Course Syllabus

CS 71.11 - Adobe Illustrator

FOR SPRING 2025: This course is being offered as a HyFlex course. This means you can attend class each week in any of the following ways:

  • Synchronously In-person on campus during class hours.
  • Synchronously through Zoom during class hours. (You can ask questions live!)
  • Asynchronously by watching recorded videos of the class session and/or prerecorded videos. (You can ask questions via email or Office Hours.)

You can be in-person one week, on Zoom the next, and watching videos the third!

  • If you are struggling, I do encourage you to come to class in-person so I can see what you are working on and offer assistance.
  • If you are sick, please attend via Zoom and/or watching videos.

Course Description

This course covers the popular graphics software program Adobe Illustrator. Topics include the creation, modification and formatting of vector objects and type, importing/exporting graphics, live effects, and other Illustrator tools.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the course, students will be able to:

  1. Identify Illustrator interface elements.
  2. Construct documents utilizing basic vector shapes, text, and raster graphics.
  3. Determine appropriate file format for various usages when saving and exporting Illustrator files.

Objectives

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to:

  1. Identify the uses of Illustrator graphics.
  2. Differentiate between raster and vector graphics.
  3. Contrast the color models RGB (Red-Green-Blue) and CMYK (Cyan-Magenta-Yellow-blacK) using color theory.
  4. Design graphic documents using basic vector shapes and text.
  5. Utilize stroke and fill enhancements, including the use of color and gradients.
  6. Analyze, create and edit Bezier curves using the pen and direct selection tools.
  7. Transform vector objects using appropriate tools.
  8. Utilize Pathfinder options and clipping masks with vector objects.
  9. Design a document with multiple layers.
  10. Evaluate and apply advanced type formatting techniques.
  11. Produce various effects and apply to vector objects.
  12. Create and apply custom patterns and brush strokes.
  13. Analyze file type formats when saving or exporting Illustrator documents.
  14. Create graphic styles and symbols for repetitive formatting.

You may find additional information on the Course Outline of Record (COR) page for Illustrator.

Course Material

Each week will involve reading at least one chapter of the book plus watching the corresponding videos I have created to demonstrate the activities in the book. There will also be a discussion, a project, and sometimes a quiz or exam. The discussions will give us all a chance to connect, reflect, and sometimes even review each other's work. The projects allow you to practice the skills taught via the book and videos. The quizzes give you an opportunity to test your knowledge, as would be required for the Adobe Certified Exam (ACE).

We will be using the Illustrator program every week and the skills you learn one week will be used and enhanced in the next. It is important to complete all of the materials each week so that you can work up from the foundation to a more comprehensive understanding of the program.

Class Meetings

This online section is 100% asynchronous.

All material and activities for this class will be offered asynchronously. There will be regular office hours if you would like to meet via phone or zoom to go over any of the information. Zoom is an excellent space for us to share our screens to work through any difficulties you may have while using the tools in Illustrator!

Instructor Contact

Emily Hansen [pronouns: she/her]

Email: ehansen@santarosa.edu 
(I usually respond to emails with 24 hours during the week and 48 hrs on weekends.)

Office Hours: After class on Mondays (1:30-2pm), and/or by Zoom appointment.

Course Web Site

Students will use the Canvas course web site for assignment instructions and demonstration videos, submitting assignments, viewing classmate's work, sharing resources, and viewing grades. All assignments will have due dates that can be viewed in the weekly Modules as well as in the Canvas Calendar.

Getting started with your online classes at SRJC

An overview video on how to access your online courses as well as advice and tips for online learning:

Textbook

I will be teaching with the 2025 release. The bookstore shows the 2024 version. (Both described below.)

I don't mind if you go back a few releases, as much will be the same. (I have a personal copy of the 2024 book, but not the 2023 version.)

2025

Adobe Illustrator Classroom in a Book (2025 release)
by Brian Wood

ISBN-13: 978-0135376843
ISBN-10: 013537684X

You can locate and order textbooks (print or digital) online via the SRJC Bookstore. Note that if you want to pick your book up in Petaluma, you need to order them from the Petaluma Bookstore website.

This title (in both versions) is also located on Amazon.com Links to an external site. (looks like itwill be delivered after class begins) and via Adobe Press Links to an external site.. There is often a discount code on the Adobe Press homepage Links to an external site.. (As I write this it is: CC2025)

2024

Adobe Illustrator Classroom in a Book (2024 release)
by Brian Wood

ISBN-13: 978-0137622153
ISBN-10: 0137622153

You can locate and order textbooks (print or digital) online via the SRJC Bookstore. Note that if you want to pick your book up in Petaluma, you need to order them from the Petaluma Bookstore website.

This title (in both versions) is also located on Amazon.com Links to an external site. and via Adobe Press Links to an external site.. There is often a discount code on the Adobe Press homepage Links to an external site.. 

Required Software

You will need the following software for this course.

Adobe Illustrator Links to an external site.

  • BEFORE YOU BUY!! College Buys Links to an external site. sometimes has deals on Adobe Products. At the time of this writing, they have a 6-month .edu license for $49.99 and a 12-month license for $99.98. Use your BearCubs account, to take advantage of that great deal!
  • A computer is required for this software. (Not an iPad, not a Chromebook.)
  • The campus labs have Adobe products on them, but you will still need your own license to sign in. 

