syllabus    ARTC 1413 Digital Publishing I , Spring 2011
Course description
An introduction to the fundamentals of using digital layout as a primary production tool, and the basic concepts and terminology associated with typography and page layout. Topics include an overview of industry standard software for page layout and design and various methods of reproduction for print and electronic delivery. This course is an introduction to Adobe InDesign®, and other tools and skills used to prepare electronic pre-press art for print reproduction with a goal of economy, neatness and faithfulness to the designer’s layout or written instructions. Material covered will include graphic terminology, type specification, and evolution of the printed piece from concept to final printed project. Lab fee.

Student Audience/Readiness
The students enrolled in this class should have basic computer skills. This course is intended for graphic artists wanting to learn graphic design on the computer and students in the associate degree program. Students must be mature, able to follow instructions, and willing to work independently. Students must have passed TSI skills for Reading/Writing/Math. Online students must have access to high speed internet and Adobe InDesign CS5. Online students must complete Orientation during the first week of class and submit contact information to instructor.

Resources
software: Adobe InDesign
hardware in labs: PowerMacs; 17” color monitors, scanners, color and black and white laser printers
library: Learning Resources Center Library ACC Northridge Campus, Bldg. 1000, 2nd floor and South Austin
   Campus, 2nd floor. Library subscribes to several monthly periodicals that deal strictly with the graphic arts.
   http://library.austincc.edu/w3/VCD/flashgal.htm

Instructional materials
required text — Exploring InDesign CS5, Terry Rydberg
periodicals — Review on a regular basis: Step Inside Design, Print Magazine  and Communication Arts
urls —  www.stepinsidedesign.com,  www.adobe.com, printmag.com, commarts.com,
    http://library.austincc.edu/w3/VCD/flashgal.htm
 

Supplies (classroom section)
Exploring InDesign CS5, Terry Rydberg             
e scale/pica ruler                        
Storage media (jump drive,  flash drive)

Course methodology
Topics will be introduced through reading, instructor recordings, and the completion of chapter projects. Projects build the necessary skills for mastery of the chapter specific skills. Each module has a quiz which reinforces knowledge and vocabulary, with each module building on the skills from earlier modules. The projects will be evaluated and a gradesheet for each module will be sent to the student.  
 

Course rationale
Digital Publishing 1 is an entry-level course that stresses real world production skills used by graphic designers and production personnel. Students learn how to use industry standard software, follow an art director’s instructions, and how to communicate with other industry specialists. Design principles are reinforced through the development of each project. This class teaches the technical skills to make the students successful graphic designers and production personnel.

Course Policies
attendance policy —from 2020-2011 Student Handbook, page 24
Regular and punctual class and laboratory attendance is expected of all students. If attendance is unsatisfactory, the instructor may withdraw students from class. (Other reasons for instructor-initiated withdrawals might be students’ failure to comply with course policies or meet objectives.) The college will notify students of the action taken by the instructor. Instructor-initiated withdrawals count toward state limits on course withdrawals (See Six-Withdrawals Limit). If students desire readmission, they should submit a written appeal to the instructor within five business days. The instructor’s response is due five business days following the appeal. Students may re-appeal the instructor’s decision to the department chair, then division dean. The dean’s decision is final. During the appeals process, students may attend class, submit assignments, and take tests for grading unless there are established course or program guidelines that would prohibit their returning to class.
 

Attendance Online Class:
The online class allows the student to work through the weekly projects at any time. Projects are due at 5 pm on Fridays. Follow the course outline for specific weekly deadlines.
 

Attendance Hybrid Section:
The hybrid class meets Wednesday 9-11:40 in Room 4269 at NRG campus. Attendance is mandatory for every class. You are expected to arrive on time and work the entire class period. All projects are due 5 pm on Fridays. Follow the course outline for specific weekly deadlines
 

Policy For Both Hybrid And Online Classes:
All material is in Blackboard and you will complete assignments outside of class.  A late penalty is ten points. Exercises proceed each project. Exercises will not be accepted after the project’s deadline. Projects will not be accepted two weeks after their due date. If the student falls behind you will be given several email notices, but it is the responsibility of the student to officially drop the class.
 

