COURSE SYLLABUS
Course NumberGD 305A / Course Title
Graphic Design Studio I
Fall Semester
XX / Spring Semester / Summer Semester / Year
2014-15
Name of Instructor
Barry Erdeljon
Meeting Day, Time, and Room Number
T F 12:30-2:30pm Rowley G215
Final Exam Day, Time, and Room Number
Fri, Dec. 12 12:30-2:30pm Rowley G215
Office Hours, Location:
M: 1:00–3:00 PM Gailhac G106 Making an appointment is recommended to assure availability
T: 3:00–6:00 PM Gailhac G106
E-mail Phone703-284-1562
Course website
UNIVERSITY STATEMENTS
Academic Integrity
By accepting this syllabus, you pledge to uphold the principles of Academic Integrity expressed by the Marymount University Community. You agree to observe these principles yourself and to defend them against abuse by others.
Special Needs and Accommodations
Please advise the instructor of any special problems or needs at the beginning of the semester. If you seek accommodation based on disabilities, you should provide a Faculty Contact Sheet obtained through the Office of Student Access Services, located in Rowley Hall.
Access to Student Work
Copies of your work in this course including copies of any submitted papers and your portfolios may be kept on file for institutional research, assessment and accreditation purposes. All work used for these purposes will be submitted anonymously.
Student Copyright Authorization
For the benefit of current and future students, work in this course may be used for educational critique, demonstrations, samples, presentations, and verification. Outside of these uses, work shall not be sold, copied, broadcast, or distributed for profit without student consent.
University Policy on Snow Closings
Snow closings are generally announced on area radio stations. For bulletins concerning Marymount snow or weather closings, call (703) 526-6888. Unless otherwise advised by radio announcement or by official bulletins on the number listed above, students are expected to report for class as near normal time as possible on days when weather conditions are adverse. Decisions as to snow closing or delayed opening are not generally made before 5:00 AM of the working day. Students are expected to attend class if the University is not officially closed.
1.BROAD PURPOSE OF COURSE
An intermediate study of typography, layout, and color using computer techniques and output. Emphasis is on the design relationship of type, images, and format. This course will continue to develop the essential skills required to prepare effective typographic design solutions for market-oriented projects. Students will refine their use of type as a literal and aesthetic communications tool.Prerequisites: GD 101, GD 102, and GD 255
2.COURSE OBJECTIVES
Upon successful completion of this course students will be expected to:
A.Demonstrate an understanding of Design Principles and their application in visual communication materials
B.Design and apply complex systems of information using Design Principles and the grid system structure;
C. Use type effectively with color;
D. Demonstrate an understanding of several contemporary and historical design styles;
E.Explore diverse design, photographic and illustrative approaches with type;
F. Design high-impact magazine spreads, covers, and sections;
G. Design portfolio quality poster(s), advertising and trifold brochure series;
H.Demonstrate proficiency with computer page layout/illustrative programs and output options
I.Promote critical thinking about issues related to the design field and their relationship to culture, market and audience.
3.TEACHING METHOD
Lecture, demonstration, studio, critiques, guest presentation and/or field trips
4.GRADING POLICY
Attendance is mandatory; absences will lower your grade. More than 2 unexcused absences (missed class or 30 minutes late) will result in a reduced final letter grade for the course i.e. B to C. This is the department policy for all Graphic Design courses.
Late assignments will receive a grade of ‘C’ or lower. Late assignments will not be accepted one week after deadline. No assignments accepted after final class.
Class participation in meetings, discussions, and group critiques is mandatory. Failure to participate will result in a lower grade
It is possible that student work will be submitted to TurnItIn.com for review.Students can access more information at: TurnItIn.com
Friday, September 26, 2014, is the last day to withdraw from a class without academic record
Friday, October 31, 2014, is the last day to withdraw from a class with a grade of W
Class Assignments20%(quizzes, logo/print design,
sample book, midterm review, etc.)
