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JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY

COURSE CODE: "AS 101-2"
COURSE NAME: "Introduction to Graphic Design"
SEMESTER & YEAR: Fall 2014
SYLLABUS

INSTRUCTOR: Sabrina Schmidt
EMAIL: [email protected]
 HOURS: W9:00 AM 11:45 AM
TOTAL NO. OF CONTACT HOURS: 45
CREDITS: 3
PREREQUISITES:
OFFICE HOURS:
COURSE DESCRIPTION:

The objective of the course is to learn the basic principles of design, and to apply these principles to practical exercises. Under the supervision of the professor students will do a series of graphic design projects that address those basic principles of design. The course will illustrate how good communication provides information that is clear and accessible.
SUMMARY OF COURSE CONTENT:

This is an introductory level course – open to all students – and particularly those that do not have a background in design. This course teaches the basic principles of graphic design (composition, alignment, contrast, visual hierarchy, etc.) and explores methods of how to put together effective communications in order to make a good professional impression. It provides an introduction to visual communication and problem solving, and complements other courses including business, management, marketing and communications.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:

Design Brief: How to brief a client.
Concept: How to develop a strong visual concept based on given communication requirements.
Layout: How to use basic page layout and typography to effectively communicate a message.
Imagery: How to research, choose and compose photographs and illustrations to be interesting and reinforce a message.
Graphs: How to design graphs and tables that show data in a clear and effective way.
Color: How to apply color in graphics and presentations, basic color theory, the meaning of colors, color relationships.
Artwork: How to prepare artwork for print.
Tools: How to use Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, and PowerPoint to create well-designed, coherent artwork and presentations.
TEXTBOOK:
NONE
REQUIRED RESERVED READING:
NONE

RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:
NONE
GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:
AssignmentGuidelinesWeight
ParticipationParticipation is considered an integral part of the course and is expressed through analytical skills, conceptual thinking, creative problem solving, attention to detail and timely delivery of assignments.20%
Oral presentationEach student has to give a presentation of a project designed in class.10%
Midterm testThe midterm test consists in designing an appropriate solution to a given design problem.20%
Final examThe final exam consists in designing an appropriate solution to a more complex specific design problem.50%

-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 cour
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.
Late arrival will be noted and may affect the final grade.
Please refer to the university catalogue for the attendance and absence policy.
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 Studio: Internal 3).

1. Wed. Sep. 3 - Introduction

2. Wed. Sep. 10 - Typography

3. Wed. Sep. 17 - Moodboard

4. Wed. Sep. 24 - Moodboard

5. Wed. Oct. 1 - Illustration

6. Wed. Oct. 8 - Pictogram

7. Wed. Oct. 15 - Midterm

8. Wed. Oct. 22 - Logo

9. Wed. Oct. 29 - Logo

10. Wed. Nov. 5 - Logo

11. Wed. Nov. 12 - Oral exam

12. Wed. Nov. 19 - Brochure

13. Wed. Nov. 26 - Poster

14. Wed. Dec. 3 - Poster

15. Wed. Dec. 10 - Final exam (12:00 pm - 2:30 pm)