**Course Description:**

This course provides an introduction to Adobe Photoshop, the industry-standard software for graphic design and photo editing. Students will learn the essential tools and techniques needed to create, edit, and enhance digital images. The course emphasizes practical, hands-on learning through projects and exercises.

**Course Objectives:**

– Understand the Photoshop interface and workspace.

– Master basic and advanced image editing techniques.

– Create and manipulate graphic elements.

– Apply various effects and filters to enhance images.

– Develop skills in retouching and compositing images.

– Prepare images for print and web use.

**Week 1: Introduction to Photoshop**

– Overview of Photoshop and its applications

– Installing Photoshop and setting up the workspace

– Understanding the interface: menus, panels, and tools

– Customizing the workspace and saving workspaces

– Opening, saving, and managing files

**Week 2: Basic Tools and Techniques**

– Using selection tools (Marquee, Lasso, Magic Wand, Quick Selection)

– Basic transformations (Move, Scale, Rotate, Flip)

– Working with layers: creating, deleting, organizing

– Understanding layer masks and adjustment layers

– Practical exercises with basic tools and layers

**Week 3: Color and Painting**

– Understanding color modes and color theory

– Using the Brush tool and brush settings

– Working with gradients and the Gradient tool

– Applying fills and strokes

– Practical exercises in color correction and painting

**Week 4: Image Adjustments and Enhancements**

– Adjusting brightness, contrast, and exposure

– Working with Levels, Curves, and Histograms

– Using Hue/Saturation and Color Balance

– Sharpening and blurring techniques

– Practical exercises in image enhancement

**Week 5: Advanced Selection Techniques**

– Using the Pen tool for precise selections

– Refining selections with Refine Edge and Select and Mask

– Working with paths and the Path Selection tool

– Creating complex selections using channels

– Practical exercises in advanced selection techniques

**Week 6: Retouching and Healing**

– Using the Clone Stamp and Healing Brush tools

– Working with the Patch tool and Content-Aware Fill

– Removing blemishes and imperfections

– Enhancing portraits with retouching techniques

– Practical exercises in retouching images

**Week 7: Text and Typography**

– Adding and formatting text

– Using Type layers and Type tool settings

– Applying effects to text (shadows, glows, etc.)

– Creating text along paths and shapes

– Practical exercises in designing with text

**Week 8: Filters and Effects**

– Applying filters and using the Filter Gallery

– Working with blur, sharpen, and distortion filters

– Creating special effects with filters

– Using layer styles and blending modes

– Practical exercises in applying filters and effects

**Week 9: Compositing and Collage**

– Combining multiple images into a single composition

– Using layer masks for seamless blending

– Working with Smart Objects

– Creating complex compositions and photo montages

– Practical exercises in compositing images

**Week 10: Preparing Images for Print and Web**

– Understanding resolution and image size

– Using the Save for Web feature

– Exporting images for different formats (JPEG, PNG, GIF)

– Preparing files for printing (CMYK color mode, bleed, and crop marks)

– Practical exercises in preparing images for final output

**Week 11: Final Project Work**

– Planning and executing a comprehensive project

– Applying techniques learned throughout the course

– Peer review and feedback sessions

– Final project presentations and critique

**Assessment:**

– Weekly assignments and quizzes (40%)

– Midterm project (20%)

– Final project (30%)

– Class participation and attendance (10%)