Syllabus
Students will explore and further develop their image-making skills and theories to working with digital information, along with learning about the historical and conceptual connections between digital technologies and contemporary art. They are instructed in the use of computer graphics software (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, and additional programs of Adobe Creative Suite) and hardware, as well as in digital scanning, image processing, and laser printing.
Fundamental computer concepts such as input and output, the relation of analog to digital, bitmap and vector-based images, resolution, and disk storage are also covered. By the end of the course, students will have created a digital portfolio of their work. Basic computer literacy is recommended in order for students to succeed in this class.
- Time
- 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
- Dates
- 2026-09-08 – 2026-12-18
- Location
- Prince George Main Building, 2-319
- Delivery
- Scheduled In Person
- Time
- 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
- Dates
- 2026-09-08 – 2026-12-18
- Location
- Prince George Main Building, 2-319
- Delivery
- Scheduled In Person
Monday
1:30 – 2:30 p.m.
Tuesday
1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Wednesday
1:30 – 2:30 p.m.
Drop in during these times, or use Book a Meeting to reserve a slot.
Course
FINE-107-101
Title
Intro to Digital Arts & Media
Semester
2026 Fall
Campus
Prince George
Dates
Sep 8 – Dec 18, 2026
By completing this course, the learner will be able to:
- 1Trace the historical and conceptual relationships between digital technologies and contemporary art.
- 2Identify artists whose work has influenced the digital art movement.
- 3Discuss aesthetic principles and design as they apply to the practicality and feasibility of digital projects.
- 4Apply knowledge of design and aesthetic principles to individual work created in the digital environment.
- 5Define digital art terms such as resolution, optimization, transparency and colour; the relation of analog to digital, bitmap and vector-based images, and list archival methods.
- 6Demonstrate an operational familiarity with Photoshop, Illustrator, other software as needed, and the PC computer environment.
- 7Explain the use of peripheral equipment such as scanning and digitizing analog media, as well as digital photography and its use in image manipulation.
- 8Develop a digital portfolio.
- 9Participate in class presentations and discussions.
- 10Learn to provide empathetic feedback during in-class critiquing sessions.
- 1Never assume that work needs to be perfect. Imperfections are expected.
- 2You will be graded by your effort rather than your technical abilities.
- 3An original idea must combine at least 3 independent sources.
- 4Whenever possible use your own sketches or photos for inspiration.
- 5Save your working (Photoshop or InDesign) files to show your process.
- 6AI generated art is plagiarism. Art created by AI software is not royalty free.
Due dates for every assignment are provided on the course syllabus and course schedule (and posted in Moodle).
Late Penalties: 10% will be deducted for each day late until submitted. Assignments will not be accepted or graded beyond 5 days of the due date.
Participation will be assessed based on attendance and classroom involvement.
Much of what we learn about visual art is done in the presence of others, so attendance in class is highly important for successful completion of this course. Class presence and participation points are given to encourage your active class participation and discussion. You will be rewarded with a perfect score as long as you frequently come to class and actively contribute to the class discussion during recitations and lectures.
Students are expected to conduct themselves with academic integrity and in accordance with CNC's established standards of conduct. Penalties for misconduct, including plagiarism, cheating and personal misconduct are outlined in the Standards of Conduct: Student Responsibility and Accountability document found in the policies section of CNC's website. All students should familiarize themselves with this document.
Students will be informed when their work may be in violation of the Academic Conduct Policy. The instructor will request a summary of the student's misconduct history (if any) from the Office of the Registrar. A first offence results in a grade of zero on the work or a failing grade in the course.
On a second offence of plagiarism the student may be removed from the program or receive a suspension from the college.
None. All course readings will be provided through online access.
Optional Supplies:
- Sketchbook
- Black pen, regular
- Black pen, thick tip
This course is intensive and will require regular attendance, punctuality and timely completion of all in-class and out-of-class activities/assignments for successful completion.
Format for submission:
All assignments will be submitted through the Moodle classroom, either as documents or, in the case of the online portfolio, as a link to a webpage.
Assignment naming:
LASTNAME_FIRSTINITIAL_ASSIGNMENTNUMBER — e.g. MITCHELL_H_ASSIGNMENT2
Transferability:
To be determined (potentially Emily Carr University, Capilano University, UVic, VIU — Bachelor of Arts, Graphic Design Major, Bachelor of Interior Design).
| Week | Assignment / Activity | Due | % |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Introductions | — | — |
| 2 | Drop class (40% refund) | September 12 | — |
| 3 | Activity A: Illustrator, aligning & transforming | September 19 | 3% |
| 4 | Activity B: Illustrator, type & images | September 26 | 3% |
| 5 | Assignment 1: InDesign layers & file saving | October 3 | 15% |
| 6 | Activity C: Illustrator, drawing shapes | October 10 | 3% |
| 7 | Activity D: Illustrator, curve tool | October 17 | 3% |
| 8 | Assignment 2: Photoshop Album Cover | October 24 | 15% |
| 8 | Activity E: Illustrator, shapes & gradients | October 31 | 3% |
| 9 | Activity F: Photoshop basics | November 7 | 3% |
| 10 | Activity G: Photoshop, drawing | November 14 | 3% |
| 11 | Assignment 3: Illustrator Animal Laser Cut Design | November 21 | 20% |
| 12 | Assignment 4: Self Grading Criteria Form | November 28 | 3% |
| 13 | Activity H: Photoshop, Animation | December 5 | 4% |
| 14 | Last Class — Assignment 4: Laser Cutting | December 12 | 12% |
| All | Participation (attendance, discussion, presentations) | All weeks | 10% |
Schedule subject to change.
CNC Letter Grade / Percentages
Methodology (teaching / learning methods)
Methods will include lectures, discussions, presentations, hands-on projects, critiques, and written reflections. One hour a week will consist mainly of lecture, tutorial and/or demonstrations. The lab component of the course will consist of hands-on exercises and assignments. Self-evaluation will be encouraged. Work and reading outside of class time will be required.