Graphic Design - Syllabus
Holy Cross College
| course: ARTS 210 / CPSC 210 | spring 2003

Professor: Angela Michielutti
E mail: amichielutti@hcc-nd.edu

Phone: 574.277.8892 


course description:

This introductory course explores graphic design. You will be introduced to computer and print technologies to use as tools for completing design projects. The course has three major goals: the first goal is to introduce the visual skills of design communication; the second goal is to introduce the physical use of materials/software to develop and
present ideas; the third goal is give you a general introduction to the field of graphic design. Visual skills will be gained through a process of problem solving exercises that will help you identify the ways imagery communicates in graphic design. Computer skills will be gained through use of the software applications. A discussion of design in contemporary practice will occur each class.

 

text:

The 7 Essentials of Graphic Design, by Allison Goodman and An Introduction to Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop   (available in Hammes Bookstore)

NOTE: You must purchase a IBM formatted Zip disk to back-up your files. You are responsible for maintaining the electronic storage of your projects.

 

expectations:

1) Learn and understand the basic elements of graphic design.

2) Develop a working knowledge of the tools (software) used to develop design projects.

3) Be creative and experimental.

4) Think critically and participate during class and reviews.

5) Be in class, and be on time.
6) Complete assignments on time.

 

grading:

Criteria for grading will be based on effort, experimentation, design, concept, and class participation. There will be at least 2 quizzes based on readings from the text.

You will be allowed three unexcused absences. Any more than that will drop your grade by a +/- for each absence. Three tardies will count as one absence. Project grades will be lowered .5 grade per day they are late.

 

 

January  15    Introduction to course | Introduction to Illustrator, create Zip disk covers

                   20    Begin Project 1 — Non-verbal Communications Studies

                   22    Project 1 work session

                   27    Project 1 work session

                   29    Project 1 due at end of class | Begin Project 2 — Word/Object Combination

February 3      Review Project 1 |  Project 2 work session | Illustrator Demo
5      Project 2 work session
10    Project 2 work session
12    Project 2 work session
17   
Project 2 due at beginning of class | Review of Project 2                           Begin Project 3 — Typography Studies (lecture)

                   19    Project 3 work session
24    Project 3 work session
26   
Project 3 due at beginning of class | Review of Project 3

 

March       3      Introduction to Photoshop (lecture) | Begin Project 4 — Shoe Ad
                   5      Project 4 work session
                   10    spring break
                   12    spring break
                   17    Project 4 work session
                   19   
Project 4 due at beginning of class | Review of Project 4
                   24    Begin Project 5 —
Digital Image Collage (lecture)   

                   26    Project 5 work session

                   31    Project 5 work session

 

April          2      Project 5 work session
                   7      Project 5 work session
                   9     
Project 5 due at beginning of class | Review of Project 5
                   14    Begin Project 6 —
Visualizing a Poem (lecture)
                   16    Project 6 work session
                   23    Project 6 work session
                   28    Project 6 work session
                   30   
Project 6 due at beginning of class         

                  

May           Portfolio of the 6 projects due on final exam day

 

The schedule is subject to change and may vary as we proceed. Additional features of the software are given on “work session” days so be sure to attend every class.