The Digital Studio | ART 410 - 510 | Fall 2013 | M/W 9am 11:45am

Instructor: Julie Orser | jorser@fullerton.edu | Classroom: VA 287 | www.art410csuf.tumblr.com | Units 3 | Office: VA 296D
Phone: 657-278-7908 | Hours: W 12-2pm or by appointment on 2-3pm | www.csufphoto.tumblr.com | www.fullerton.edu/arts/art

Catalogue Description
410 Prerequisite: any 300-level art studio class. Digital imaging as a medium of visual expression. Computer
applications for creating and manipulating images are fundamental for the contemporary visual artist. May be
repeated once for credit. (6 hours laboratory)
510 Prerequisite: any 400-level studio art class. Technical proficiency and conceptual understanding of digital
imaging techniques and applications. Students develop their own projects integrating computer technology with their
personal vision and practice. May be repeated once for credit. (6 hours activity)

Course Description
This course is designed to develop a sense of digital literacy using the Macintosh system, to acquaint students with
the most current graphics software programs and with the methods of digital production. Critical discourse is a key
element to the structure of the course in examining some of the principles of visual literacy that are encountered in
photography, video, animation, and the Internet.

Course Objectives
To acquire working knowledge of Photoshop, Lightroom, Premiere; to articulate concepts and objective analysis of
ones own work and others through the critique system; to learn about digital photography and contemporary digital
artists through readings and discussions; to deepen and further develop your visual skills in relationship to digital
photography and fine art practices; and to develop a system of artmaking that allows you to apply your knowledge
and skills using software, cameras, and digital printing to realize your ideas.

Course Requirements
1) Projects & Assignments 5 projects & 3 assignments will be due over the 16-week course.
*Graduate Students - There will be additional project requirements for you listed on each project handout.

2) Artist Research Blog Each student will create a blog as part of this course. Your blog will be a digital
archive of the work and research you do in this class. You are required to research 8 artists throughout the
course and post your thoughts about their work on the blog along with images/videos and links. Please
include: a brief bio about the artist, at least three examples of the artists work, and your observations about
their work in the form of a short paragraph. *Graduate Students are required to research 16 artists. (Each
successful artist research blog entry is worth 2 points for undergrads and 1 point for grads.)

3) Reading Readings will be assigned throughout the course. Please read each text by the assigned date
and bring three talking points or questions with you to class. Readings will be available through the Titanium
website, but I also recommend you buy the book.

4) Participation Our discussions will primarily focus on art works/films we view in class, on readings,
hands-on demonstrations, and critiques of student work. Students are expected to participate thoughtfully
and frequently in all class discussions. Establishing a constructive and engaging dialogue with your peers is
a crucial element in the development of all artists. The quality and frequency of your participation holds
significant weight in your final grade.

5) Work Days This studio course will include in-class lab time to work on projects. You are responsible for
bringing all the materials you need with you. Being unprepared to work or leaving early during lab time will
count as an unexcused absence.

6) Exhibition Review You will need to attend and comment on 2 outside exhibitions, screenings, lectures or
performances related to photography or digital media. Your comments should be posted on your blog.
Please include a short description of what you went to see and your observations about the work or event
along with an image or link. (Each successful exhibition review on your blog is worth 2 points.)

Required and Recommended Texts
The Photograph as Contemporary Art by Charlotte Cotton
For Beginning Students - Adobe Photoshop CS6 Classroom in a book, Adobe Creative Team 2012
*Available at the student bookstore or online.

Required Materials
USB flash drive 16GB minimum for images, or portable hard drive 100GB minimum if you plan to work in video.
Digital Camera Digital SLR is recommend, but not required.
Printing costs for projects.
Dropbox account Accounts are free and you can sign up at www.dropbox.com

Digital Cameras, Video Cameras, Audio Equipment and Lighting Equipment
You may checkout digital still cameras from Michael Quinn, office VA 296D | 10am - 3pm
Equipment Checkout is available on a three or four day checkout, Mon-Thurs or Thurs-Mon.

Digital Printing
$.03 per square inch of ink
$1.50 per foot - Epson Premium Luster 16" (max print width 15.5")
$3.75 per foot - Moab Somerset Museum Rag 17" (max print width 16.5")
$4.75 per foot - Hanemuhle Photo Rag Ultra Smooth 17" (max print width 16.5")
48-hour turn around Do Not try to print your projects at the last minute. See Michael Quinn, Mon-Th | 10am-3pm

Online Resource
www.lynda.com This site has software tutorials and will be helpful when you have questions outside of class.