Drops Vs. Withdrawals
Students who officially exit a course during either the schedule change period or before the official college reporting date are considered to have “dropped” the course. They do so by submitting the official request to Admissions and Records. Dropped courses are not considered withdrawals and are not posted on the student transcript.
Withdrawals from a course occur after the official reporting date and result in a mark of W on the student transcript.
It is the student’s responsibility to initiate a withdrawal request to Admissions and Records before the withdrawal deadline. Discontinuance of class attendance or notice to the instructor does not constitute authorized withdrawal. In cases of instructor-initiated withdrawals, the withdrawal counts toward students’ maximum withdrawal limits. (See Attendance)
from 2010-2011 Student Handbook, page 25
Each semester or term includes dates students may either “drop” or “withdraw” from a course. The college places no limits on the number of courses a student may drop. However, state law limits the number of course withdrawals, with some exemptions and exceptions
Note: Dropping or withdrawing from a course may affect financial aid, veterans’ benefits, international student status, or academic standing. Students are urged to consult with their instructor or an advisor or counselor before making schedule changes.
 

Six-Withdrawals Limit
State law permits students to withdraw from no more than six courses during their entire undergraduate career at Texas public colleges or universities. All course withdrawals automatically count toward the limit unless:
•    The student withdraws from all courses;
•    The student or course is exempt from the rule; or
•    The student receives an exception authorized by college officials.
Students who reach their withdrawal limit must remain on the class roll unless they request and receive approval for a withdrawal exception. Exceptions are listed on page 25 of the 2010-2011 Student Handbook.
 

Grading
Projects will be graded primarily for accuracy (precise execution of instructions) and computer skills. Each project must be submitted to the instructor via instructions in Blackboard.  Each module has a grade sheet available on Blackboard. Review these for an exact breakdown of grading criteria.  
 

Naming Convention
Following a prescribed naming convention is important. Use the first four letters of your last name ­­then the name of
the exercise or project.  Everything submitted to the Gradebook or Dropbox must use the naming convention. For instance, the first project in Chapter 4 submitted by Priscilla Wicker would be named wick_04A.indd
 

Grading scale
90 – 100 = A    Weighted grade distribution
80 – 89 = B    Projects — 60%
70 – 79 = C    Quizzes ­— 10%
60 – 69 = D (not passing)    Exams (Midterm & Final) — 15% each (10% on practical, 5% on written)
59 or below = F (not passing)
 

Passing grade policy
Grade C or better. Effective September 2005 no D’s will be accepted as a passing grade within the Visual Communication Department courses. Students receiving a grade of D must retake the course to receive credit and to progress to the next level course. Students who made a D prior to September 2005 will be allowed to proceed to the next level course.
 

Incomplete Grade
 from VisCom Dept. P&P
An incomplete grade is only given under extreme circumstances. A situation must have occurred that does not enable the student to complete the remainder of the semester’s work. The situation must be extreme, such as being hospitalized. The student must provide documentation and must have completed approximately 80–85% of the course work, which is normally past the withdrawal deadline.
The VisCom department highly discourages giving incomplete grades. It is left up to the instructor to present their request to the Department Chair for approval.
•    Incomplete grade form must be completed by the instructor and signed by both student and instructor
•    Incomplete form must be signed by the Department Chair for approval
•    Student must be given a copy of the incomplete form with all work required to finish the course listed in the comment area
•    Student has until the last day to withdraw of the following semester to turn in all work. If deadline is missed, the grade automatically turns to an “F”
 

Academic Freedom
“Each student is strongly encouraged to participate in class. In any classroom situation that includes discussion and critical thinking, there are bound to be many differing viewpoints. These differences enhance the learning experience and create an atmosphere where students and instructors alike will be encouraged to think and learn. On sensitive and volatile topics, students may sometimes disagree not only with each other but also with the instructor. It is expected that faculty and students will respect the views of others when expressed in classroom discussions.”
 

Academic Dishonesty
From 2010-2011 Student Handbook, page 34
Students have the responsibility to submit coursework that is the result of their own thought, research, or self expression.
The following are guidelines to assist students in avoiding academic dishonesty:
•    Students must do their own work and submit only their own work on examinations, reports, and projects, unless otherwise permitted by the instructor. Students are encouraged to contact their instructor about appropriate citation guidelines.
•    Students must follow all instructions given by instructors or designated college representatives when taking examinitions, placement assessments, tests, quizzes, and evaluations.
Actions constituting violations of academic dishonesty include, but are not limited to, the following:
•    Plagiarism
•    Cheating
•    Fabrication
•    Collusion
•    Falsifying institutional records or other legal or source documents: Includes altering grades, either written or electronic, or other falsification of academic records such as application for admission, grade reports, test papers, registration materials, and reporting forms used by the college.
 

