Engineering Technology Department • College of Business & Technology
Western Illinois University
135 Knoblauch Hall, 1 University Circle - Macomb, IL 61455-1390
GCOM 316-Sec 01: Production Printing
2 – 3:50pm Monday/Wednesday – Room: B51
3 Credit Hours
Course Prerequisites: GCOM 217 and 312, or instructor approval
Fall 2015
Instructor: Ms Pam Daniel
Knoblauch B51
Office phone: 309-298-1488
PE-Daniel@wiu.edu
Office Hours: Posted outside Instructor’s office and on the last page of this document.
Course Description: Printing production techniques are utilized throughout this course allowing the
opportunity to view and practice the fundamental methods used in the graphic communication industry.
1 hr lect.; 4 hrs lab.
Course Objectives:
After successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
1. Describe and practice steps in the printing production process
2. Identify careers available in printing production.
3. Practice shop safety rules
4. Be familiar with occupational safety regulations
5. Describe and demonstrate how to set-up various printing equipment for a variety of printed
products
6. Describe printing systems and processes, and how those technologies interact and impact
society.
7. Demonstrate skills and knowledge required use of industry specific software.
8. Identify and demonstrate an understanding of imposition layout for multi-page documents
9. Be proficient with single and multi-color screen-printing production.
10. Be proficient in producing single and two color projects-on an offset duplicator press.
11. Effectively use registration aids to produce multi-color printed materials.
12. Operate a variety of binding and finishing machines using appropriate techniques.
13. Define and utilize quality control methods
14. Be familiar with printing industry trade customs
15. Produce a production portfolio.
16. Effectively work independently and in groups as required.
Course Structure:
The purpose of this course is to provide students with basic production concepts practiced in the printing
industry. This course will consist of lecture, hands-on training and lab projects.
Personal Projects:
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8-page booklet – on topic of choice (must be approved), printed on press, folded and bound
Screen printed media (t-shirt or other fabric substrate)
Portfolio - includes all projects assigned during semester. Accompanying each project is a
1-2 paragraph describing the tools and skills used in its execution.
Course Topic Outline:
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Printing workflow
Printing production careers
Employee handbook
Scheduling and print orders
Printing Trade customs
Job tickets and time sheets
Print file preparation
Imposition
MSDS and shop safety
Platemaking
Offset press systems
Offset press operation
Press maintenance
Bindery and finishing
Screen printing: stretching, preparation and printing
Quality control, standards and specifications
Wide format printing
Print on Demand
Cross media publishing
Graphic Communication Department 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
In this course students will be assigned activities that help them to meet competencies:
#1, #2, #3, #4, and #5.
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; and
7. Demonstrate an overall competency in the program objectives.
Required Text:
“The All New Print Production Handbook,” David Bann, Watson-Guptill, NY
ISBN: 978-0823099924
Online Course Material
Study guides, a class calendar, and a listing of suggested readings related to the course content will be
provided within “Western Online” or provided within the library reference of resources for this course.
Required Supplies:
 3-ring binder (for your course work and notes)
 Ruler (inches and picas)
 4GB (or larger) flash drive to save or backup your files.
Do not save your digital documents on the computers. Lost work due to technology failure is not
an excuse. It is important to backup your files for redundancy. If you are using software outside
of class, remember that it is best if you have the same CS6 suite on your personal computer.
Class Website:
Every student enrolled in this class will be required to log in and use the university Western Online
system. Quizzes and tests may be administered through this online course delivery system, and the site
will also be the location for course materials, handouts, and links to helpful information. Students will
also be required to log in to check for announcements. The Web site can be accessed through the
following link.
https://westernonline.wiu.edu/
Log in using your “ecom” information and password. Please note this is the same as your e-mail log
in and password. I will assist you in logging in if you have problems. I cannot assign you an “ecom”
account, and I do not have access to your info or passwords. You will have to contact UCSS directly if
you are having problems logging into the system. For questions concerning access to Western Online
you can call 298-2704 or email: support@wiu.edu
If you miss a class for some reason, check the Western Online site to find out what you may have
missed. Often times I will post assignments directly on the course Web site. I will also try to update the
weekly announcements so that you will know of upcoming deadlines.
