Graphic Design 1

Graphic Design 1 is a course in the thinking and making processes which underlie the design of visual communications. This course is a continued exploration of the language, tools and methodologies required to pursue a life in design, for it is through the deliberate and enthusiastic confluence of inspiration, hard work and ability that the world is, and continues to be made.

Course summary

Graphic Design 1 is project, concept and research oriented. You are expected to critically explore, research, and critique your own and your classmates work. Your participation is mandatory. Graphic Design 1  is a series of projects which get harder before they get easier. The course time is divided between class studio sessions, workshops, and critique.

Book

guidegd
Guide to Graphic Design Paperback, 1st Edition
by Scott W. Santoro
ISBN-13: 978-0132300704 ISBN-10: 0132300702

Course Requirements

  • Attend class each week, as assignments will draw upon topics covered in readings, projects and discussions.
  • Collect all process materials in a 3-ring process journal.
  • Complete the assigned reading by the next class meeting.
  • Comment on the reading on the class site.
  • Grades will be based on completion of the following reading responses and project assignments.

Electronic Communication Policy

  • Facebook: A class Facebook group will be used for general questions about assignments as well as a place to post interesting links to topics related to this class.
  • Email: Use email to communicate questions and comments that pertain only to you. If the question is about the class in general, please use the Facebook group.
  • Texting: You may text me in extremely urgent situations. Please try the Facebook group first.

Craft
Presentation is a critical part of graphic design. Poorly presented work handicaps the effective communication of ideas. Badly made work will not be accepted.

Reading/Writing
The ability to articulate oneself well in written and spoken words is crucial to you professional success. Readings from contemporary and historical design topics will be assigned in this course on a regular basis.

Equipment List
This course has a considerable supply list. We also use computers in addition to one of your most valuable tools — your mind — please remember to bring it to class. You will need:

  • 3-ring binder for process materials
  • Small Aluminum triangle with measurements (Alumicolor recommended brand)
  • Steel ruler (12″ or18″) (no wooden or plastic rulers, please)
  • X-acto knife
  • X-acto replacement blades (boxes of 25-100 pcs.)
  • Cutting matte (12″ x 18″ min.)
  • Bone folder
  • Black sharpie markers (one thin, .01-.03 & one thick + various sizes)
  • Sobo PVA glue (medium bottle)
  • Mechanical Pencil  .05
  • Staedtler white eraser
  • High quality scissors
  • Standard Metal Utility knife (+ spare blades)

Process notes
You will keep an ongoing and detailed record of all work, readings, and other visual inspiration and influence throughout the term in dedicated 3-ring binder. All drawings, notes and other materials will be uploaded on a project by project basis to the class blog.

Submitted Work
All work should be submitted according to medium. Screen-based work will be uploaded/linked to the student pages on the class blog. Printed work will be submitted in clean and organized envelopes with your name written clearly in the upper right corner. No exceptions or alternatives will be accepted.

Assignment due dates

  • Complete the assigned reading prior to the next week’s class meeting.
  • You will not receive credit for any assignment passed in after the due date. If illness or other personal issues are keeping you from fulfilling an assignment, you must contact me before the assignment is due, or you will receive a zero (0%) for the missed assignment.
  • Students are responsible for handing in any assignments due on the day of an absence.

Attendance policy
The Keene State College attendance policy emphasizes the correlation between attendance and academic achievement. A student is expected to attend all class meetings of courses in which he or she is enrolled.

  • Keene State policy: A student who misses more than 3 weeks in the first 10 weeks of the semester (for any reason whatsoever, including excused absences and emergencies) must withdraw from the course. The student must follow the regular withdrawal procedure. The complete KSC attendance policy can be viewed at http://www.keene.edu/administration/policy/detail/attendance/
  • Class policy: students may take 1 unexcused absence. Students will lose 2 points from their final grade for every non-excused absence thereafter. Students must provide documentation for any excused absence (doctor’s note or proof of other emergency). A student who misses more than 6 class meetings for any reason whatsoever, including excused absences and emergencies must withdraw from the course.
  • Students are responsible for handing in any assignments due on the day of an absence.
  • You must actively seek out the information from any class you might miss from a fellow student in the class, or from me.

Electronic devices in the classroom
Unless otherwise stated, students may not use any electronic devices during class meetings. Texting or any other type of cell phone or electronic device use during class will count as an unexcused absence and you will be asked to leave the class. And remember, more than 6 absences and you will have to drop the class.

Disabilities
Any student with a documented disability should see me as soon as possible so that we can make the appropriate accommodations. Students with disabilities can register with the Keene State College Office of Disability Services on the first floor of the Elliot Center (358-2353).

 Academic honesty

  • All students are expected to hand in original written work. Using other people’s words without proper attribution constitutes plagiarism.
  • Plagiarism and any other forms of cheating will result in an F for the assignment and may include further College sanctions. In this class, every student must be aware of and adhere to the college’s policy on academic honesty. Detailed procedures and processes pertaining to the Policy on Academic Honesty can be viewed at http://www.keene.edu/policy/academichonesty.cfm

Evaluation
Grades are based on your performance on Quizzes, Exercises, and Projects as follows:

20%      Participation and Professional Behavior

30%      Exercises & Small Projects

40%      Large Projects

10%      Final Exam & Quizzes