Google Chrome Links to an external site. is the recommended browser for using Canvas.

Optional Software

Important Dates

Date Class Begins: 1/13
Date Class Ends: 5/16
Last Day Add w/o add code: 1/19
Last Day Add with add code: 2/2
Last Day Drop for Refund: 1/16
Last Day for P/NP option: 5/16
Last Day Drop w/o W: 2/2
Last Day Drop with W: 4/20
Date Final Exam: TBD

Dropping the Class

If you decide to discontinue this course, it is your responsibility to officially drop it to avoid getting no refund (after 10% of course length), a W symbol (after 20%), or a grade (after 60%). Also, for several consecutive, unexplained absences, the instructor may drop a student.

Pass‐No Pass (P/NP)

You may take this class P/NP. You must decide before the deadline and add the option online with TLC or file the P/NP form with Admissions and Records. With a grade of C or better, you will get P.

You must file for the P/NP option by December 2, 2022. Once you decide to go for P/NP, you cannot change back to a letter grade. If you are taking this course as part of a certificate program, you can probably still take the class P/NP. Check with a counselor to be sure.

Instructor Announcements

The instructor will post announcements on the Announcements page in Canvas throughout the semester. Canvas notifies students according to their preferred Notification Preferences as soon as the instructor creates an Announcement. The most recent Announcements can also be found at the top of the class Home page.

Attendance

Students who fail to attend the first class (face-to-face courses) or do not log-in to an online class after the second day of the semester will be dropped from the class. It is strongly advised that if you need to miss more than one class/homework deadline in a row that you contact me to avoid being dropped from the class.

Late Policy

All assignments are due by 11:59pm PST on the due date. This will usually be Sunday nights as this is a "Monday start" class. A late submission will receive a 3% penalty per day unless you have prior approval from instructor. Asking permission goes much further than begging forgiveness.

Exams

There will be online midterm and final exams. The material comes from the textbook, class lectures/videos and supplemental materials. If any exam is missed, a zero will be recorded as the score. It is your responsibility to take the online exams by the due date.

Grading Policy

Visit the "Grades" in Canvas to keep track of your grades. I grade once a week and post grades and comments on the online Canvas gradebook.

I use weighted grades based on the evaluation methods listed in the COR. The groups are:

  • Discussions – 3-6 pts each - 10% of final grade
  • Assessments – 20-40 pts each - 30% of final grade
  • Projects – 20 pts each - 40% of final grade
  • Quizzes & Exams – 5 pt quizzes, 20 & 30 pt exams - 20% of final grade

Final grades will be assigned as follows:

  • A – 90% and above
  • B – 80% to 89%
  • C – 70% to 79%
  • D – 60 to 69%
  • F – 59% and below

If taking Pass/No Pass you need at least 70% of the total class points and completion of the midterm exam and the final exam to pass the class.

Standards of Conduct

Students who register in SRJC classes are required to abide by the SRJC Student Conduct Standards. Violation of the Standards is basis for referral to the Vice President of Student Services or dismissal from class or from the College. See the Student Code of Conduct page.

Collaborating on or copying of tests or homework in whole or in part will be considered an act of academic dishonesty and result in a grade of 0 for that test or assignment. I encourage students to share information and ideas, but not their work. See these links on Plagiarism:
SRJC Writing Center Lessons on avoiding plagiarism
SRJC's policy on Academic Integrity Links to an external site.

Resources for Students with Disabilities

Students with disabilities who believe they need accommodations in this class are encouraged to contact Disability Resources (527-4278), as soon as possible to better ensure such accommodations are implemented in a timely fashion.

Other Important Policies and Practices

Avoid Plagiarism Like the, er, Plague

Although most students have likely heard about plagiarism during their years of schooling, it still is prevalent-even in higher education.

The video below reviews what plagiarism is and how not to do it.

Plagiarism: How to avoid it Links to an external site.

Netiquette, or Why Is It Harder to Be Polite Online?

Netiquette refers to using common courtesy in online communication. All members of the class are expected to follow netiquette in all course communications. Use these guidelines:

  • Use capital letters sparingly. THEY LOOK LIKE SHOUTING.
  • Forward emails only with a writer's permission.
  • Be considerate of others' feelings and use language carefully.
  • Cite all quotations, references, and sources (otherwise, it is plagiarism).
  • Use humor carefully. It is hard to "read" tone; sometimes humor can be misread as criticism or personal attack. Feel free to use emoticons like :) for a smiley face to let others know you are being humorous.
  • Use complete sentences and standard English grammar to compose posts. Write in proper paragraphs. Review work before submitting it.
  • Text speak, such as "ur" for "your" or "ru" for "are you" etc., is only acceptable when texting.

Syllabus Changes and Errors

The instructor may make changes and updates to the course syllabus and schedule as needed. Students will be notified of any changes. If you find any broken links, outdated information, or other content that just seems "off" somehow, please let me know so I can fix it. I really do appreciate students helping me find and fix mistakes or confusing wording in my materials (and I give extra credit for this assistance throughout the semester!)