DES 251 / Graphic Design 1 : Syllabus

Time and Place (Section 2):
Monday 9:00 - 11:50 am, Room 254 (computer lab)
Wednesday 9:00 - 11:50 am, Room 306 (classroom)

Time and Place (Section 4):
Monday 12:00 - 2:50 pm, Room 254 (computer lab)
Wednesday12:00 - 2:50 pm, Room 306 (classroom)

Required Text: The required reading for this class is available online as a series of PDF files linked to the class schedule page. You are expected to keep up with the readings and will be held accountable for understanding this information. Additionally, it is strongly recommended that you purchase some form of technical reference for Adobe Illustrator. The Lynda.com Illustrator CS4 Essential Training video training or Real World Adobe Illustrator CS4 textbook are recommended.

Course Overview
Graphic Design is the practice of creating effective visual communication. A graphic designer is a creative problem solver who is trained to research, plan, and execute a design solution that communicates a clear message in a compelling way to an intended audience regardless of medium. The primary objective of this course is to help students to develop and master the basic conceptual thinking ability and rigorous design process that will allow them to realize their full creative potential. The course includes lectures, technical demonstrations and a series of applied assignments that expand the design vocabulary through rigorous experimentation. Special emphasis will be placed on learning the different ways images can be used to create meaning.

Course Objectives
Demonstrate mastery of a disciplined design process that includes thorough research, rigorous idea generation, self-editing and impeccable craft.

Study and apply semiotic theory to better understand how images create meaningful communication.

Improve our application of and appreciation for the visual language.

Become fluent with the use of traditional and digital design tools and techniques and integrate these tools to create meaningful visual communication.

Understand the difference between icons and symbols and the strengths and weaknesses of each.

Apply your knowledge of the design principles to create cohesive visual systems.

Learn how to respond to constructive criticism and take the steps necessary to defend or improve your project or incorporate new ideas.

Learn how to constructively critique the work of others from formal, technical and conceptual frames-of-reference.

Learn how to organize time and meet deadlines. Every design problem has an infinite number of possible solutions. Only with patience, careful planning and clear thought will your ideas develop into visual work that communicates clearly.

Discussions and Demonstrations
There is a great deal of information to cover in this course and relatively little time. It is in your best interest to...

Listen
Throughout the semester I will be conveying information to you that may not be available in written form. It is critical that you pay attention to avoid missing out on key information.

Question
This is a must! Remember, your classmates may or may not have thought of the question you asked, so asking questions will allow us all to learn. In short, ASK! ASK! ASK!

Take Notes
It is essential for you to take notes during lectures, presentations, and demonstrations in order for you to have an organized body of information you can refer to in the future. Please be prepared to move and have the proper materials at hand for taking notes. I will tend to call the class to one area to share in a problem or I may take the class to another place on campus for a demonstration, lecture or critique.

Projects and Exercises
Throughout the semester there will be several major projects in this class. There will also be class exercises covering some of the techniques discussed for that day. The class will meet as a group twice each week for a lecture or demonstration period and to look at homework. Additionally, you are expected to dedicate at least 6 hours outside of class each week to your homework.

Integration of Traditional Skills and Computer Skills
The implementation of final designs will focus on, but not be limited to, the computer and its output. Design skills which you have learned and utilized in other classes will be necessary. For your major projects, thumbnail sketches and rough layouts will be required. Keep your tools and materials handy.

Critiques
Final assignments will be due at the beginning of class on the date specified. There is no time for last minute changes. All pertinent files must be in place and any print-outs prepared ahead of time, as specified. On that day we will hold critiques or discussions of the projects presented. Everyone is expected to participate and be vocal!

Supplies/Materials
You will need the following materials for this course:
— a ring binder or other file folder to use as your notebook
— a USB Flash Drive (512 MB or larger)
— several writable CD's (700 MB CD-R's)
— marker paper (Bienfang Graphics 360 9x12" 50 sheet pad)
— color design markers (Prismacolor Four-In-One Markers, set of 24 colors minimum)
— Sharpie ultra fine point and fine point black markers (1 each)
— colored pencils (Prismacolor pencils, set of 36 minimum)
— #2 graphite pencils and sharpener
— X-Acto #1 knife with #11 blades, band-aids
— gum eraser
— metal ruler (18" or larger)
— presentation materials as specified per assignment (matt board, special papers, self-healing cutting matt, spray adhesive (3M Super 77) or 3M Scotch Positionable Mounting Adhesive 568)

Attendance
Since I will be taking attendance every class, it is in your best interest to make every effort to be in class and to be on time. Of course there is some limited flexibility, however, excessive absences or tardiness will hurt your grade. You are allowed 3 unexcused absences. Each additional unexcused absence will drop your course grade by a full letter grade (B to C, etc.).

Late Assignments
In the design profession, missing a deadline will cost you money and can even cause you to lose the job. Late work is equally unacceptable in this class. Some projects will be broken into sequential stages due weekly. Late work will receive an automatic grade drop (B to C) on that assignment. Missing a group critique will also cause an automatic grade drop.

Academic Dishonesty
All UMass Dartmouth students are expected to maintain high standards of academic integrity and scholarly practice. The University does not tolerate academic dishonesty of any variety, whether as a result of a failure to understand proper academic and scholarly procedure or as an act of intentional dishonesty. A student found guilty of academic dishonesty is subject to severe disciplinary action which may include expulsion from the University. Please refer to the General Catalog, the Student Handbook and Student Judicial Code for more details about academic dishonesty and due process.

Course Evaluation Criteria
You will be evaluated based on the following:
— the quality of your projects and weekly assignments (80%)
— participation, motivation and attendance (10% unless you exceed 3 unexcused absences, see Attendance section above.)
— the results of the final examination (10%)

Project Evaluation Criteria
Each project will be evaluated using these criteria:
— research
— concept / idea
— process / sketches
— form / composition
— craft / presentation
— risk taking

Have a great semester!

© Scott Ahrens 2009. All rights reserved. Last Updated: 08 13 09