Syllabus

Introduction-

This course is designed to introduce printing process and the continuation of software development in solving design problems.

The structure of this class includes lectures, demonstrations, and in/outside-class studio activities.  Projects will be assigned and will be due on scheduled dates.  Each project will include an introduction to the specifics of what is  expected and what concepts we are covering.  At the completion of assigned projects a critique and class review will take place.

If you have any questions during the semester, please don’t hesitate to contact me by email, or in person.

Catalog Description-

ART 320 – Visual Communication1: Visual Solutions   3 hrs.

Beginning-level studio oriented toward the development of the conceptual/creative process and its role in design to achieve conceptually creative visual solutions.  Graphics development, production and typography/typesetting skills will be expanded upon.  Prerequisites: Declared Visual Communications Major.

Course Objectives-

• Become sensitive to the visual concerns of typography and image as it relates 

   to the design. 

• Encourage the designer to conceive, plan, and execute designs that communicate a

  specific message to a specific audience within the given limitations.

• Encourage and continue the development of problem solving skills and concepts

• Acquire design skills required for future career opportunities

• Introduce digital technology as related to the design, printing process and digital environment.

Meeting Times-

Art 320 – 01 >>>> Monday | Wednesday | Friday 9:30-11:20am OP 1224

Art 320 – 02 >>>> Monday | Wednesday | Friday 11:30-1:20pm OP 1224

Three credit hours meet for 6 class hours plus 12 hours outside of class 

(minimum).  Additional lab hours will be announced.   

Required Text-

“Forms, folds, Sizes” by poppy evans (required)

A subscription to Communication Arts Magazine(required)*

Recommended Text-

“Color Index” and “Color Index 2” by Jim Krause (recommended)

“Winning Portfolios for Graphic Designers” by Cath Caldwell (recommended)

Current industry periodicals as required. (ex: How, CA . . . )(recommended)

Plagiarism/Cheating Policy

Plagiarism and cheating are serious offenses and may be punished by failure on the exam, paper or project; failure in the course; and/or expulsion from the university.

Accommodation

TSU will make reasonable accommodations for persons with documented disabilities.  Students need to contact the Director of Disability Services and the professor as early in the semester as possible to ensure that classroom and academic accommodations are implemented in a timely fashion.  All communication between students, the Office of Disability Services, and the professor will be strictly confidential.

Absentee Policy

Roll is taken daily.  Greater than 4 unexcused absences will result in a reduction of your final grade by one letter grade.  Requests for excused absences should be submitted to the instructor in writing before the class to be missed.  This includes sports practice or away competitive events, band or other instructor-led group trips sponsored by faculty/university administration.  This does not include Fraternity, Sorority or other extra curricular type of activities.  Determination of the absence is at the discretion of the instructor.

Tardiness & Leaving  Early Policy

Lateness & leaving early will count as full absence.  I keep very strict attendance records, be warned!

Effort Policy

Students who are late to class, unprepared or who do not participate will receive reduced grades when applicable.  Any late or incomplete projects will result in failure on the project; unless such is the result of an excused absence (in which case every effort should be made to turn in the project early).  Excusibility will be determined by your effort throughout the course of the project and at the instructor’s discretion

Supplies & Cost

You will have to pay for any prints made in the computer lab, BW and/or color.  You will pay at the registration office and then give your receipt to Rusty(BW)/lab monitor(Color). You can also pay buy login in to: secure.truman.edu/art-s    Login in than choose either Print Audit or Print monitor and the amount you want to put on the account.  For the Print Monitor you must print out the receipt to turn in with your work.

Storage Device –  Jumpdrives, external HD’s

sketchbook

3 ring binder

Paper ( 8.5 x 11 and 13 x 19->matte and glossy

Adobe Software (adobe is running a special promotion 80% discount)

****You may also need to purchase additional supplies as needed.*****

Process Book

In this course you will be required to do a process book/design idea diary(minimum size 8.5 x 11) for the entire semester with entries for  each assignment and each class meeting.  The book should include; sketches, notes, ideas as well as visual inspirations/imagery from magazines, books, etc. ( can be copied cut out ).

The process book will be counted as graded component in each one of the assignments that is presented this semester.

Support Material/outline:

• any periodicals, book, etc. – represented by photocopies of articles

and work.  Source material should relate to the content that we a

covering during each assignment

• sketches also are a integral component of each exercise minimum 

expectation will be announced during each visual problem

• Notes: all project notes should be easily Source in your process 

book(organization)

• all project information/handouts

Cell Phones

Cell phones are not permitted in the studio.  Turn it OFF and leave it in your locker.  Do not keep in on your person to “check” incoming calls.

Computer lab

No food or drinks are allowed in the computer lab at ANY time!

Spray Mount

Spray mount is not allowed in this build or in any of the graphic design labs.  If you are caught spraying in this building you will drop one letter grade from the course.  Do NOT bring in any bottles/cans of spray mount or the professors will confiscate it.

Homework

Homework will be given out on a daily basis and this is in
addition to your main projects of the semester. These homework assignments can
range from technical to design issues that you must resolve. Once you have
completed the homework, I will mark “ok” with my signature.  I would for reference recommend you keep the
approved homework in your process book (if you completed the assignment).  You can revise the work as much as needed
until the homework is due. If the homework does not get completed by the
designated due date, it will lower your overall grade in the course. You may be
given multiple homework assignment at a time.

Quizzes

All the information on the blog and any lecture information
I provide, including handouts, can be tested. There will be a lot of technical information,
terms and knowledge so I do expect you to take good notes at all times.

Projects

Please be aware the work that you create during this course
can be used by the instructor, art department and Truman State University, for
promotional use and examples for other students. 

Semester Projects

PRESENTATION ON A DESIGNER/PROMOTIONAL DESIGN

ILLUSTRATION ASSIGNMENT

STATIONARY SET

CLASS POSTER  

  POSTCARD

CD DESIGN

SELF PROMOTION

>projects could change and be added to as semester progresses

A – 100-90%. Excellent Work, reflected by:

meeting deadlines for all stages of projects as scheduled.

the development of preliminary research as outlined by the instructor.

strong evidence of creative process demonstrated via the idea diary.

communicating desired concepts/ideas to a selected audience.

using space effectively by creating dynamic, foundational elements of visual

communications: 

letter forms, image/illustrations, organizational strategies.

technical proficiency

maintaining a professional attitude in your work.

a quality project presentation to the class (demonstrating communication skills).

top project(s) in class.

B – 89-80%. Good Work (above average)

very solid effort.

may be lacking qualities listed in A description.

C – 79-70%. Fair Work (average)

completes projects as assigned.

may be lacking qualities listed in A description

D – 69-60%. Poor Work (below average)

effort lacking, poor attendance to class

suggest dropping course if received frequently.

meet with the instructor for guidance.

F – 59-0%. Failure

major problems with projects.

suggest dropping course if received frequently.