Assignments:
Access the Western Online course site (https://westernonline.wiu.edu/webct/) for specific
assignment details, including due dates. Assignments will be made throughout the semester, and change
depending upon the class. Assignments must be turned in by assigned date, no exceptions.
It is your responsibility to proofread your work before you turn it in for a grade. I am going to be
very strict when it comes to spelling and grammar mistakes. The best way to avoid this is to read your
work over before you submit it, use the spell check tools in your programs, and double check words you
are unsure of. Take this time up front and you will not lose points.
If I find misspelled words or poor grammar I will deduct the following points:
1 points for every misspelled word
1 points for each case of poor grammar
Plagiarism in any form will not be tolerated in this class. Make sure you correctly reference any
material you use directly using APA format, and use your own words when you do not directly reference
it. If I catch you doing this, you will fail the course and be reported.
Software:
InDesign CCS will be covered and is provided in Knoblauch B51. Students who choose to work
outside of this lab are responsible for ensuring that their files open correctly on the lab computers.
Lab Use
Outside of designated class time, students enrolled in the course are welcome to work in the lab
during open lab time. Additional time may be arranged in the lab provided the instructor utilizing the lab
gives permission. Food is not allowed in the labs, but drinks in re-sealable containers are permissible if
kept away from the equipment. Please do not allow your friends to use the labs at any time, since only
students currently enrolled in GCom courses may use the facilities and equipment.
Special Course Cost:
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. Also, for the convenience of the students, the
instructor will announce one date that a staff member will visit the classroom to collect course
charges en masse.
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.
Important Dates to Remember
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Class Begins: Monday, August 24
Labor Day, September 7 (no classes)
Midterm Exam: October 14
Fall Break: November 23-27
Last Day to withdraw from class: December 1
Last Day of classes: December 9
Final Exam: December 14, 3pm*
Last Day to Drop Course: December 1
* 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.
Course Requirements: Each student is expected to:
1. Attend Class. You must be prepared to interact and discuss topics related to course assignments,
2. Participate in class discussions and group activities, and
3. Complete all assignments and submit by deadline.
4. Your grade will be determined on successfully achieving the requirements of this course.
The course requirements and percent of your grade are as follows:
 Class projects & portfolio: 75%
 Participation (in-class quizzes): 5%
 Midterm and Final Exams: 20%
Grading:
All points will be cumulative and be totaled, ranked and graded according to the following scale:
A = 92-100 A- = 90-91
B+ = 88-89 B = 82-87
B- = 80-81
C+ = 78-79 C = 72-77
C- = 70-71
D+ = 68-69 D = 62-67
D- = 60-61
F = 59 and below
Extra Credit:
There will also be additional extra credit assignments during the semester. Membership in the Graphic
Communication club adds two points to your final grade. Attendance at the Graphic Communication
Club adds one point to final grade per meeting attended. These extra credit assignments will add total
points and could make the difference between one letter grade and another.
Method(s) of Evaluation/Assessment:
a. Project based assessments
b. Individual and Group work projects
c. Course portfolio
d. Participation (In-class quizzes)
e. Midterm and Final Examinations
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.
Class Attendance:
Online Absence Reporting System (OARS): In accordance with WIU University Senate policy;
students are to report any absences through OARS. Beu Health Center will no longer issue
documentation of absence due to illness.
In a class such as this, the only way to learn as a student is to be present. Therefore, students are
required to attend class. I will be taking roll through out the semester, and it is required that you be in
class on a regular basis…. If you are not in class, you will not be learning with the other students, and
you WILL fall behind. In the case of unexcused absences, I am under no obligation to aid you, the
student, in making up missed assignments or missed lectures.
Excused absences are those that you tell me about before hand, or those that happen under
unexpected consequences such as a death or illness. Unexpected consequences do not include
hangovers, naps, or sunny afternoons. Excused absences must be supported with written documentation.
