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JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY

COURSE CODE: "AS 399"
COURSE NAME: "Advanced Graphic Design"
SEMESTER & YEAR: Spring 2015
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 design project is managed from start to finish. Students will accomplish a comprehensive design project in the fields of typography, advertising, branding & identity, packaging and illustration, in order to obtain an insight into the various phases of a design production. This course 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 and technical requirements
- Conduct research
- Develop design concepts
- Establish a housestyle for a brand
- 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:
AssignmentGuidelinesWeight
Oral examPresentation of a design topic.10%
Midterm examInterim presentation of the students' design projects.30%
ParticipationParticipation is expressed through commitment, resourcefulness, originality, technical skill, attention to detail, punctuality and timely delivery of assignments.30%
Final examFinal presentation and delivery of the students’ design projects.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

1. Wed. Jan. 21 - Introduction

2. Wed. Jan. 28 - Kick-off projects/Brief

3. Wed. Feb. 4 - Brief contd.

4. Wed. Feb. 11 - Development of design concepts

5. Wed. Feb. 18 - Development of design concepts

6. Wed. Feb. 25 - Work-in-progress of chosen concept

7. Wed. March 4 - Midterm

8. Wed. Mar. 11 - Work-in-progress of chosen concept

9. Wed. Mar. 18 - Work-in-progress of chosen concept

10. Wed. Mar. 25 - Work-in-progress of chosen concept

11. Wed. Apr. 1 - Oral exam

12. Wed. Apr. 15 - Final design critique/Fine-tuning of design

13. Wed. Apr. 22 - Fine-tuning of design contd.

14. Wed. Apr. 29 - Production

15. SATURDAY May 2 / 18:00 - 20:30 - Final exam