Syllabus
Design Communication I

Design Communication I

ARTC-1317

Credit Fall 2020
08/24/2020 - 12/13/2020

Course Information

Section 002
Distance Learning
TTh 09:00 - 09:55
DLS DIL
Shawn McKinney

Section 002
Laboratory
TTh 09:55 - 11:40
DLS DIL
Shawn McKinney

Office Hours

  • T Th
    8:20am - 8:50am
    online using Blackboard Connect and by appointment (email me)

Course Requirements

Fall 2020 // ACC // ARTC 1317-002 // SYN 12616

 

DESIGN COMMUNICATION 1 SYLLABUS

TTh // Lec // 09:00-09:55am // Lec // HLC2 Rm 2332

TTh // Lab // 09:55-11:40am // Lab // HLC2 Rm 2332

16 Week Session // August 24 – December 13, 2020

 

ONL: This live virtual class will meet online during the listed days and times.

 

Required: Access to a computer capable of running Adobe Creative Cloud software, a high-speed internet connection, a webcam, and a microphone.

HOW TO REACH ME

Instructor: Professor Shawn M. McKinney, MFA

Office: HLC2 2332 or online using Blackboard Connect

Office Hours: TTh // 8:20am-8:50am // and by appointment (email me)

Email: shawn.mckinney@austincc.edu

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Study of design development relating to graphic design terminology, tools and media, and layout and design concepts. Topics include integration of type, images and other design elements, while developing computer skills in industry standard computer programs. Study of design development pertaining to color theories, publications, and advertising. Projects will emphasize relating form to content through selection, creation and integration of typographic, photographic, illustrative and design elements. Concept production will use Adobe Creative Suite. Credit Hours: 3

 

All courses offered in the Visual Communication department are workforce courses. They may have some transfer restrictions to other colleges. Students interested in transferring courses to another college should speak with our departmental advisors, or their Area of Study advisor.

Course Prerequisites

ARTC 1310 Design Concepts and 1327 Typography must be completed prior to taking this course.

COURSE Rationale // OBJECTIVES

Design Communication 1 is an intermediate graphic design course. Students will learn how to integrate images with typography in short form collateral materials such as logos, branded items, posters, book jackets, and books or booklets. Critical thinking and constructive criticism are emphasized. This course also prepares students to complete more complex design projects in ARTC 2347 Design Communication II and in ARTC 2335 Portfolio. In addition, students can apply skills learned in this course in three degree areas: Graphic Art Technology, Graphic Design, and User Experience Design.

 

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES

What you’ll learn to do by the end of this course:

·  Recognize the role of the logo as the foundation of visual identity

·  Design a logo and a visual identity based on a logo

·  Combine type and images to communicate a message to a specific audience

·  Distinguish purposes of branding

·  Use a grid to assist with layout design

What you’ll learn to do by the end of the Graphic Design discipline:

·  Use industry standard vector, raster, and layout software to produce graphic design for both print and digital media.

·  Apply design process (define problem, define audience, research, gather ideas, create form, evaluate and assess, produce and explain) in the production of graphic design for both print and digital media.

·  Produce designs, concepts, and layouts based on industry standards for both print and digital media.

·  Select appropriate color, fonts, and concepts to produce graphic design for both print and digital media.

 

 

What you’ll learn that will help in the workforce [on the job]:

Secretary's Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills (SCANS): In 1989, the U.S. Department of Labor education jointly surveyed U.S. employers to find out the most important skills and competencies needed by workers. The results of that survey identified SCANS (Secretaries Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills). These are skills that employers need the most from their workers. SCANS skills are the predictors of success in workplace. The following is a list of SCAN competencies identified in this course. For expanded definitions of the listed SCANS, please go to: www.academicinnovations.com/report.html

 

