Graphic Communications 217-1: Electronic Desktop Publishing I
Course Syllabus
Spring 2009
Course Information:
GCOM 217-1 meets from 8:00-9:50 AM on Mondays and Wednesdays. The class
meets in Knoblauch Hall, Room B51.
Catalogue Description:
GCOM 217 Course Description: A study of terms, programs, and equipment used
in electronic desktop publishing. An introduction and exposure to a variety of
electronic desktop publishing programs and tools. Emphasis is upon design, layout,
and execution of techniques used in publishing. 2 hours lecture; 2 hours lab.
Course Objectives:
The main purpose of this course is for students to gain experience in creating
single- and multiple-page layouts (such as corporate identity pieces, forms, articles,
and ads) in InDesign.
Course Logistics:
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 will be taken through out the semester and
will account toward the student’s final grade.
There is to be no smoking, drinking or eating in the laboratory. Furthermore,
students are expected to pickup after themselves in the lab. Leaving paper and
other trash is not acceptable.
Students must furnish their own thumb (flash) drives to record their files. Students
also are responsible for keeping their own back-ups. Files left on the server are at
student’s own risk – they can be deleted or damaged by others, so make sure to
take a copy with you.
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.
Two tests will be administered over the course of the semester- including a
comprehensive final. 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.
Instant messengers are not allowed during class and lab times. During open lab
times, you may run these services through a web interface.
Fees:
All students will be required to utilize materials to create projects in this course.
Students are required to pay a $25 special course charge that will be used to
replace the materials consumed in the creation of course projects. The fees
collected will also be used for the routine maintenance and upgrading of the
computer lab (software, hardware maintenance). The cost of materials will not
exceed the actual cost of replacement materials. All fees collected will be placed in
a university account maintained by the department to be used to purchase
replacement supplies.
Computers:
Students must have access to computers and Internet. Students should have access
to a Macintosh or IBM compatible and the appropriate software (Adobe InDesign
CS3). There are University operated, fee supported laboratories in Stipes, Morgan,
Horrabin, and in most of the dormitories. Graphic Communication labs may be
used during open lab times.
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 can be found at the
following website: http://www.wiu.edu/users/murlr/students. You will need to
login using your class, name and password that is found in Western-Online.
Required Text:
REAL WORLD ADOBE INDESIGN CS3 (Kvern & Blatner)
Final Exam: Monday, May 11th, 2009, at 8:00 am
Academic Accommodations:
In accordance with University policy and the Americans with Disabilities Act
(ADA), academic accommodations may be made for any student who notifies he
instructor of the need for an accommodation. Contact Disability Support Services
at 298-2512 for additional services.
Student Rights and Responsibilities:
http://www.wiu.edu/provost/student/
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
8:00
9:00
10:00
11:00
12:00
1:00
2:00
3:00
4:00
5:00
Monday
GCOM 217-1
GCOM 217-1
Office Hour
WACS
WACS
Tuesday
GCOM 217-2
GCOM 217-2
GCOM 418 -1
GCOM 418 -1
WACS
WACS
Syllabus subject to change with notice.
Wednesday
GCOM 217-1
GCOM 217-1
Office Hour
Office Hour
WACS
WACS
Thursday
GCOM 217-2
GCOM 217-2
GCOM 418 -1
GCOM 418 -1
WACS
WACS
Friday
WACS
WACS