Students With Disabilities
All requests for accommodations must be presented to the instructor during the first week of class.
From 2010 - 2011 Student Handbook, page 23
austincc.edu/support/osd
Support services for students with documented disabilities are offered at each campus through the Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD). Each semester students must request accommodations with the OSD Coordinator or Specialist at the campus they expect to schedule most of their classes. Appropriate accommodations are determined on a case-by-case basis by the student’s documented disability and by the course content and delivery method of each course for which the student has registered. Examples of common accommodations include, but are not limited to, registration assistance, testing accommodations, sign language interpreters, and note takers. For accommodations to be in place by the first day of each semester, students must request accommodations at least 4 weeks before the semester begins. ACC partners with the Texas Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services (DARS) and other community service organizations to provide support services for students with disabilities.

Student Discipline
By enrolling at ACC, students agree to abide by the college’s Student Standards of Conduct. These standards also establish disciplinary procedures for students accused of violating those standards. The Student Standards of Conduct and Disciplinary Process is published in the Student Handbook (page 33) and Administrative Rules.

 SCANS Competencies with Definitions
Include any of the following SCANS competencies which are taught in the class.
1.0 RESOURCES
•    1.1 Manages Time: Selects relevant, goal-related activities, ranks them in order of importance, allocates time to activities, and understands, prepares, and follows schedules.
•    1.2 Manages Money: Uses or prepares budgets, including making cost and revenue forecasts, keeps detailed records to track budget performance, and makes appropriate adjustments.
•    1.3 Manages Material and Facility Resources: Acquires, stores, and distributes materials, supplies, parts, equipment, space, or final products in order to make the best use of them.
•    1.4 Manages Human Resources: Assesses knowledge and skills and distributes work accordingly, evaluates performance, and provides feedback.
2.0 INTERPERSONAL
•    2.1 Participates as a Member of a Team: Works cooperatively with others and contributes to group with ideas, suggestions, and effort.
•    2.2 Teaches Others: Helps others to learn.
•    2.3 Serves Clients/Customers: Works and communicates with clients and customers to satisfy their expectations.
•    2.4 Exercises Leadership: Communicates thoughts, feelings, and ideas to justify a position, encourages, persuades, convinces, or otherwise motivates an individual or groups; including responsibility challenging existing procedures, policies, or authority.
•    2.5 Negotiates: Works toward an agreement that may involve exchanging specific resources or resolving divergent interests.
•    2.6 Works with Cultural Diversity: Works well with men and women and with a variety of ethnic, social, or educational backgrounds.
3.0 INFORMATION
•    3.1 Acquires and Evaluates Information: Identifies need for data, obtains it from existing sources or creates it, and evaluates its relevance and accuracy.
•    3.2 Organizes and Maintains Information: Organizes, processes, and maintains written or computerized reports and other forms of information in a systemic fashion/
•    3.3 Uses Computers to Process Information: Employs computers to acquire, organize, analyze, and communicate information.
4.0 SYSTEMS
•    4.1Understands Systems: Knows how social, organizational, and technological systems work and operates effectively within them.
•    4.2 Monitors and Corrects Performance: Distinguishes trends, predicts impact of actions on system operations, diagnoses deviations in the function of a system/organization, and takes necessary action to correct performance.
•    4.3 Improves and Designs Systems: Makes suggestions to modify existing systems to improve products or services, and develops new or alternative systems.
5.0 TECHNOLOGY
•    5.1 Selects Technology: Judges which set of procedures, tools, or machines, including computers and their programs will produce the desired results.
•    5.2 Applies Technology to Task: Understands the overall intent and the proper procedures for setting up and operating machines, including computers and their programming systems.
•    5.3 Maintains and Troubleshoots Technology: Prevents, identifies, or solves problems in machines, computers, and other technologies.
SCANS FOUNDATION SKILLS
6.0 BASIC SKILLS
•    6.1 Reading: Locates, understands, and interprets written information in prose and documents - including manuals, graphs, and schedules to perform tasks. Learns from text by determining the main idea or essential message; identifies relevant details, facts, and specifications; infers or locates the meaning of unknown or technical vocabulary, and judges the accuracy, appropriateness, style, and plausibility of reports, proposals, or theories of other writers.
•    6.2 Writing: Communicates thoughts, ideas, information, and messages in writing; records information completely and accurately; composes and creates documents such as letters, directions, manuals, reports, proposals, graphs, flow charts; uses language, style, organization, and format appropriate to the subject-matter, purpose, and audience. Includes supporting documentation and attends to level of detail; checks, edits, and revises for correct information, appropriate emphasis, form, grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