RESOURCES

1.1 Manages Time

INTERPERSONAL

2.3 Serves Clients / Customers

2.5 Negotiates

2.6 Works with Cultural Diversity

INFORMATION

3.1 Acquires and Evaluates Information

3.2 Organizes and Maintains Information

3.3 Uses Computers to Process Information

SYSTEMS

4.1Understands Systems

4.2 Monitors and Corrects Performance

4.3 Improves and Designs Systems

TECHNOLOGY

5.1 Selects Technology

5.2 Applies Technology
to Task

5.3 Maintains and Troubleshoots Technology

BASIC SKILLS

6.1 Reading

6.2 Writing

6.5 Listening

6.6 Speaking

THINKING SKILLS

7.1 Creative Thinking

7.2 Decision Making

7.3 Problem Solving

7.4 Mental Visualization

7.5 Knowing How To Learn

7.6 Reasoning

PERSONAL SKILLS

8.1 Responsibility

8.2 Self-Esteem

8.3 Sociability

8.4 Self-Management

8.5 Integrity/Honesty


REQUIRED TEXTBOOKS AND MATERIALS

Required Texts

No textbook is required for this course.

Recommended Reading

BOOKS: Meggs, Philip: History of Graphic Design (Wiley). Airey, David: Logo Design Love (New Riders). Lupton, Ellen: Graphic Design Thinking (Princeton Arch. Press). Lupton, Ellen: Thinking With Type (Princeton Arch. Press). Neumeier, Marty: The Brand Gap (New Riders). Wheeler, Alina: Designing Brand Identity (Wiley).

 

PUBLICATIONS: Communication Arts, Print, HOW, Fast Company, Wired, The New Yorker, New York Times, Wall St. Journal.

 

WEBSITES + APPS: AIGA, AIGA Austin, AIGA ACC (Facebook), Behance, Logo Lounge, Logo Design Love, Under Consideration / Brand New, I Love Typography, Design Observer, Smashing Magazine, Pinterest, Instagram.

Required Online Resources and Software

ACC Blackboard and ACC Google Apps (Gmail, Google Drive, Google Docs, Google Slides, etc.), access to Microsoft Office (Excel, Powerpoint, Word); Adobe Creative Cloud Suite (latest version)

 

Note 1: Students will need access to a credit / debit card (or a pre-paid Visa card) to purchase Adobe Creative Cloud.

 

Note 2: ACC students whose major falls outside the ADM area will be charged $50 a semester. Otherwise, the cost will be $10 per semester.

Required Equipment and Materials

·  Device to take / upload photos [smart phone w/ digital camera or scanner

·  Portable Digital Storage (Flash Drive / External HD / Laptop / etc.)

·  Blank Sketchbook (No Lines!) OR Bienfang Graphics Pad (No Lines!)

·  Pencils, Colored Pencils, Sharpie Markers, and Post-It Notes

·  Metal Ruler (24 – 36 inches) or similar [for trimming paper]*

·  Standard X-acto® Knife, with several new #11 blades [for trimming paper]*

·  Resealing Cutting Surface (24 x 36 inches) or similar [for trimming paper]*

 

* only necessary if you plan to make and photograph physical objects for P2 and/or P3

Additional Expenses

Projects may incur additional expenses for paper and printing, depending on paper choices and sizes, and where you print — IF you decide to print physical objects for P2 and/or P3. Printing (and binding) is currently optional only (not required). Using high quality digital mockup files, to document / present final work, is highly preferred. Due to Covid-19, ACC does not currently offer any printing or binding capabilities to students.

INSTRUCTIONAL METHODOLOGY

The teaching methods in this class are based on professional experience and best practices in the area of design and advertising. These methods might include: lectures, demos, critiques, activities, exercises, and presentations.

Distance Education (for online Courses)

Instruction for the course will be delivered online only. No physical meetings are scheduled to take place.

 

Students are required to have access to the latest Creative Cloud Software Suite or permission from the instructor. Access to a scanner and/or digital camera will also be required. This course is time and computer intensive, requiring 6-10 (or more) hours per week to complete assignments. Access to a high speed Internet connection is also required. Contact instructor by email, if more information is needed: shawn.mckinney@austincc.edu. MANDATORY: online orientation and orientation quiz.


