Introduction to Commercial Art (ART-059)
Syllabus
Quick Links
Tips for Success
Course Learning Outcomes
Course Materials
Assignments
Exams
Grading
Course Policies
*Any first person references (I, me, my, etc.) refer to the author of the course content, not your instructor.*
Tips for Success
If you’re new to online courses, or if you just need a quick refresher, be sure to take a look at these video tutorials!
Prerequisite
There are no prerequisites for this course. No previous art experience is necessary to succeed in this course, but a minimal familiarity with a computer is helpful. At the very least, you should have access to an e-mail account. Your assignments will be graded on your ability to follow directions and show effort, not on your artistic ability.
Course Learning Outcomes
Once you have successfully completed this course and all of its assignments, you should be able to do the following:
Apply the concept of simplification.
Discuss the history and function of typography.
Apply principles and elements of design.
Apply important concepts of advertising.
Use a computer to research, create, or manipulate an image.
Course Materials
You have a choice in how you can complete and each assignment in this course:
Create them on a computer using a drawing program, or
Draw them by hand using pencils or pens
If it’s at all possible, it would be most beneficial to do the assignments contained in this booklet on the computer, as that’s how they’re done by professionals in the business. But no matter how you do them, all the same concepts will apply, and the assignments will be graded the same—on content, not on the method of creation. If you choose to do your work on paper, you will need a few basic tools:
A pencil (mechanical pencils are best)
A black fine-tip felt pen
Good quality colored pencils
A ruler
Plain white paper
If you choose to do your assignments on the computer, there are several good programs available which will work well. Some are included free in your computer’s software bundle, and others can be somewhat expensive. Here are just a few:
GimpTM
Adobe PhotoshopTM
Adobe IllustratorTM
Microsoft PaintTM
Jasc Paintshop ProTM
While there is ample information to complete every assignment contained in Brainhoney, there is an endless supply of other helpful sources out there. For research, you can use the Internet or local libraries, visit design companies, or do field research in shops and stores. You can use a simple pencil and paper, or invest in some more expensive drawing tools.
Assignments
This course consists of six units, six art projects and a final exam. There are several different types of assignments and projects to complete, as explained in the following paragraphs.
Units
There are six units with valuable information and instructions as well as six projects in which you will apply that information. There will be a section called Self Check questions at the end of each lesson, plus a unit quiz and a project at the end of each unit.
Self Check Questions
Each unit will have a section of Self Check questions at the end of each lesson. These questions will test your retention and help you review the things you’ve learned. These questions will not be submitted for a grade, but are for your benefit only.
Unit Quizzes
The unit quizzes are designed to see what you have learned throughout the course. Each quiz consists of matching and/or multiple-choice questions collectively worth approximately 30 percent of your course grade. Once you have completed the assignment, you will submit it electronically.
Graphic Design Projects
For each unit, there will be a project you must complete. You should complete each project as you work on the unit associated with that project (don’t wait until the end to complete them).
Assessment
Each final-draft version of your commercial art projects are worth 7% of your overall course grade.
Your projects will be graded on how well you've followed directions, your craftsmanship, and the effort you've put into them.
Exams
The final exam is worth 28% of your final grade.
The final exam will consist of 52 multiple-choice and 15 matching questions. The questions are similar to those found in the Self Checks and unit quizzes throughout the course.
Grading
Your grade in this course will be based on these assignments and exams:
| Assignment | Course Grade Percentage |
|---|---|
| 6 Unit Quizzes (5% each) | 30 percent |
| 6 Art Projects (7% each) | 42 percent |
| Final Exam | 28 percent |
* You must pass the final exam with at least a 60% to earn credit for the course.
Grade Scale
Your letter grade is calculated according to these percentages.
| A | 93% - 100% |
| A- | 90% - 92% |
| B+ | 87% – 89% |
| B | 83% - 86% |
| B- | 80% - 82% |
| C+ | 77% - 79% |
| C | 73% - 76% |
| C- | 70% - 72% | D+ | 67% - 69% |
| D | 63% - 66% |
| D- | 60% - 62% |
| F (fail) | 0% - 59% |
Getting Help
Please use the help menu in this course to contact Academy of America or your instructor. You can find information about tutoring available to Academy of America students on the Tutoring website.
The Resources page offers a wide variety of services to support you:
Academic success skills coaching such as time management, study skills, test preparation, motivation, and more.
Course-specific support that includes live tutoring and on-demand resources.
Come find out how we can help you achieve your goals.
Course Policies
For information about how long you have to complete the course, resubmitting assignments, retaking exams, and other questions, please see Academy of America’s Policies.