Catalog Description

Also known as AAD 73
Advisory: Completion of AAD 70, or AAD 75, or AAD 79 with grade of "C" or better
Hours: 90 (36 lecture, 54 laboratory)
Description: Introduction to the tools, concepts, and processes for digital art creation with an emphasis on experimental animation, multimedia, digital art, and new genres. Topics include the integration of traditional design, color, and compositional principles with contemporary digital tools in an art studio context. (CSU, UC)

Course Student Learning Outcomes

  • CSLO #1: Examine and describe contemporary approaches, language, aesthetics and emerging media in digital art.
  • CSLO #2: Apply the elements and principles of design in finished digital images and time-based works.
  • CSLO #3: Produce digital images and time-based work through various digital media input and output methods using vector or raster-based software.
  • CSLO #4: Create a portfolio of work demonstrating formal, conceptual, and technical development.
  • CSLO #5: Evaluate and critique digital images and time-based works utilizing relevant terminology and concepts.\\n
  • CSLO #6: Convey the key principles of ethical imaging including the use and application of Artificial Intelligence, copyright, Creative Commons, fair use, and public domain; apply these principles appropriately in course projects.

Effective Term

Fall 2025

Course Type

Credit - Degree-applicable

Contact Hours

90

Outside of Class Hours

72

Total Student Learning Hours

162

Course Objectives

Lecture Objectives:
1. Examine and describe contemporary approaches, language, aesthetics and emerging media in digital art;
2. Identify Elements and Principles of design in Digital Media and New Genres artworks;
3. Develop vocabulary specific to Digital Media and New Genres artworks;
4. Investigate conceptual approaches to making digital and new media artworks;
5. Evaluate and critique digital images and time-based works utilizing relevant terminology and concepts.


Laboratory Objectives:
1. Safely handle and maintain digital imaging hardware and materials;
2. Apply the elements and principles of design in finished digital images and time-based works;
3. Produce digital images and time-based work through various digital media input and output methods;

4. Create a portfolio of work demonstrating formal, conceptual, and technical development.

General Education Information

  • Approved College Associate Degree GE Applicability
    • CSU GE Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU approval)
      • Cal-GETC Applicability (Recommended - Requires External Approval)
        • IGETC Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU/UC approval)

          Articulation Information

          • CSU Transferable
          • UC Transferable

          Methods of Evaluation

          • Classroom Discussions
            • Example: Students will participate in written and oral discussions about course-related topics, such as the impact of Artificial Intelligence on the current and future states of the creative industry, as well as what "authorship" means when incorporating AI processes and practices.
          • Projects
            • Example: Students will produce digital images and time-based artworks through various digital media input and output methods using vector or raster-based software.
          • Skill Demonstrations
            • Example: Identify Elements and Principles of design in Digital Media and New Genres artworks.

          Repeatable

          No

          Methods of Instruction

          • Laboratory
          • Lecture/Discussion
          • Distance Learning

          Lab:

          1. The instructor will show the students documentation of digital artworks created using flatbed scanners as an image capture tool. The history of scanners for experimental image-making will be addressed. The students will then be asked collect 3D objects that can be arranged into various compositions on the scanner. The instructor will meet with the students one-on-one to help brainstorm and develop the concept. Students will then be given in-class lab time to work with their materials and concepts to create their finished works before presenting them to the class for critique.

          Lecture:

          1. The instructor will present on the history of installation art and share examples of installations from a wide variety of artists and collectives around the world. Students will be asked to participate in the lecture and discussion through questioning and critique based on the elements and principles of art, as well as the historical significance in terms of tools, materials and concepts.

          Distance Learning

          1. The instructor will provide an accessible lecture on the history of experimental animation and the artists who have created these artworks. The instructor will then demonstrate how to source, modify and create animations using various technology inputs such as digitizing, editing and exporting. Students will be asked to do additional research on artists and experimental animation and share their findings to a discussion board where they will apply terminology related to the medium and the art historical impact.

          Typical Out of Class Assignments

          Reading Assignments

          Read Chapter 2, "Digital Technologies as a Medium" in the text "Digital Art" and answer the following questions: 1. Compare and contrast traditional art mediums with digital art mediums. 2. What are some of the concerns about the longevity of digital art and how are those concerns being addressed? Read Chapter 3 "Themes in Digital Art" in the text "Digital Art" and answer the following questions: 1. What are some of the recurring themes you read about in this section? 2. What is it about digital art as a medium that might influence the occurrence of these themes?

          Writing, Problem Solving or Performance

          1. Research one of the following artists and prepare a critique of their work in a historical context relating to the fields of traditional and digital art. Artists: Vic Muniz, Ann Hamilton, Lowell Nickel, Christian Marclay, David O’Brien, Joseph Delappe, Jennifer Steinkamp, Jenny Holzer, Stan Brakhage, Krystoff Wodiczko 2. Present your emulation project to the class, along with visuals of the original work you reference. Summarize the intent of the original artist, the time period the work was made in and the relevant circumstances surrounding the work. In addition, discuss your own work and how it both shares and departs from the original artwork.

          Other (Term projects, research papers, portfolios, etc.)

          Prepare a portfolio of finished works from the semester including digital images, experimental animations, new genres and time-based media projects, which show a development and dedication to merging technical, conceptual and formal considerations with an art practice.

          Required Materials

          • Digital Art
            • Author: Christiane Paul
            • Publisher: Thames and Hudson
            • Publication Date: 2023
            • Text Edition: 4th
            • Classic Textbook?:
            • OER Link:
            • OER:
          • Digital Design Basics
            • Author: Amy Arntson
            • Publisher: Cengage Learning
            • Publication Date: 2012
            • Text Edition: 6th
            • Classic Textbook?:
            • OER Link:
            • OER:
          • Screens: Viewing Media Installation Art
            • Author: Kate Mondloch
            • Publisher: University of Minnesota Press
            • Publication Date: 2010
            • Text Edition:
            • Classic Textbook?:
            • OER Link:
            • OER:
          • Rethinking Art's Histories
            • Author: Tamara Todd
            • Publisher: Manchester University Press
            • Publication Date: 2011
            • Text Edition:
            • Classic Textbook?:
            • OER Link:
            • OER:

          Other materials and-or supplies required of students that contribute to the cost of the course.

          Software subscription costs