Review the ACC Distance Education General Information available at https://online.austincc.edu/faq/

GRADING SYSTEM

Below is a list of assignments and grade percentages. If any of these projects change, the instructor will notify students as soon as possible. Projects, along with attendance, class participation and class presentations, will contribute to a student’s final grade in this class. Grades will be computed on a 100 points scale. Project results, along with attendance, participation and presentations, will contribute to a student’s final grade in this course.

 

Your final grade in this course will be based on the following: Project 1: Logo + Branding (22.5%); Project 2: Book Jacket (22.5%); Project 3: Infographics Poster (22.5%); Project 4: Book or Booklet (22.5%); Attendance + Participation (10%).

COURSE POLICIES (Official college policy is italicized)

Student standards of conduct

Acceptable standards of conduct include behavior that is civil, courteous, and respectful of all members of the campus community, their property, and the property of the college; promotes mutual respect, equality, and safety of its members and opposes those acts that harass. intimidate, or haze its members.

Illegal acts, include, but are not limited to possession or use of firearms, explosives, or other weapons; gambling; unlawful possession, use, and distribution of narcotics; assault or stalking. ACC’s policy on student standards and code of conduct is in the current student handbook: www.austincc.edu/handbook

 

Classroom interaction

Throughout the semester, students may interact with other people — during critiques, discussions, classroom activities, and so forth. In all instances, classroom behavior should support and enhance learning. Students are expected to treat everyone with empathy, dignity, and respect.

 

The instructor will not tolerate disruptive classroom behavior, which may include:

·  Persistently speaking without permission

·  Conducting distracting side conversations with classmates

·  Engaging in activities not related to the class

·  Allowing a cell phone to ring, or using it to talk or send messages during class

·  Using cell phones or digital devices during class for non-course related purposes

·  Eating, drinking, or sleeping in class (without permission)

·  Monopolizing class discussion, or refusing to defer to the instructor, or listen to others

·  Persisting when the instructor has indicated that your remarks are inappropriate or off topic

·  Persisting when the instructor has indicated that it is time to end a discussion and move on

·  Reacting angrily or defensively to critique from guests, instructors, or classmates

·  Sighing, rolling eyes, or muttering when other people are talking

·  Refusing to participate in group activities such as group or peer-to-peer critiques

·  Chronically entering late and/or leaving early, or moving about the classroom

·  Filming, photographing, or taping a class without the instructor’s permission

·  Disputing authority and arguing with faculty and/or other students

·  Yelling, swearing, bullying, harassing or intimidating others

·  Acting physically or verbally abusive

·  Failing to adhere to the instructor’s rules or instructions

·  Using vulgar or obscene language or slurs

·  Arriving to class under the influence of alcohol and/or any drugs

·  Using alcohol and/or any drugs during class

·  Making threats of any kind or destroying property of any kind

·  Behaving in any way that puts the health / safety of the instructor or students in jeopardy

 

 

Also, NO tobacco products may be visible and/or in use while attending class (even virtually). NO vaping, chewing tobacco, cigarettes, cigars, pipes, etc. ACC remains a smoke free campus.

 

If a student engages in disruptive behavior, the instructor may file a Student Discipline Report and refer the student to the Dean of Student Services. The Dean will investigate the case, and based on the investigation, they may put sanctions into place, including but not limited to withdrawing the student from the class. If the behavior is severe, the instructor may call Campus Police, who may immediately refer the student to the Dean of Student Services.

Attendance and Participation

Regular and timely class participation in discussions and completion of work is expected of all students. If attendance or compliance with other course policies is unsatisfactory, the instructor may withdraw students from the class.

 

In the event that the college or campus closes due to unforeseen circumstances (for example, severe weather or other emergency), the student is responsible for communicating with their professor during the closure and completing any assignments or other activities designated by their professor as a result of class sessions being missed.