Grading & Attendance Policy
Students are expected to work extensively both in and outside of class and to complete all assignments and projects
by their due date. I will be using the following point system when grading your work in this class.




















In grading your projects, I will be looking for evidence of the depth of your concentration, observation, or sensitivity,
and evidence of a considered execution. An A project will receive 10 possible points. Plagiarism in any form will not
be tolerated, and will result in 0 points on the assignment, and a possible F in the class. No exceptions.

6 additional points will be given for perfect attendance, or for completing extra credit. To receive extra credit you can
research up to 3 additional artists and post your comments on your blog.

Late Work 2 points will be subtracted from your project for each day it is late.

Class attendance has significant effect on your success in this course. Unexcused absences, repeated tardiness, or
leaving class early will have a negative effect on your grade. If you are absent it is your responsibility to make up
what you missed and be prepared for the next class. You can miss two classes without serious consequences.

3 absences = One letter grade drop (-15 points)
4 absences = F
*If you are late or leave early four times it will be counted as one unexcused absence.
** ATTENDANCE is required on all critiques days!!!!!


Course Grade
A+ = 106 - 100
A = 99 95
A- = 94 90
B+ = 89 86
B = 85 83
B- = 82 80
C+ = 79 76
C = 75 73
C- = 72 70
D+ = 69 66
D = 65 63
D- = 62 60
F = 59 !
Points Per Requirements
Project 1 = 10
Project 2 = 10
Project 3 = 10
Project 4 = 10
Project 5 = 10
Assignment 1 = 2
Assignment 2 = 4
Assignment 3 = 4
Blog = 20
Attendance = 15
Participation = 5
100 total points
Project Points
A = 10
A- = 9
B+ = 8
B = 7
B- = 6
C+ = 5
C = 4
C- = 3
D+ = 2
D = 1
D-, F = 0
A, A- = Excellent: student explored, researched, experimented, participated, improved, was fully involved in the class
and with all aspects of his/her work producing outstanding work. (Project Points 10,9)
B+,B,B- = Good: Student assigned course objectives while demonstrates improvement and growth, but lacks full involvement an
inspiration. (Project Points 8,7,6)
C+,C,C- =Satisfactory: Student fulfills course requirements with some effort and average participation in class, expressing only
satisfactory use of the medium. (Project Points 5,4,3)
D+,D,D- =Barely Satisfactory: Student has incomplete or poorly executed assignments, with barely passing participation. (Project
Points 2,1)
F = Unsatisfactory: Student has missing, incomplete, or unacceptably executed assignments, with unacceptable or no level of
participation in class.
(GPA): A+=4.0; A=4.0; A-=3.7; B+=3.3; B=3.0; B-=2.7; C+=2.3; C=2.0; C-=1.7; D+=1.3; D=1.0; D-=0.7; F=!

The Critique
We often find ourselves uncomfortably short of things to say about a work of art. Frequently a discussion does not go
beyond a comment of approval (I like it!) or dismissal (Boring!) especially if others agree. Class critiques can be very
boring if no one except the instructor is speaking. Here are some suggestions:

Describe what you see
Describing an image or work of art to a group when everyone can see it may seem a bit silly, but someone
else might overlook what is apparent to you.

Consider both subject matter and form
What is this artwork about? Does the work feel contemplative? Or aggressive? Does it have a story? What
are the artists intentions? How did you enter into the work? Is it through the subject or the form? Or is it
through the camera framing or presentation method? Do you feel a strong sense of the artist in the work? Is
the work subjective or objective? How does the framing, size, or camera angle further or take away from the
intended or perceived meaning? Does the composition feel centered, tight, loose, awkward, or crazy? Does
it produce anxiety, tension, or a zen like calm? How does the way it was created connect to the subject? Etc.

Interpretation is a group effort
We should consider both the artists intended meaning of a work and the classs interpretations of that work.
In other words, an artwork or photograph is never solely about the meaning its creator intended even
though he or she may pronounce the meaning with great confidence and authority. We each view art
through our own subjectivity, bringing individual interpretations and references to its meaning.

Avoid hasty judgments - Be honest and open
We should avoid quick judgments and try to have reasons for the comments we make. We should also be
willing to listen to points of view that challenge our own. An honest and open attitude will improve critiques
and all class discussions.

