Engineering Technology Department • College of Business & Technology
Western Illinois University
135 Knoblauch Hall, 1 University Circle - Macomb, IL 61455-1390
GCOM 313-Sec 01: Introduction to Graphic Illustration
1 – 2:50 pm Monday/Wednesday – Room: B51
Spring 2015
Instructor: Ms Pam Daniel
Knoblauch B32
Office phone: 309-298-1488
PE-Daniel@wiu.edu
Office Hours: Posted on Western Online and on the last page of this document.
Course Description:
A study of illustration software with emphasis upon operational skills and techniques used in creating
two-dimensional and three-dimensional illustrations. 3 Credit Hours
Course Prerequisites: GCOM211 and basic typing skills.
Course Objectives:
After successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
• Effectively utilize Illustrator tools and techniques
• Define basic terminology and characteristics of vector graphics
• Identify and use good principles of design
• Use and create typographic forms
• Produce projects with an emphasis on preparation for publication and digital use
• Analyze digital technology products and produce projects with an emphasis on preparation
for publication and packaging.
• Demonstrate skills and knowledge required to use illustration and publishing technologies.
• Identify careers available in developing illustrations, and skills necessary to be successful in
them
• Effectively work independently and in groups as required.
• Utilize appropriate digital file management.
• Create a PDF portfolio of Illustrator images, including a description of skills acquired
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.
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 and #5.
Recommended Text:
Illustrator CS6: Visual QuickStart Guide, by Peter Lourekas and Elaine Weinmann
ISBN-10: 032182217X Publisher: Peachpit Press Copyright: 2013
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)
• 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/d2l/home) for specific
assignment details, including due dates. Once the due date has passed, the assignments (and your ability
to submit) will no longer be available on Western Online so do not wait until the last minute.
Assignments must be turned in by assigned date, no exceptions.
Software:
Illustrator CS6 will be covered and is provided in Knoblauch B51 & B34. 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, January 21
Midterm Exam: March 11
Spring Break: March 16 - 20 (no classes)
Last Day to drop class: April 5
Last Day of classes: May 6
Final Exam: May 13, 1pm
Tentative schedule
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Wk 1: Course Overview & Careers in Illustration
Wk 2: Tools, Panels and Pen Tool
Wk 3: Logo Design
Wk 4: Comic Book Design
Wk 5: Color Theory
Wk 6: Textures and Patterns
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Wk 7: Working with Type
Wk 8: Midterm Exam
Wk 9: Spring Break
Wk 10: Page Layout & Design
Wk 11: Print Publishing
Wk 12: Package Design
Wk 13: Perspective Drawing
Wk 14: Infographics
Wk 15: Web Publishing
Wk 16: PDF Portfolio*
Final Exam Week: Wednesday, May 13 at 1:00 pm**
Last Day to Drop Course: April 5, 2015
* Portfolio includes all Illustrator projects assigned during semester. Accompanying each project is a
1-2 paragraph describing the tools, skills and concepts acquired in its execution.
** 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: 65%
• Team Project: 5%
• Participation: 10%
• Quizzes, Midterm and Final Exam: 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
Method(s) of Evaluation/Assessment:
a. Project based assessments
b. Individual and Group work projects
c. Course portfolio
d. Participation
e. Quizzes, 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 addition, arriving late and leaving early will be not be acceptable, unless you have a good reason
to do so. It is also your responsibility to be sure that your attendance is correctly recorded. If you
are late, please check in with me at the end of class.
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.
If you are absent for any reason, it is your responsibility to find out what happened in class by asking
me, or a fellow student what you what you have missed.
There are 29 class sessions scheduled for this semester. After you have attended 15 classes, you will
earn 2 points for every class you attend. To keep track of your participation grade, each time you miss a
class, cross off a row in the table below (start at the top and work down).
Participation Grade
A
A
A
A
B
B
B
C
C
C
D
D
D
F
F
Number of classes you must
attend
29
28
27
26
25
24
23
22
21
20
19
18
17
16
0 to 15
Number of points you will
earn
58
56
54
52
50
48
46
44
42
40
38
36
34
2 to 32
0
IMPORTANT NOTES:
Cell phones are prohibited in the classroom and the laboratory.
As a courtesy to all students, please turn off your cell phone before class begins; see instructor for
approval if having phone set to vibrate is necessary for medical reasons or special circumstances. Each
time a cell phone rings during class, every student will have 5 points deducted from their score.
Sending or receiving text messages is not allowed during class. You will be asked to leave the
classroom for the day if the instructor observes you doing this.
Headphones/Music: I love music and may play music during the lab times. I know some of
you feel the same way. Although this class is mostly lecture/discussion based, there will be a few
planned lab days. During lab time you are welcome to listen to your music using ear plugs, if it is at a
reasonable volume level. You will not be allowed to wear ear plugs/headphones during any type of
examination.
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.”
Social Media Use: When working in the computer lab or listening to a lecture make sure you respect
you classmates and your instructor. I find it very rude for you to be checking your Facebook pages or
surfing the web while I am lecturing. I find it even ruder for you to be doing so when one of your
classmates is asking a question or making a presentation. You will be asked to leave the classroom for
the day if the instructor observes you doing this. When you are in this class, you should be focused on
this class.
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.
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 (DRC) 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 (DRC) at 298-2512 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
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 313
2.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 or class discussion (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!
3.Meet all deadlines, including the stated date and time.
4.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 CS6 file so it can be opened in InDesign CS5), 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 CS6, 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 CS6, 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.
5.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.
6.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.
7.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!
Image guidelines (unless otherwise noted for a project)
15.You cannot reuse content that you’ve created for any other class or job / internship. Therefore, any
designs you do outside of this class cannot be turned in for credit.
16.You cannot use any pre-vectored images from any source. Choose only images (or parts of images)
that appear to be unaltered, and use Illustrator to create unique compositions.
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
Spring 2015
Monday
12-1 pm
Office
1 – 2:50 pm
GCOM 313
3 - 4:50 pm
GCOM 413
Tuesday
11-12 pm
Office
12 - 1:15 pm
GCOM 320
Wednesday
12-1 pm
Office
1 – 2:50 pm
GCOM 313
3 - 4:50 pm
GCOM 413
Thursday
11-12 pm
Office
12 - 1:15 pm
GCOM 320
Friday
By Appointment
GCOM 313 – Spring 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: ________________________________________________
Sign your name here: ________________________________________________