Engineering Technology Department College of Business &
Technology Western Illinois University
Knoblauch 135
1 University Circle
Macomb, IL 61455-1390
Graphic Communications 111-1: Graphic Communication Foundations
Fall 2015
Meets at 2:00-3:50 PM on Monday and Wednesday.
The class meets in Knoblauch Hall, Room 34B.
3 semester hours
Catalogue Description:
Graphic Communication 111-1: Graphic Communication Foundations
Overview of the Graphic Communication Industry. Topics include the history and conventional techniques used in printing, hardware and software tools used in the industry, and basic principles and methods used in the creation of print and non-print-based layouts. 2 hours.lecture; 2 hrs.lab.
Course Objectives:
After successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
• Identify major events in the history of printing
• Identify and explain the major characteristics of the various printing processes including screen printing, lithography and flexography
• Identify and correctly label various type classifications
• Become familiar with benefits and drawbacks of vector and pixel based graphics
• Become familiar different tools and methods used in the creation of simple print and web-based layouts and be able to effectively use these tools in the creation of those layouts
• Become familiar with the principles of design and various elements of design
Instructor Information:
Joyce A. Runquist
Knoblauch Hall B33
Office/Voicemail: 298-1860
Online Course Content: http://westernonline.wiu.edu/
E-mail: Ja-Runquist@wiu.edu
Office Hours: Monday & Wednesday 1-2 PM, and Tuesday &Thursday at 9-10 AM - other times by appointment.
Friday Monday
8:00 GCOM  117    -­‐  1
9:00 GCOM  117    -­‐  1
10:00 GCOM  212  -­‐  1
11:00
12:00
GCOM  212  -­‐  1
1:00
2:00
3:00
4:00
Office  Hour
GCOM 111
GCOM 111
Tuesday
Office  Hour
GCOM  112  -­‐  1
GCOM  112  -­‐  1
UNIV  100-­‐57(12:30)
UNIV  100-­‐57(1:20)
UNIV  100-­‐69
Wednesday
GCOM  117    -­‐  1
GCOM  117    -­‐  1
GCOM  212  -­‐  1
GCOM  212  -­‐  1
Office  Hour
GCOM 111
GCOM 111
Thursday
Office  Hour
GCOM  112  -­‐  1
GCOM  112  -­‐  1
Required Text:
Graphic Communications: The Printed Image by Prust (Author)
Goodheart-Willcox Co; 5th edition – Publisher - 2009
ISBN - 978-1605250618

Class Web site: http://westernonline.wiu.edu/
Special Course Costs:
Students of this course are required to pay a special course charge of $25 for each lab-related course in the Engineering
Technology Department. This money is used to support the consumable items used during the course. Payment of the course cost is a required portion of the class and must be paid after the second week of the semester but prior to your final exam. If you fail to pay your course cost, you will receive a grade of "I" for the course until the lab fee is paid or the university automatically changes the grade from "I" to "F" according to the University Policy. If the grade is changed to an "F", the grade will remain an F on your permanent transcript, regardless of payment. Payments can be made to the Engineering Technology department office (Knoblauch Hall 135) any time after the beginning of the third week of classes. It is recommended that students’ pay by check made out to "WIU". Likewise, the student should expect a receipt to serve as proof of payment. If you have questions or concerns, please direct them to the staff in Knoblauch
Hall 135 or call 309/298-1091.
Required Technologies:
Students must furnish their own thumb (flash) drives or cloud space to record their files. Students also are responsible for keeping their own back-ups. Files left on the server or lab computers are at student’s own risk – they can be deleted or damaged by others, so make sure to take a copy with you.
Computers & Software:
Students must have access to computers and the Internet. Students should have access to a Macintosh or Windows compatible and the appropriate software. There are University operated, fee supported laboratories in Library (Digital
Commons Area – check out laptop), Horrabin Hall, and in most of the dormitories. Graphic Communication labs may be used during open lab times, http://wiu.edu/users/mucad11/LabHours-­‐Fl15.png
Students must have access to Adobe Creative Suite CS6 and QuarkXPress. If using a newer version of the software then what is provided in the lab, make sure to down save the file.
