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JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY

COURSE CODE: "AS 311"
COURSE NAME: "Advanced Graphic Design"
SEMESTER & YEAR: Fall 2016
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:
This course allows students to gain advanced-level understanding of graphic design and the design process in general. Students manage complex design tasks, in some cases deriving from real-world cases, from start to finish. Successful professional examples are examined in depth. The course highlights design issues relevant to branding, and illustrates how great design aids powerful communication in many contexts. The course provides professional know-how and skill in visual problem-solving, and complements other courses in business, management, marketing, communications, and the arts. A minimum background in design (such as AS 101) is required.
SUMMARY OF COURSE CONTENT:

This advanced-level course enables students to manage two creative design projects from start to finish. Under the supervision of the instructor, each student will carry out two projects with a defined scope of work: one project based on the students’ own focus of investigation (real or fictive client), and one project given as part of an assignment (real client). The main focus of the course will consist in concept development, graphical execution, time management, and presentation skills. Background information, including insightful surveys carried out by the major global design firms, personal experiences from world renowned Graphic Designers, and inspiring professional case studies, will further students’ learning and understanding of Graphic Design in today’s world.

N.b. 
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:

 

How to define and interpret communication and technical requirements
How to conduct research
How to develop a strong visual concept based on a design brief
How to create a brand architecture
How to create a house style for a brand
How to create design templates
How to design guidelines for the correct and coherent use of an identity
How to prepare artwork for print
How to improve presentation skills
How to interact with a client
TEXTBOOK:
NONE
REQUIRED RESERVED READING:
NONE

RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:
NONE
GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:
AssignmentGuidelinesWeight
Oral examPresentation of a design topic.25%
Midterm examInterim presentation of the students' design projects.25%
ParticipationParticipation is expressed through commitment, resourcefulness, originality, technical skill, attention to detail, punctuality and timely delivery of assignments.25%
Final examFinal presentation and delivery of the students’ design projects.25%

-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 proble
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 Art Studio: Internal 3).

1. Wed. Aug 31 - Introduction

2. Wed. Sep 7 - Brief/Kick-off project

3. Wed. Sep 14 - Development of design concepts

4. Wed. Sep 21 - Development of design concepts

5. Wed. Sep 28 - Development of design concepts

6. Wed. Oct 5 - Work-in-progress of chosen concept

7. Wed. Oct 12 - Midterm

8. Wed. Oct 19 - Work-in-progress of chosen concept

9. Wed. Oct 26 - Work-in-progress of chosen concept

10. Wed. Nov 2 - Work-in-progress of chosen concept

11. Wed. Nov 9 - Oral exam

12. Wed. Nov 16 - Fine-tuning of design

13. Wed. Nov 23 - Fine-tuning of design

14. Wed. Nov 30 - Finalisation of project

15. Dec 3 - 9 - Final exam (exact date/time tbd)