Course Overview

IAART105 Graphic Design Process

This course is an investigation of the role of graphic design in the visual environment. Students explore a variety of conceptual and production methodologies to create effective visual communication.

Course Summary

The world in which we live is populated by myriad printed and screen-based messages of information and entertainment. We position ourselves in this visual landscape by creating visual presentations of ourselves in various forms through social media profiles, personal web sites, class projects, and so much more. Since elementary school we have been asked to create digital presentations to demonstrate command of class material, but in what way have we been prepared to do so? This course addresses the underlying concepts of graphic design by providing students with fundamental critical thinking and creative making skills that will increase the effectiveness of their visual communications.

Graphic design has a formative role in the production of visual messages in contemporary culture. Everything we do to share our ideas visually is articulated through a variety of conceptual and formal decisions that make up the graphic form of the message. Everyone is a publisher today, and the success of any communication often rests upon how it is immediately perceived by the audience long before it is read and digested. The course positions graphic design as both a formal tool and conceptual device by instructing you to skillfully and intelligently manipulate graphic form to communicate information effectively.

This course addresses the core proficiency of crafting strong and visually persuasive messages, and is designed to help you understand how your communications are dependent upon clear visual structure and coherent graphic expression. This course will provide a critical environment for examining visual communications with pragmatically. The skills development aspect of this course will directly address practical aesthetic methodologies for developing and producing visual communication artifacts in a series of practical and conceptual projects.

Course Objectives

Intellectual and Analytical Objectives

  • Students will critically analyze and develop informed critical perspectives on visual communication as it effects the world of ideas.
  • Students will gain an understanding of the social, political, economic, and historical implications of the graphic design process.
  • Students will develop conceptual proficiency as authors of graphic design artifacts.

Skills and Abilities Objectives

  • Students will demonstrate an introductory skill in using graphic design hardware and software.
  • Students will develop proficiencies in visual communication design, including composition, typography, and the persuasive presentation of information.
  • Students will be able to demonstrate a competence and confidence in producing and analyzing visual communication.

Learning Outcomes

Creative Thinking

  • Student explores and connects strategies and skills of a domain by constructing a product.

Perspectives Outcomes

  • Critically and creatively engage in the aesthetic and intellectual components of the fine and performing arts.
  • Articulate the ways that the arts and humanities shape, change, provoke, and represent our world and our perception of the world.

Integrative Outcomes

  • Identify elements of social and/or environmental structures: individual, group and system.

Course Requirements

  • Attend class each Tuesday and Thursday, as assignments will draw upon topics covered in readings, projects and discussions.
  • Collect all readings, sketches, prints, versions, ideas and other process materials in a DropBox folder online.
  • Read the assigned texts by the next class meeting.
  • Comment on class readings on the class web site via posts by the scheduled due date.
  • Participate fully in class activities. When remote learning via Zoom is happening, you may be asked to take a break for awhile when I critique in person projects, and come back the last half of class for your critiques via Zoom.
  • Complete all projects in a timely manner and by their due date to the best of your ability.

Electronic Communication Policy

Facebook: A class Facebook group will be used for general questions from you or myself, assignment reminders, as well as a place to post interesting links to topics related to this class. The group is called GDP/KSC SPRING 2021. I will be asking you to friend request me this week. Heather Gendron is who you are looking for on Facebook.

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. My email is hgendron@keene.edu

Texting: You may text me in extremely urgent situations. My mobile number is 603-398-2929. You need to tell me your name in your text or I won’t know who you are. Please try the Facebook group first or private message through Messenger.

Hybrid Teaching Method

You will all be broke into two different groups of nine the first week of classes.

Group A will meet in person on Tuesdays in the classroom and Group B will zoom the class online.

Group B will meet in person on Thursdays in the classroom and Group A will zoom the class online.

