APPL11662
Computer Techniques
 
  I: Administrative Information   II: Course Details   III: Topical Outline(s)  Printable Version   Public
 
Section I: Administrative Information
  Credit Value: 3.0
Credit Value Notes: N/A
Effective: Fall 2013
Prerequisites: N/A
Corequisites: N/A
Equivalents:
N/A
Pre/Co/Equiv Notes: N/A

Course Name (short): Computer Techniques
School:
All Sheridan Schools
Program(s): Visual Merchandising Arts
Program Coordinator(s): Louise Franklin
Course Leader or Contact: Tba
Originator: Christine Franch
Designate: Christine Franch
Version:
9.0
Status: Approved - Under Rev (AREV)

Calendar Description
Students are introduced to computer hardware and software with emphasis on the Macintosh platform. Three basic forms of image creation, manipulation and page layout are covered. Students learn a vector based drawing program, manipulation of photographs and images and the principles of page layout.

Typical Instructional Format

Lab
42.0
Total hours: 42.0

Courses may be offered in other formats.

Section I Notes: N/A

 
 
Section II: Course Details

Detailed Description
Students are introduced to computer hardware and software with emphasis on the Macintosh platform. Three basic forms of image creation, manipulation and page layout are covered. Students learn a vector based drawing program, manipulation of photographs and images and the principles of page layout. Through lectures, demos and in class hands on activity, students apply computer software skills and design principles to related assignments.

Program Context

 
Visual Merchandising Arts Program Coordinator: Louise Franklin
Computer literacy is an essential tool in the visual merchandising industry. Students learn how to produce graphic visuals for presentation purposes. This is a pre-requisite for Visual Literacy: Graphic Applications.


Course Critical Performance and Learning Outcomes

 
 Critical Performance

By the end of this course, students will have demonstrated the ability
to work with various software applications and understand basic
digital technologies.

Learning Outcomes 

To achieve the critical performance, students will have demonstrated
the ability to:

1.  Explain computer terms and terminology associated with MAC O/S.
2.  Describe file management concepts and principles associated with 
    MAC O/S. 
3.  Use page layout and illustration software to design documents.
4.  Apply appropriate typefaces, sizes and styles to layouts for 
    optimal effect.
5.  Manipulate images to enhance layout design.
6.  Prepare files for printing using prepress tools. 
7.  Exhibit professional behaviours and attitudes including:
    - Safely and effectively work in an industry-like classroom 
      environment. 
    -  Willingness to work collaboratively
    - Openness to peer and instructor critiques
    - Manage time through assignment deadlines
    - Commitment to working in a professional studio environment

Evaluation Plan
Students demonstrate their learning in the following ways:

 
In-class Exercises :    5%
Assignment 1:          10%
Assignment 2:          15%
Assignment 3:          20%
Test 1: 	       20%
Test 2: 	       30%
Total:                100%


Faculty of the Visual Merchandising Program at Sheridan encourages 
students to submit all projects on time as this is excellent training 
for the professional merchandising industry.

All assignments and exercises must be submitted at the beginning of 
the class on the date specified in the assignment brief, unless otherwise specified by the 
professor. If an assignment is handed in by the end of class, it will receive a 10% 
grade reduction. An assignment submitted within one week will receive 
a 30% grade reduction. Assignments more than one week late will not 
be graded unless a prior arrangement has been made with the 
teacher.

If there is a valid reason for the late assignment, the student must 
email the teacher no later than the date the assignment is due to 
indicate it will be late. If the reason is deemed to be valid, there 
will be no late penalty.

There will be no resubmission of work unless, under exceptional 
circumstances, this has been agreed to or suggested by the teacher.
Provincial Context
The course meets the following Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities requirements:

 

Essential Employability Skills
Essential Employability Skills emphasized in the course:

X Communication X Critical Thinking & Problem Solving   Interpersonal
  Numeracy X Information Management X Personal

Notes: N/A

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition
PLAR Contact: Louise Franklin

Students may apply to receive credit by demonstrating achievement of the course learning outcomes through previous life and work experiences. This course is eligible for challenge through the following method(s):

Challenge Exam Portfolio Interview Other Not Eligible for PLAR
X        

Notes: Either is required.

 
 
Section III: Topical Outline
Some details of this outline may change as a result of circumstances such as weather cancellations, College and student activities, and class timetabling.
Effective term: Fall 2013
Professor: Multiple Professors
Textbook(s):
Cohen,S.  (2012).  In Design CS6 for Macintosh and Windows: Visual
Quick Start Guide. Berkley, California: Peachpit Press.

Applicable student group(s): Visual Merchandising Arts
Course Details:
Description: 
Unit 1: Introduction to Mac platform and Creative Suite Design tools
[Weeks 1-4]
Topics: 
- MAC intro
- SLATE intro - assignments/contact
- www introduction & research techniques
- Creative Suite introduction
- InDesign introduction
- Illustrator introduction
- Importing graphics
- Photoshop introduction
- Setting up a Document & working with Pages
- File management
- Introduction to Colour
- Working with objects
- Flowing and Editing Text
- In-class Exercises due (5%)

Unit 2: Creating layouts in InDesign [Weeks 5-8]
Topics:
- Working with Colour
- Working with typography
- Modifying graphics
- Outputting & exporting 
- Typing on a path
- Working with Transparencies & effects
- Assignment 1 due (10%) 
- Test 1 (20%) 

Unit 3: Spreadsheets and Tables [Weeks 9-11]
Topics:
- Creating tables
- Microsoft excel introduction
- Working with special characters
- Assignment 2 due (15%)

Unit 4: Presentations [Weeks12-14]
Topics:
- Creating Presentations
- InDesign - creating rich and interactive documents 
- Presentations
- Review of all topics 
- Assignment 3 (20%)
- Test 2 (30%)


Academic Honesty
The principle of academic honesty requires that all work submitted for evaluation and course credit be the original, unassisted work of the student. Cheating or plagiarism including borrowing, copying, purchasing or collaborating on work, except for group projects arranged and approved by the faculty member, or otherwise submitting work that is not the student's own violates this principle and will not be tolerated. Instances of academic dishonesty, including assisting another student to cheat, will be penalized as detailed in the Student Handbook.

Students who have any questions regarding whether or not specific circumstances involve a breach of academic honesty are advised to discuss them with the faculty member prior to submitting the assignment in question.

Discrimination and Harassment
Sheridan is committed to provide a learning environment that respects the dignity, self esteem and fair treatment of every person engaged in the learning process. Behaviour which is inconsistent with this principle will not be tolerated. Details of Sheridan's policy on Harassment and Discrimination are available in the Student Handbook.
 
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