Paper10%
Retro Ad10%
Brochures10%
Poster10%
Magazine Design25%
Exam15%
Total 100% / Numerical
Scale:
95-100= A
90-94= A-
87-89= B+
84-86= B
80-83= B-
77-79= C+
74-76= C
70-73= C-
65-69= D
below 65= F / MU Grading Policies:
A = Superior
B = High attainment; good
C = Satisfactory; met all requirements
D = Deficient; missing work; unsatisfactory
F = Failure to meet minimum standards
A minimum grade of C is required in any course within the Graphic Design major that serves as a prerequisite for a higher-numbered course
Project assignments will be evaluated on the following criteria:
Design Brief/Research/Analysis: understanding the project purpose, objectives, audience, thoroughness of historic research (includes typewritten Design Brief) and message
Conceptual Approach: stylistic approach (type, visuals, colors), uniqueness and appropriateness of problem solution and relevance to content (includes thumbnails)
Design/Layout Skills: arrangement and style of type and visuals; use of
design elements
Deliverable and Presentation: comprehensive layout (color and/or black and white), oral presentation (including craftsmanship and professionalism); deadlines and final delivery of required materials
Project assignments require: Type written Design Brief, working roughs, comprehensive layouts and class presentations.
5.CLASS SCHEDULE (List topics to be covered with approximate dates of presentation)
WEEKS
8/26Introduction: Course objectives and review syllabus
Discussion: What you need to know before designing, the design process, Design principles, Research + Concept+Content= Design Brief
Initial Design Concepts:
Revised designs based on client feedback:
Final design revisions:
Printer files:
Assignments:Design Project Sample book: Introduction (due next week)
WordPress course site: I next week)
Reading: The Mac is not a Typewriter: pgs: 11-36
Reading: Graphic Design Solutions:Chpt 3 pgs: 44-71
9/2 & 5Discussion: Publication Typography: alignment, grid, visual flow; emphasis; optical center;
Assignments:Design Project + Sample book
Samplebook: design element (due next week): line
Reading: The Mac is not a Typewriter: pgs: 37-50
9/9 & 2 Discussion: Publication Typography: space, hierarchy, What makes a good layout?, optimal line length, mounting demo
Assignment:Design Project Pinterest Sample book; logo
Samplebook: design element (due next week): shape
Reading: The Mac is not a Typewriter: pgs: 51-77
Graphic Design Solutions:Chpt 4 pgs: 73-97
Graphic Design Solutions:Chpt 11 pgs: 240-284
9/9 & 12 Discussion: Publication Building: structure+integration, line length,
Typographic detail, Library + research;
Assignment:Advertising: Retro advertisement and paper; logo
Samplebook: design element (due next week): texture
Reading: Graphic Design Solutions:pgs: TL 1- TL 20
andChpt 4 pgs: 73-97
Reading: The Mac Is Not a Typewriter
9/16 & 19 Discussion: Type as Visual Concept: legibility, readability, type color; display/decorative type;
tone, combinations; type color
Assignment:Advertising: Retro advertisement and paper; logo
Samplebook: design element (due next week): value
Reading: Graphic Design Solutions:Chpt 4 pgs: 73-97
Graphic Design Solutions:Chpt 11 pgs: 240-284
9/23 & 26 Discussion::Color as Communication (cmyk vs. spot); presentations
Assignment: Advertising: Retro advertisement and paper presentations;
Poster assigned
Samplebook: design element (due next week): space
Reading: Graphic Design Solutions:Chpt 5 pgs: 97-113
Reading: Graphic Design Solutions:Chpt9pgs: 188-212
9/30 & 10/3 Discussion:Color as Communication (cmyk vs. spot);
Computer: InDesign: color palettes; spot/Pantone; process/CMYK
Assignment:Large Format design: Poster (11x17; 4-color)
Midterm
Samplebook: design element (due next week): color
Reading: Graphic Design Solutions:Chpt 8 pgs: 171-187
Midterm grades due
10/7 & 9.Discussion: Imagery and impact:Do’s and don’t’s; picture wrap; Type in space;
Computer: InDesign: Pictures and images; duotones; file formats