 

Absences

If for ANY reason you are unable to attend class, you will be counted absent. This semester, you will be allowed 3 (three) absences total without penalty. I make no distinction between an excused or unexcused absence. Use your absences meaningfully and sparingly.

 

I will count you absent if you:

·  are not present in class

·  leave class early without permission

·  disappear in the middle of class for a significant length of time

·  get to class more than 15 minutes after the official class start time

 

At your fourth absence, I may drop your final course grade by one letter grade. I may also drop your final grade a further letter grade for each subsequent absence (4 absences = –10, 5 = –20, and so on.)

Arriving Late

Don’t be late. It’s unprofessional. Arriving to class more than 15 minutes late will be considered one (1) absence. If you exhibit a continual pattern of late attendance your grade may reflect this. Also, arriving between 5 and 15 minutes late will be considered a tardy. For every three (3) tardies you may receive one (1) absence.

Leaving Early

If you need to leave class early, make arrangements with the instructor ahead of time, so you'll know what material we'll be covering for the rest of class. Leaving class early also counts as an absence.

Homework

As a profession, visual communication / graphic design is work intensive and deadline oriented. Professional designers may routinely find themselves working 60 hours per week or more. (Just ask them.) Consequently, this course will require significant effort and a serious level of commitment.

 

Students will regularly be assigned work outside of class time (i.e., “homework”). The instructor will assign homework every class period, due before the beginning of the next class. Students can also expect homework assignments over the weekend. The amount of time a student spends on work outside of class will vary, depending on experience, skill, knowledge and ambition. For every hour a student spends in class, they should allow at least two hours for homework.

 

Although this is a studio / lab course, some class periods may be devoted mostly to critique. Other class periods may be devoted mostly to lab / work time. Regardless, students will ALWAYS be expected to have what they need with them to be productive that day, and students will ALWAYS be expected to be as productive as possible that day. Use your time wisely.

Critique Expectations

Critique is one of our most essential (and interactive) classroom experiences. Feedback from both myself and your peers is intended to help you become familiar with objective criticism and develop stronger work. During critique I expect every student to:

 

·  write notes — on paper — when you receive feedback from your instructor and/or classmates 

·  participate physically by joining the group, answering questions, and asking questions

·  pay attention to the person who is speaking

·  do not eat, drink, or sleep

Withdrawal Policy

It is the responsibility of each student to ensure that his or her name is removed from the roll should he or she decide to withdraw from the class. The instructor does, however, reserve the right to drop a student should he or she feel it is necessary. If a student does decide to withdraw, he or she should also verify that the withdrawal is submitted before the Final Withdrawal Date for the semester. The student is also strongly encouraged to retain a copy of the withdrawal form for their records.

Students are responsible for understanding the impact that withdrawal from a course may have on their financial aid, veterans’ benefits, and international student status. Per state law, students enrolling for the first time in Fall 2007 or later at any public Texas college or university may not withdraw (receive a W) from more than six courses during their undergraduate college education. Some exemptions for good cause could allow a student to withdraw from a course without having it count toward this limit. Students are strongly encouraged to meet with an advisor when making decisions about course selection, course loads, and course withdrawals.

 

Missing or Late Work

Assignments are due at the beginning of class periods. If you submit an assignment after that, your work will be considered Late. I may lower a project one letter grade for each day that it is Late. If you are unable to attend class on the day a project is due, you will be expected to submit the project digitally on Blackboard and present / submit the project (virtually) when you return. If you do not submit the project digitally by the due date, it will be considered Late.

Incomplete

An instructor may award a grade of “I” (Incomplete) if a student was unable to complete all of the objectives for the passing grade in a course. An incomplete grade cannot be carried beyond the established date in the following semester. The completion date is determined by the instructor but may not be later than the final deadline for withdrawal in the subsequent semester.

