COURSE SYLLABUS

 

COURSE IDENTIFICATION

 

Course Prefix/Number                                                ART 123

Course Title:                                                                Intro to Graphic Design

Division:                                                                      Liberal Arts

Program:                                                                      Visual Arts

Credit Hours:                                                              3

Initiation/Revised Date:                                              Fall 2004

Assessment Goal per Outcome(s):                              70%

 

CLASSIFICATION OF INSTRUCTION

 

Academic

 

COURSE DESCRIPTION

 

This course is an introduction to graphic design concepts, methods, and processes. The production of visually effective graphic design layouts using the elements of design will be utilized.

 

 

PREREQUISITES AND/OR COREQUISITES

 

ART 121 and prior computer experience or permission of the instructor.

 

TEXTS:        

 

Basics of Design: Layout and Typography for Beginners, Lisa Graham, Delmar Thomson Learning  2002  ISBN 0-7888-1362-2

 

Additional References: ARTS NEWS and American Artist periodicals and books in Chapman Library.

 

 

COURSE OUTCOMES

 

I.                   Students will describe visual communication via in depth study of fundamental design and layout practices.

A.      Historical review of past and current graphic design layouts.

B.      Analysis of the visual elements of line, type, and images.

C.      Analysis of various page layout examples.

1.   Compare/Contrast examples of page layouts forming on the concept

      of emphasis.

2.   Compare/Contrast examples of page layouts utilizing contrast.

3.      Compare/Contrast examples of page layouts displaying a sense of visual balance.

4.      Compare/Contrast examples of page layouts emphasizing the importance of alignment.

5.      Compare/Contrast examples of page layouts by repetition of visual elements.

6.      Compare/Contrast examples of page layouts exemplifying consistent visual flow.

7.      Compare/Contrast examples of page layouts utilizing various visual images such as photographs, chip art, etc.

8.      Compare/Contrast full color page layout to encompass effective use of color.

 

II.        Students will demonstrate an awareness of Typography.

             A.   Define typographic concepts.

B.      Identify typefaces and appropriate applications.

C.      Distinguish various type styles/families

D.     Develop a functional usage of type for specific applications.

 

   III.    Student will demonstrate proficiency in layout methodology via the production of seven layouts of various topics.

A.      Creation of a stationary set.

B.      Overview of logotypes and designing of a specific topic logo.

C.      Production of specific topic flyer.

D.      Develop and print a specific topic banner.

E.       Produce a poster incorporating photo, type and graphic object.

F.       Create a newsletter for imaginary entity

G.      Develop and print a personalized resume.

 

COURSE OUTLINE

 

I.                   Review and analyze the application of design in page layout examples.

A.    Historical perspective of graphic design layouts.

B.     Review graphic design concepts.

 

     II.         Typography

A.    Styles

B.     Proof Reading

C.     Influence of fonts on a certain product

 

   III.          Materials/Tools and Their Usage In Page Layouts.

A.      Basic introduction to graphic art materials/tools- graphic media, computer and associated graphic design software.

B.      Practical application of tools and material.

 

   IV.           Production of Student Layout Projects  (Seven)

A.      Stationary set

B.      Logo

C.      Flyer

D.      Banner

E.       Poster

F.       Newsletter

G.      Resume

 

   V.         Printing and Finishing

    A.   Alone

B.   Group

 

INSTRUCTIONAL METHODS

 

1.    Lectures/Discussions

2.    Supervised computer lab instruction

3.    Critiques

4.    Audio/Visuals

5.    Assignments

6.    Field trips to graphics/printing companies

7.    Information sheets

 

 

STUDENT REQUIREMENTS AND METHODS OF EVALUATION

 

Evaluation focuses on the student’s ability to show progress in acquiring fundamentals of graphic design and designing a layout.  Presentation of notebook containing seven projects, participation in class activities/discussions, and a final test comprise the requirements for the course. 

 

7 projects, each 100 points will be evaluated on the following criteria:

 

            Synthesizing and following instructions accurately.

            Aptness of computer graphic design/illustration

            Original and aesthetic value of design/illustration

            Notebook or summaries of required readings

           

Total Points Possible

    7 projects-               700 points

    Notebook-               100 points

    Class participation   100 points

    Final                                    100 points

                                    1000 points Total

 

Academic Integrity

NCCC expects every student to demonstrate ethical behavior with regard to academic pursuits.  Academic integrity in coursework is a specific requirement.  Definitions, examples, and possible consequences for violations of Academic Integrity, as well as the appeals process, can be found in the College Catalog, Student Handbook, and/or Code of Student Conduct and Discipline.

 

GRADING SCALE

 

900-1000         A

800- 899          B

700- 799          C

600- 699          D

Below 600       F

 

Attendance Policy

 

Absences that occur due to students participating in official college activities are excused except in those cases where outside bodies, such as the State Board of Nursing, have requirements for minimum class minutes for each student. Students who are excused will be given reasonable opportunity to make up any missed work or receive substitute assignments from the instructor and should not be penalized for the absence.  Proper procedure should be followed in notifying faculty in advance of the student’s planned participation in the event.  Ultimately it is the student’s responsibility to notify the instructor in advance of the planned absence.

 

Unless students are participating in a school activity or are excused by the instructor, they are expected to attend class.  If a student’s absences exceed one-hundred (100) minutes per credit hour for the course or, in the case of on-line or other non-traditional courses, the student is inactive for one-eighth of the total course duration, the instructor has the right, but is not required, to withdraw a student from the course.  Once the student has been dropped for excessive absences, the registrar’s office will send a letter to the student, stating that he or she has been dropped.  A student may petition the chief academic officer for reinstatement by submitting a letter stating valid reasons for the absences within one week of the registrar’s notification.  If the student is reinstated into the class, the instructor and the registrar will be notified. 

 

 

Cell Phone Policy

 

Student cell phones and pagers must be turned off during class times. Faculty may approve an exception for special circumstances.

 

 

ASSESSMENT OF STUDENT GAIN

 

Pre- and post- commercial art formatted exam will be administered and comparisons drawn therein used to determine knowledge and techniques of graphic design.

 

Note:

 

Information and statements in this document are subject to change at the discretion of NCCC. Changes will be published in writing and made available to students.

 

 

NOTE:

 

 If you are a student with a disability who may need accommodation(s) under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), please notify the Director of Advising and Counseling, Chanute Campus, Student Union, 620-431-2820 ext 280 or the Dean, Ottawa Campus, 785-242-2607 ext 312, as soon as possible.  You will need to bring your documentation for review in order to determine reasonable accommodations, and then we can assist you in arranging any necessary accommodations.