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JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY

COURSE CODE: "AS 101-2"
COURSE NAME: "Introduction to Graphic Design"
SEMESTER & YEAR: Fall 2019
SYLLABUS

INSTRUCTOR: Sabrina Schmidt
EMAIL: [email protected]
HOURS: TH 9:00-11:45 AM
TOTAL NO. OF CONTACT HOURS: 45
CREDITS: 3
PREREQUISITES:
OFFICE HOURS:

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
The aim of this course is to give students a comprehensive introduction to visual communication and to demonstrate how Graphic Design can be an effective and powerful tool for business. It covers a broad spectrum of different design disciplines, ranging from corporate identity, branding, brochure design, poster design, to packaging and illustration, and provides precious insight into the world of Graphic Design. The course is open to all students, particularly those who do not have a background in design, and complements other courses including Business, Management, Marketing and Communication.
SUMMARY OF COURSE CONTENT:

Students will learn and apply the basic principles of design (e.g. composition, alignment, contrast, visual hierarchy) through a number of projects that cover different design disciplines. Under the supervision of the instructor, students will carry out graphic design projects that address those basic principles of design. Each project is introduced with professional case studies, technical background information and resources, as well as detailed tutorials for the use of the principal softwares.

N.b.
For specific inquiries or to set up an appointment please contact Prof. Schmidt via email on [email protected]
Changes, additional course information, etc. will be posted on MyJCU. Students are asked to check this regularly and in advance of each class.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

How to work with a design brief
How to interact with a client
How to develop a visual concept based on a design brief
How to use typography and basic page layout
How to work with a grid
How to work with imagery
How to draw with software tools
How to use color: basic color theory, professional colour systems
How to prepare artwork for print
How to use Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign

TEXTBOOK:
NONE
REQUIRED RESERVED READING:
NONE

RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:
NONE
GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:
AssignmentGuidelinesWeight
ParticipationParticipation is expressed through professional engagement, resourcefulness, originality, technical skill, attention to detail, commitment, attendance and punctuality, course and exam work, and timely delivery of assignments.25%
Oral and Midterm examThe Oral exam consists in the presentation of a student’s design project. The Midterm exam consists in the concept and design of an appropriate solution to a given design problem.25%
Final examThe final exam consists in the concept and design of an appropriate solution to a given design problem.50%

-ASSESSMENT CRITERIA:
AWork of this quality shows excellent mastery of the course content along with exceptional levels of technical skill, artistic awareness, originality, resourcefulness, commitment, quantity of work and improvement. There has been excellent collaboration and leadership in group projects, and there have been no attendance pro
BA highly competent level of performance with work that directly addresses the content of the course, with a good quantity of work produced.
CAn acceptable level of performance: the work shows awareness of the course content, but is very limited in quantity, quality, commitment and skill.
DThe student lacks a coherent grasp of the course material and has failed to produce much work. The student has barely done enough to persuade the instructor that s/he should not fail.
FNegligent in attendance, academic honesty, or engagement with the course content.

-ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS:

All scheduled classes are mandatory.
Absence and late arrival affect the final grade.
Announcements, presentations, tutorials, etc. are given at the start of each session.
Missing or incomplete assignments and/or assignments sent after the established deadline lower the grade.
Students are responsible for catching up with any course material they miss.
Make-up work is not offered, except in exceptional circumstances and after consultation with the Dean of Academic Affairs.
Students 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 documented illness, hospitalization or death in the immediate family, 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.

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

Meeting place: Mac Lab, Largo Fiorentini 1 (Inside Art Studio: Internal 3).

Session 1: Thursday September 5: Introduction
Session 2: Thursday September 12: Moodboard
Session 3: Thursday September 19: Moodboard

Session 4: Friday September 20 (Make-up day for Thanksgiving Holiday Thursday November 28): Illustration

Session 5: Thursday September 26: Typography & Infographics
Session 6: Friday October 3: Typography & Infographics
Session 7: Thursday October 10: Midterm exam
Session 8: Thursday October 17: Logo
Session 9: Thursday October 24: Logo
Session 10: Thursday October 31: Logo
Session 11: Thursday November 7: Oral exam
Session 12: Thursday November 14: Poster
Session 13: Thursday November 21: Brochure
Session 14:. Thursday December 5: Brochure
Session 15: December 9 - 13: Final exam (tba)