Further, it is the responsibility of the student to provide documentation if an excused absence is to be
granted.
In this course, three unexcused absences are permitted without a reduction in grade. After
three unexcused absences, each unexcused absence will result in a letter grade reduction.
In all cases of absences, it is your responsibility to get the lecture material you missed, or find out
what projects we may have started or finished. In addition, arriving late and leaving early will be not be
acceptable, unless you have a good reason to do so. Each student is expected to stay to the end of the
scheduled class period and aid classmates with learning opportunities. Absences, late arrivals, and early
departures will have a direct effect on your grade. If you decide to take a week or two off, I can
guarantee that your grade will be directly affected and you will have a hard time passing the course.
Someone is paying for you to be in this class, so take advantage of my knowledge and desire to teach,
and be in class on a regular basis.
IMPORTANT NOTES:
Smart/Cell phones are prohibited in the classroom and the laboratory unless instructor
specifically indicates that they should/can be used for in-class work:
The first time your phone goes off in class you will automatically lose 5 points from your final grade,
the second time you will lose an additional 10 points (15 points total), the third time you will lose an
additional 20 points (35 points total), etc
Refrain from texting, or otherwise using your smartphone during class. A similar reduction of points
applies to each unauthorized use of your phone in class.
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 in which
you are supposed to be doing something class related. You really can live for a little while without
checking your friend’s updates.
Professionalism: When you come to class you will be reporting to “work.” As you would with a job, be
prepared, maintain an attitude of respect towards others, yourself and your instructor at all times. Just
like a real job, there is to be no “sleeping on the job.”
Copyright Law: any logo, artwork or printed material that is copyrighted may not be reproduced in our
lab. This is your opportunity to create all your own “original work.”
Headphones/Music: During normal lab times you are welcome to listen to it at a reasonable volume
level. You will not be allowed to wear headphones during any type of examination.
Respect: When working in the lab or listening to a lecture make sure you respect your classmates and
your instructor. I find it very rude for you to be checking your Facebook pages while I am lecturing.
I find it even ruder for you to be doing so when one of your classmates is making a presentation.
When you are in this class, you should be focused on this class.
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;
1. No student will operate any piece of equipment before the instructor has demonstrated
the correct manner to use the equipment;
2. Students with long hair are required to tie hair back or wear a net when operating
equipment;
3. Neckties and other loose clothing should not be worn around operating equipment;
4. Long sleeve shirts should have their sleeves secured or rolled up;
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Necklaces and other jewelry must be secured or removed before operating equipment;
Chemistry must be handled with extreme caution;
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.
10. Any student violating any of these procedures will immediately have lab
Disability Support Services
For students with special needs, please review this website
[http://www.wiu.edu/student_services/disability_resource_center/students/] for more information.
Western Illinois University is committed to justice, equity, and diversity. Providing equal opportunities
for students with disabilities is a campus-wide responsibility and commitment in which Disability
Support Services (DSS) plays a primary role.
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 disabilityrelated 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.
If you have emergency medical information to share with me, if you need special arrangements in
case the building must be evacuated, or if you need accommodations in this course because of a
disability, please make an appointment with me as soon as possible. My office location and hours are
listed in this syllabus. If you plan to request disability accommodations, you are expected to register
with the Disability Resource Center (DRC) at 298-2512.
Counseling Services
The University Counseling Center (UCC) provides free personal, academic, and career counseling
services to all WIU undergraduates and graduates. Individual, couple, and group counseling is available
and all counseling sessions are confidential
[http://www.student.services.wiu.edu/ucc/].
Academic Integrity:
Review this website [http://www.wiu.edu/policies/acintegrity.php] for 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.
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:
 Plagiarism,
 Fabrication and Falsification,
 Cheating,
 Complicity in Academic Dishonesty,
 Abuse of Academic Materials,
 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.
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
Important info to remember all semester!