*In any discussion, it is important to actively listen and acknowledge the speaker. Also try to
respond to their comments even if you disagree. Speaking aloud can be a risky act, but the more
comfortable we can make the situation for others and ourselves, the more enjoyable the discussion
will be. (This material is drawn in part from the book Criticizing Photographs: An Introduction to
Understanding Images by Terry Barrett.)

Disclaimer
In this class I will show a broad range of course materials, some of which assume the audience to be adult in age and
demeanor. I encourage you to keep an open mind throughout the course and bring all your thoughts to our
discussions. If you find some of this content offensive, you are free to excuse yourself from that part of the class
session. However, you must also make an appointment to speak with me about your objections and research an
artist or material that is acceptable to you and that involves an equal amount of intellectual engagement as the class
that was missed.

Model Release
A model or property release is a written agreement between you and the person you are photographing, or the
person who owns the property you are photographing. I recommend students take a professional approach to making
their projects by getting permission. Our department can supply you with model release forms.

Restrictions and Procedures
No Food and No Drinks without lids in the classroom.
Cell phones must be off during class time and work days.
Absolutely NO TEXTING or FACEBOOK during class!
Seriously turn off your cell phones!
Monitor screens must remain dark during all viewings, discussions, and critiques.
The only restrictions to work done in this class are that it should not be harmful to you, your classmates or to
other living things and in accordance with school policies.

Advisement: All students are encouraged to meet with a full-time faculty member in the area of study
(program or concentration) that they have chosen or are inclined to choose at least one time each semester.
Faculty names and office hours are available in the art office. When scheduling an appointment ask the art
office staff for your file. This will help the faculty/advisor assisting you.

Disability Support Services
The University requires students with disabilities to register with the Office of Disability Support Services (DSS),
located in UH-101 and at (657) 278-3117, in order to receive prescribed accommodations appropriate to their
disability. Students requesting accommodations should inform the instructor during the first week of classes about
any special needs that may require specific arrangements or accommodations related to attending class sessions,
completing course assignments, writing papers or quizzes/tests/examinations. Students rights to accommodations
for documented special needs via the Office of Disability Support Services, UH 101, (657) 278-3117 are outlined at
http://www.fullerton.edu/DSS/ or http://www.fullerton.edu/disabledservices/

Emergency Contacts
You may want to add the following telephone numbers to your cell phone directories: Emergency 911,
University Police Dispatch 657-278-2515, and Campus Operation and Emergency Closure 657-278-4444. (In the
event of an earthquake or some other unusual occurrence information is disseminated via this number.) Also please
remember that the University website home page has a link to a Campus Emergency Preparedness page with a
section on the right hand side of the page listed as Important Numbers. Also see: http://prepare.fullerton.edu/

Academic Integrity
All CSUF students have responsibility to be familiar with and to observe the guidelines for academic integrity found in
the current CSUF Student Handbook. Students who violate university standards of academic integrity are subject to
disciplinary sanctions, including failure in the course and suspension from the university. Since dishonesty in any
form harms the individual, other students, and the university, policies on academic integrity are strictly enforced.

Art Class Content Disclaimer
In the study of art, students can expect to encounter and critically appraise materials that may differ from and perhaps
challenge familiar understandings, ideas, and beliefs. Art classes frequently include physical nudity, content, and
imagery that may be considered controversial, offensive, or in conflict with some ethical or religious beliefs. Diverse
ideas will be discussed with civility and cooperation. Students are encouraged to meet with a faculty member to
express specific concerns. When not in conflict with the academic goals of the course, the faculty member will
attempt to address these concerns and the applicable course requirements.























WEEK 1
Mon. Aug. 26
th
6 Seconds Introductions
Intro: Course info, contact list, blogs, dropbox accounts.
Lecture: What can you say in 6 seconds?
PS Lesson: Show me what you know.
6 Seconds Assignment #1 Due: Aug 28
th
Bring your camera to class on Wednesday and email me your blog name.

