JCU Logo

JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY

COURSE CODE: "AS 101-2"
COURSE NAME: "Introduction to Graphic Design"
SEMESTER & YEAR: Spring 2015
SYLLABUS

INSTRUCTOR: Sabrina Schmidt
EMAIL: [email protected]
HOURS: TH 9:00 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.

Course information 
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. Please check this regularly and, certainly, 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:

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 expressed through commitment, resourcefulness, originality, technical skill, attention to detail, punctuality and timely delivery of assignments.30%
Oral examPresentation of a design project.10%
Midterm examThe midterm exam consists in designing an appropriate solution to a design problem.30%
Final examThe final exam consists in designing an appropriate solution to a more complex design problem.30%

-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 problems.
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.
Late arrival will be noted and affects 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. Thu. Jan. 22 -
Introduction

2. Thu. Jan. 29 - Typography

3. Thu. Feb. 5 - Moodboard

4. Thu. Feb. 12 - Moodboard

5. Thu. Feb. 19 - Illustration

6. Thu. Feb. 26 - Promotion

7. Thu. Mar. 5 - Midterm

8. Thu. Mar. 12 - Logo

9. Thu. Mar. 19 - Logo

10. Thu. Mar. 26 - Logo

11. Thu. Apr. 2 - Oral exam

12. Thu. Apr. 16 - Brochure

13. Thu. Apr. 23 - Poster

14. Thu. Apr. 30 - Poster

15. SUNDAY May 3 / 18:00 - 20:30 - Final exam