Penncrest High School
Technology Education Department
Publications
Mr. Mescanti
Extension – 6227
Syllabus
Website – Links from www.rtmsd.org
email: smescanti@rtmsd.org
COURSE DESCRIPTION— A course designed to teach students the publication of a high school yearbook. Students will
work collaboratively to produce The Crest, Penncrest High School’s annual.
COURSE OBJECTIVES—As a result of his/her experiences in these courses the student will:
1. Understand the pagination, signature and book production processes.
2. Understand and be able to apply the principles of good design.
3. Be able to work as a member of a team to produce a well-designed publication.
4. Be familiar with the photographic processes involved in producing a publication.
5. Be able to successfully work within specifications to produce a publication.
6. Be able to schedule and work to strict deadlines.
7. Be able to apply marketing and sales techniques.
COURSE OUTLINE—
I. Areas of study
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
10.
11.
12.
Photography
Desktop Publishing
Image Scanning
Digital Photography
Pagination/Book Production
Online Yearbook Production
Page Submission
Storage and Retrieval of Information
Proofing and Correcting
Sales and Advertising
Typography
II. Attendance and Grading
1. 30% from Daily Work Grades
Students are graded on performance every day using a five-point scale.
2. 30% from the class meeting deadlines
3. 20% from your photographic assignments
4. 20% from your production of your assignments
A Note About Publications
One of the reasons that being a member of the yearbook staff is viewed as highly desirable by colleges and others is that it
demonstrates responsible behavior and maturity. You MUST work to deadlines and cooperate with others to complete a
major publication. The production of the yearbook here at Penncrest is a business which has an annual budget of around
$70,000. Not meeting deadlines and/or conducting operations sloppily costs money. You have been selected to be a
member of this course because you have demonstrated either to me or others in this school that you can meet these
responsibilities. I have the utmost confidence that this group can produce an outstanding yearbook, on-time and within
budget. That being said, trust is vital to the success of this program and the book. You will be using expensive equipment
and will have privileges that the average Penncrest student does not get. Again, you are being trusted to conduct yourself
responsibly and professionally at all times.
Penncrest High School
Technology Education Department
Publications
Syllabus
Course Requirements
Students will work on designated sections of the yearbook. You are responsible for your pages as well as for the
overall production of the book. Any personal sections or pages not completed on time will result in a lowered production
grade. Any deadlines not met will result in a lower overall grade for everyone in the class. You must coordinate with the
classmates if necessary to secure the necessary photos for your pages. You will be required to complete four photographic
assignments for the book. These may not necessarily be for your section, but will help with the overall completion of the
book. On selected Fridays, we will hold critique sessions for pages that are in process. Your participation in these sessions
is included in your grade. Once the main yearbook is completed, work will take place on the supplement that will be due at
the end of the school year.