Supplies:
The majority of supplies are furnished by the university. The student is responsible for the purchase of a notebook, folder , and a portable storage device (USB thumbdrive) of cloud space .
The notebook you have for this class will be used to store assignments and projects.
Your folder does not have to be new and pretty, it just needs to be functional. You are welcome to use a folder from an old class, but you will need to turn in the majority of your assignments in this folder, as most assignments will consist of more than one sheet of paper.
You will also be responsible for buying your textbook (where you buy it is up to you).
You should also plan on bringing a pencil to class, as we will be drawing the old fashioned way in addition to working on the computer.
E-mail:
The main mode of communication outside of the classroom will be through WIU's email system.
Students should expect to check their Zimbra email with frequency about course related items.
If you request an appointment with the instructor, utilize Zimbra's appointment feature to request a mutually agreeable time. The instructors will accept/decline to provide notice that the time will/won't work.
Rules for Giving an Incomplete:
WIU policy – A temporary symbol of I (Incomplete) for a course may be given only when a student, due to circumstances beyond his or her control, has been unable to complete the course requirements within the official limits of the term. The circumstances must be documented to the instructor’s satisfaction.

Last Day to Drop Course:
November 1st, 2015 Last day to drop regular 16-week course and receive "W" grade.
Attendance/Participation :
It is the policy of the university that students attend classes at all times except when unable due to illness or emergency.
The instructor is under no obligation to the student to aid in makeup for unexcused absences. Arriving late and leaving early is not recommended. Attendance and participation will be taken every class period and combined will account for
10% of the student’s final grade.
5 points will be given each day for attendance/participation:
1-point deduction will be giving for being disruptive to the classroom
2-point deduction will be giving for being on cellphone
3-point deduction will be giving for being on social media
5-point deduction will be giving for falling asleep
Coming to class tardy (late) three times counts as one absence.
Perfect attendance allows for a student to drop their lowest homework score at the end of the semester. I allow for two excused absence a semester, but I have to be notified by the OARS System (SEE LINK BELOW) that you will be missing before class time, other wise you will be counted absent.
WIU has developed a new absence reporting system that students may use to report absences from classes. The following is a link to that resource: https://www.wiu.edu/OARS/ ; if you will be missing class, please use this form.
Department of Engineering Technology Goals for Student Learning: Engineering Technology (Construction
Management, Graphic Communication, Manufacturing Engineering Technology) is a field of study designed to provide students educational programs that allow them to communicate effectively, design and apply technical solutions, use technology effectively, and respond to project management tasks in an environment with continually changing and sophisticated technology in an increasingly competitive global marketplace.
By graduation, Engineering Technology students should be able to:
1. Think critically and creatively;
2. Understand the theoretical principles of the profession;
3. Understand and apply relevant technology in the solution of technical problems;
4. Organize, manage, and maintain projects;
5. Develop an appreciation for ethical and professional practices;
6. Develop and refine oral, written, and visual communication skills;
7. Demonstrate an overall competency in the program objectives.
WIU Graphic Communication Program Competencies: By graduation, Graphic Communication students should be able to:
1.
Develop an in-depth knowledge of the characteristics of graphic design in printing and online publishing processes;
2.
Demonstrate competency in the operation and maintenance of computer hardware, software and printing/publishing equipment;
3.
Apply resource and project management principles used in the graphic communication industry;
4.
Demonstrate competency in oral, written, and graphic communication;
5.
Develop critical thinking and problem solving skills necessary to compete in industry;
*This course will address all of the program competencies listed above.*

Course Outline:
Weeks 1 & 2: Introduction and What is Graphic Communication
Week 3: Careers
Weeks 4 & 5: Introduction to Design Elements
Week 6: Hardware & Software Overview
Week 7: Midterm
Weeks 8-15: Project and Application of Design Elements & Software Tools
Week 16: Final Exam
Final Exam: Monday, December 14th, 2015, at 3:00 PM. Any exceptions to the final exam schedule must be approved by department chair and the Dean of the College of Business and Technology in writing including student’s name, ID# and signatures.
