Course Syllabus

UMA Course:

Digital Graphic Arts Introduction

Semester Course

 

Instructor:

David Storm

Instructor’s Email:

dstorm@utahmilitaryacademy.org

 

Prerequisite Courses:

None

 

UMA Course Description:

This course will teach Cadets how to design artwork using computers. Cadets will develop many different designs, culminating in a portfolio of their best work. There are no prerequisites for this course. Cadets of all skill levels can be successful in this course, but a strong aptitude for using personal computers is helpful. Cadets will also be expected to be creative in this course as they will be coming up with their own designs.

 

Technology:

Computers are available for all Cadets in the classroom but Cadets can bring their own computers if they choose. All technology used in the classroom, either provided by UMA or brought from home, is governed by the acceptable use agreement signed by the Cadet at registration. Cell phones are not permitted to be used during class. Examples of acceptable technology include: laptops, tablets, and drawing pads. Any files saved on the computers in the classroom are the responsibility of the Cadet. If projects, files, or student work are left on the computer, they may be deleted. Cadets must back up their files in order to avoid losing their work.

 

Software:

Cadets will be using Canvas to complete quizzes and submit coursework. All assignments will be submitted via this platform. Parents have access to Canvas and can create an account to observe their Cadet. Instructions to complete this can be found on the Utah Military Academy website. Cadets will be given access to the entire Adobe Creative Cloud suite of software for free. We will be using Adobe Photoshop to complete most assignments in this course. This software only works on Windows and Mac computers, no Chromebooks. If a Cadet chooses to use their own computer, it must be compatible with this software.

 

Class Organization:

Class will consist of lecture and discussion on topics assigned. Cadets will be learning theory, following along with demonstrations, and creating original work using computers. There are no assigned group projects in this course.  

Assignments:

Assignments are to be submitted for grading on Canvas by the assigned due date. Due dates are all listed in Canvas and Aspire and Cadets have until 11:59 PM to submit work. All work should be completed in class, but can be completed at home if needed. If a Cadet submits work late, there will be no penalty. All work can be submitted before the last day of the term for full credit. All assignments can be submitted as many times as the Cadet needs in order to get the grade they want.

 

Course Grading:

Grades will be updated in Canvas and Aspire by Friday of each week. Assignments listed as “Missing” are assignments that were not turned in by the assigned due date, or assignments that were submitted, but did not meet the requirements and were rejected by the instructor. Cadets can then resubmit once they are sure the requirements have been met. Grades will be final on the last day of the term. 

 

Above 93%:  A 73% to 77%: C

90% to 93%: A- 70% to 73%: C-

87% to 90%: B+ 67% to 70%: D+

83% to 87%: B 63% to 67%: D

80% to 83%: B- 60% to 63%: D-

77% to 80%: C+ Below 60%:  F

 

Accommodations:

All accommodations will be made by the instructor so that every student can learn effectively. Any accommodations that are not addressed by the class structure, or the instructor, should be brought to the instructor's attention immediately. I am very flexible and willing to work with just about any situation, but I can't fix what I don't know about.

UMA Cadet Code of Conduct:

Download the UMA Cadet Code of Conduct from the Utah Military Academy website.