Art 3070 Syllabus

Art 3070 Electronic Interactive Multimedia
Spring 2008 Syllabus

Description
Interactive multimedia design process. Web based projects incorporate sound, full-motion video, and still and kinetic imagery. Users interact with information presented. Emphasis is on problem-seeking/problem-solving processes. This is an online course.

Overview
Art 3070 is an intermediate level course that introduces students to the design and creation of interactive multimedia that incorporate ActionScript, animation, graphics, text, and sound using Macromedia Flash. In additions, this course explores interface, navigation, and information design as well the development of customized interactivity for web sites and user experience. Utilizing multimedia elements, vector-based animation, and interactivity, the projects demonstrate simple to complex interactive environments for output on the Internet.

The problems featured deal with visual organization, communication creative brainstorming and experimentation with techniques and media. Each project examines current web projects and their development from concept to storyboard to flow chart to stand-alone movie. Members of the class work individually and in teams depending on the complexity of the projects.

This class is a three credit hour course and is designed to follow Art 2070: Interactive Design Survey. The problems/projects will take time and effort. Generally, a project is given every 2-3 weeks followed by critique at the project’s due date. In additions to these projects there will be assignments from the textbooks, outside readings, online discussions and quizzes. Each student in the class will be a source of ideas and critical feedback to every other student so participation is critical. Be prepared to work.

Objectives

Define and describe the terminology, basic tools, and techniques necessary to create original finished art projects for interactive multimedia web sites in a vector-based animation and interactivity tool (Macromedia Flash) and website design.
Understand theories, techniques, and practices of user interface design, information design, navigation design, and integration of text, graphics, animation, and sound into complex interactive web-based user experience and environments.
Understand content development, media acquisition, production, management, and output of web sites on a server.
Compare and contrast traditional and contemporary principles, theories, and approaches to design to the principles, theories and applications of electronically generated interactive multimedia.

Required Text

Foundation Flash CS3 for Designers
Authors: Tom Green and David Stiller
ISBN-10: 159059861X
ISBN-13: 978-1590598610
Publisher: friends of ED (July 24, 2007)

Choose one of the following options:

Option 1
ActionScript 3.0 for Adobe Flash CS3 Professional
Author: Todd Perkins
ISBN-10: 0321293908
ISBN-13: 978-0321293909
Publisher: Peachpit Press; 1 Pap/Cdr edition (September 25, 2007)
Hands-On-Training Lynda.com

Option 2
Lynda.com online Student Enrollment Program for ART 3070
School Name: East Carolina University
Instructor: Laurie Godwin
Start Date: 1/11/2008
End Date: 5/11/2008
Class Cost per Student: $40.33 (Class costs to be paid by student upon online enrollment.)

We have access to 5 titles (books). These are video tutorials that accompany the Lynda.com Hands-on Training books. You will also have access to all the files to work with.

1. ActionScript 3.0 in Flash CS3 Professional Essential Training (same as Options 1)
2. Flash CS3 Professional Essential Training
3. Dreamweaver CS3 Essential Training
4. Illustrator CS3 and Flash CS3 Professional Integration
5. PhotoShop CS3 for the Web Essential Training

Required Materials

USB drive
CD-R or DVD-R
Headphones if you choose Option 2 above
Sketch pad and pen (any kind you are comfortable working with)

Schedule Overview

Day 1	Course Introduction
Week 1	Flash CS3 Interface
Week 2	Actionscript 3.0 Basics
Week 3	Animation
Weeks 4-5	Quiz and Project 1

Week 6	Functions and Components
Week 7	Advanced ActionScript 3.0
Week 8	CSS and XML
Weeks 9-10	Quiz and Project 2

Week 11	Games and Going Mobile
Week 12	Advanced Interactivity
Week 13-15	Project 3

Final	Compilation CD

Grading Policy
Due dates for are firm. Late coursework will be factored into your final grade in the following way:

For every late exercise, your final grade will be lowered by 5 points per day late.
For projects, your final grade will be lowered by one letter grade for every day late.

I will grade each project as the semester progresses. By grading as we go you can see your strengths and weaknesses and improve. All grades (quizzes, discussions, exercises and projects) are averaged to compute your final grade. Opportunities for extra credit will be given. You will also be given the opportunity to re-submit projects for a new grade at the end of the semester.

Grading Criteria
Projects (70% of grade)
Exercises (10% of grade)
Articles/Discussions (10% of grade)
Quizzes (10% of grade)
Compilation CD (Failure to turn in a Compilation CD will lower your final grade by one full letter grade)

Grading Scale
A    93-100
B     85-92
C    77-84
D    70-76
F     69 and below

Attendance Policy
Because this is an online class, attendance is not an issue. The course schedule is organized on a weekly basis. You can choose the days and times that you devote to the class, but plan on spending at least 12 hours a week. You will need to complete the required assignments by the due dates.

Critique of your colleagues work in Blackboard Discussion Forums is mandatory. Participation is tracked and recorded on Blackboard. On these forums you are expected to comment specifically on what is successful and what could be improved. Offering suggestions, options and reasons for successful and unsuccessful portions of your colleagues work will raise your participation grade. Ratification or confirmation that is devoid of reason will lower your participation grade. All due dates for posting of work are listed on the course calendar. The due date means by midnight on the date listed. Late postings will carry a grade reduction.

The university policy on attendance can be found at: http://www.ecu.edu/data-fsonline/facultymanual/part5/51.htm section W

Disability Policy
East Carolina University seeks to comply fully with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Students requesting accommodations based on a disability must be registered with the Department for Disability Support Services located in Slay 138 (252) 737-1016 (Voice/TTY).

Computer Lab Access
Students will be given One-Card access to Jenkins 1303 to work on assignments. Students can work in Jenkins 1303 anytime there is no scheduled class/activity in that room. They will also have access the School of Art Computer lab (J1302) during regular operating hours. The required software for each assignment is available in Jenkins 1303 as well as the computer lab. The lab is open limited hours during the day, in the evenings and on weekends. The lab schedule is posted on the door. If a student does not want to come to Jenkins 1303 or the computer lab to complete the assignments they will need access to a computer with current versions of the software required.

Instructor
Name: Laurie Godwin
Email: godwinl@ecu.edu
Phone: 328-2615
Website: http://personal.ecu.edu/godwinl
Office: University Multimedia Center (2025 Bate) http://www.ecu.edu/umc/
Office Hours: I am adjunct professor for the School of Art and Design, but work full time for ECU as director of the University Multimedia Center (UMC). I am usually at the UMC Monday through Friday 9-5. If you need to meet with me please email me to schedule time.