Assignment:Large Format design: Poster (11x17; 4-color); Brochures assigned
Samplebook: design element (due next week): size
No TU Class10/17Discussion: Literature Systems, Imagery: literal vs abstract
Assignment:Marketing materials: Brochure series
Samplebook: design element (due next week): symmetry
Reading: Graphic Design Solutions:Chpt 8 pgs: 171-187
10/21 & 24Discussion: Systematic Nature of Publications
Assignment:Marketing materials: Brochure series; Magazine assigned
Samplebook: design element (due next week): asymmetry
10/28 & 10/31Discussion: Building structure + integration: grid, headings, subheads, folios,
running headers, etc captions, footnotes, jump lines; visual organization systems
Assignment:Magazine Design
Samplebook: design element (due next week): rhythm
11/4 & 11/7 Discussion: Magazine Sequencing; photography and DPI; type and image
Computer:InDesign:multiple page documents; master page; style sheets
Assignment:Magazine Design
Samplebook: design element (due next week): white space
Reading: Graphic Design Solutions:Chpt 9 pgs: 208-225
11/11 & 11/14 Discussion:Typesetting with style sheets; optimal line length (review)
Computer: InDesign: columns, grids, guides; style sheets; paragraph styles
Assignment:Magazine Design
Samplebook: design element (due next week): letterformcontrast (stroke width)
11/18 & 11/21Discussion:Assignment:Magazine Design finalized; studio
Samplebook: design element (due next week): analphabeticsymbols/characters
11/25 No FRI Class Discussion: Magazine Design presentations
12/2 & 12/5 Discussion:Magazine Design presentations and exam review
Computer:Indesign: output and output resolution; RIP; e-book files
Assignment:Magazine Design finalized/color output: review all elements
Critique/presentation magazine spread: last class
12/12 Exam: Fri, Dec. 12 12:00-2:30pm Rowley G215
Schedules and topics are subject to change.
6.REQUIRED TEXTS
Landa, Robin. Graphic Design Solutions New York: OnWorld Press, 2006
Williams, Robin, The Mac Is Not a Typewriter California: Peachpit Press, 2003.
Communication Arts magazine subscription – Reference Prof. Erdeljon for student discount
GD USA magazine subscription - FREE
6a.REQUIRED SUPPLIES
USB hard drive or jump drive
CD for school archive
Galaxygauge (galaxygauge.com)
Personal Computer and Printer
Small bound sketchbook
Fine point permanent marker
Several pages of color output
Several pieces of black and/or white mat/mounting board
Cutting and mounting tools and adhesives (X-acto knife, blades, StudioTac)
Tracing paper pad or roll (various sizes)
Camera/film (throw-away; 35mm; digital)
Artist tools (pen, ink, crayons, paints, etc.)
7.REQUIRED OR SUGGESTED READINGS OR AUDIO-VISUAL MATERIALS
RECOMMENDED TEXT
Felici, James. The Complete Manual of Typography California: Peachpit Press, 2003.
Graham, Lisa. Basics of Design: Layout and Typography for Beginners New York:
Delmar, 2005
Meggs, Philip B. and McKelvey, Roy (eds.) Revival of the Fittest New York: RC Publications, 2000
Spiekermann, Erik and Ginger, E.M., Stop Stealing Sheep and Find Out How Type Works California: Berkeley Press, 2003
Swann, Alan. How to Understand and Use Design and Layout Ohio: North Light
Books, 2001
RECOMMENDED WEB SITES
Most of these have links to a number of other high-quality sites on the web: (note: URLs change frequently).
digital type foundry, site includes the online version of U&l.c., ITC’s respected type journal, and “Euripides” a program that lets you set words in any of the hundreds of ITC fonts.)
version of Communication Arts Magazine, occasional articles on type, lots of useful typographical links.)
digital type foundry)
historic type foundry, since turned digital.)
of many sites with free fonts for downloading.)
of many sites with free fonts for downloading.)
thetypestudio.com
bertholdtype.com
RECOMMENDED BOOKS
Bain, Peter and Paul Shaw (ed.), Blackletter: Type and National Identity, Princeton Architectural Press, 1999.
