Tom Galmarini - SYLLABUS EXAMPLE

EXAMPLE

SYLLABUS

ART 225

Introduction to Graphic Design

Department of Visual Arts McNeese State University

Art 225

Tom Galmarini

SFAA 131

cell: as needed

LAB FEES

Fees are deducted automatically.

PREREQUISITES:

Art 101 and/or Art 102, Art 105

DESCRIPTION:

Art 225. Introduction to Graphic Design Lab. 6 Cr. 3

Graphic design from concept to presentation using the computer. Studio problems from idea to finished product. Prerequisites; ART. 101, 217, or permission of department head.

CRITERIA

Typography, composition and problem-solving

Creativity

Execution

Number of brainstorm and thumbnail sketches

Number of revised compositions

Size

Design sophistication

Color

(See project specs for details)

COURSE GOALS

Introduction to Graphic Design is guided by the following goals:

1. Guide and instruct students in the application of the computer to Graphic Design problems

2. Introduce the concept of research and conceptual thinking

3. Emphasize the importance of finished craftsmanship and presentations

4. Guide the students into the verbal presentation and defense of their work by critiques

COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES

1. Effectively demonstrate the use of the computer in the production of graphic design solutions

2. Be able to evaluate and critique design solutions

3. Effectively demonstrate the process of design from Research to Idea to Rough to Finished piece

ASSESSMENTS FOR LEARNING OUTCOMES

1. Design portfolio

A. Demonstrate proficiency in conceptual thinking in design and advertising

B. Display proficiency in the craftsmanship of presentations

C. Display an ability to meet deadlines effectively

2. Evaluation of Design Projects (how grades are computed, varies per project)

A. Concept

B. Composition

C. Craftsmanship

D. Professionalism (meeting deadlines)

METHODS OF INSTRUCTION

Instruction will be done in the classical mode of:

1. Lecture

2. Demonstration

3. Practicum or project

4. Exercises

CALENDAR/SCHEDULE

Please see the calendar posted on Canvas for a complete list of deadlines and assignments.

Note: the calendar may change based on any factor. Any calendar change will be communicated in class but may not be reflected on Canvas. It is your responsibility, if you miss class, to be up to date on any calendar edits.

CLASSROOM ATTENDANCE POLICIES

Attendance is required according to university policy. Repeated absence(s) will result in a reduced or failing grade. “Attendance is required in accordance with University Policy (see attachment).”

http://www.mcneese.edu/policy/attendance.htm

Each class is designed to teach you relevant, topical information for the area of study. Therefore, every class is essential.

SLACK

Slack will be used as the primary communication tool outside of class. Make sure to download the Slack app and subscribe to the class channel. I have sent invitations to everyone in class.

Attendance & Lectures

Attendance

Attendance is required according to university policy. Repeated absence(s) will result in a reduced grade. “Attendance is required in accordance with University Policy.

http://www.mcneese.edu/policy/attendance.htm

If files are not uploaded to Canvas by the deadline, a 0 may be given.

See ‘Classroom Attendance Policies’ on page 6

Lectures

Lectures are important for you to attend. I will be giving out specifics regarding size, media and objectives on each project during these times along with teaching you the process you need to master to accomplish the work. If you cannot attend for some reason it is your responsibility to get the information from one of your classmates.

Please note deadlines and specifications are subject to change at anytime.

Work sessions/Labs

Work sessions are designed to allow me to work with you on your projects to help you over any obstacles or solve problems that you may encounter in trying to get your work done. They are extremely valuable for both me and you. Take the built-in lab time seriously. Think of it as going to work. Be professional.

Critiques

We will have multiple ‘PDF Crits’ for each project. See Calendar for project critiques and deadlines. Updates and changes are expected based on the critiques and feedback.

In addition to class critiques, there will be peer group critiques for each project. The same parameters hold true for peer critiques: updates and changes are expected.

There may be TWO types of critique for final work:

Digital and traditional. CRITIQUES And feedback are a significant portion of your project grade.

DIGITAL CRITIQUES

PDF file uploaded to the appropriate area on Canvas by deadline. Remember, deadlines may change throughout the semester, which is why it is important to attend class.

Digital critiques will be done by showing artwork on the television.

The PDF for every critique will be formatted in the following way.

No exceptions.

1. Formatted to fit the aspect ratio and size of the television. The television has an aspect ratio of 16” x 9”. You may use that size or a different size (such as 8” x 4.5”). The pixel ratio of the television is 3840 × 2160.

2. The PDF will consist of 3 (or more) pages:

Page 1:
Project title, media, delivery format, objective and purpose. This page should also include feedback received from peer crits. It is your job to define these parameters.

Page 2:
Examples of research. This includes digital, traditional and your own research such as photos. If there are multiple examples of research, which there should be, include all. You may take up more than one page, if needed, but not more than three.

Page 3:
Your work for critique. This can and should include multiple angles, zoomed in areas for closer examination, and overall scope. You may include more than one page, if necessary.

TRADITIONAL CRITIQUES

Traditional critiques will be the in-progress work printed for display and feedback. We may display on the wall or at a table. The type of presented work for critiques can change from project to project.

PDF file uploaded to the appropriate area on Canvas by deadline. Remember, deadlines may change throughout the semester, which is why it is important to attend class.

The file you submit must be sized correctly. If it is not, it will not be printed, therefore, not eligible for class critique.

Your participation in critiques is a significant part of your grade. This includes feedback given to your peers in addition to your overall presentation of your project and sufficient progress for adequate amount of feedback.

