Engineering Technology Department • College of Business & Technology
Western Illinois University
135 Knoblauch Hall, 1 University Circle - Macomb, IL 61455-1390
GCOM 413-Sec 01: Packaging Technology
3 – 4:50pm Monday/Wednesday – Room: B51
3 Credit Hours
Course Prerequisites:
Spring 2016
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: GCOM 413 Packaging Technology
An overview of packaging and display technologies. Emphasis on terminology, applications,
processes, materials and substrates; as well as conventional and digital technical aspects of creating
basic packaging and point of purchase displays.
Course Objectives:
After successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
1. Correctly use technical terminology, principles and theories related to packing and point of
purchase display development and production.
2. Use technical knowledge to create digital documents for the production of basic packaging and
point of purchase displays.
3. Identify and produce basic packaging and point of purchase display with available substrates .
4. Effectively utilize tools and techniques needed for the design of packaging.
5. Use unique materials and substrates to create two-dimensional and three-dimensional packages.
6. Produce projects with an emphasis on preparation for printed use.
7. Analyze digital technology products and how to produce projects, with an emphasis on
preparation for packaging.
8. Demonstrate skills and knowledge required use of industry specific software.
9. Identify careers available in packaging design and reproduction.
10. Effectively work independently and in groups as required.
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:
Packaging Design: Successful Product Branding from Concept to Shelf
Authors: Marianne Rosner Klimchuk and Sandra A. Krasovec
ISBN-10: 0-471-72016-X
Online Course Material
A class calendar, resources 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)
 Scissors and Exacto knife (with blades)
 4GB (or larger) flash drive to save or backup your files.
Do not save your digital documents on the lab 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:
The university Western Online system will be used 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. I will also try to update the weekly announcements so that you will know of upcoming
deadlines.
Assignments:
Every student enrolled in this class will be required to accept email invitation to join the course
Dropbox, log in and use Dropbox to submit digital assignments. Assignments must be turned in by
assigned date, no exceptions. The “GCOM 413 Spring14” Dropbox can be accessed through the
following link.
https://www.dropbox.com
Field Trips/Scavenger Hunts:
As a class we may not be able to travel to a packaging printer but I will be asking you to visit local
stores and possibly regional printers to see “what is out there.” These field trips and scavenger hunts will
help us get a better idea of the current trends and types of packaging being utilized to sell products.
Important Dates to Remember
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Class Begins: Wednesday, January 20
Midterm Exam: March 9
March 14-18, Mon.-Fri. - Spring Break - No Classes
Last Day to withdraw from class: April 3
Last Day of class: May 4
Final Exam: Wednesday, May 11, 3pm
Tentative schedule
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Wk 1: Course Overview & Careers in Package Design
Wk 2: Historical and Modern package design
Wk 3: Trends in Package Design
Wk 4: Elements of Packaging Design & Effect of package design on customer/audience
Wk 5: Label design & the retail environment
Wk 6: Agile Design Process
Wk 7: Packaging materials & Environmental considerations
Wk 8: Design Brief document design & Midterm Exam
Wk 9: Spring Break
Wk 10: Design Thinking: Problem solving with design
Wk 11: Package Redesign
Wk 12: “
Wk 13: Elements of Packaging Design
Wk 14: “
Wk 15: Product Photo Techniques
Wk 16: Portfolio & course wrap up
Final Exam: Wednesday, May 11 at 3:00 pm**
* Portfolio includes all 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.
Software:
Illustrator CC will be utilized and is provided in Knoblauch B51 and B34. Students who choose to
work outside of this lab are responsible for ensuring that their files open correctly on the lab computers.
Other software may be used during the semester, including SketchUp.
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.
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.
2. Students are allowed to work in the computer lab without the instructor present, and the
times for computer lab open sessions will be posted;
3. 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;
4. 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;
5. 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;
6. 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;
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
1. 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!
9. 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;
10. Any accidents should be reported to the instructor immediately.
11. Any student violating any of these procedures will immediately have lab
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.
Course Requirements: Each student is expected to:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Attend Class. You must be prepared to interact and discuss topics related to course assignments,
Participate in class discussions and group activities, and
Complete all assignments and submit by deadline.
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: 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
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 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 30 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
A
B
B
B
C
C
C
D
D
D
F
Number of classes you must
attend
30
29
28
27
26
25
24
23
22
21
20
19
18
17
16
Number of points you will
earn
60
58
56
54
52
50
48
46
44
42
40
38
36
34
2 to 32
IMPORTANT NOTES:
1. Make sure cell phones are turned off, or at least have them on vibrate and stored out of
sight. Unless directed by your instructor, you should refrain from using your phone for any
reason during class lectures and discussions. To show your respect for other student and your
instructor, please do not use your phone to check email, twitter, snapchat, facebook, searching
for a good deal on a new computer, etc… during lectures and discussion.
If you are observed doing so, you will be asked to leave class for the day. If this occurs, you are
still responsible for submitting assignments on time and for information covered in class.
1. Cell phones are prohibited from ringing in the classroom and the laboratory. The first time it
goes off in class you will automatically lose 5 points from your final exam grade, the second
time you will lose an additional 10 points (15 points total).
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;
2. 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.
3. Internet/E-mail: you are welcome to surf and check your e-mail before or after class, or during
lab time when you are not expected to be working on a specific project. 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 and are observed doing so,
you will be asked to leave class for the day. If this occurs, you are still responsible for submitting
assignments on time and for information covered during that class period.
4. 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.”
5. 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.”
6. If you are caught downloading illegal software or music, 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.
7. Respect: 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
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.
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 413
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 (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. 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 CC 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 CC, 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 CC, 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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!
7. Image guidelines (unless otherwise noted for a project): 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.
8. 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.
Instructor: Ms Pam Daniel
Knoblauch B32
Office phone: 309-298-1488
PE-Daniel@wiu.edu
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.
Spring 2016
Monday
12-1 pm
Office
1 – 2:50 pm
GCOM 213
Tuesday
11-12 pm
Office
12 - 1:15 pm
GCOM 320
Wednesday
12-1 pm
Office
1 – 2:50 pm
GCOM 213
2 – 3:50 pm
GCOM 414
3 – 4:50 pm
GCOM 413
Thursday
11-12 pm
Office
12 - 1:15 pm
GCOM 320
2 – 3:50 pm
GCOM 414
3 – 4:50 pm
GCOM 413
Friday
By Appointment
GCOM 413 – Spring 2016
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 preferred e-mail address here __________________________________________
Sign your name here: ________________________________________________