Engineering Technology Department College of
Business & Technology Western Illinois University
Knoblauch 135
1 University Circle
Macomb, IL 61455-1390
Graphic Communications 211-1: Introduction to Graphic Communication
Spring 2014
Meets at 2:00-3:50 PM on Tuesday and Thursday.
The class meets in Knoblauch Hall, Room 34B.
3 semester hours
Catalogue Description:
GCOM 211 - Introduction to Graphic Communication. A study of the graphic communication
industries including composition, photoconversion, press work, and finishing operations.
2 hours.lecture; 2 hrs.lab.
.
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, and Thursday: 1:00 PM -2:00 PM; Tuesday 9:00 AM–10:00 AM - other
times by appointment.
8:00
9:00
10:00
11:00
12:00
1:00
2:00
3:00
4:00
Monday
GCOM 217-01
GCOM 217-01
GCOM 312-01
GCOM 312-01
Office Hour
Tuesday
Office Hour
GCOM 318-01
GCOM 318-01
UNIV 100 (12:30)
UNIV 100 (1:20)
GCOM 211-01
GCOM 211-01
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/
Wednesday
GCOM 217-01
GCOM 217-01
GCOM 312-01
GCOM 312-01
Office Hour
Thursday
GCOM 318-01
GCOM 318-01
Office Hour
GCOM 211-01
GCOM 211-01
Friday
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 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.
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
the Library, Horrabin, and in most of the dormitories. Graphic Communication labs may be used during open
lab times. Students must have access to Adobe Creative Suite CS6 and QuarkXPress.
Supplies:
The majority of supplies are furnished by the university. The student is responsible for the purchase of a
notebook, a large manila folder (or similar), and a portable storage device (USB thumbdrive).
The notebook you have for this class will be used to store assignments and projects.
The large manila folder will be used to turn in your assignments. 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. I will not grade your assignment if it is not turned in inside a folder.
You will also be responsible for buying your textbook (where you buy it is up to you) and a three ring
binder for notes and handouts. 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.
Attendance:
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. Coming to class tardy (late) three times counts as one absence. Perfect
attendance allows for a student to drop their lowest score at the end of the semester. I allow for one 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.
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 instructor will accept/decline to provide notice that the time will/won't work.
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.
Course Objectives:
At the completion of the course, the student will:
• Demonstrate an ability, and an understanding, to produce graphic material by the common
reproduction processes of offset lithography, screen-printing, digital duplicator and laser printing;
• Demonstrate an understanding in basic color theory, and how images are printed;
• Demonstrate an understanding of basic graphic design principles;
• Demonstrate an understanding of the theories of each of the common graphic reproduction processes;
• Be aware and able to use some of the industrial versions and methods of the common graphic
reproduction processes;
• Understand the general structure of the printing industry and its support industries and be aware of the
various careers available in the Graphic Communication industry;
Last Day to Drop Course:
March 30, 2014 Last day to drop regular 16-week course and receive "W" grade.
Course Outline:
Week 1: Introduction and History
Week 2: Design Elements and Principles of Design
Weeks 3-8: Types of Printing
Midterm: Week 7
Weeks 9-12: Project and Application of Design Elements
Weeks 13-15: Advanced Project Design
Final Exam: Tuesday, May 6th, 2013, at 3:00 P.M. 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).
Grading scale:
A
93% and above
A90 – 92.9% of maximum possible points
B+
87-89.9%
B
83-86.9%
B80 – 82.9% of maximum possible points
C+
77-79.9%
C
73-76.9%
C70 – 72.9% of maximum possible points
D+
67-69.9%
D
63-66.9%
D60 – 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.
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. No smoking, 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 ;
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:
In accordance with University policy and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), academic accommodations
may be made for any student who notifies the instructor of the need for an accommodation. For the instructor to
provide the proper accommodation(s), you must obtain documentation of the need for an accommodation through
Disability Resource Center and provide it to the instructor. It is imperative that you take the initiative to bring such
needs to the instructor's attention, as he/she is not legally permitted to inquire about such particular needs of
students. Students who may require special assistance in emergency evacuations (i.e. fire, tornado, etc.) should
contact the instructor as to the most appropriate procedures to follow in such an emergency. Contact Disability
Resource Center at 298-2512 or disability@wiu.edu for additional services.
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 at the top of this syllabus. If you plan to
request disability accommodations, you are expected to register with the Disability Resource Center (DRC) at 2982512.
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.