Grading Information:
Tests and quizzes account for 30% of the total grade. Regular assignments, class presentations, and abstracts account for
60% of the total grade. Class participation and attendance accounts for 10% of the total grade. Grades will be emailed throughout the semester using Zimbra (Western’s Email).
A 93% and above
A- 90 – 92.9% of maximum possible points
B+
B
B-
C+
87-89.9%
83-86.9%
80 – 82.9% of maximum possible points
77-79.9%
C
C-
D+
D
D-
73-76.9%
70 – 72.9% of maximum possible points
67-69.9%
63-66.9%
60 – 62.9% of maximum possible points
F 59.9% or less
Late Assignments:
Late assignments should be discussed with the instructor on an individual basis. Assignments are due at the beginning of class. Late assignments will be assessed a 10% deduction for each DAY late. Assignments five or more days late will be
counted as a zero. This includes weekends.
Assessments:
Two tests will be administered over the course of the semester. Students are expected to take the test at the assigned times. MP3 players, cellular phones and PDAs should be turned off during lecture times and will not be allowed during test times. During an exam, if a student leaves the room (i.e. to get a drink, place a call, use the restroom, etc.) the
examination will be considered completed at that point.
Rules for Giving an Incomplete:
WIU policy – A temporary symbol of I (Incomplete) for a course may be given only when a student, due to circumstances beyond his or her control, has been unable to complete the course requirements within the official limits of the term. The circumstances must be documented to the instructor’s satisfaction.

Laboratory Guidelines:
1.
Students are only allowed to work in the printing laboratory during the assigned class times, unless the instructor has given permission to do so outside of regular class time. Students are allowed to work in the computer lab without the instructor present, and the times for computer lab open sessions will be posted;
2.
Food or drink in the laboratories; if you want to use a water or drink container that can be sealed you are welcome to keep it under your computer desk or in your backpack; do not set these bottles next to your keyboard, and do not munch on greasy food right before using a keyboard J ;
3.
Students are responsible for cleaning up their work area. Clean up should be done during class and at the end of class. This ensures a clean environment for other students and other classes. Failure to clean up work areas will result in loss of participation points, and a dirty laboratory in which to complete our projects;
4.
Computers in the lab are for work in this class only. Students may save appropriate files to the computers and the server, as long as the files are related to this class;
5.
Printing from computers is for the sole purpose of completing class assignments. Do not use the laser printers in either of the GCOM lab’s to print out work for other classes;
6.
Paper is expensive, so please be careful to print only what you need, and please recycle all paper that you print out but cannot use. If you are having problems printing something, do not continue to hit PRINT over and over again. Stop your print job and see me. Save a tree!
7.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Cell phones are prohibited from ringing in the classroom and the laboratory.
Make sure they are turned off, or at least have them on vibrate. Also, if you are working during lab hours, do not just chat away on your cell phone in the lab, take your phone call into the hallway so that the other students around you can focus on their work and not listen to your conversation about what might be going on at the
Café that night;
8.
Headphones/Music: I love music and often will play music during the lab times. I know some of you feel the same way. So, feel free to bring in your Ipod and your headphones. During normal lab times you are welcome to listen to it at a reasonable volume level. If the student next to you can hear that you are listening to the Grateful
Dead, the volume is too high. Respect the students around you. You will not be allowed to wear headphones during any type of examination.
9.
Internet/E-mail: you are welcome to surf and check your e-mail before or after class, or during lab time. I do not want you surfing, chatting, or e-mailing as I am lecturing or during times, which you are supposed to be doing something, class related. If you insist on surfing while I lecture, I will deduct points from your participation grade. If you are caught downloading illegal software or viewing inappropriate sites, you will automatically be banned from the computer lab during open lab hours, and have all of your participation points removed from your final grade.