•    6.3 Arithmetic: Performs basic computations; uses basic numerical concepts such as whole numbers and percentages in practical situations; makes reasonable estimates of arithmetic results without a calculator, and uses tables, graphs, diagrams, and charts to obtain or convey quantitative information.
•    6.4 Mathematics: Approaches practical problems by choosing appropriately from a variety of mathematical techniques; uses quantitative data to construct logical explanations for real world situations; expresses mathematical ideas and concepts orally and in writing; and understands the role of chance in the occurrence and prediction of events.
•    6.5 Listening: Receives, attends to, interprets, and responds to verbal messages and other cues such as body language in ways that are appropriate to the purpose; for example, to comprehend; to learn, to critically evaluate; to appreciate, or to support the speaker.
•    6.6 Speaking: Organizes ideas and communicates oral messages appropriate to listeners and situations; participates in conversation, discussion, and group presentations; selects an appropriate medium for conveying a message; uses verbal language and other cues such as body language appropriate in style, tone, and level of complexity to the audience and the occasion; speaks clearly and communicates a message; understands and responds to listener feedback; and asks questions when needed.
7.0 THINKING SKILLS
•    7.1 Creative Thinking: Uses imagination freely, combines ideas or information in new ways, makes connections between seemingly unrelated ideas, and reshapes goals in ways that reveal new possibilities.
•    7.2 Decision Making: Specifies goals and constraints, generates alternatives, considers risks, and evaluates and chooses best alternatives.
•    7.3 Problem Solving: Recognizes that a problem exists (ie., there is a discrepancy between what is and what should or could be), identifies possible reasons for the discrepancy, and devises and implements a plan of action to resolve it. Evaluates and monitors progress, and revises plan as indicated by findings.
•    7.4 Mental Visualization: Organizes and processes symbols, pictures, graphs, objects, or other information; for example, sees a building from a blueprint, a system’s operation from schematics, the flow of work activities from narrative descriptions, or the taste of food from reading a recipe.
•    7.5 Knowing How To Learn: Recognizes and can use learning techniques to apply and adapt new knowledge and skills in both familiar and changing situations. Involves being aware of learning tools such as personal learning styles (visual, aural, etc.), formal learning strategies (note taking or clustering items that share some characteristics), and informal learning strategies (awareness of unidentified false assumptions that may lead to faulty conclusions).
•    7.6 Reasoning: Discovers a rule or principle underlying the relationship between two or more objects and applies it in solving a problem. For example, uses logic to draw conclusions from available information, extracts rules or principles from a set of objects or written text; applies rules and principles to a new situation, or determines which conclusions are correct when given a set of facts and a set of conclusion.
8.0 PERSONAL QUALITIES
•    8.1 Responsibility: Exerts a high level of effort and perseverance towards goal attainment. Works hard to become excellent at doing tasks by setting high standards, paying attention to details, working well and displaying a high level of concentration even when assigned an unpleasant task. Displays high standards of attendance, punctuality, enthusiasm, vitality, and optimism in approaching and completing tasks.
•    8.2 Self-Esteem: Believes in own self-worth and maintains a positive view of self; demonstrates knowledge of own skills and abilities; is aware of impact on others; and knows own emotional capacity and needs and how to address them.
•    8.3 Sociability: Demonstrates understanding, friendliness, adaptability, empathy, and politeness in new and ongoing group settings. Asserts self in familiar and unfamiliar social situations; relates well to other, responds appropriately as the situation requires; and takes an interest in what others say and do.
•    8.4 Self-Management: Assesses own knowledge, skills, and abilities accurately; sets well-defined and realistic personal goals, monitors progress toward goal attainment and motivates self through goal achievement; exhibits self-control and responds to feedback unemotionally and non-defensively, is a “self-starter.”
•    8.5 Integrity/Honesty: Can be trusted. Recognizes when faced with making a decision or exhibiting behavior that may break with commonly held personal or societal values; understands the impact of violating these beliefs and codes on an organization, self, and others; and chooses an ethical course of action Rev_0816.10_pw

required text — Exploring InDesign CS5, Terry Rydberg

Semester Outline

Learning outcomes
The student will solve basic design problems related to advertising art by applying the fundamentals of page layout; define typographic terminology and specifications; import text and graphics into page layout programs; discuss file formats and file management.

Objectives
1.  Develop knowledge & skill of document construction used in single and multicolored reproduction, using InDesign
2.  Develop an understanding of the evolution of the printed piece.
3.  Develop discipline in neatness, presentation, and accuracy of work.
4.  Understand the terms and language of page layout and design.