of their creative process.

3. As a part of this course, students must develop their own personal VISUAL voice. Mastery of concepts, composition, execution, varied art mediums, mixed media, and themes, concepts, subject matter, and content are an expected outcome. Students will understand that creating and developing art is a constant, ongoing activity that involves personal decision making. Students will understand that in order for their artwork to achieve quality in concept, composition, and execution, it includes much risk taking, experimenting, and research. This process will be documented in their Sustained Investigation work, leading to their final 5 Selected Works

4. Artistic Integrity, copyright, professional ethics, moving beyond duplication, and plagiarism will be discussed on an ongoing basis and are embedded throughout the course, and in core instruction of the course.

5. Throughout the course students are encouraged to work from their individual direct life observation of things in their world, their environment, their dreams, and their experiences.

6. Students will digitally submit 15 Sustained Investigation works and 5 physical Selected Works to the College Board in May.