GCom 316
1. Participate fully during class by keeping track of the class schedule, attending all sessions, and
taking complete notes. Along the same lines, it would be much appreciated if cell phones
are not used during presentations and lectures (i.e., set ringers to silent mode and no text
messaging). If you choose not to participate in class or pay full attention during presentations,
you do so at your own risk!
2. Meet all deadlines, including the stated date and time.
3. Know and follow safety procedures in production lab at all times.
a. Students who demonstrate that they are unable or unwilling to follow safety
guidelines will be denied shop privileges
b. Everyone working in the GCOM shops need to help prevent accidents and to work
safely.
4. Do not use equipment unless you have been shown how to properly use it.
5. If equipment is, or becomes broken, stop using it immediately and inform your instructor.
6. Any accidents should be reported to the instructor immediately.
7. Manage your files, including by saving backup copies in an alternate location and by making sure
they’re readable in the lab if you choose to work elsewhere. To downsave a file (i.e., save an
InDesign CCS file so it can be opened in InDesign CS6), open it in the newer version and do
the following. (Note: “upsaving” doesn’t exist, since newer versions of software are designed
to open files from older versions.)
a. Photoshop: Downsaving is not an issue, since layered .psd files interact relatively well from
version to version.
b. Illustrator: In CCS, when you save the file, you’ll see an “Illustrator options” window that will
allow you to choose the version of Illustrator (for example, CS5 or earlier).
c. InDesign: In CCS, go to File - Export; change the format to “InDesign Markup” (extension
will be .idml).
d. QuarkXPress: File - Export - Layout as Project; change the version in the appropriate area of
the “Export” window.
8. If you need to be absent from class for any reason, it is to your benefit to e-mail or call the
instructor before the start of class. Also, get complete notes from a classmate (or two!) and
make an honest effort to gather as much info as possible before requesting help. Please do not
expect to be individually tutored by the instructor.
9. Your instructor is available Monday-Friday, including scheduled classes, posted office hours, and
other times by prior appointment), so please make use of the time provided Monday through
Friday.
10. Be responsible for your own learning! If you ask questions, attend all classes (including required, take
thorough notes, manage your time well, and otherwise do your best work in this class, there’s no
reason you shouldn’t be able to receive the grade you want. Remember, you earn your grade
based on how well you meet the requirements of this class!
Office Hours: You may make an appointment outside of scheduled office hours by emailing or talking
in person with the instructor at least 24 hours prior to meeting time. Look for confirmation of
appointment (via the method used to make appointment) before your arrival.
Instructor: Ms Pam Daniel
Knoblauch B32
Office phone: 309-298-1488
PE-Daniel@wiu.edu
Fall 2015
Monday
11-12 pm
Office
12 - 1:15 pm
GCOM 320
Tuesday
11-12 pm
Office
12 – 1:50 pm
GCOM 213
Wednesday
11-12 pm
Office
12 - 1:15 pm
GCOM 320
Thursday
11-12 pm
Office
12 – 1:50 pm
GCOM 213
2 – 3:50 pm
GCOM 316
2 – 3:50 pm
GCOM 415
2 – 3:50 pm
GCOM 316
2 – 3:50 pm
GCOM 415
Friday
By Appointment
GCOM 316 – Fall 2015
Upon reading your syllabus, please sign the following form. This form will act as a contract
between you (the student) and me (the professor). By signing the form you acknowledge reading the
syllabus and understanding such things as; what might happen if you break the honor code (you fail
the project, fail the course, and are reported to the University honor code office), what might happen
if you do not turn in a project on time, what might happen if you miss more than one class (your grade
will suffer).
This “contract” allows me to know you have read the syllabus and understand the consequences. On a
different note, by reading the syllabus and signing this form, you also understand how it is easy to pass
this course, and get a good grade; show up to class everyday, complete your projects on time, do a little
more than the assignment asks for, and clean up after yourself.
Please print your name and sign the line below, and turn this into me at the end of class.
Thanks!
Print your name here: ________________________________________________
Print your e-mail address here _________________________________@wiu.edu
Sign your name here: ________________________________________________