Bigelow, Charles (ed.) Fine Print on Type: The Best of Fine Print Magazine, Bedford Arts, 1989.
Bowers, John. Introduction to Two-Dimensional Design: Understanding Form and Function. New York: John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 1999.
Chappell, Warren, A Short History of The Printed Word (2nd ed), Hartley & Marks, 1999.
De Cumptich, Roberto de Vicq, Bembo’s Zoo, Henry Holt, 2000.
Forges, Chris (ed.) Magazine Design, RotoVision Books, 2000.
Gill, Eric, An Essay on Typography, David R. Godine, 1988 (originally publ. 1936).
Goudy, Frederic W., The Alphabet and Elements of Lettering, University of California Press, 1942
Graphic Artists Guild Handbook Pricing & Ethical Guidelines 8th Edition. Ohio: North
Light Books, 1991.
Heller, Steve, Design Literacy, Watson-Guptill, 1997.
Heller, Steve, Typology, Chronicle Books, 1999.
Hurlburt, Allen, Grid: A Modular System for the Design and Production of Newspapers, Magazines and Books, John Wiley & Sons, 1982.
Jackson, Donald, The Story of Writing, Studio Vista, 1981.
Kelly, Rob Roy, American Wood Type: 18281900, Di Capo Press, 1977.
Meggs, Philip B. and McKelvey, Roy (eds.) Revival of the Fittest New York: RC
Publications, 2000.
Phornirunlit, Supon. .Breaking the Rules in Graphic Design. Massachusetts: Rockport Publishers, 1995.
The Chicago Manual of Style (14th ed.), The University of Chicago Press, 1993.
Tschichold, Jan, (Ruari McLean, trans.), The New Typography, University of California Press, 1987. (originally publ. 1928)
Wilson, Adrian, The Design of Books, Chronicle Books, 1992
Also: type catalogs, a good dictionary.
Periodicals:
Communication ArtsDigital OutputPrintHow
CMYKMetropolisU&LCUSA Today
@IssueDwellGD USAThe Washington Post
Wall Street Journal EYE
Web Sites:
Classroom Code of Conduct
Marymount University expects all members of the community to be active participants who learn from others and contribute, in turn, to the learning of others. Therefore, all members of the community agree to work together in every academic activity to create an educational environment of responsibility, cooperation, respect and civility.
To create such an environment, all members should contribute to the learning environment by arriving on time and leaving when dismissed. Repeatedly arriving late or departing early is not acceptable. Students who must arrive late to or leave early from an individual class should notify the instructor before the scheduled class and should enter and/or leave class with minimal disruption.
During class, all electronic devices—pagers, cell phones, players, and computers—should be shut off unless required in a class activity or authorized by the instructor. Those whose work or family obligation requires them to remain in contact should inform the instructor in advance and use the device’s least intrusive setting. Outside of the classroom, electronic communication among students and instructors should be conducted in a professional manner.
The classroom—whether face to face or online—is a learning environment where appropriate behavior is expected. Every participant should focus on the educational activity and contribute to it. An instructor has the right to uphold these expectations through an attendance policy, a class participation grade, or other mechanisms. A student whose behavior disrupts the educational environment can be asked to leave. Repeated and/or serious interruptions may be reported as violations of the Marymount University Community Conduct Code and investigated according to the Code’s procedures.
This policy describes a minimum standard of expected classroom behavior and individual instructors and/or programs may include additional expectations regarding student behavior in class and consequences for failing to meet such expectations. It is the instructor’s responsibility to inform students of these expectations at the beginning of the semester, and the student’s responsibility to adapt his/her behavior to specific instructors’ expectations.
March 31, 2010
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