ZOOM Policies

  • Workspace: Create a clean and functional class desk space. You must have a stable, well lit area. Do not use phone or tablet that is constantly moving.
  • Do not Zoom from your bed: Just don’t.
  • Punctuality: Come 5 minutes early to class.
  • Dress for Class: Wear appropriate clothing. No pajamas, bathrobes, etc.
  • Video On: You have to be visibly in attendance. Video must be on at all times during class. If I see your video off, you will be marked for 1/2 absence.
  • Face the Camera: Your face must be centered fully in the frame. The camera cannot face the ceiling, wall, etc.
  • No Distractions: Your class Zoom space must be free of distracting sounds or visuals.

Evaluation

Grades are based on your performance on Attendance/Participation, Website Posts, Quizzes, Exercises, and Projects as follows:

  • 10% Attendance & Participation
  • 25% Website Posts
  • 25% Exercises
  • 40% Projects

Equipment List

This course has a small supply list available at the KSC Book Store, online or at various stores in Keene. 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:

  • Zoom-Capable Computer: must have a good video camera and microphone.
  • Backup Storage: Flash Drive (min. 8GB) or external hard drive. Not needed until week #2, 4th class
  • Movie Rental online for $3.99, only if you want to watch again.
  • Subscription to the Adobe Creative Suite from Adobe.com for $20.99 each month: March, April, May 2021.  You will only need the internet for the first two weeks of classes.
    You will need to purchase Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign and Acrobat DC. Go to this link for student pricing: https://www.adobe.com/creativecloud/buy/students.html

Craft

Presentation is a critical part of graphic design. Poorly presented work handicaps the effective communication of ideas. Badly prepared work will not be accepted. Submit all materials in the correct location with the correct file names.

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.

Process notes

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. Digital files will be uploaded to class site and/or DropBox. 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/project passed in after the due date or time assigned. Late assignments are only accepted for 1 week after original due date. The highest possible grade you will receive will be an 80 for all late posts accepted. You will lose 10pts (out of a 40 possible pts) off of each project submitted late. Once you fall behind, everything else fails because it’s hard to catch up. 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 6 classes 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 2 unexcused absences. Students will lose a half letter off their final grade (A to A/B, A/B to B, B to B/C, etc.) for every non-excused absence thereafter. Students must provide documentation for any excused absence (doctor’s note or proof of other emergency).
  • 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.
  • Please consult the KSC Academic Calendar for non-class days and other notable events.

Other Electronic Devices and Zoom

Mobile devices are distracting. Visible signs of external distraction will be noted. Unless otherwise stated, students may not use any personal electronic devices during class meetings. Texting or any other type of cell phone or electronic device use during may result in loss of credit for the class session. I will not tolerate the use of cell phones during class or critiques at all. And remember, more than 6 absences and you will have to drop the class.

Disability Accommodation

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). Additionally, the College has an ADA Officer who assists with access issues for the College as a whole and who is available to assist with conflict resolution regarding access and accommodations. Students with disabilities who may need classroom accommodations are encouraged to make an appointment with Jane Warner or Jessica Bigaj in the Office of Disability Services (x2353).

Academic Honesty Policy

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 athttp://www.keene.edu/policy/academichonesty.cfm

Class Cancellations

In case of inclement weather or any other emergencies, please check your email, facebook or phones to find out whether or not this class has been cancelled. I will post to our group on Facebook first, then send class-wide email to your KSC email.

Now that we are zooming, if the weather is bad and I don’t come to campus, we will just zoom class. I will post to our group on Facebook first, then send class-wide email to your KSC email at least 2 hrs. prior to the start of class.

Eating/drinking

There should be no eating or drinking in this classroom. There should be no conspicuous eating in the Zoom session. If necessary, please use discretion. Save noisy and smelly foods (i.e. crunchy items, crinkly wrappers) for break time or in between classes. Strive to maintain a clean, efficient learning environment.

Emergency Academic Procedures

In the event the College is impacted by an emergency situation, students are responsible for regularly checking their KSC email and Canvas for information from their instructors and/or the College. Affected faculty members are expected to notify students via email, Canvas announcements and/or voice mail regarding alternative course delivery methods and course work submission procedures.

