Course Overview:
The purpose of this course is to introduce the student to computer graphics.  Students will learn what the different types of graphics are, how to find various types of graphics, how to use them in documents, publications and web pages, learn how to use various applications to create their own graphics. 

Computer graphics are used in an ever-increasing number of ways in both business and personal applications.  Some of the more common examples are newsletters; flyers, signs, announcements & posters; greeting cards; presentations; and Web pages. This course is designed to provide the student with a practical overview of computer graphics files, including but not limited to: 

Different types of graphics files
Sources of pre-designed graphics files
Creating your own graphics files
Manipulating graphic images
Storage and management of graphics files
Practical applications of graphic images

Course Format:
Expect a lecture on new material each week followed by an in class problem and solution using the software being studied. Homework will be assigned at the end of each class. Since the homework must be completed outside of the regular weekly class, students should expect to spend at least two hours per week using the computer labs. This will be in addition to the time needed for study, reading and review of notes taken during class.

It is my intention to familiarize you with the software product during the course. This process will follow a brief orientation on the use of the Windows 9x operating system; or more importantly, those aspects of Windows 9x that you will use during the semester. For this and the other aspects of the course, you must acquire (and bring to class) at least four 1.44mb 3.5" diskettes. You will be turning in assignments on these diskettes and storing your files on them. You must be able to keep a copy of everything turned in to me in case something is wrong with the diskettes.

Assignments will be found on the web page each week at  http://www.ric.edu/devans.  You are expected to retrieve the homework and complete it on time each week.  All assignments are due before class begins.  

When using labs outside of class time, you will find that Lab Monitors are employed in the labs to control usage of the equipment. In general, they do not know how to run the software with which you will be working. In that regard, they will not be in a position to answer technical questions. If I am not available to answer questions, there are consultants available during the day in Horace Mann, User Services.

Attendance in the classroom will be critical for you to learn about this software product. Some of the learning experience however will entail your concentrated effort with the computer -- learning by trying, and by making mistakes. Class meetings will involve presentation of new materials and discussion of prior work.  Most of these assignments are to be completed outside of the regular class times, although the Computer Lab is allocated for you to do much of the work with the instructor in attendance to provide assistance.

Grading Policy:
I plan to assign four homework assignments which will be considered in your grade. Each carries a weight of 10 points. 

All assignments are due at the beginning of class on the due date.  In general, any assignment will either be done correctly or not (10 or 0 points).   Assignments turned in late will be accepted only by the next class session and will receive a maximum grade of 8.