Course Syllabus

JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY

COURSE CODE: "AS 399"
COURSE NAME: "Advanced Graphic Design"
SEMESTER & YEAR: Spring 2014

SYLLABUS

INSTRUCTOR: Sabrina Schmidt
EMAIL: [email protected]
HOURS: W9:00 AM 11:45 AM
TOTAL NO. OF CONTACT HOURS: 45
CREDITS: 3
PREREQUISITES: Prerequisite: One Previous Course in Graphic Design
OFFICE HOURS:

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

The aim of this course is to gain a deeper understanding of graphic design and the design process in general and, in particular, how a complex design task is managed from start to finish. Students will accomplish a series of comprehensive design projects that often come from the real world––interspersed with briefer capsule projects––in order to obtain an insight into the various phases of a design production. Furthermore, this course will highlight design issues regarding branding, and illustrates how great design can be a powerful tool of communication in many contexts.

SUMMARY OF COURSE CONTENT:

This course requires a minimum of background in design and will deepen the understanding of the design process in general and, in particular, how a design project is being managed from start to finish, highlighting each phase of its production. A pro-active and (self)critical attitude, discipline and attention to detail is essential. The course provides professional know-how to visual communication and problem-solving, and complements other courses including business, management, marketing, communications, and the arts.

Course information

For specific inquiries or to set up an appointment please contact [email protected] Any changes and additional course information will be posted on MyJCU. Students are kindly requested to check this regularly and in advance of each class. Make-up work is not offered, except in exceptional circumstances and after consultation with the Dean of Academic Affairs.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

- Define and interpret communication requirements
- Conduct research
- Develop design concepts
- Establish a housestyle for a brand
- Enhance communication skills
- Strengthen analytical skills
- Create a brand architecture
- Create templates and tools
- Establish brand guidelines

TEXTBOOK:

NONE

REQUIRED RESERVED READING:

NONE

RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:

NONE

GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:

Assignment	Guidelines	Weight
Oral exam	Presentation to class	10%
Midterm exam	Design project	20%
Participation	Contribution to class discussions and reviews, conceptual thinking and creative problem solving, timely delivery of design projects.	30%
Final exam	Design project	40%

-ASSESSMENT CRITERIA:
AWork of this quality directly addresses the question or problem raised and provides a coherent argument displaying an extensive knowledge of relevant information or content. This type of work demonstrates the ability to critically evaluate concepts and theory and has an element of novelty and originality. There is clear evidence of a significant amount of reading beyond that required for the course
BThis is highly competent level of performance and directly addresses the question or problem raised.There is a demonstration of some ability to critically evaluatetheory and concepts and relate them to practice. Discussions reflect the student’s own arguments and are not simply a repetition of standard lecture andreference material. The work does not suffer from any major errors or omissions and provides evidence of reading beyond the required assignments.
CThis is an acceptable level of performance and provides answers that are clear but limited, reflecting the information offered in the lectures and reference readings.
DThis level of performances demonstrates that the student lacks a coherent grasp of the material.Important information is omitted and irrelevant points included.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 issues raised in the question. Most of the material in the answer is irrelevant.

-ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS:

All scheduled classes are mandatory and take place at the Mac Lab at Largo Fiorentini 1 (Inside Studio: Internal 3).
All classes start promptly; late arrival will be registered and affects the final grade.
Any unjustified absence affects a student's final grade.

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

1. Wed. Jan. 15 - Introduction and Kick-off Project 1 (Corporate Identity)

2. Wed. Jan. 22 - Project 1 contd.

3. Wed. Jan. 29 - Project 1 contd.

4. Wed. Feb. 5 - Oral exam: Presentation Project 1; Project 2 (Brochure)

5. Wed. Feb. 12 - Project 2 contd.

6. Wed. Feb. 19 - Project 2 contd.

7. Wed. Feb. 26 - Midterm

8. Wed. Mar. 5 - Project 3: Brand Guidelines

9. Wed. Mar. 12 - Project 3 contd.

10. Wed. Mar. 26 - Project 4: Poster

11. Wed. Apr. 2 - Project 5: Templates

12. Wed. Apr. 9 - Project 5: Templates contd.

13. Wed. Apr. 16 - Project 6: Pictograms and visuals for web

14. Wed. Apr. 23 - Project 6 contd.

15. Apr. 26 - May 2 - Final exam