COVID Rules for Mac Labs

The Mac Labs 152 and 154 in the Media Arts Center are available for student use. The lab schedule will be provided. These are the rules of the labs:

  • Only 9 available computers out of 18 in each lab this semester.
  • All students/KSC employees must social distance
  • Your temperature will be taken when you enter the classroom.
  • Have to wear a mask at all times when working in the labs. If you don’t have one on you cannot enter. Security will be called immediately by room monitor to have you removed from room.
  • All students must sign into log book with their own pen. No cross contamination that way.
  • Students must wipe down their table top, keyboard and monitor for the next student to use when they leave.
  • Students need to sign out with their own pen when leaving as well. This helps the college contact trace if a case is determined and let others know if they have been exposed.
  • Make sure to use hand sanitizer when entering the room at all times. Located at the front door of MEDI ARTS CENTER. There will also be sanitizer in the lab itself.

Self-Monitoring For Students

IF an individual experiences any or all of the following: A fever (greater than 100 degrees). Respiratory symptoms such as runny nose, sore throat, cough, or shortness of breath. Flu-like symptoms such as muscle aches, chills, and severe fatigue. Changes in sense of taste or smell. THEN that individual must stay home (residence hall room, apartment).

  • As applicable: individuals must notify their roommate(s), RA, professors, supervisor by email.
  • Student:call KSC Health Services.

Standard Preventative Behavior Expectations Hand Washing

During the day, and especially when feeling well, individuals should wash their hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after having been in public, or after blowing one’s nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, individuals should use hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% ethyl alcohol, covering all surfaces of hands, finger pads and nail beds, and rubbing them together until they feel dry.

Student Behavior Expectations

Protocol is being established with the requirement of a signed consent form, noting on and off campus expectations for students. The acknowledgement and acceptance of the Keene State Community Commitment Acknowledgment (CCA) will be an essential part of our return to on-campus academic and student life experiences.

The KSC COVID-19 webpage 

Student Code of Conduct 

Failure to comply with the policies, protocols, or guidelines established by KSC, whether on campus or off campus, will be a violation of the Student Code of Conduct.

PROTOCOL FOR OFF-CAMPUS EDUCATIONAL LOCATIONS

These sites include, but are not limited to: faculty-led tours, internships, practicums, student teaching, preceptor program, nursing rotation. Students, faculty and staff and must take extra steps to protect themselves and others by following these guidelines: Four weeks before the visit, ask for a written explanation of COVID-19 protocol for the off-campus site, and fulfill requirements (such as testing). Apply KSC COVID-19 Management Plan. Wear a cloth face mask or comparable, and/or additional Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as required by host organization (perhaps face shield, gown, gloves), practice disciplined hand washing, do not touch your face, etc. If an N95 Respirator is required, contact KSC EHS for a required fit testing.Participate in testing if/as requested.

What to do if you have symptoms…

Mild symptoms may include:

  • nasal congestion
  • sore throat
  • achiness
  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • diarrhea
  • loss of taste/smell.

Call the Wellness Center or your local Primary Care Provider if you are experiencing cough, shortness of breath, and/or a fever (>100.4F). When in doubt, call the Wellness Center.

WELLNESS & COVID-19 STATEMENT

As a Keene State College student, we believe that your academic success is grounded in your personal health and overall well-being. Dealing with the stress and worry of the pandemic and living with the public health actions necessary to reduce the risk of virus spread (such as physical distancing) can cause loneliness, stress, anxiety, and other strong emotional responses. Individuals with pre-existing emotional-health problems may experience increased symptoms due to the pandemic.

If you or someone you know needs support, The Wellness Center at KSC offers professional, free, confidential assistance. They can be contacted at (603) 358-2437 and a crisis counselor is available for any urgent needs after business hours and on weekends at (603) 358-2436. Remember, it is okay to need help and it’s a strength to reach out for it.

Please continue to keep you and others around you safe and healthy by wearing a mask at all times except when eating or alone at home, physically distance at 6 feet or more from others, keep private social gatherings to 10 people or less, practice good hand hygiene, and stay home when you’re not feeling well. For any student experiencing symptoms of illness, COVID-19 testing is available at The Wellness Center. Please call them at (603) 358-2450 (press option 1) to schedule an appointment.