Wed. Aug. 28
th
Discuss: 6 Seconds Assignment #1
Dropbox Accounts & Blog Names
Post Assignment #1 on your blogs
Lecture: Digital Camera Workshop and Scanning

Lightroom: Overview
Working in Lightroom Assignment #2 Due: Sept 11
th
Introduce Project 1 Due: Sept. 16
th
& 18
th

WEEK 2
Mon. Sept. 2
nd
No class Labor Day Campus Closed

Wed. Sept. 4
th
Narrative
Discuss Reading: Once Upon A Time by Charlotte Cotton (from The Photograph as
Contemporary Art)
Lecture: Narrative Photography
Michael to Discuss Printing
Lightroom: Working in Raw
*Be A Lab Monitor!
WEEK 3
Mon. Sept. 9
th
Lecture: Pixels and File Formats
Lightroom Continued
PS Lesson: Review Work Area & Basics

Wed. Sept. 11
th
Discuss: Working in Lightroom Assignment #2
PS Lesson: Basics, Layer, and Creating Masks
WEEK 4
Mon. Sept. 16
th
Critique Project 1

Wed. Sept. 18
th
Critique Project 1
Introduce Project 2 Due: Oct. 7
th
& 9
th

WEEK 5
Mon. Sept. 23
rd
Everyday Objects
Discuss Reading: Something and Nothing by Charlotte Cotton (from The Photograph as
Contemporary Art)
Lecture: Everyday Objects
PS Lesson: Restoration & Professional Retouching
Professional Photo Retouching Assignment #3 Due: Oct 14
th

Wed. Sept. 25
th
PS Lesson: Professional Retouching Continued
Reminder to listen to Radio Labs podcast Memory and Forgetting - one hour in duration.
WEEK 6
Mon. Sept. 30
th
Memory


Discuss Reading: Selections from Memory edited by Ian Farr and Radio Lab podcast Memory and
Forgetting
Lecture: Memory
PS Lesson: Layers, Advanced Compositing, Typographic Design

Wed. Oct. 2
nd
Photo Shoot: Working with Lightroom in the Studio
Work on Projects - Individual Student Meetings Must be in class working!

Introduce Project 3 Due: Oct. 28
th
& 30
th
WEEK 7
Mon. Oct. 7
th
Critique Project 2

Wed. Oct. 9
th
Critique Project 2


WEEK 8
Mon. Oct. 14
th
JK ;) Artists Working in Humor

Discuss Reading: Selections from The Artists Joke edited by Jennifer Higgie
Lecture: Artists Working in Humor
Discuss: Professional Photo Retouching Assignment #3

Premiere Lesson: Overview
Half your blog is Due.

Wed. Oct. 16
th
Shooting Video Workshop
Premiere Lesson Continued
WEEK 9
Mon. Oct. 21
st
PS Lesson: Animation

Wed. Oct. 23
rd
Work on Projects - Individual Student Meetings Must be in class working!


WEEK 10
Mon. Oct. 28
th
Critique Project 3

Wed. Oct. 30
th
Critique Project 3
Happy Halloween!
Introduce Project 4 Due: Nov. 18
th
& 20
th

WEEK 11
Mon. Nov. 4
th
Appropriation
Discuss Reading: Revived and Remade by Charlotte Cotton (from The Photograph as
Contemporary Art)
Lecture: Appropriation
Lessons: Review Photoshop, Lightroom, Premiere

Wed. Nov. 6
th
Guest Lecture: TBA
Lesson: Preparing images for the web in PS & Making web sites in LR

WEEK 12
Mon. Nov. 11
th
No Class Veterans Day Campus Closed

Wed. Nov. 13
th
Discuss Reading: Selections from Appropriation edited by David Evans
Work on Projects - Individual Student Meetings Must be in class working!

WEEK 13
Mon. Nov. 18
th
Critique Project 4

Wed. Nov. 20
th
Critique Project 4
Introduce Project 5 Due: Dec. 9
th
& 11
th

WEEK 14
Nov. 25
th
& 27
th
FALL RECESS No Class Campus Closed

WEEK 15
Mon. Dec. 2
nd
Beauty
Discuss Reading: Selections from Beauty edited by Dave Beech
Lecture: Beauty
Work on Projects - Individual Student Meetings Must be in class working!

Wed. Dec. 4
th
Work on Projects - Individual Student Meetings Must be in class working!


WEEK 16
Mon. Dec. 9
th
Critique Project 5

Wed. Dec. 11
th
Critique Project 5
Due: Blogs
EXAM WEEK
Mon. Dec. 16
th
Individual Student Meetings - LAST DAY OF CLASS

*Class schedule is subject to change.