 

If a student is unable to complete all of the objectives for a passing grade in a course, due to extraor-dinary circumstances — such as severe illness, or death in the family — the instructor may grant an “incomplete.” Generally, to receive a grade of I, a student must have completed all examinations and assignments to date, be passing, and have personal circumstances that prevent the student from completing the course. Finally, these circumstances must have occurred after the deadline to withdraw with a grade of W.

 

Students receiving an “I” for Spring 2020 or Summer 2020 may complete remaining course requirements and convert the I to a completion grade during the Summer or Fall 2020 semesters. The final date for conversion of spring and summer semester incompletes is November 19th, 2020, the published final fall conversion date for Incompletes.

 

Students receiving an I for Spring 2020 may opt to convert the I to a W. This must be converted by July 26, 2020, and the student may then repeat the course during the Fall 2020 semester without additional charge. Students selecting the course repeat option will enroll in an available section of the same course, and retake the entire course during the Fall 2020 term.

 

Students receiving an “I” for Spring 2020 or Summer 2020 who have not completed course requirements by the November 19th, 2020 extended conversion date may request that the I be converted to a W and that they receive a voucher to take the course in Spring 2021. These requests will be considered by the COVID-19 Spring 2021 Hardship Review Committee. Approval would require extenuating circumstances that did not allow the student to complete the course requirements during the extended completion time.  

 

Students may request an Incomplete from their faculty member if they believe circumstances warrant.  The faculty member will determine whether the Incomplete is appropriate to award or not. The following processes must be followed when awarding a student an I grade. 

 

1.     Prior to the end of the semester in which the “I” is to be awarded, the student must meet with the instructor to determine the assignments and exams that must be completed prior to the deadline date. This meeting can occur virtually or in person. The instructor should complete the Report of Incomplete Grade form.

2.     The faculty member will complete the form, including all requirements to complete the course and the due date, sign (by typing in name) and then email it to the student. The student will then complete his/her section, sign (by typing in name), and return the completed form to the faculty member to complete the agreement. A copy of the fully completed form can then be emailed by the faculty member to the student and the department chair for each grade of Incomplete that the faculty member submits at the end of the semester.   

3.     The student must complete all remaining work by the date specified on the form above. This date is determined by the instructor in collaboration with the student, but it may not be later than the final withdrawal deadline in the subsequent long semester.  

4.     Students will retain access to the course Blackboard page through the subsequent semester in order to submit work and complete the course. Students will be able to log on to Blackboard and have access to the course section materials, assignments, and grades from the course and semester in which the Incomplete was awarded.  

5.     When the student completes the required work by the Incomplete deadline, the instructor will submit an electronic Grade Change Form to change the student’s performance grade from an “I” to the earned grade of A, B, C, D, or F. 

6.     If an Incomplete is not resolved by the deadline, the grade automatically converts to an “F.”  Approval to carry an Incomplete for longer than the next semester or session is rarely granted.

Statement on Academic Integrity

Austin Community College values academic integrity in the educational process. Acts of academic dishonesty / misconduct undermine the learning process, present a disadvantage to students who earn credit honestly, and subvert the academic mission of the institution. The potential consequences of fraudulent credentials raise additional concerns for individuals and communities beyond campus who rely on institutions of higher learning to certify students' academic achievements, and expect to benefit from the claimed knowledge and skills of their graduates.

 

Students must follow all instructions given by faculty or designated college representatives when taking examinations, placement assessments, tests, quizzes, and evaluations. Actions constituting scholastic dishonesty include, but are not limited to, plagiarism, cheating, fabrication, collusion, falsifying documents, or inappropriate use of the college’s information technology resources. Further information available at: https://www.austincc.edu/about-acc/academic-integrity-and-disciplinary-process

Copyright

The software programs used in ACC labs are licensed to the college, which is the original purchaser. Students are not allowed to duplicate that software for personal use. Students are also not allowed to use college equipment to duplicate software for other students, or to produce work-for-profit.

 

Do not download, copy or scan copyrighted material for use in a project unless it meets the Fair Use guidelines below and the copyright holder is properly credited.

