College of Mount St. Joseph      

Spring 2004

Art Department

 

Course Syllabus (tentative as of 01.14.04)

 

 

GRD 356: Graphic Design 4: Visible Language (3)

Prerequisites: GRD 355

Wednesday 6:00-8:50 p.m. (section 06)

Graphic Design Program

 

Instructor: Michael Kroeger

Office: 201A Art Building

Telephone: 513-244-4203

Office Hours: Mon. 3:45 – 5; Tue. 10:30 – 12 p.m., 1-3 p.m.; Thur. 3:45 – 5 p.m.

E-mail: Michael_Kroeger@mail.msj.edu

 

Course Description

This course will introduce third year design students to principles of sequential design. Students will explore advanced typographic composition and book/sequential design layout. Advanced concepts such as visible language and semiotic principles for the graphic designer will be explored.

 

Learning Outcomes and Performance Indicators

At the conclusion of this course the student will be able to:

 

Projects

1)    Corporate Identity Program see WebCT

2)    Sequential design project see WebCT

3)    Program book/Portfolio development see WebCT

4)    Advanced Typographic/Semiotics design see WebCT

 

Deadlines

There are two deadlines given for all exercises, midterm and the end of the semester. The course is organized this way for two reasons:

(1)  to enable the student to refine projects as needed throughout the semester

(2)  to build self-discipline through time organization.

 

Midterm Presentation

The midterm presentation is considered a target and is by appointment. At this point half of the semester work is ideally complete. Keep in mind that it may be necessary to refine some earlier projects towards the end of the semester.

 

Final Presentation

Your final presentation is by appointment during final exam week. The presentation is cumulative. Evaluation criteria comprise the project requirements and the self-evaluation personal development points. Deficiencies are recorded and considered in the final evaluation. There is a grade penalty (unsatisfactory) for late or incomplete presentations. Some work may be temporarily retained for faculty discussion and documentation.

 

Policies

This course follows College, and Department guidelines, objectives, and regulations. Listed below are some specific points for student attention.

 

Attendance

Graphic Design 4: Visible Language calls for regular course attendance and participation. Since we meet only one day per week it is essential that you participate in class for the entire period, please do not ask if it is OK to leave early. It is NOT! Each student must fulfill 87 percent attendance and participation. Attendance and participation below 87 percent (two class periods) affect grading. Absences are ‘no fault’ that is, there are no excused/unexcused absences. If there is a serious problem, such as accident, illness, family or personal problem that causes significant absence, contact the professor promptly to discuss your choices.

 

Grading

The final grade is a professor/student consensus evaluation based on these course policies, the achievement of specific project criteria, and the developmental points listed on the evaluation criteria. A student self-evaluation conducted at midterm and finals records student progress perceptions.

 

Incompletes

A mark of 'I' (incomplete) is given by the professor only when a student who is otherwise doing acceptable work is unable to complete a course because of conditions beyond personal control. An incomplete requires external verification such as a physician's letter. If at reviews, your work is incomplete but otherwise meets standards, and you do not qualify for an 'I' grade, you will receive a 'D' grade. When you complete the work, a grade change to a 'C' will be submitted.

 


Midterm/Final Evaluation

 

Student name: ___________________________________

 

Faculty evaluates student performance based on the course policies, performance expectations, project criteria, and the personal development items below. Incomplete final presentations earn 'D' or ‘F’ grades.

 

Circle assessment -- (4 is higher 1 is lower)

 

Initiative and enthusiasm                     4          3.5       3          2.5       2          1.5       1

 

Performance consistency                     4          3.5       3          2.5       2          1.5       1

 

Studio preparation                               4          3.5       3          2.5       2          1.5       1

 

Thinking and judgment                       4          3.5       3          2.5       2          1.5       1

 

Regular practice                                   4          3.5       3          2.5       2          1.5       1

 

Project management                            4          3.5       3          2.5       2          1.5       1

 

Craft development                               4          3.5       3          2.5       2          1.5       1

 

Self-determination                               4          3.5       3          2.5       2          1.5       1

 

Personal development                          4          3.5       3          2.5       2          1.5       1

 

General performance level                   4          3.5       3          2.5       2          1.5       1

 

Overall design performance                 4          3.5       3          2.5       2          1.5       1

 

Attendance/leave early             ______________        _________________

 

 

Letter grade assessment                       A         B+       B         C+       C         D+      D

 


Tools

Drawing pencil, 2B, 4B, 6B

Pelikan Plaka* paint – Black 50 ml jar; as needed.

Pelikan Plaka* paint – White 50 ml jar; as needed.

Windsor Newton Sceptre 101 (or equivalent) brushes (2 the same size) – size 4 (or equivalent).

Windsor Newton series 680 (or equivalent) 1" brush

Ruling pen.

Crescent 201 hot press board; as needed.

30/60 degree triangle – 12" size.

45 degree triangle – 12" size.

Schaedler Precision Rule set (or equivalent millimeter scale).

Xacto knife # 11 blades.

Cutting mat.

18 inch metal straight edge.

Utility knife.

Scissors.

Scotch 811 Removable Magic Plus tape 3/4 x 72yd; as needed.

Scotch Double Sided clear tape

(*Black and white gesso may be substituted for Plaka

Zip disks – Re-Writable CD

 

Designer Color* (gouache)

Windsor Newton (WN 0605)

181 -- 335 -- 508 -- 0614 512 (522) -- 523 -- 524 -- 527 -- 603

 

Sources of Supply

Suder’s Art Store/1309 Vine Street (downtown) 241-0800;

Lance’s Art Supplies/345 Calhoun (near UC) 861-0667;

Prince Reproduction/7th & Main Streets (downtown) 621-0726;

Michaels – Arts & Crafts/Glencrossing Way 451-374;

Hader Hardware:

1)    Del Fair Shopping Center 451-5666; or

2)    3174 Harrison Ave. in Westwood 661-0123

 

Books

A History of Graphic Design

By Philip Meggs

Van Nostrand