Course Syllabus
Contact Information
Instructor Name: Iman Moradi Naftchali
Teaching assistant: Fatemeh Zahra Momeni
Department: Division of Planning, Landscape Architecture and Design
Office Hours: By appointment - Monday or Wednesday
Phone: (405)981-6040
Email: iman.moradi@ou.edu,
Live Session: Tuesday & Thursday 12 PM - 1:15 PM
Communication Plan with Instructor: E-mail communication is the primary method with me in this course. We will respond to students’ e-mails within 48 hours or sooner. To ensure a prompt response, please put “LA Computer Applications” in your e-mail subject line as a prefix. For example, your subject line could be: LA Computer Applications: Question about Assignment.
Course Description
The course aims to equip students from design-related disciplines with foundational computer application skills essential in planning and design professions. Over the semester, students will become proficient in AutoCAD, Vectorworks, and Adobe Photoshop. The primary objective is to empower students to create site plans, sections, and 3D models confidently.
Assignments, exercises, and a final project will enhance understanding of emerging illustration and rendering techniques. Emphasis will be placed on practicing keyboard shortcuts in CAD, Vectorworks, and Photoshop for improved efficiency – a quality highly sought after by employers.
Modifications to the material and schedule may occur at the instructor's discretion to better accommodate student performance, progress, and professional goals.
The acquired skills are not only essential for academic success but also highly valuable in real-world scenarios, contributing to a competitive edge in the professional landscape.
Key Features
Software Focus: AutoCAD, Vectorworks, and Photoshop.
Skills Development: Drawing, building, and rendering site plans, sections, and 3D models.
Self-Learning: While the course ensures proficiency, students are encouraged to continue their self-learning journey with these applications.
Learning Objectives
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Utilize AutoCAD, Vectorworks, and Photoshop proficiently to create site plans, sections, and 3D models.
- Independently explore and apply advanced features within each application.
- Demonstrate the ability to enhance and refine their skills using online resources available on the internet
Class Schedule
The following table is a schedule that was designed according to the expected time needed to master each computer application.
Course activities and grades listed for each activity Date Lecture Topics Workday
Assignment Aug 20
Course Introduction Aug 22
CAD: Introduction to AutoCAD interface and tools to draw a site plan
learn short keys and draw simple shapes, units, options, layers, Line, polyline, circle, rectangle
Aug 27
Drawing tools
Move, rotate, trim, extend, copy, mirror, offset, hatch
Aug 29
Drawing tools
Fillet, chamfer, align, Pedit, break, arc, spline, ellipse
Asgn1:
Sep 3
Insert a plan and trace it
stretch, scale, array, Insert, multi-line, divide, xline, ray
Sep 5 Draw a site design block, insert, text, distance, dimension
Asgn2:
Sep 10
Draw a site design Download and import CAD block for site plan (trees, people, pavement, cars..etc)
Sep 12
Draw a section Download and import cad block for site plan (trees, people, pavement, cars..etc)
Asgn3:
Sep 17
Draw a section Download and import CAD block for site plan (trees, people, pavement, cars..etc)
Sep 19
Detail the site plan & section
add dimensions for site plan and section + add text to drawings
Asgn4:
Sep 21
Finishing detailing the site plan & section and learn printing and layout
add dimensions for site plan and section + add text to drawings + printing & layout
Sep 26
Finishing detailing the site plan & section and learn printing and layout
add dimensions for site plan and section + add text to drawings + printing & layout
Final CAD project to Canvas
Oct 1- Nov 12
Vectorworks
Nov 14-26 Nov
Photoshop
Des 13
Final Project Poster
Course Materials
Learning resources for this course will be provided digitally.
