Course Materials
Supplies are to be purchased as needed. See the list here. Reavers Art Supply Warehouse has most everything but the digital media (you'll need to get a few things at CompUSA and one or two things at Walmart or an office supply store.) See and download a map to Reaver's.
Textbooks: We will be using several different softwares over the course of the semester. Many tools and procedures are common to all. Also, each program has help files, and internet resources abound. Get started using the introduction I provide, then, in and out of class, write down questions you have (general and specific) that are not immediately related to completing your assignments.
Be prepared to buy a book--It may be that a perticular software intrigues you and you want to go beyond what I am physically able to communicate to you (16 students is a large lab.) Also, you may find that you are not "getting it" and really need a reference that you can hold in your hands--but look at them all before purchasing any one. Take your "list of questions" that you've created, and go see which publishers "speak" to you. Every book claims to have the answers--but are they asking the same questions you are?
The number one book of choice last semester was the Flash Bible.
Prerequisites
- ART 1300
- ART 1201
- PGY 1401
- ARH 2050 or ARH 2051.
Course Description
GRA 2190C. Graphic Design I/Introduction (3). Prerequisites: ART 1201C, 1300C, 2301C. A continuation of the basic concepts introduced in Methods and Concepts I and II as they apply to graphic design. Iconography, signs and symbols, and two-dimensional and three-dimensional compositions will be used as exploratory design problems. These problems extend the methodology and conceptualizing/problem-solving skills of design.
ART 4926Cr. Media Workshop: Electronic Imaging (3). Prerequisite: Instructor permission. Electronic imaging, video, computer graphics, animation. May be repeated to a maximum of nine (9) semester hours.
These two classes must be taken together.
Course Objectives
Software Skill: Photoshop, InDesign & Quark, lllustrator, Dreamweaver, and Flash, Sound Edit
Digital Imaging Skills: Photography, Scanning
Concepts: Appropriate resolution, file formats, standard units of measurements, naming conventions, general technical concepts for print and web
Language: Vocabulary for critique that includes standard art and design terms, and an introduction to the critical theory surrounding this discipline
Course Policies
Evaluation
I tend to evaluate on three levels. 1. Your committment to the assignment: Did you fulfill the requirements? Did you build on the basic principles? Experiment? 2. Straight presentation: Is it clean, well designed and free of food particles? 3. General intuition: I reward work that I think is exciting. Sometimes the exciting part isn't in the work itself, but the thoughts behind your processes. 4. Most importantly, I grade your design. While it may seem like the evaluation of "design" is a subjective exercise--it isn't. Substitute the word "visual communication" in place of the word "design." In keeping with the times, I try to be more than one audience.
I encourage you to engage the material with good spirits.You're working toward the future.
I don't grade every individual exercise or project. However I do provide feedback on each one. I periodically assign grades so that you become familiar with my evaluation style but these will be combined with your midterm and final portfolio grades.
At the midterm and in the final days of class we will have conferences where you bring your portfolio and sketchbook and we chat about your progress and your future.
Grading Scale
A -- For each assignment, I expect that you will solve the problem and demonstrate commitment in terms of time spent, imagination exercised, and craftsmanship executed... and you'll turn it in on time.
B -- I reserve this grade for folks who have trouble understanding the concepts even though they take notes, try hard, don't succumb to their exasperation and give up, use the provided resources, and struggle against the idea that this material does not come naturally to them (and they do not whine about it.)
C -- If I see a poor quality of craftsmanship, evidence of a hurried job, or halfhearted attempt to solve the problem at hand. Basically an "A" student who doesn't fulfill their potential.
D -- A "B" student who doesn't even try.
F -- Missing course work, excessive absences, poor attitude.
I -- As a semester's grade, the "incomplete" will only be given in cases of medical, or family medical emergency, or financial hardship, and only then when the proper documentation is supplied to your advisor, and I recieve a written request from them on your behalf.
Attendance
Standard FSU policy is that:
...students may miss a maximum of three class meetings without any penalty, and that any additional absence (excused or otherwise) will result in a reduction of the course grade.
However, this is NOT a "standard" course, and missing an entire day will set you back considerably.
The initial presentation, overhearing answers to others' technical questions, the repetitive nature of the work, and my availability to help troubleshoot, is where the knowledge comes from. Historical information is generally dispensed along with the assignment, and then elaborated on during discussion as people are trying to solve the design problems.
If you are beginning the graphic design program here at FSU then this information is the foundation of your entire major. If this is simply an introduction to desktop publishing before you graduate then this is the entire amount of information that you need.
So, to recap: Do not miss class. If you must, then let me know what's up---by email---before class begins.
Lab Fee
The art department charges a lab fee to be used for expendable materials used throughout the art facilities.
Lab Safety and Cleanliness Policies
Computers place our bodies under extraordinary stress. Ergonomic considerations have been made in the design of the labs, but there are a few things you must pay attention to. 1. Focus your eyes away from the screen, and at a distance every few minutes. 2. If your legs start to fall asleep, or any other part of your body becomes fatigued, take a break. 3. If your hand hurts, stop. 4. Learn proper stretching techniques (this semester would be the perfect time to take up a martial art or some other movement exercise.)
No food or drinks in the lab!
Assignments/Responsibilities
Show up for every class. Listen to me when I send my voice across the room. Ask questions (even if you already heard the answer once.)
Read the schedule the evening before, and make sure you have the necessary materials.
Course Content and Outlines
See the Schedule
Academic Honor Code
Students are expected to uphold the Academic Honor Code. The Academic Honor System at the Florida State University is based on the premise that each student has the responsibility to: (1) Uphold the highest standards of academic integrity in the students own work, (2) Refuse to tolerate violations of academic integrity in the University community, and (3) Foster a high sense of integrity and social responsibility on the part of the University community.
Go to http://www.fsu.edu/~union/honor.htm for the full text.
Americans With Disabilities Act
Show Students with disabilities needing academic accommodation should (1) register with and provide documentation to the student Disability Resource Center; (2) bring a letter to the instructor indicating the need for accomodation and what type. This should be done during the first week of class. For more information about other services available to FSU students with disabilities, contact the Students with Disabilities Resource Center:
Dean of Students Department
08 Kellum Hall
Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL 32306-4400
850/644-9566
(TDD) 850/644-8504This syllabus and other class materials are available in an alternate format upon request
Additional Information
The coursework is a select compilation of other peoples research. Click here to browse the list of resources.