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JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY

COURSE CODE: "AS 101-1"
COURSE NAME: "Introduction to Graphic Design"
SEMESTER & YEAR: Spring 2026
SYLLABUS

INSTRUCTOR: Sabrina Schmidt
EMAIL: [email protected]
 HOURS: M9:00 AM 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 design projects that address those basic principles of design. Historical references, professional case studies, technical know-how, in-depth software tutorials as well as essential design resources foster a clear understanding of the practical part of the course.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:

How to work with a design brief

How to conduct a research

How to develop a visual concept

How to use colour

How to work with imagery

How to work with type

How to prepare artwork for production

How to use the Adobe software
TEXTBOOK:
NONE
REQUIRED RESERVED READING:
NONE

RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:
NONE
GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:
AssignmentGuidelinesWeight
Participation & presentationActive involvement in discussions and critiques, demonstrating curiosity, preparedness, and engagement. Quality of presentation across all work submitted and shared throughout the semester, including attention to detail, clarity of documentation, and effectiveness in communicating design decisions.25%
Midterm portfolioA cumulative portfolio documenting all coursework, including research materials, and development work leading to the final project. Assessment will emphasize process, exploration, and integration of technical and conceptual approaches.25%
Final portfolioA substantial publication developed over the second half of the semester, demonstrating conceptual clarity, design cohesion, and thoughtful execution.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 p
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:

Attendance is mandatory. Students must arrive promptly, ready to begin the lesson. Unauthorized absences will result in grade penalties. 3 absences will result in an F. Students are expected to engage with the course outside class time.
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

Studio Rhythm: From Week 2 onward, projects introduced in class will be developed throughout the week and presented the following session for critique or review. Each week builds on the previous one, fostering iterative design practice and consistent feedback.

 

Week 1: Introduction

Focus: Understanding the scope of the course. Getting familiar with the work process.

The first week introduces the course, its scope, and expectations. We will review the syllabus, and discuss the project milestones.

In class: Graphic Design highlights in history. The world of typography.

 

Week 2: Kick-off basic font exercises

Focus: Typography: basic understanding. Software training: InDesign.

In class: Font anatomy, research, pairing. Kick-off  individual project: research phase.

 

Week 3: Basic font exercises contd.

Focus: Typography: basic understanding contd. Software training: InDesign.

In class: Font spacing, rag, hierarchy.

 

Week 4 (Make-up day for 6th April): Illustrating with type

Focus: Illustrating with type. Software training: Illustrator.

In class: Exploring type as a drawing tool.

 

Week 5: Illustrating with type contd.

Focus: Illustrating with type contd. Software training: Illustrator.

In class: Exploring type as a drawing tool contd. Software training: Illustrator. Illustrator keyboard shortcuts.

 

Week 6: Individual project: Research analysis.

Focus: Concept development

In class: Ideation of concept ideas based on research. Experimenting with shapes. Software training: Illustrator.

 

Week 7: Colour

Focus: Colour resources, colour characteristics, colour harmonies, colour systems, colour palettes.

In class: Creating colour palettes. Applying colour. Software training: Illustrator.

 

Week 8: Midterm portfolio

Focus: Assessment of course work created so far.

In class: Presentation of work-in-progress.

 

Week 9: Individual project: Logo symbol

Focus: On logo treatments and brand perception.

In class: Developing concept ideas.

 

Week 10: Individual project: Inspiration

Focus:  Design resources.

In class: How to use inspiration.

 

Week 11: Production individual project: Brochure

Focus: Understanding prototyping as a critical design stage.

In class: Paper exploration, dummy production of brochure, and testing. Software training: InDesign and Illustrator.

 

Week 12: Critique

Focus: Critical analysis of research material.

In class: Fine-tuning of concept and layout. Software training: InDesign and Illustrator.

 

Week 13: Production individual project: Brochure contd.

Focus: Understanding preparation of artwork as a critical production stage.

In class: Preparing artwork for print: A checklist. Margins, partial bleed, full bleed. Software training: InDesign.

 

Week 14: Production individual project Brochure contd.

Focus: Final production.

In class: Continued production and refinement.

 

Week 15: Final portfolio

Focus: Reflection.

The semester concludes with the presentation of the final project. Students will reflect on their process, design decisions, and personal development over the course of the semester.

In class: Final critique and group discussion.

 

Overview of recommended bibliographic works for the course:

Pentagram: The Compendium/by Gibbs, David (1998)/Phaidon/ISBN 9780714837697

Munari, Bruno (2019). Design as Art/Penguin Classics/ISBN 978 0141035819

Albers, Josef (2013). Interaction of Color: 50th Anniversary Edition. Yale University Press/ISBN 978 0300179354

Bierut, Michael (2015) How to, Thames & Hudson/ISBN 978 0 500 51826 7

Typography/by Ruder, Emil (2009)/Hastings House/ISBN 9783721200430