Hands-on computer experience using software that runs in a Windows operating system environment.

Course introduces Adobe Photoshop, image editing program. Content includes producing high-quality digital images and manipulating scanned images, as well as outputting color separations and halftones. Practical exercises with tools to demonstrate capabilities of the Photoshop program. .

1.    Identify the tools and the uses of those tools in the program environment.
2.    Identify the option bar and panels
3.    Make selections, add to and subtract from a selection, refine selections.
4.    Work with layers.
5.    Make basic image corrections and adjustments.
6.    Add text to an image, then formatting and manipulating the combination.
7.    Use paths, vector objects, masks and channels.
8.    Demonstrate the ability to use brushes effectively.
9.    Use Photoshop for the WEB.

Students and employees at Oakton Community College are required to demonstrate academic integrity and follow Oakton's Code of Academic Conduct. This code prohibits:

• cheating,
• plagiarism (turning in work not written by you, or lacking proper citation),
• falsification and fabrication (lying or distorting the truth),
• helping others to cheat,
• unauthorized changes on official documents,
• pretending to be someone else or having someone else pretend to be you,
• making or accepting bribes, special favors, or threats, and
• any other behavior that violates academic integrity.

There are serious consequences to violations of the academic integrity policy. Oakton's policies and procedures provide students a fair hearing if a complaint is made against you. If you are found to have violated the policy, the minimum penalty is failure on the assignment and, a disciplinary record will be established and kept on file in the office of the Vice President for Student Affairs for a period of 3 years.
Details of the Code of Academic Conduct can be found in the Student Handbook.

A.  The work area
      1.Window components
      2.Menus
      3.Panels
      4.Resolution and image size
      5.Toolbox
B.  Using Tools
      1.The Tool Options Bar
      2.Other tool panels
C.  Selections
      1.Working with selection tools
      2.Refining selections
D.  Working with Layers
      1.Layer Properties
      2.Layer Styles
      3.Managing layers
      4.Layer comps
E.  Image correction
      1.Adjustments (levels, brightness, hue/saturation, etc.)
      2.Straightening and cropping
      3.Cloning, Patching, healing, brush tools.
      4.Sharpening images
      5.Preparing for print
F.  Masks and Channels
      1.Creating and refining masks
      2.Quick masks
      3.Clipping masks
      4.Working with channels
G.  Type
      1.Placing type in an image
      2.Type effects
H.  Vectors, Paths, masks and channels
      1.The Pen and Shape tools.
      2.Creating, editing, saving, filling a path
      3.Creating, editing a mask
      4.Working with channels
I.  Image modes
J.  Filters
K.  Photoshop and the Web
      1.Saving Files and File Formats for the Web

Seminars and individualized instruction.

Course may be taught as face-to-face, media-based, hybrid or online course.

A.    Attend seminars as scheduled.
B.    Attend lab as required.
C.    Complete required assignments and tests.

Note: Current textbook information for each course and section is available on Oakton's Schedule of Classes.

Textbooks, online resources, and such other materials deemed appropriate for the topic and assigned by the program and instructor.
Digital Storage media
Appropriate quality ink jet paper

Production and exercises, exams, projects, attendance, and class participation.

Software users! Copying software is in violation of Federal law and College policies. Suspected violations will be vigorously investigated and if warranted, appropriate penalties will be applied.  Specifically, you do not have the right to; Make copies of software for yourself or others or receive and use unauthorized copies of software.


If you have a documented learning, psychological, or physical disability you may be entitled to reasonable academic accommodations or services. To request accommodations or services, contact the Office of Access, Equity and Diversity. All students are expected to fulfill essential course requirements. The College will not waive any essential skill or requirement of a course or degree program.