 

Fair Use is an important element of U.S. copyright law that allows for the use of copyrighted work without asking permission of the copyright holder, especially when the copyrighted work is used for criticism, scholarship, and education. Under the Fair Use guidelines students may:

·  Incorporate portions of copyrighted materials when producing a project for a specific course; and

·  Perform and display their own projects and use them in their portfolio or use the project for job interviews or as supporting materials for application to other schools.

 

For more information on Fair Use see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fair_use.

Students Rights and Responsibilities

Students at the college have rights accorded by the U.S. Constitution, including freedom of speech, peaceful assembly, petition, and association. These rights carry the responsibility to accord the same rights to others in the college community and not to interfere with or disrupt the educational process. Opportunity for students to examine and question pertinent data and assumptions of a given discipline, guided by scholarly research, is appropriate in a learning environment. This concept assumes an equally demanding concept of student responsibility. Students must comply with all college rules and procedures.

Privacy Policy

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act protects confidentiality of your educational records. Grades cannot be relayed over the phone, posted over non-ACC e-mail, or delivered by a fellow student.

Statement on Students with Disabilities

Each ACC campus offers support services for students with documented disabilities. Students with disabilities who need classroom, academic or other accommodations must request them through Student Accessibility Services & Assistive Technology (SAS). Students are encouraged to request accommo-dations when they register for courses or at least three weeks before the start of the semester, otherwise accommodations may be delayed.

 

Students who have received approval for accommodations from SAS for this course must provide the instructor with the ‘Notice of Approved Accommodations’ from SAS before accommodations will be provided. Arrangements for academic accommodations can only be made after the instructor receives the ‘Notice of Approved Accommodations’ from the student. Students with approved accommodations are encouraged to submit the ‘Notice of Approved Accommodations’ to the instructor at the beginning of the semester because a reasonable amount of time may be needed to prepare and arrange for accommo-dations. Additional information is available at: www.austincc.edu/support-and-services.

Safety Statement

Austin Community College is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for study and work. You are expected to learn and comply with ACC environmental, health and safety procedures and agree to follow ACC safety policies. Additional information on these can be found at www.austincc.edu/ehs.

 

Because some health and safety circumstances are beyond our control, we ask that you become familiar with the Emergency Procedures poster and Campus Safety Plan map in each classroom. Additional information about emergency procedures and how to sign up for ACC Emergency Alerts can be found at www.austincc.edu/emergency/.

 

Please note, you are expected to conduct yourself professionally with respect and courtesy to all. Anyone who thoughtlessly or intentionally jeopardizes the health or safety of another individual will be dismissed from the day’s activity, may be withdrawn from the class, and/or barred from attending future activities.

 

Concealed Handgun Policy

The Austin Community College District concealed handgun policy ensures compliance with Section 411.2031 of the Texas Government Code (also known as the Campus Carry Law), while maintaining ACC’s commitment to provide a safe environment for its students, faculty, staff, and visitors. Beginning August 1, 2017, individuals who are licensed to carry (LTC) may do so on campus premises except in locations and at activities prohibited by state or federal law, or the college’s concealed handgun policy. It is the responsibility of license holders to conceal their handguns at all times. Persons who see a handgun on campus are asked to contact the ACC Police Department by dialing 222 from a campus phone or 512-223-7999. More info is available online, here: www.austincc.edu/about-acc/campus-carry.

Use of ACC Email

All College email communication to students will be sent solely to the student’s ACC Gmail account, with the expectation that it will be read in a timely fashion. ACC will send important information and will notify students of any college related emergencies using this account. Students should expect to receive email communication from their instructor using only this account. Likewise, students should use only their ACC Gmail account when communicating with instructors and staff. More information about ACC Gmail accounts is available at: http://www.austincc.edu/help/accmail/questions-and-answers

As your instructor, I will email you only at your ACC Gmail account. Likewise, you should use only your ACC Gmail account when communicating with instructors and staff.