Peer Group Crit #1

This group discussion should include your peers. Each member of the group will present their ideas of how they plan on successfully completing the project. Each group member is expected to give feedback and opinion. The idea is to reinforce a good direction or provide a different perspective for a student to explore. Part of the discussions should include visual evidence of research on subject matter of project. This includes competition, relevant visuals and other necessary information pertaining to your project such as sketches and brainstorms.

Notes should be taken based on the feedback given.

Crit #2

This will be the first critique where a student will show their progress. The expectation is to display visual evidence of research on subject matter of the projects. This includes competition, relevant visuals and other necessary information pertaining to your project. These visuals will be presented by each student on the classroom TV so should be formatted appropriately (See Digital Critiques). There should be a solid visual direction where feedback can be given. Layout, typography, color should be shown. Grading is based on visual clarity, verbal clarity and participation.

Crit #3 (if necessary)

This is the next (last) progression of the project. Visuals should include (as necessary) typography, color palette, visual direction, style, grid, composition and layout. There should not be major elements that aren’t solved. This Crit may be presented on the classroom TV, printed or discussed individually. Grading is based on visual clarity, verbal clarity, completeness and participation.

Project Summary

A written summary will be uploaded to Canvas when the final is due. This is a brief summary of the feedback that was received. While it is a summary, it should include specific actionable items and steps that will be taken for updating the project. See Project Summary Prompt for details on the format and questions to be answered.

FINAL

Completed project based on specifications and feedback during critiques. Professionalism is taken into account.

About the Project Grades

Critique and Summary grades make up a significant portion of the grade for each project. Critiques are to be taken seriously and proper preparation is expected. This comes in the form of an adequate amount of work completed for each critique to gain relevant and actionable feedback. Additionally, proper terminology and discussion points must be communicated clearly.

Latework:

No late work will be accepted without a valid medical excuse... if you have computer problems with your machine at the house you will need to bring a repair invoice, please backup all of your work to writable media often. I highly encourage you to use the cloud as a backup. This can come in the form of Google Drive, OneDrive, Boxx, Dropbox, etc.

A project is considered late if not completed, properly prepared for critique and final submission, and student present to participate.

Late work (for projects only) will not be given feedback and critique, only assigned a grade and should be submitted according to due date set by instructor; work submitted after this date may receive 0 points. Work may not be counted as late in the case of an excused absence. All excuses may be subject to validation. Students who miss quizzes or required class assignments due to a planned absence for University approved events must present the approved University excuse to instructor prior to missing class. In the case of University approved absences, work may be submitted early or with the following assignment with no penalty. Supporting paperwork should accompany the assignment when submitted for grading.

Please expect to see a form in class that you must sign to acknowledge that you have read the class policies and syllabus and are willing to comply with them.

CLASSROOM STUDIO ENVIRONMENT

Please adhere to classroom rules.

STUDENTS WHO ARE ENROLLED IN A CLASS WHICH IS HELD IN SFAA 131 MAY USE CLASSROOM SUPPLIES AND AMENITIES.

Do not leave papers, personal items, or anything else at your workstation. Clean up after yourself.

Once you are finished with your work, close all computer applications. Remove any external storage device. (Follow instructions on computer).

PRINTING

There are 3 printers in Studio Classroom 113. These are for you to use on projects and other necessary material. However, the Epson and Canon are controlled via one laptop computer. See me for printing you may need.

Epson P7000 & 7570

Photo quality printer up to 24” wide in sheet or roll feed

Lectures and demonstrations may be given to understand proper printer maintenance. This is to ensure students learn the correct protocols for optimum print quality.

Do not leave loose paper or miscelaneous printer parts lying around the studio. Clean up your area or any place you’ve worked.

Canon C810

Color printer with ability to bind multi-page publications

3D Printers

There are two 3D Makerbot printers in the classroom. They can be used at anytime with permission. You will need to provide the correct file for printing.

Cutting Area(s)

There are drawers and flat files which supply various cutting equipment and materials, including: knives

mat cutters

cutting mats

razor blades

other supplies

You may use these supplies as needed. Please be sure to pick up and throw away any scrap material.

If something is running low, please let me know.

HOW GRADES WILL BE POSTED

Midterm and Final Projects

I try to complete grades the week a project is due. This doesn’t always happen. Be patient. If you are curious and haven’t seen a grade posted, just ask.

Grades will be based upon the following:

GRADING STANDARDS

Milton Glaser has a famous quote regarding design:

“There are three responses to design. Yes. No. And Wow. Wow is the one to shoot for.”

I’m using this quote as a beginning reference for grading.

Students will be evaluated on the basis of:

Midterm and Final Portfolio Grades

Class Participation

Creativity/Functionality

Preliminary Work

Craftsmanship/Neatness

Layout Elements

Professionalism

Each project is worth up to 200 points. Grading opportunies are the same for each project. Each step of the way, file(s) will be uploaded to Canvas.

A Note About Grades

I have never been asked about my GPA as a professional. If you asked what my GPA was in undergrad, I couldn’t tell you—other than I definitely did NOT get all A’s. In fact, I squeaked by my first Art History class with a D. And still earned an Art History Minor.

I say this because the most important thing for you is to learn and grow. Everyday. You do this by trying new things, experimenting and getting uncomfortable. If you are uncomfortable with your project(s), that’s probably a good thing. This unease may lead to a grade you don’t necessarily like, but if you’ve learned something, that’s much better in the long term.

There is a good book I suggest reading titled “The Right Kind of Wrong.” It’s about failing. We have and will fail at things. It’s how we react and learn from failure that can turn it into success.

GRADING DISTRIBUTION:

90 - 100 A

80 - 89 B

70 - 79 C

60 - 69 D

0 - 59 F

RESOURCES