Spanish-American Institute

975 Using Adobe Photoshop 160 classes

Prerequisite(s): None

Textbooks: Lisa A. Buck, Learning Adobe Photoshop 6, DDC Publishing, 2001 (or comparable text).

Course Description: While developing English language skills, this course introduces students to computerized concepts, features, functions, and applications using PhotoShop.

Objectives: By the end of the course, students should be able:

• to read about graphics software and Photoshop and understand what is being discussed or described;
• to read and follow directions when practicing textbook exercises;
• to read documents and descriptions of situations and decide how to use Photoshop applications to design, develop, and customize image files;
• to ask questions in English concerning concepts and implementation;
• to write simple explanations of procedures used or results obtained;
• to explain the design and content of Photoshop presentations;
• to understand the basics of creating Photoshop images from sources;
• to understand how Photoshop can be applied to real world situations;
• to understand how to navigate toolbars and use menus to customize Photoshop; and
• to understand how to use other Photoshop features.

Instructional Methods: Classes include language development and critical thinking sessions followed by hands-on practice and drills. Students will complete periodic summary exercises that require application of all skills learned to date. Each student will create a portfolio of finished output.

Grading: The final grade is based on the following:

Class Participation	25%
Assignments	50%
Exams	25%
Total	100%

The grading scale is: A=90-100%, B+=85-89%, B=80-84%, C+=75-79%, C=70-74%, D=65-69%, F=60-64%

Course Outline: PS=Photoshop

Weeks	Topics	Assignments and Tests
1-2	Introduction to the course and the book. Basics: introduction to PS; the PS screen, menus, toolbars, and commands; using help features; etc. Using ordinals as transition words in directions	Read Chapter 1 and follow the directions for touring the work area. Exercise: 1. Use ordinals to turn 4 or more sequential directions in the text into a paragraph.
3-4	Working with image files; storing images digitally; creating a new file, importing a scanner or digital camera image, adding file information. Using other transition words in directions	Read Chapter 2 and follow the directions for working with image files. Exercise: 2. Use transition words like: first, next, then, after, last to turn 4 sequential directions in the text into a paragraph. Describe how to use transparent background and describe its effect.
5-6	Adding content with Tools: choosing tools, setting options, painting, drawing, adding text, and creating a note on an image. Oral presentation: describe one Tool and its use. .	Read Chapter 3 and directions for adding content with Tools. Exercise: 3 Describe two Tools, what they do, and how to use them in PS.
7-8	Working with the Image View: zooming, viewing pixel or print size, scrolling, moving around with Hand tool and Navigator. Selecting image content: selecting shapes and colors. Explain what you did in either exercise 4 or 5. .	Read Chapter 4 and follow the directions for working with the Image View. Exercise: 4. Read Chapter 5 and follow the directions for selecting image content. Exercise: 5. Bi-monthly Exam, week 8.
9-10	Changing a selection: transforming or rotating a selection, fine-tuning selection marquee, working with the History palette. Using positioning tools: Explain what you did in either exercise 6 or 7.	Read Chapter 6 and follow the directions for changing a selection. Exercise: 6. Read Chapter 7 and follow the directions for using positioning tools. Exercise: 7.
11-12	Working with layers: creating, selecting, changing, arranging, and merging layers.	Read Chapter 8 and follow the directions for working in layers. Exercise 8. Explain what layers do in PS and how your used layers in the exercise.
13-14	Adding variety with masks: setting options, working in Quick Mask, creasing and using a layer mask. Using paths: creating, viewing, and working with paths.	Read Chapter 9 and follow the directions for adding variety with masks. Exercise: 9. Read Chapter 10 and follow the directions for using paths. .Exercise: 10.
15-16	Using other editing tools: adding blurring or smudging; sharpening; erasing color; adding fill; dodging, burning, or sponging an area. Review for exam	Read Chapter 11 and follow the directions for using other editing tools. Exercise: 11 Bi-monthly Exam, week 16
17-18	Working with image size and orientation: cropping, resizing, adjusting the canvas, rotating the canvas, and trimming the edges of an image. Using a filter: applying and adjusting the filter.	Read Chapter 12 and directions for working with image size and orientation. Exercise: 12. Read Chapter 13 and directions for using a filter. Exercise: 13.
19-20	Printing your image: using transfer settings to correct color; adding a border, bleed, or background; printing with special marks and features, etc. Oral presentation: describe one way that Photoshop and Word print features differ.	Read Chapter 14 and follow the directions for printing your images. Exercise: 14. Explain at least two ways that the print features of Photoshop differ from those in Word.
21-22	Understanding colors and channels: calibrating your monitor; converting an image to another color, proofing image color. Discuss how you think you will use PS in the future.	Read Chapter 15 and follow the directions for touring the work area. Exercise: 15. Write a letter to a friend to explain what you can do in PS.
23-24	Correcting image color: adjusting tones, rebalancing color, changing brightness and contrast, etc. Having fun with color: adding spot color, making a duotone print; converting to sepia.	Read Chapter 16 and directions for correcting image color. Exercise: 16. Read Chapter 17 and directions for having fun with color. Exercise: 17. Bi-monthly Exam, week 24.
25-26	Working with plug-ins: installing and using a plug-in. Oral presentation: make a short oral presentation about the PS project you have found most interesting to date.	Read Chapter 18 and follow the directions for working with plug-ins. Exercise: 18. Describe the most interesting PS project you have worked on so far and explain why you think it is so.
27-28	Working with actions: recording and playing an action; making and using a droplet. Digital watermark protection. Close reading and discussion: watermark protection and other intellectual property rights.	Read Chapter 19 and directions for working with actions. Exercise: 19. Read appendix A, p. 315. Explain what intellectual property rights are and what digital watermark protection does.
29-30	Creating Web images: reviewing Web graphic formats, converting an image to indexed color, and creating optimized JMEP and GIF images. Using online resources to learn more about PS: Describe one on-line resource from the research and writing assignment.	Read Chapter 20 and follow the directions for creating Web images. Exercise: 20. Visit at least two on-line resources to learn more about PS and write a short explanation about the information they contain.
31-32	Adding hotspots: adding and working with slices and saving a sliced image in HTML format. Prepare for exam.	Read Chapter 21 and follow the directions for touring the work area. Exercise: 21. Bi-monthly Exam, week 32.

rev. 4/02, 3/07