Media Arts Center (MAC) Access

BUILDING ACCESS
Students who need after-hours access to the Media Arts Center will be issued access levels based on need and assigned responsibilities dependent upon instructor request and department chair/program coordinator approval. The main entrance will be programed to open and lock at specific times each day. Campus Safety programs door locking schedules based on information provided by the Building Access Coordinator.

The Building Access Coordinator, located in MEDI 140, shall support the department chairs and program coordinators in coordination of access to Media Arts Center spaces. The Building Access Coordinator may request keys, keycards and access codes only for the Media Arts Center. The MAC Building Access Coordinator may not authorize access to another building’s spaces. In the event that such access is necessary, the Building Access Coordinator for that building will have to authorize the access before it will be granted.

The Building Access Coordinator must immediately notify Campus Safety and the Lock Shop of any change in status that will result in restricting building access or terminating building access.

Security and Access
The MAC maintains regular hours of operation as specified below. However, staff may periodically extend or suspend hours to meet student needs or support institutional restrictions (such as in an emergency). During the evening and weekend hours, faculty, staff and students can gain access to the building during non-business hours by swiping their keycards.

The MAC is staffed by lab monitors stationed in each department’s labs. Lab schedules shall be created and maintained by each department. Lab monitors are responsible for ensuring only authorized individuals access the labs and/or specialized areas. Lab Monitors ensure that all students sign in and out and they are responsible for reinforcing the policies articulated in this agreement. Lab Monitors also check their areas of their building each evening to ensure all students have left as required.

Visitors
Visitors are required to check in with Campus Safety when arriving on campus. During after-hours access, faculty and staff should use caution in bringing visitors into the Media Arts Center. Faculty and students who escort a visitor into the Media Arts Center during non-business hours are responsible for the activities and wellbeing of their visitors while in the building. Students may only bring visitors into the Media Arts Center if doing so pertains to their academic needs (for instance, working with film actors).

Additional Access
When it becomes necessary for certain individuals and positions to gain access to buildings and areas outside of their assigned department (such as common access to the Green Screen Room), this shall be discussed with respect to our students’ needs and usage of these spaces. Access shall be organized by the Building Access Coordinator through consultation with the department chairs and program coordinators in the building, who will identify access levels for these individuals and positions.

Curtailed Operations
Swipe card access to the Media Arts Center will be deactivated during curtailed operations. http://www.keene.edu/administration/policy/detail/weather/download/

MEDIA ARTS CENTER FRONT ENTRANCE SCHEDULE

General Hours of Operation:
Monday – Friday: Open at 7:00 am Close at 4:30 pm
Saturday – Sunday: Closed

Swipe Access for Students:
Monday – Friday: 4:30 pm – 11:45 pm
Saturday – Sunday: 7:00 am – 11:45 pm

After-Hours Swipe Access for Students:
● Students must be on access lists provided by department chairs, program. coordinators, Dean of Arts and Humanities and/or Building Access Coordinator.
● Students must use their valid KSC ID card for swipe access to the building.
● Students must sign-in with a lab monitor when entering the lab and sign-out when leaving.
● All students must leave the building at the closing times specified above.
● If students refuse to leave, the lab monitor will call Campus Safety.
● Students continuing to refuse to leave the building will be subject to disciplinary or departmental sanctions including revocation of authorized access to the MAC. Building Safety Policies
● Only authorized students are permitted in the building during after-hours and may not let other students or guests into the building.
● Students are only permitted into areas for which they have authorization.
● Students must be appropriately trained prior to using any specialized equipment.
● Student conduct in the labs must be conducive to an academic and creative environment.
● For the safety of all occupants of the building, exterior doors cannot be propped open.
● No food or drink is permitted in editing bays, labs, or the production studio.
● Failure to comply with any of these rules could result in revocation of authorized access to the MAC.

Instructors are advised to lock their classroom doors after the completion of each class. While laboratory classrooms (labs) are required to be locked at all times when not in use, instructors may, at their discretion, allow these spaces to remain open provided that they are in the building and periodically observe that lab policies are reinforced.

Condition of Space
All spaces must be left in a clean and useable manner. Building cleaning staff will vacuum each classroom daily and verify that all doors are locked and secure.