DESCRIPTION
Introduction to the visual aspects and basic types of print communication including advertising, periodicals, collateral material, direct mail, point of purchase, promotion, and merchandising. Discussion, studio work, and critiques emphasizing the origination of visual form which effectively addresses the visual communication needs within a given social and cultural context. Introductory-level instruction in vector and raster graphics construction.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
• Produce computer or hybrid artwork which effectively resolves given challenges in design and visual communication.
• Practical experience in basic vector drawing tools and techniques including basic keyboard commands and a demonstrated appreciation for efficient and logical file construction; gain practical introductory experience in the basic tools and techniques of raster editing.
• Working vocabulary of visual, print and typographic terms.
• Develop design and artistic sensibilities; become increasingly articulate in discussion about design and visual communication.
• Increase awareness of professional practice in graphic design and photography for print.
• Gain an introductory-level awareness of the uses and misuses of typography; demonstrate accompanying applied design and layout skills.
EVALUATION
This course includes a significant practical design component. In addition to grades for exams, the design quality, technical refinement, and timeliness of the artwork you bring to critique will be a portion of the course grade. Point breakdowns for individual projects will be provided at the time of assignment. Other factors which will influence your grade are your participation in and contribution to class discussion and critiques and evidence of your extending your design skills and artistic sensibilities. Some examples of this would be multiple explorations of a set problem in your backup files for a project, the quality of work done for in-class exercises, research for given projects and subjects. Any assignment (except the final project) which is turned in late can receive a maximum of 85% of its original point value. “Late” in this context refers to anything turned in after the start of critique or a per-project designated deadline. Certain circumstances (excused absences) may warrant due date extensions. Speak to me ahead of time so that we can reschedule your work accordingly. If you are ever surprised by a grade I have given your work, please schedule a time to discuss it with me. I do not believe the grading process is “subjective,” I will explain my rationale, if comments at critique were unclear. You may rework most projects after critique. If they have been turned in on time, I will consider these improvements for potential grade improvements on a case-by-case basis.
ATTENDANCE
Be in class. Be on time. More than three unexcused absences, repeated tardiness and/ or partial attendance will result in a grade reduction. Professional courtesy suggests informing me if you will be absent, if possible. Email, text, or phone message to my office is always welcome. An excused absence requires a doctor’s note, a college or university excusal form, or a department designated event.
RELIGIOUS HOLIDAYS POLICY
Any student missing class quizzes, examinations, or any other class or lab work because of observance of religious holidays shall be given an opportunity during that semester to make up missed work. The make-up will apply to the religious holiday absence only. It shall be the responsibility of the student to notify the instructor no later than the last day of late registration of his or her intention to participate in religious holidays which do not fall on state holidays or periods of class recess. This policy shall not apply in the event that administering the test or examination at an alternate time would impose an undue hardship on the instructor or the university which could not be avoided. For additional information, please visit: http://catalog.unlv.acalog.com/content.php.
TOUTORING
The Academic Success Center (ASC) provides tutoring and academic assistance for all UNLV students taking UNLV courses. Students are encouraged to stop by the ASC to learn more about subjects offered, tutoring times and other academic resources. The ASC is located across from the Student Services Complex, #22 on the current UNLV map. Students may learn more about tutoring services by calling (702) 895-3177 or visiting the tutoring web site at: http://academicsuccess.unlv.edu/tutoring.
COMPUTER FILES
You are responsible to maintain your own file archive, and solely responsible to take any and all appropriate precautions to assure all files needed for class are available until the end of the semester. There will be no extensions or incompletes granted for lost or damaged files. Finalized files will be turned in via your folder in the class directory. Individual files will be required intermittently throughout the semester; semester-to-date files will be required approaching midterm. A link will be provided on the course website listing specific project files to be turned in at midterm and at the end of the semester, when you will create a course archive (on cd) containing final versions of select files.
ACADEMIC MISCONDUCT
Academic integrity is a legitimate concern for every member of the campus community; all share in upholding the fundamental values of honesty, trust, respect, fairness, responsibility and professionalism. By choosing to join the UNLV community, students accept the expectations of the Academic Misconduct Policy and are encouraged when faced with choices to always take the ethical path. Students enrolling in UNLV assume the obligation to conduct themselves in a manner compatible with UNLV’s function as an educational institution.
An example of academic misconduct is plagiarism. Plagiarism is using the words or ideas of another, from the Internet or any source, without proper citation of the sources. See the Student Academic Misconduct Policy (approved December 9, 2005) located at: http://studentconduct.unlv.edu/misconduct/policy.html .
THE DISABILITY RESOURCE CENTER (DRC)
The Disability Resource Center (DRC) coordinates all academic accommodations for students with documented disabilities. The DRC is the official office to review and house disability documentation for students, and to provide them with an official Academic Accommodation Plan to present to the faculty if an accommodation is warranted. Faculty should not provide students accommodations without being in receipt of this plan.
UNLV complies with the provisions set forth in Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, offering reasonable accommodations to qualified students with documented disabilities. If you have a documented disability that may require accommodations, you will need to contact the DRC for the coordination of services. The DRC is located in the Student Services Complex (SSC-A), Room 143, and the contact numbers are: Voice (702) 895-0866, fax (702) 895-0651. For additional information, please visit: http://drc.unlv.edu.
COPYRIGHT
The university requires all members of the university community to familiarize themselves and to follow copyright and fair use requirements. You are individually and solely responsible for violations of copyright and fair use laws. The university will neither protect nor defend you nor assume any responsibility for employee or student violations of fair use laws. Violations of copyright laws could subject you to federal and state civil penalties and criminal liability, as well as disciplinary action under university policies.
To familiarize yourself with copyright and fair use policies, you are encouraged to visit the following website: http://www.unlv.edu/committees/copyright/.
REBELMAIL
By policy, faculty and staff should e-mail students’ Rebelmail accounts only. Rebelmail is UNLV’s Official e-mail system for students. It is one of the primary ways students receive official university communication such as information about deadlines, major campus events, and announcements. All UNLV students receive a Rebelmail account after they have been admitted to the university. Students’ e-mail prefixes are listed on class rosters. The suffix is always @unlv.nevada.edu.
GRADING
A = Excellent Work of exceptional quality
Technical/Craft: has mastered technical skills and uses them to support and enhance artistic expression.
Visual/Creative: Images show imagination and exploration of the artist, original thinking and seeing
Research: Insightful or unique visual solutions, novel application of techniques, evidence of systematic development and visual research. Rigorous honing of final solution.
Time/Ambition: has set high standards for self and takes appropriate steps to attain them, participates and contributes to class discussions and understanding of materials
B = Above average, strong work
Technical/Craft–technically competent, file construction organized, accessible and “clean.”
Visual/Creative–Images show evidence of effort and thought in assignments.
Research: Evidence of and application of systematic visual research.
Time/Ambition–puts forth effort towards growth, participates in class
C = Average Good work
Technical/Craft–technically adequate
Visual/Creative–images of typical subjects with some thought
Time/Ambition–minimal concern or effort towards growth, attends classes and labs
D = Below average Poor Work
Technical/Craft–technically poor
Visual/Creative–typical subjects with little thought.
Time/Ambition–no evidence to show concern for growth
F = Poor Work is incomplete or of exceptionally poor quality
Technical/Craft–No effort to gain technical control of the medium
Visual/Creative–goes through the motions
Time/Ambition–regularly misses class and lab |
