JCU Logo

JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY

COURSE CODE: "CS 230"
COURSE NAME: "Introduction to Infographics"
SEMESTER & YEAR: Fall 2017
SYLLABUS

INSTRUCTOR: Khaison Duong
EMAIL: [email protected]
HOURS: MW 11:30-12:45 PM
TOTAL NO. OF CONTACT HOURS: 45
CREDITS: 3
PREREQUISITES: Recommended: CS 110
OFFICE HOURS:

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This introductory course provides an overview for visual representation of data. It is designed to cover the differences between infographics and visualization. Through both theory and applied practice the course covers specifics related to basic graphic design, online publishing, and corporate communication as it relates to large amounts of data and visually representing data in creative and meaningful ways.   
SUMMARY OF COURSE CONTENT:
Analyzing data. Producing charts and visualizations. Theory of infographics. Analysis of infographics. Production of infographics.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:

1      understand the concepts of data visualization and be able to produce effective examples

2     understand infographics and their uses

3      produce an infographic
TEXTBOOK:
Book TitleAuthorPublisherISBN numberLibrary Call NumberCommentsFormatLocal BookstoreOnline Purchase
Cool InfographicsRandy KrumWiley 2014978-1118582305     
REQUIRED RESERVED READING:
NONE

RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:
NONE
GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:
AssignmentGuidelinesWeight
Attendance and participatoin 10
Classwork and assignments 20
Projects 25
Midterm 15
Final exam 30

-ASSESSMENT CRITERIA:
AWork of this quality directly addresses the task or problem raised and provides a coherent application of concepts displaying mastery of the skills learned. This type of work demonstrates the ability to critically evaluate concepts and theory and apply them with an element of novelty and originality. There is clear evidence of a significant amount of work/reading/research beyond that required for the course.
BThis is highly competent level of performance and directly addresses the task or problem raised. There is a demonstration of some ability to critically evaluate theory and concepts and relate them to practice. Work produced reflects students’ own adaptation and not simply a repetition of standard lecture. The work does not suffer from any major errors or omissions and provides evidence of work/reading/research beyond the required assignments.
CThis is an acceptable level of performance and provides work that is clear but limited, reflecting the information offered in the lectures and resources.
DThis level of performances demonstrates that the student lacks a coherent grasp of the material or skills. Important concepts are not applied adequately. In effect, the student has barely done enough to persuade the instructor that s/he should not fail.
FThis work fails to show any knowledge or understanding of the task or problem. Most of the work produced is unacceptable or irrelevant.

-ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS:
ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS AND EXAMINATION POLICY
Attendance is mandatory as all lessons will be held in the computer laboratory and will be a combination of theory and practice. Students spending most of the class time using smart-phones or the like will be marked absent. Students will lose 1% for every unexcused absence. Consistently being late will be penalized.

You cannot make-up a major exam (midterm or final) without the permission of the Dean’s Office. The Dean’s Office will grant such permission only when the absence was caused by a serious impediment, such as a documented illness, hospitalization or death in the immediate family (in which you must attend the funeral) or other situations of similar gravity. Absences due to other meaningful conflicts, such as job interviews, family celebrations, travel difficulties, student misunderstandings or personal convenience, will not be excused. Students who will be absent from a major exam must notify the Dean’s Office prior to that exam. Absences from class due to the observance of a religious holiday will normally be excused. Individual students who will have to miss class to observe a religious holiday should notify the instructor by the end of the Add/Drop period to make prior arrangements for making up any work that will be missed.
ACADEMIC HONESTY
As stated in the university catalog, any student who commits an act of academic dishonesty will receive a failing grade on the work in which the dishonesty occurred. In addition, acts of academic dishonesty, irrespective of the weight of the assignment, may result in the student receiving a failing grade in the course. Instances of academic dishonesty will be reported to the Dean of Academic Affairs. A student who is reported twice for academic dishonesty is subject to summary dismissal from the University. In such a case, the Academic Council will then make a recommendation to the President, who will make the final decision.
STUDENTS WITH LEARNING OR OTHER DISABILITIES
John Cabot University does not discriminate on the basis of disability or handicap. Students with approved accommodations must inform their professors at the beginning of the term. Please see the website for the complete policy.

SCHEDULE

Week

Topic

Assignment

1

 

 

Introduction

Organizing and analyzing data

 

2

Data visualization

Improving charts

Class assignment 1

3

Media formats

4

Types of infographics

Class assignment 2

5

Intellectual property

Good and bad infographics

6

Search Engine Optimization

Release strategy

7

Software and resources

Class assignment 3

8

Midterm

9

Internal infographics

Class assignment 4

10

Utility, soundness, beauty

 

11

Designing infographics

The process of an idea

12

Choosing data

 Project

13

Progress of infographic

14

Finalization of projects

15

Final exam