Grades
Breakdown
| Activity | Description | Points/Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Assignments | It is mandatory for students to submit the assigned class assignment, and the original file as fit on CANVAS every week. This submission serves the purpose of recording individual progress. Timely and consistent submissions are essential for a comprehensive assessment of your learning journey. | 45% |
| Each software final assignment | 25% | |
| Attendance | 15% | |
| Final project poster(s) | 15% | |
| Total | 100% |
Scale
| Percentage | Letter Grade |
|---|---|
| 90–100% | A |
| 80–89% | B |
| 70–79% | C |
| 60–69% | D |
| Below 60% | F |
Communication
Students can contact the instructor by email.
Feedback
Students should expect feedback and grades on their activities and assignments around a week from the due time.
Late Policy
Students are expected to be on time.
Plagiarism
Plagiarism is the most common form of academic misconduct at OU. There is basically no college-level assignment that can be satisfactorily completed by copying. OU's basic assumption about writing is that all written assignments show the student's own understanding in the student's own words. That means all writing assignments, in class or out, are assumed to be composed entirely of words generated (not simply found) by the student, except where words written by someone else are specifically marked as such with proper citation. Including other people's words in your paper is helpful when you do it honestly and correctly. When you don't, it's plagiarism.
For more information about plagiarism, watch this video and then take this short course offered by University Libraries.
University Academic Policies and Student Support
Land Acknowledgement
Long before the University of Oklahoma was established, the land on which the University now resides was the traditional home of the “Hasinais” Caddo Nation and “Kirikirʔi:s” Wichita & Affiliated Tribes.
We acknowledge this territory once also served as a hunting ground, trade exchange point, and migration route for the Apache, Comanche, Kiowa and Osage nations. Today, 39 tribal nations dwell in the state of Oklahoma as a result of settler and colonial policies that were designed to assimilate Native people.
The University of Oklahoma recognizes the historical connection our university has with its indigenous community. We acknowledge, honor and respect the diverse Indigenous peoples connected to this land. We fully recognize, support and advocate for the sovereign rights of all of Oklahoma’s 39 tribal nations. This acknowledgment is aligned with our university’s core value of creating a diverse and inclusive community. It is an institutional responsibility to recognize and acknowledge the people, culture and history that make up our entire OU Community.
Course Catalog
Search the OU Course Catalog.
Student Handbook
Please familiarize yourself with the OU Student Handbook.
Online Library
Access digital materials and other resources at OU Libraries.
Copyright Statement
Sessions of this course may be recorded or live-streamed. These recordings are the intellectual property of the individual faculty member and may not be shared or reproduced without the explicit, written consent of the faculty member. In addition, privacy rights of others such as students, guest lecturers, and providers of copyrighted material displayed in the recording may be of concern. Students may not share any course recordings with individuals not enrolled in the class or upload them to any other online environment.
Academic Integrity
As a member of the OU community, it is your responsibility to protect your educational investment by knowing and following the rules. The Student Code is available from the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs, and is contained in the Student's Guide to Academic Integrity.
Academic honesty is incredibly important within this course. Cheating is strictly prohibited at the University of Oklahoma, because it devalues the degree you are working hard to get. Should you know of someone else engaging in academic misconduct, please report it to your instructor or directly to the Office of Academic Integrity. Your instructor has a professional obligation to report academic misconduct.
In addition to the course conduct policies outlined by your professor in the Course Syllabus in the online classroom, please review the Graduate Student Handbook.
Religious Observance
It is the policy of the University to excuse the absences of students that result from religious observances and to reschedule examinations and additional required classwork that may fall on religious holidays, without penalty. [See Faculty Handbook 3.15.2].
Reasonable Accommodation for Disabilities
The Accessibility and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) is committed to supporting students with disabilities to ensure that they are able to enjoy equal access to all components of their education. This includes your academics, housing, and community events.
If you are experiencing a disability, a mental/medical health condition that has a significant impact on one or more life functions, you can receive accommodations to provide equal access. Possible disabilities include but are not limited to learning disabilities, AD(H)D, mental health, and chronic health. Additionally, we support students with temporary medical conditions (broken wrist, shoulder surgery, etc.) and pregnancy.
