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MAT 110 - Digital Imaging 1: Adobe Photoshop

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Class Syllabus

 

Dear Students

I’m excited for our journey together and the creative possibilities that this class can help you achieve. The class is designed with your diverse needs in mind. It offers space for creativity, exploration, and growth regardless of your background or experience level.

We all share a timeless impulse to create – to make marks – and there is perhaps no greater mark-making tool than Adobe Photoshop. If I could choose only one creative tool, it would be Photoshop. No other tool is as foundational or widely used across creative industries. Whether you're passionate about graphic design, photography, digital painting, or something else, Photoshop provides a canvas for your ideas to flourish.

One of my goals is to empower your creativity alongside your technical proficiency. Photoshop, as a tool, will ideally get out of your way and simply allow you to bring your ideas to life. As you delve into your craft, you join an artistic legacy stretching back through history. From the earliest cave paintings to the latest digital experiences, artists like you have shaped culture, challenged norms, and sparked revolutions of thought. Art and design have incredible power to entertain and tell stories as well as solve problems and inspire action. I hope this class helps you explore your creative side and the need within all of us to express ourselves, communicate, and leave our mark on the world.

This class can be hard and you may get frustrated at times. But, that’s true of most things worth doing. Stick with it. Navigate the ambiguity and embrace the chaos that comes with learning something new. Your effort will be worth it. Trust me. The class is manageable. You can do it. Just take it one week at a time and try not to get behind. Come to class each week, reserve time for homework, and utilize the optional video tutorials when you need review.

Know that I’m here to support you, especially when you have questions, are having technical problems, or your life’s circumstances are making things difficult. If these things happen, reach out. I’m here for you. I’m literally paid to help you and it’s what I love to do.

The information that follows provides the academic and technical details about the class. Read it over so you know what to expect. But also know that what I am most concerned with is your own learning. I don’t want to limit your creativity and I want you to be able to pursue your own passions. So, if you find something in the class you’d like to do differently or if you have any questions or problems, let’s talk. I’m reasonable.

Cheers,
Karl

Course Description

This foundation course introduces students to the aesthetic, technical, and conceptual practices of digital imaging. Students use Adobe Photoshop to edit imagery and create artwork and graphic designs for print or web output. Students generate artwork that involves photo editing, tonal and color correction, masking, layer adjustments, painting techniques, blending, and advanced compositing. Through hands-on instruction and multiple projects, students explore efficient workflows, professional practices, layout and design techniques, typography, application of color, and more.

Student Learning Outcomes + Core Competencies

Institutional Core Competencies are broad general education outcomes that demonstrate real-world skills that students should gain while progressing toward the completion of a degree, certificate, or educational goal. The core competencies emphasized in this course include Intellectual and Practical Skills including inquiry, analysis and independent thinking,  critical thinking, creative thinking, problem solving, information literacy, and integration of knowledge.

Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs) describe what students should be able to do upon successful completion of this course and apply directly to the high-level skills you are expected to possess in the workforce. You are expected to achieve competency in the following course-level Student Learning Outcomes, each of which help you achieve one or more of the above core competencies:

  1. Demonstrate technical proficiency by using digital imaging tools and techniques to generate output for personal and commercial media arts use.
  2. Combine digital images into complex compositions that incorporate good design principles.
  3. Plan, prepare and design digital imagery that combines technical skills and artistry with good professional practices.

Course Objectives

Students will learn practices and principles of digital imaging, illustration, and photographic manipulation using Adobe Photoshop. Students will gain hands-on experience with the tools and techniques used by artists and designers to create effective and sophisticated digital imagery for print and web publication. Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to do the following:

  1. Use Adobe Photoshop’s digital imaging tools and techniques for image editing and transformation, tonal and color correction, and special effects.

  2. Apply photo repair and color adjustment techniques to generate realistic and stylized image representations.

  3. Utilize digital imaging tools to make selections, create gradients, work with layers, manipulate brushes and paint, utilize masks and channels, and incorporate vector drawing techniques.

  4. Integrate multiple digital images into a complex form through layer masking, clipping groups, adjustment layers, and filters.

  5. Distinguish between raster images and vector graphics and use each appropriately within a composite image.

  6. Apply fundamental layout and design principles to original digital imaging work.

  7. Apply appropriate color palettes and color spaces to a variety of digital outputs.

  8. Apply and assess typographic elements for visual impact and effective communication.

  9. Analyze contemporary artistic and commercial design styles and assess their impact on personal work.

  10. Create a cohesive artwork that conveys a distinct message using an assortment of digital images.

  11. Write design briefs or artist statements that interpret a digital image’s message and explain the process used in its creation.

