Course overview
Stuart Moulthrop
Professor, School of Information Arts and Technologies
200-F Academic Center, 410/837-5301
smoulthrop[at]ubalt[dot]edu
iat.ubalt.edu/moulthrop
Description and Objectives
This is an introductory course in 2-D graphics for aspiring game and simulation designers. It has four objectives, in ascending order of importance: (1) to make you familiar with industry-standard graphics tools (Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop); (2) to explore the relationship of 2-D graphics and 3-D graphics; (3) to explain basic principles underlying all digital images; and (4) to establish a critical understanding of graphic styles in games and other forms of popular art.
Required Texts and Software
| Both main texts should be available in the Bookstore. Order online if not. | |
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Adobe Illustrator CS 4: Classroom in a Book. Adobe Press, 2008. |
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Adobe Photoshop CS 4: Classroom in a Book. Adobe Press, 2008. |
| Appropriate versions of Illustrator and Photoshop are available in the SDE Lab (AC 219). You are not required to buy your own, though you may want to do so. Later in the course, we will also use Studio version 3.0, from Digital Art Zone, and Terragen, version 2. Both are available for free download. (Details later in the semester.) | |
Grading Scheme
| 10% | Web site setup |
| 35% | Homework |
| 15% | Art Report |
| 15% | Midterm Project |
| 25% | Final Project |
Preview of Graded Assignments
I will post on this site detailed instructions for each assignment as we go. Follow the directions and specifications in the posts. The brief descriptions offered here are simply previews. Actual assignments may differ.
- Web Site Setup
- Homework and other projects must be posted on a Web site for easy access by the instructor and class. In the first week, you will set up this Web site according to specific instructions (which must be followed carefully). You'll post an index page and a signature graphic.
- Homework
- There is a homework assignment every week, often based on learning exercises from the textbooks. For a basic grade, generate a graphic showing completion of the exercise, For a better grade, modify or expand upon the exercise. Homework is due Thursday of each week. For late submission, see the policy below.
- Art Report
- You will give one 5-10 minute talk during the semester, presenting an example of game art about which you have something interesting and useful to say. Further guidelines for this assignment will be available in the second week.
- Midterm Project
- This is a two-week project involving an original texture, or set of textures, for a 3-D model.
- Final Project
- I will probably offer several options for the final project; it should represent about three weeks' work, and demonstrate proficiency in several areas covered in the class. This project is due December 19, with NO EXTENSIONS.
Late Work
I will accept late work up to two weeks after the initial due date -- EXCEPT FOR THE FINAL PROJECT, which must be submitted on time, unless you file for an Incomplete grade.
Work will be downgraded one letter grade for each week of lateness: so A work turned in a week late is worth a B, or a C if it is two weeks late.
I will NOT accept work more than two weeks after deadline, unless you have a medical or other serious excuse, and discuss the problem with me in a timely manner.
PAY ATTENTION TO DEADLINES. Failure to submit work on time is a major cause of poor grades. More important, game and software design are deadline-intensive industries, where one employee's lateness can hold up an entire team and jeopardize a product. Professionals do not tolerate lateness. You will not survive in this business if you blow off deadlines.
Save the Trees
Generally speaking, I will NOT make copies of assignments and other documents posted to this class Web site. Check the site regularly for updates and important information. If you do not have Internet access from home, use the classroom. I reserve the right to revise the syllabus and course plan, with consultation, and with the understanding that workload will not increase above what is outlined on this page.
Furlough Policy
The University System of Maryland has imposed a furlough program for the coming academic year, but the University of Baltimore has not yet announced its implementation. Furlough days are unpaid leave. I will post more information as soon as possible. I will not be available for University business on furlough days.
Getting in Touch
My office is 200-F in the Academic Center of the University of Baltimore (1420 North Charles Street). My office hours for Fall, 2009 are Wednesdays and Thursdays, 3:00-6:00 PM. If you need to see me at another time, please arrange an appointment via e-mail.
Reach me by phone in the Baltimore office at 410/837-5301 or by e-mail at smoulthrop[at]ubalt[dot]edu.
I receive a large volume of mail daily, and generally do not read mail over the weekend. Current students have first priority for response, but for urgent matters, please use the phone and/or voicemail.
Please note that I am teaching an additional course above my standard load this semester.
Additional Policies
A statement of general academic policies appears on my Web site as an extension of this syllabus. See iat.ubalt.edu/moulthrop/policies.htm.
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