Start
||
Syllabus
||
Schedule
Start :: MAT 135 :: Graphic Design 1 :: Principles
Students are introduced to the visual aspects of successful graphic design. Concepts include principles of 2-D design; word/image relationship; color use and psychology; grids and design structures, elements of interface design; media as message; and typographic considerations including fonts, readability, legibility and emphasis/de-emphasis. The course will focus on the development and refinement of a personal design sensibility with an emphasis on both appropriate and creative media presentation.
INSTRUCTOR: Russ Prior
MEETING TIMES: Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 11:15 p.m.
OFFICE: Office hours by appointment (before and after class :: best to e-mail for appointment)
E-mail: russ@russprior.com
Student Learning Outcomes:
The MiraCosta faculty believe that students who complete one or more certificates or degrees are systematic, critical, creative thinkers and clear communicators who are intellectually curious, technically proficient, aesthetically literate, and professional. To that end, the faculty has identified seven Program-Level Outcomes that apply directly to the high-level skills you are expected to possess in the workforce:
- Technical Skills
- Application of Discipline Skills
- Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
- Communication
- Professional Behavior
- Aesthetic Literacy and Appreciation
- Global Awareness and Responsible Citizenship
To achieve this goal, you are expected to achieve competency in the following course-level Student Learning Outcomes (SLO's), each of which help you achieve one or more of the above program-level outcomes:
- Arrange and compose design concepts into effective illustrative solutions.
- Compare and evaluate design solutions for visual and communication effectiveness.
- Conceptualize and formulate abstract ideas into concrete graphic design solutions.
The following course competencies are specific skill sets that map directly to the above SLO's. When you have completed this course, you should be able to:
- Structure 2-dimensional space using various design structures and techniques.
- Develop appropriate color palettes to appeal to relevant target markets.
- Utilize appropriate typographic conventions to effectively display written content.
- Design effective layouts incorporating still images and typography.
- Visually interpret complex content using various design metaphors.
Course Textbooks:
Principles of Two-Dimensional Design
by Wucius Wong
Van Nostrand Reinhold
ISBN: 0-442-29565-0
The Non-Designers Design Book
by Robin Williams
Peachpit Press
ISBN: 1-56609-159-4
Fireworks CS3 Visual Quickstart Guide
by Sandee Cohen
Peachpit Press
ISBN: 0201794799
EVALUATION
The MAT Program, in order to evaluate all students on an equal basis, and to offer all students a "yardstick" by which to measure your success, has developed a set of criteria known as "competencies". These competencies are basically a set of skills and expectations that are specific to each course. Achieving these competencies will help you to meet higher-level outcomes. Please refer to the Course Syllabus for details on the competencies and Student Level Outcomes for this course. To help you to measure your success:
- Each project has a list of Evaluation Criteria that are designed to help you achieve one or more of the course competencies. The criteria may be different for each project, but they are stated explicitly under the EVALUATION section on each project sheet.
- Each criterium is assigned a numeric value. These may vary in value, depending on the complexity of the project.
- Each project is worth a specific point value, stated on the project sheet.
- There are 500 total points for the semester.
- Evaluations are posted on this website. Contact the instructor for your specific REFERENCE number to view your score.
I do not assign letter grades to any projects. The only letter grade you will receive is the final grade for the semester.
On each Project Sheet you will see a list of Evaluation Criteria. Not all criteria are on all projects. So, what do they mean, exactly?
- Creativity/Intuition : Are your compositions interesting and/or innovative? Or have we seen them before? This isn't so much about successful composition as it is about looking at things differently.
- Depth/Development : This is huge! And a large part of your score. Its about really exploring options/variations/themes - doing lots of them. You cannot become a better designer without exploration. Period.
- Design/Concept : This is about successful composition. Are you implementing the design theories presented in the project? Are your compositions pleasing to look at? Do you find yourself scanning the composition more than once? Do they "activate the whole space"?
- Rendering/Craftmanship : This is your attention to detail. This will vary from project to project, but what it means is that you are looking closely at what you are doing, and you are aware of the "little things" that make a design look "finished". I talk about this a lot in the lectures and demos, so pay attention.
- Overall Design/Layout : This is how the whole project "hangs" together. Does everything look like its part of the same project? or does it look like a mashup. The project should look coherent and cohesive.
- Requirements : Did you meet the requirements as stated on the project sheet?
- Deadline : Did you turn in your project on time? You get the max points. Late? Points deducted for each day it's late.
Now, a word about final grades. There seems to be an attitude out there in Studentland that says, "Hey, I came to class (most of the time), I turned in my work on time (mostly) and finished all the projects. I deserve an 'A'".
Um, no. Let me say something about the grade of 'A'.
'A' equals Awesome.
To get an 'A' in this class, you have to blow me away (figuratively speaking; if I'm dead, you don't get any grade). How do you do this? Simple. You need to attain a semester point total between 450 and 500. To attain a point total this high, you must exceed the Minimum Course Requirements stated below, as well as the minimum requirements stated on each project sheet. But this is not enough. Additionally, you will:
- Consistently PUSH your work to the next level.
- CREATIVELY solve problems and find solutions.
- NEVER settle for average.
- Come to class ALL THE TIME.
- Always turn in your projects ON TIME.
- TRY things above and beyond the requirements of the project - and often succeed.
- Have IMPECCABLE craftsmanship.
- ALWAYS keep a current backup of all your work.
- HELP OUT your fellow classmates.
- Exhibit HONESTY and a sense of good ethics.
OK, what about a 'B'?
They're a bit easier. You must attain a point total between 400 and 450. Again, you need to show me that you have exceeded the Minimum Course Requirements and the minimum project requirements stated on each project sheet, but additionally you:
- Try to push your work to the next level.
- Try creative solutions to problem solving.
- Don't settle for average.
- Have no more than two (2) unexcused absences.
- Turn in your projects by the deadline.
- At least try things above and beyond the requirements of the project.
- Practice very good craftsmanship.
- ALWAYS keep a current backup of all your work.
- Occasionally help out your fellow classmates.
- Exhibit honesty and a sense of good ethics.
Minimum Course Requirements:
So, to achieve a grade of 'C', you need to attain a semester point total between 350 and 400. You do this by meeting the minimum requirements for each project, which are stated specifically on each project sheet. Additionally you will:
- Participate in the Final Critique.
- Save all your files in the appropriate formats, as stated in the FINAL OUTPUT section on each project sheet.
- Utilize the File Server to properly store, retrieve, and edit your projects.
- File your finished projects in the proper Homework folder.
- Keep a backup copy of all your work.
- Have no more than 4 unexcused absences.
A point total below 350 earns you a grade of 'D' or 'F'.
You may want to reevaluate your priorities.
top