Academic Catalogs

ART C183: Introduction to Digital Art and Media

Course Outline of Record
Item Value
Eff Term Fall 2026
Curriculum Committee Approval Date 12/05/2025
Top Code 103000 - Graphic Art and Design (CTE)
Units 3 Total Units (Lecture Units 3)
Hours 54 Total Hours (Lecture Hours 54)
Total Outside of Class Hours 108
Total Student Learning Hours 162
Course Credit Status Credit: Degree Applicable (D)
Material Fee No
Basic Skills Not Basic Skills (N)
Repeatable No
Open Entry/Open Exit No
Grading Policy Standard Letter (S), 
  • Pass/No Pass (B)
Local General Education (GE)
  • Area 3A Arts (CC1)

Course Description

This overview course is open to all students wanting to learn about the different areas of Digital Art and Media. Introduction to fundamental concepts, practices, and theories of digital art and media. Topics include the integration of traditional design, color, and compositional principles with contemporary digital tools. Demonstrations of digital image capture, image manipulation, illustration, layout, animation, and emerging technologies. Enrollment Limitation: DMD C100; students who complete ART C183 may not enroll in or receive credit for DMD C100. Transfer Credit: CSU.

Course Level Student Learning Outcome(s)

  1. Apply foundational design principles to create digital images, basic vector graphics, and short time-based media using contemporary software tools.
  2. Capture, edit, and prepare digital images for use in multimedia projects while demonstrating safe handling of digital imaging hardware.
  3. Identify and apply essential digital media concepts—including legal usage, file management, and emerging technologies—to support creative production.

Course Objectives

  • 1. Apply color, line, shape, texture, and space to create visually effective digital compositions.
  • 2. Produce simple vector graphics using digital drawing and shape-building tools.
  • 3. Create short video or animation content using template-based digital media software.
  • 4. Capture photographs using a mobile device or camera while considering lighting, composition, and intent.
  • 5. photos using digital tools to adjust exposure, color, cropping, and clarity
  • 6. Demonstrate safe handling and basic care of digital imaging hardware and related materials.
  • 7. Differentiate between copyright, fair use, and public domain when selecting digital assets.
  • 8. Identify, create, and correctly export common digital file formats used in images, vector art, and time-based media.
  • 9. Explore an emerging digital media technology and describe its impact on creative production.

Lecture Content

  1. Elements and principles of design as they relate to digital media.
  2. Concept development as it relates to digital and time-based art.
  3. The use of technology to create art through various digital media input and output methods.
  4. Digital Ethics and Legal Considerations in Media Creation
  5. Exploration of Photography Categories and Techniques
  6. History, contemporary trends, language, aesthetics and emerging media as they relate to digital art
  7. Creative Process and Critical Reflection in Digital Photography
  8. Principles and uses of vector or raster-based software in the creation of digital art.
  9. Digital Image File Formats and Optimization Techniques for Various Media Outputs.
  10. Students will engage in group and individual critiques of digital images in oral and written formats, applying relevant terminology and concepts.
  11. Create art through various digital media input and output methods using vector or raster-based software.
  12. Assignments focusing on the conceptual development in project-based digital images and time-based.

Method(s) of Instruction

  • Lecture (02)
  • DE Live Online Lecture (02S)
  • DE Online Lecture (02X)

Instructional Techniques

A variety of instructional techniques will be employed to encompass different student learning styles. These may include but are not limited to, lecture, discussion, projects, and small group activities. Instruction will be supplemented, where appropriate, by digital media presentations and resources, guest speakers, and virtual field trips.

Reading Assignments

Complete reading assignments, supplemental readings, handouts, Internet resources, and any assignments from Coastline's Library.

Writing Assignments

Written reflections on photography categories, creative process, challenges, and personal insights gained during image capture and presentation.

Out-of-class Assignments

Weekly projects demonstrating skills acquired and creation of self-designed projects.

Study Non-Contact Hours Recommended

108

Methods of Student Evaluation

  • Midterm Exam
  • Final Exam
  • Short Quizzes
  • Written Assignments
  • Projects (Individual/Group)
  • Problem Solving Exercises
  • Skills Demonstration

Demonstration of Critical Thinking

Students will analyze how digital tools and traditional design principles are applied to solve creative challenges and enhance visual storytelling across different media platforms.

Required Writing, Problem Solving, Skills Demonstration

Students will write reflections on their design choices, discussing how they integrated type, images, and graphics to achieve visual narratives. They will also demonstrate problem-solving by addressing technical challenges in software and producing finished digital artwork and a portfolio of completed work that adheres to design principles. Students will engage in group and individual critiques in oral or written formats.

Resources Subscreen

  • Textbook: Paul, Christiane. Digital Art, (World of Art Series), 4th ed.. Thames & Hudson (2023).
  • Textbook: Crewes and May. Digital Media: Concepts and Applications 4th ed. Cengage (2016).
  • Textbook: Paul, C., Arnold, Dana.. A Companion to Digital Art, 2016 ed.. John Wiley and Sons, Inc (2016).
  • Other: . . ().

Eligible Discipline(s)

  • Art: Master’s degree in fine arts, art, or art history OR bachelor’s degree in any of the above AND master’s degree in humanities OR the equivalent. NOTE: “Master’s in fine arts” as used here refers to any master’s degree in the subject matter of fine arts, which is defined to include visual studio arts such as drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking, ceramics, textiles, and metal and jewelry art; and also, art education and art therapy. It does not refer to the “Master of Fine Arts” (MFA) degree when that degree is based on specialization in performing arts or dance, film, creative writing or other non plastic arts.
  • Commercial art (sign making, lettering, packaging, rendering): Any bachelor’s degree and two years of professional experience, or any associate degree and six years of professional experience.
  • Graphic arts (desktop publishing): Any bachelor’s degree and two years of professional experience, or any associate degree and six years of professional experience.
  • Multimedia: Any bachelor’s degree and two years of professional experience, or any associate degree and six years of professional experience.