For this course, I will:

·  answer emails as soon as I can, but often not over the weekend (4:00 pm Friday to 8:00 am Monday)

·  only answer questions sent from an ACC Gmail account to mine

 

Cell phone policy

Please silence your phone during class or switch to vibrate (or airplane) mode. DO NOT check your phone or send / receive text messages during class. Students can check messages during our break.

 

Student and Instructional Services

ACC provides exemplary student support and offers a variety of services. Information about services and support systems is available at: www.austincc.edu/support and www.austincc.edu/current/. ACC Learning Labs provide free tutoring services to all ACC students currently enrolled in the course to be tutored. Lab schedules may be found at: www.austincc.edu/tutor. For help setting up your ACC eID, ACC Gmail account, or ACC Blackboard, please see an ACC Learning Lab Technician.

COURSE SUBJECTS / SCHEDULE

Week 1 – 5

C1: Logo and Branding

Weeks 5 – 8

C2: Book Jacket

Week 8 – 11

C3: Infographics Poster

Weeks 11 – 16

C4: Book or Booklet

Visual Communication Labs and Tutoring

Fall 2020 classes and support services will be online. There will be no access to classrooms, including labs and printers. Tutoring will be available online — a schedule will be available early in the semester.


ETIQUETTE GUIDE FOR ONLINE CLASSES

It is important to recognize that the online classroom is in fact a classroom, and certain behaviors are expected when you communicate with both your peers and your instructors. These skills will be valuable in the workforce, so now is the time to establish good habits.

 

Security 

Remember that your password is the only thing protecting you from pranks or more serious harm. 

·  Don't share your password with anyone. 

·  Change your password if you think someone else might know it. 

·  Always log out when you are finished using the system. 

·  Be careful with personal information (both yours and others’). 

 

General Guidelines

When communicating online, you should always:

·       Treat your instructor and classmates with respect in email or any other communication. 

·       Use clear, concise language. 

·       Remember that all college-level communication should have correct spelling and grammar (this includes discussion boards). 

·       Avoid slang terms such as “wassup?” and texting abbreviations such as “u” instead of “you.” 

·       Avoid using the caps lock feature AS IT CAN BE INTERPRETED AS YELLING. 

·       Limit and possibly avoid the use of emoticons like :) 

·       Be cautious when using humor or sarcasm as tone is sometimes lost in an email or discussion post and your message might be taken seriously or sound offensive. 

·       Before asking a question, check the instructor’s FAQs or search your Learning Management System resources and/or the internet to see if the answer is obvious or easy to find.

 

Email Etiquette

When you send an email to your instructor, or classmates, you should: 

·       Use a descriptive subject line. 

·       Begin with an appropriate greeting or salutation (for formal emails, “Dear Dr. Rhodes:” or more casual emails could use, “Hi Anna,”).

·       Be brief. 

·       Avoid attachments unless you are sure your recipients can open them. 

·       Avoid HTML in favor of plain text. 

·       Sign your message with your name. 

·       Think before you send the email to more than one person. Does everyone really need to see your message? 

·       Avoid using “reply all.” 

·       Be sure that the message author intended for the information to be passed along before you click the “forward” button. 

·       If you must forward an email chain to someone, summarize questions or concerns in your email.

·       When emailing college staff with requests that will require them to look up your records, include your eID in your signature.

 

Message Board Etiquette and Guidelines

When posting on the Discussion Board in your online class, you should: 

·       Make posts that are on topic and within the scope of the course material. 

·       Take your posts seriously and review and edit your posts before sending. 

·       Be as brief as possible while still making a thorough comment. 

·       Always give proper credit when referencing or quoting another source. 

·       Be sure to read all messages in a thread before replying. 

·       Don’t wait until the last minute to make your post. Allow time for other students to respond before the deadline. Likewise, don’t wait to post your replies until the deadline; the author deserves an opportunity to address any questions you have or respond to points you make.

