Welcome to Graphic Design 1

Course Syllabus

Graphic Design 1

Mr. Person, 736-5500, ext. 2599                                                           

sperson@liberty.k12.mo.us                                                            PLAN TIME IS  5th Period

Course Description: During this yearlong course you will explore the techniques, tools, and processes used in the creation of graphic design.  You will experiment with a variety of illustration techniques and design media including collage, and computer graphics.  We have several computer programs including Adobe PhotoShop, Illustrator, and InDesign We will explore career options and discuss graphic designers who have influenced popular culture.

Course Goals 

After completing this course you will be able to:

Create solutions to a variety of graphic design problems using a variety of techniques, tools, and processes.

Analyze, process, and organize information from a given graphic design problem and generate solutions.

Understand and apply appropriate graphic design terminology.

Research career opportunities in graphic design.

Produce artwork for each assigned project by a given deadline.

Appreciate the importance of graphic design, its impact, and study many contributors to the field.

Grading System

Scoring guides are directed to an A or a B level; the expectation is that all students work toward completion at a B level.  Each assignment will have a stop day (the day we stop working on an assignment in class).  Stop days are meant to conclude each unit, but should a student need additional time, deadlines will be one week from stop day.  All work is expected at the deadline.  Students will be assessed separately on this expectation.  Written work is also expected to be of high quality, and may require revision. All handouts, classroom announcements and assignments will be posted on a class website and can be accessed by students with home computer access.

Assessments

Scoring guides will be given with each graphic design assignment.

Scoring guides will be given with each writing or journal assignment.

Assessment of your ability to use and understand vocabulary will be ongoing through journal writing and classroom observation.

Unit Quizzes or Tests will be given.

Sketchbooks and idea generating activities are required and assessed for completion only. 

COURSE OUTLINE

•  2 dimensional design and the introduction to the language of art.

Introduction to Adobe Illustrator and it's design application.

Creative Problem solving and ideation. (various assignments)

•  Graphic Design (the art of communication)

Symbolism and Illustrating with a theme

Intro to Typography - Leading, Kerning, anatomy of text.

Semester Final Exam

CD Package Design

Logo Design

Business Stationery Design

LNHS athletic promotional poster.

Final Design as assigned

The order or content of the course outline is subject to change at the discretion of the instructor           

Student Expectations 

INTERNET USAGE

All students MUST have an Acceptable Use Policy on file with the School.

All efforts will be made to teach students appropriate advanced Internet image search techniques; students must take the responsibility to work within class parameters. Intentional abuse of Internet or of image searches will result in loss of Internet privileges and removal from the class. This includes downloading fonts, surfing or updating online journals, email, and game playing without teacher permission. Use of proxy servers are an intentional by-pass of district filters and use will result in referral to administration and/or removal from class.

Copyright Compliance Policy

Many copyright agreements on “free” image sites limit your use of images to personal or educational projects. You are responsible for reading and understanding appropriate use policies of the site you download from. Even if you have used the images for personal or educational use, you must cite your source for Graphic Design class. At least one week of class time is devoted to the study and understanding of copyright law and how it applies to graphic design.

Home work and laptops:

Your school laptop computers will have the adobe creative suite loaded on them for as long as you are enrolled in this course.  While not assigned daily, some home work is an expectation.  Most work outside of class will arise due to absences or other time management issues.  We will have deadlines and once students have their computers there is an expectation that all deadlines are met in a timely fashion.  Graphic design as a profession is always time sensitive and it is a learning goal for students to meet this expectation and a grade will be taken for your ability to work in a timely fashion.

Citation of image sources:

Print and attach to the back of your design, each original image used along with the citation of where the image was found. In many cases, with some advance planning, it may be easier to make your own photograph and avoid the need for citation and keeping track of all images used.

IMPORTANT: If a piece is to be published or used for “contest” purposes, you must use your own images or create your own silhouettes. Even the “free” sites do not allow images to be published in print without permission. Copyright issues are important. The use of an image without citation is the same as plagiarism of the written word, and disciplinary action can result.

Daily Materials

#2 pencil and eraser, and notebook or a folder to keep notes. 

TARDINESS

Students are expected to be in their seats at the bell. School policy regarding tardy cards will be enforced.

MAKE-UP WORK

Attendance is extremely important to your success in this class.

Students normally have no access to the software we use except in the classroom. According to school policy, you have two days for one absence and another day for each consecutive absence.  Make-up work must be on your time, during study hall, during seminar, or before or after school. Everyone may need to work outside class at one time or another.  You may be denied credit if you miss more than the 10 day per semester limit.

LAB RULES

NO food or drink of any kind allowed in classroom. You may not step into the hall to eat during class time without being counted tardy. Respect yourself, respect others, and respect the equipment! We are fortunate to have so much wonderful and current equipment in this class. Cameras may be checked out overnight only. Loss of equipment or destruction of equipment may result in assessment of replacement fees and/or possible removal from the class.

School appropriate language and design is required of all students. Violation of this expectation may result in disciplinary referral. Inappropriate things may include but are not limited to foul language, drug related conversation or imagery, or any sexual innuendo or imagery.

If you are unsure about rules, or if you miss the first few days, please check with me via email or ask another student. Respect for others, and for the computer lab equipment in class is of utmost importance.