  12. Analyze and critique selected images for message, quality of design, and proper use of type, color, and composition.

  13. Discuss copyright infringement, legal aspects of ownership, and ethical considerations of image manipulation.

  14. Use appropriate terminology to describe the relationship between digital imaging software and different hardware input and output devices.

  15. Use image resolution, output considerations, export options, and appropriate file formats for print and online publication.

Design skills, design process, personal expression, content development, project management, and trends in visual communication as they relate to digital imaging will be emphasized along with the learning of tools and techniques.

Class Websites, Materials, and Reading

Class Websites (updated every Tuesday)

Required Software

  • Adobe Photoshop CC 2025 (Photoshop Elements or Photoshop for iPad will not suffice). If you do not own this software already, as a student you can purchase the entire Adobe suite at an educational discount through CollegeBuys.org. See the class FAQs for more information.

Optional Online Video Tutorials

Required Reading

Optional Reading

  • Digital Artistry and Special Effects with Photoshop by Jill Malone. Digital version available free through our Canvas course website.
  • Visual Alchemy: The Fine Art of Digital Montage by Catherine McIntyre. Digital version available for free through Safari Books Online.
  • The Photoshop Workbook: Professional Retouching and Compositing Tips, Tricks, and Techniques by Glyn Dewis. Digital version available for free through Safari Books Online.

The instructor can suggest other books and reference material.

Grading and Evaluation

Your final grade is based on your performance on class projects, class exercises, quizzes, and class participation.

Total Possible Points = 1,000

  • Class Exercises: 100 points (10%)

  • Projects (5): 100 – 150 points each (65%)

  • Quizzes: 125 points (12.5%)

  • Class/Online Participation: 100 points (10%)

  • Digital Imaging Exploration (Post +  Presentation): 25 points (2.5%)

Exercises (100 points)

In-class exercises will be assigned to support course lectures and demonstrations, and you should be able to complete these exercises during in-class lab time. Class exercises are pass/fail. If you do the exercise, you will get credit.

Quizzes (125 points)

Quizzes will be given as we progress through the semester to assess your comprehension of the material provided in course lectures, videos, the textbook, and/or other materials. Advanced notice and instructions regarding quizzes will be given at least one week prior to quiz completion deadlines.

Class Participation (100 points)

The instructor will assess the level of engagement and quality of contributions in class discussions, critiques, assignments, and/or other activities as assigned.

Digital Imaging Exploration (Blog Post +  Presentation - 25 points)

Through an online discussion forum/blog, we will research and explore examples of digital imaging work, artists and designers from around the world who are creating such work, and share useful resources and sites of inspiration with one another. Your research will culminate in a posting to a collaborative class ‘blog’ and a short oral presentation to the class.

Projects (100 - 150 points each)

You are required to create original graphic artwork using Adobe Photoshop for five creative digital imaging projects, including:

  • Old Photograph Digital Retouching Project (100 points)

  • Photo Puzzle Project (125 points)

  • Editorial Photo Illustration Project (125 points)

  • Movie Poster Design Project (150 points)

  • Digital Art Collage Project (150 points)

Each project addresses specific Adobe Photoshop techniques. All projects must be printed on high-quality paper, properly mounted on black mat board, and ready for review at the beginning of class on the day of the critique.

Full project details are available on the assignments page.

Design Briefs and Supporting Documentation

This course emphasizes conceptual development and the design process in addition to the technical execution of a project. In addition to the final artwork, projects must include a typewritten artist statement or design brief supporting your visual solution that includes: a description your concept, design goals and/or communication objectives; a description of your process and how you utilized appropriate tools to complete the project, achieve stated requirements, and meet your design goals; and a self-evaluation and critical reflection wherein you comment on your project and what you perceive as the strengths and weaknesses of your final output.

In addition to the design brief, you must include copies of the reference images used in a project (when applicable).

See the project guidelines for more information.

Project Grades

Project grades are based on the following criteria: content/concept (fulfilling the design and communication objectives, conceptual development, and problem solving); technique (utilizing appropriate Photoshop tools and techniques, technical sophistication); form (design and composition, creativity, aesthetic and/or visceral impact); and professionalism (craftsmanship, quality of presentation, development process, inclusion of required elements and design brief).