Safety:
Safety is an important and crucial factor in the Graphic Communication Industry. It is equally, or more, important within the setting of this class and the laboratory. All students should abide by the following procedures:
1. All students are required to wear safety glasses in critical eye-safety areas, such as the press area;
2. No student will operate any piece of equipment before the instructor has demonstrated the correct manner to use the equipment;
3. Students with long hair are required to tie hair back or wear a net when operating equipment;
4. Neckties and other loose clothing should not be worn around operating equipment;
5. Long sleeve shirts should have their sleeves secured or rolled up;
6. Necklaces and other jewelry must be secured or removed before operating equipment;
7. Chemistry must be handled with extreme caution;
8. While operating equipment students must always be focused on the task at hand! Students who are not focused have a much better chance of having an accident. Therefore, only students operating a particular piece of equipment will be allowed to be around that said piece of equipment;
9. Any accidents should be reported to the instructor immediately.
Any student violating any of these procedures will immediately have lab privileges suspended for a period of time specified by the instructor.

Academic Integrity:
Preamble:
Western Illinois University, like all communities, functions best when its members treat one another with honesty, fairness, respect, and trust. Students have rights and responsibilities
( http://www.wiu.edu/provost/students/ ) and students should realize that deception for individual gain is an offense against the members of the entire community, and it is the student's responsibility to be informed and to abide by all
University regulations and policies on Academic Integrity.
Plagiarism, cheating, and other forms of academic dishonesty constitute a serious violation of University conduct regulations. Students who engage in dishonesty in any form shall be charged with academic dishonesty.
It is a duty of faculty members to take measures to preserve and transmit the values of the academic community in the learning environment that they create for their students and in their own academic pursuits. To this end, they are expected to instill in their students a respect for integrity and a desire to behave honestly. They are also expected to take measures to discourage student academic dishonesty, to adjust grades appropriately if academic dishonesty is encountered, and, when warranted, to recommend that additional administrative sanctions be considered. Grading policies are the exclusive prerogative of the faculty; administrative sanctions are under the authority of the Director of Student Judicial Programs. This document provides policies and procedures to be followed when academic dishonesty is encountered.
Definitions of Academic Dishonesty:
The following definitions and examples are not meant to be exhaustive. The University reserves the right to determine, in a given instance, what action constitutes a violation of academic integrity. (See www.wiu.edu/policies/acintegrity.php for complete descriptions of the following topics:
1. Plagiarism
2. Fabrication and Falsification
3. Cheating
4. Complicity in Academic Dishonesty
5. Abuse of Academic Materials
6. Multiple Submissions
Reporting Academic Dishonesty:
All members of the University community share the responsibility and authority to challenge and make known acts of apparent academic dishonesty. Any student, faculty member, or staff person who has witnessed an apparent act of student academic dishonesty, or has information that reasonably leads to the conclusion that such an act has occurred or has been attempted, has an ethical responsibility for reporting said act(s). Confronting and reporting academic dishonesty can be done in a variety of ways, and people should choose the manner most appropriate for the circumstances. Acts of apparent academic dishonesty that occur in the classroom should be reported directly to the course instructor, and/or the course instructor's Department Chair, and/or the instructor's College Dean. The Council on Admission, Graduation, and Academic Standards (CAGAS) or the Graduate Council will not accept or act upon anonymous reports, but will hold in strict confidence the identity of any person reporting a suspected instance of academic dishonesty, unless that person consents to having his/her identity revealed.

Access & Disabilities:
“Students with disabilities: In accordance with University values and disability law, students with disabilities may request academic accommodations where there are aspects of a course that result in barriers to inclusion or accurate assessment of
achievement. To file an official request for disability-related accommodations, please contact the Disability Resource
Center at 309-298-2512, disability@wiu.edu
or in 143 Memorial Hall. Please notify the instructor as soon as possible to
ensure that this course is accessible to you in a timely manner.
Resolution of Problems:
Should a problem occur, students should speak to their instructor first. If the problem is not resolved, meet with the chair of the department. If the problem continues to be unresolved, go to the College of Business and Technology’s
Dean.
Students should observe the following sequence for the resolution of problems:
Student --- Instructor --- Chairperson --- Dean
Syllabus subject to change with notice.