To discuss potential accommodations, please contact the ADRC at 730 College Avenue, (phone) 405-325-3852, or adrc@ou.edu.
Title IX Resources
Anyone who has been impacted by gender-based violence, including dating violence, domestic violence, stalking, harassment, and sexual assault, deserves access to resources so that they are supported personally and academically.
The University of Oklahoma is committed to offering resources to those impacted, including: speaking with someone confidentially about your options, medical attention, counseling, reporting, academic support, and safety plans. If you would like to speak with someone confidentially, please contact OU Advocates (available 24/7 at 405-615-0013) or another confidential resource (see "Can I make an anonymous report?").
You may also choose to report gender-based violence and discrimination through other means, including by contacting the Institutional Equity Office (ieo@ou.edu, 405-325-3546) or the police (911).
Because the University of Oklahoma is committed to the safety of you and other students, I, as well as other faculty, Graduate Assistants, and Teaching Assistants, are mandatory reporters. This means that we are obligated to report gender-based violence that has been disclosed to us to the Institutional Equity Office. This includes disclosures that occur in class discussions, writing assignments, discussion boards, emails, and during Student/Office Hours.
For more information, please visit the Institutional Equity Office.
Adjustments for Pregnancy/Childbirth Related Issues
Should you need modifications or adjustments to your course requirements because of documented pregnancy-related or childbirth-related issues, please contact me as soon as possible to discuss your options. Generally, modifications will be made where medically necessary and similar in scope to accommodations based on temporary disability. Learn more about the rights of pregnant and parenting students by consulting the FAQ sheets provided by the Institutional Equity Office.
Mental Health Support Services
If you are experiencing any mental health issues that are impacting your academic performance, counseling is available at the University Counseling Center (UCC). The Center is located on the second floor of the Goddard Health Center, at 620 Elm Rm. 201, Norman, OK 73019. To schedule an appointment, call 405-325-2911. For more information, please visit the University Counseling Center.
Final Exam Preparation Period
Pre-finals week will be defined as the seven calendar days before the first day of finals. Faculty may cover new course material throughout this week. For specific provisions of the policy please refer to OU's Final Exam Preparation Period policy.
Required Policies for Students On Campus
Emergency Protocol
During an emergency, there are official university procedures that will maximize your safety.
Severe Weather: If you receive an OU Alert to seek refuge or hear a tornado siren that signals severe weather:
- Look for severe weather refuge location maps located inside most OU buildings near the entrances
- Seek refuge inside a building. Do not leave one building to seek shelter in another building that you deem safer. If outside, get into the nearest building.
- Go to the building’s severe weather refuge location. If you do not know where that is, go to the lowest level possible and seek refuge in an innermost room. Avoid outside doors and windows.
- Get in, Get Down, Cover Up.
- Wait for official notice to resume normal activities.
Severe Weather Preparedness Video
Armed Subject/Campus Intruder
If you receive an OU Alert to shelter-in-place due to an active shooter or armed intruder situation or you hear what you perceive to be gunshots:
- Avoid: If you believe you can get out of the area without encountering the armed individual, move quickly towards the nearest building exit, move away from the building, and call 911.
- Deny: If you cannot flee, move to an area that can be locked or barricaded, turn off lights, silence devices, spread out, and formulate a plan of attack if the shooter enters the room.
- Defend: As a last resort fight to defend yourself. For more information, visit:
OU's Emergency Preparedness site
Shots Fire on Campus Procedure
Fire Alarm/General Emergency
If you receive an OU Alert that there is danger inside or near the building, or the fire alarm inside the building activates:
- Leave the building. Do not use the elevators.
- Know at least two building exits
- Assist those that may need help
- Proceed to the emergency assembly area
- Once safely outside, Notify first responders of anyone that may still be inside the building due to mobility issues.
- Wait for official notice before attempting to re-enter the building.