Class Policies and Administrative Information

Grading Guidelines

A (90 - 100%) – Outstanding achievement; only for the highest accomplishment.
B (80 - 89%) – Praiseworthy performance; definitely above average.
C (70 - 79%) – Average; awarded for satisfactory performance.
D (60 - 69%) – Minimally passing; less than average achievement.
F (0 - 59%) – Failing.

Incomplete grades are not generally issued and will only be granted in extreme, extenuating circumstances, whereupon a contract of completion is drawn up and signed by the instructor, the department chair, and the student.

Class Participation
Participation in class will be considered as part of your course grade. Students are expected to frequently check the class website for new lecture material, meet project and exercise deadlines and join class conversations (discussions and other online activities) on the Canvas site. The instructor has the right to drop students from the class who fail to participate before census or in excess of two weeks. However, if you intend to drop the course, you must officially withdraw through SURF or the Admissions & Records office or risk receiving an “F” in the class.

Due Dates + Late Work
All work is expected to be completed and submitted by the beginning of class on the day that it is due. Late work is accepted but may be lowered by one letter grade for each week that it is late. However, I offer one ‘freebie’ and will not penalize students for missing a deadline provided it does not become habitual. The final project, however, will not be accepted late.

Prerequisites/Advisories
None, but it is highly recommended that students have considerable computer experience and/or have taken CSIT 101 (Introduction to Computers).

Class Conduct + Culture
In this class, it is expected that we treat each other with professionalism and respect, are mindful and kind in our interactions, keep our community open and constructive, and foster a culture of support and guidance. 

All students are expected to follow the rules and standards of conduct detailed in the college catalog. Students are expected to produce original work. Plagiarism may result in a failing grade and other consequences. A student may not use or copy by any means another's work, including AI generated work, and represent it as their own. Quotations, photographs, or other artwork used by a student should be given appropriate credit or reference.

College Support Services
The college offers a wide variety of support services of which I encourage you to take advantage. These include health services and personal counseling, academic and career counseling, EOPS, veterans’ services, and much more. See miracosta.edu/student-services/ for links and phone numbers.

MAT Tutoring
The Academic Support and Innovation Center (ASIC) and Writing Center (WC) assist students by providing free tutoring and appointments. For tutoring options and the drop-in tutoring schedule, see: mat.miracosta.edu/tutoring

MAT Club
Join the media arts community at MiraCosta and your fellow students in the MAT Club for access to social and professional opportunities and events. Follow the club on Instragram @miracostamatclub.

Open Lab Hours
Computer lab hours are available to students in the Media Arts Hub (28103 or 28104):

Mon + Wed,  1:00– 4:00 p.m. in OC28103
Tues + Thurs, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. in OC28104

Additional hours are available in the Campus Library and Learning Commons, which is generally open:

Mon – Thurs, 8 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

MiraCosta College - Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Statement
MiraCosta College is committed to providing a strong, supportive, and authentic environment where difference is valued, respected, encouraged, and honored; where all faculty, staff, and students experience a sense of belonging and the freedom to express themselves; and where their experiences are recognized and valued. For more  information visit: miracosta.edu/dei/

Academic Accommodations
If you have a disability or medical condition impacting learning and have not yet been authorized to receive academic accommodations, you’re encouraged to contact the Student Accessibility Services (SAS) office (formerly known as Disabled Students Programs and Services or DSPS). The SAS office can be reached at (760) 795-6658, or sas@miracosta.edu. The SAS office will help you determine what accommodations are available for you. If you’re requesting my assistance utilizing any authorized accommodations, please contact me as soon as possible.

LGBTQIA+ Resources
MiraCosta College has an expressed commitment to equity and inclusion for students, faculty, and staff who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex, and asexual. For information about LGBTQIA+ campus resources and services, visit: miracosta.edu/lgbt.

Classroom Rules
All students are expected to follow the rules of the computer lab. No food or drinks are allowed in the classroom. Cell phones and electronic devices should be turned off while in the classroom. No browsing the Internet, instant messaging, playing computer games, or writing email during active classroom time.

Administrative Dates

  • 8/29 : Last day to add classes or drop without W and to receive a full refund
  • 9/2 : Class Census (non-participating students will be dropped)
  • 11/14 : Last day to drop the class and still receive a “W” on transcript
  • 12/13 : Last day to switch to Pass/No-Pass grading status
  • 12/9 – 12/13 : Final Exam Week

Important Links + College Support Services