·       Avoid short, generic replies such as, “I agree.” You should include why you agree or add to the previous point. 

·       Always be respectful of others’ opinions even when they differ from your own. 

·       When you disagree with someone, you should express your differing opinion in a respectful, non-critical way. 

·       Do not make personal or insulting remarks. 

·       Be open-minded.

 

 

Readings

REQUIRED TEXTBOOKS AND MATERIALS

Required Texts

No textbook is required for this course.

Recommended Reading

BOOKS: Meggs, Philip: History of Graphic Design (Wiley). Airey, David: Logo Design Love (New Riders). Lupton, Ellen: Graphic Design Thinking (Princeton Arch. Press). Lupton, Ellen: Thinking With Type (Princeton Arch. Press). Neumeier, Marty: The Brand Gap (New Riders). Wheeler, Alina: Designing Brand Identity (Wiley).

 

PUBLICATIONS: Communication Arts, Print, HOW, Fast Company, Wired, The New Yorker, New York Times, Wall St. Journal.

 

WEBSITES + APPS: AIGA, AIGA Austin, AIGAACC (Facebook), Behance, Logo Lounge, Logo Design Love, Under Consideration / Brand New, I Love Typography, Design Observer, Smashing Magazine, Pinterest, Instagram.

Course Subjects

COURSE SUBJECTS / SCHEDULE

Week 1 – 5

C1: Logo and Branding

Weeks 5 – 8

C2: Book Jacket

Week 8 – 11

C3: Infographics Poster

Weeks 11 – 16

C4: Book or Booklet

Student Learning Outcomes/Learning Objectives

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES

What you’ll learn to do by the end of this course:

·  Recognize the role of the logo as the foundation of visual identity

·  Design a logo and a visual identity based on a logo

·  Combine type and images to communicate one or more messages to one or more specific audiences

·  Distinguish purposes of branding

·  Use a grid to assist with layout design

What you’ll learn to do by the end of the Graphic Design discipline:

·  Use industry standard vector, raster, and layout software to produce graphic design for both print and digital media.

·  Apply design process (define problem, define audience, research, gather ideas, create form, evaluate and assess, produce and explain) in the production of graphic design for both print and digital media.

·  Produce concepts, page designs, and layout designs based on industry standards for both print and digital media.

·  Select appropriate color, fonts, layout designs and concepts to produce graphic design for both print and digital media.

 

What you’ll learn that will help in the workforce [on the job]:

Secretary's Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills (SCANS): In 1989, the U.S. Department of Labor education jointly surveyed U.S. employers to find out the most important skills and competencies needed by workers. The results of that survey identified SCANS (Secretaries Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills). These are skills that employers need the most from their workers. SCANS skills are the predictors of success in workplace. The following is a list of SCAN competencies identified in this course. For expanded definitions of the listed SCANS, please go to: www.academicinnovations.com/report.html

 

RESOURCES

1.1 Manages Time

INTERPERSONAL

2.3 Serves Clients / Customers

2.5 Negotiates

2.6 Works with Cultural Diversity

INFORMATION

3.1 Acquires and Evaluates Information

3.2 Organizes and Maintains Information

3.3 Uses Computers to Process Information

SYSTEMS

4.1Understands Systems

4.2 Monitors and Corrects Performance

4.3 Improves and Designs Systems

TECHNOLOGY

5.1 Selects Technology

5.2 Applies Technology
to Task

5.3 Maintains and Troubleshoots Technology

BASIC SKILLS

6.1 Reading

6.2 Writing

6.5 Listening

6.6 Speaking

THINKING SKILLS

7.1 Creative Thinking

7.2 Decision Making

7.3 Problem Solving

7.4 Mental Visualization

7.5 Knowing How To Learn

7.6 Reasoning

PERSONAL SKILLS

8.1 Responsibility

8.2 Self-Esteem

8.3 Sociability

8.4 Self-Management

8.5 Integrity/Honesty