KENNESAW STATE UNIVERSITY
GRADUATE COURSE PROPOSAL OR REVISION,
Cover Sheet (10/02/2002)
Course Number/Program Name :
COM 5410 Digital Publication Design
Department: Communication
Degree Title (if applicable): Graduate Certificate in Digital and Social Media
Proposed Effective Date: Spring 2014
Check one or more of the following and complete the appropriate sections:
X New Course Proposal
Course Title Change
Course Number Change
Course Credit Change
Course Prerequisite Change
Course Description Change
Sections to be Completed
II, III, IV, V, VII
I, II, III
I, II, III
I, II, III
I, II, III
I, II, III
Notes:
If proposed changes to an existing course are substantial (credit hours, title, and description), a new course with a
new number should be proposed.
A new Course Proposal (Sections II, III, IV, V, VII) is required for each new course proposed as part of a new
program. Current catalog information (Section I) is required for each existing course incorporated into the
program.
Minor changes to a course can use the simplified E-Z Course Change Form.
Submitted by:
Faculty Member
Approved
_____
Date
Not Approved
Department Curriculum Committee Date
Approved
Approved
Approved
Approved
Approved
Approved
Not Approved
Department Chair
Date
College Curriculum Committee
Date
College Dean
Date
GPCC Chair
Date
Dean, Graduate College
Date
Not Approved
Not Approved
Not Approved
Not Approved
Not Approved
Vice President for Academic Affairs Date
Approved
Not Approved
President
Date
KENNESAW STATE UNIVERSITY
GRADUATE COURSE/CONCENTRATION/PROGRAM CHANGE
I.
Current Information (Fill in for changes)
Page Number in Current Catalog NA
___
Course Prefix and Number
___
Course Title
___
Class Hours
____Laboratory Hours_______Credit Hours________
Prerequisites
___
Description (or Current Degree Requirements)
II.
Proposed Information (Fill in for changes and new courses)
Course Prefix and Number ____COM 5410 ______
Course Title ___Digital Publication Design______________
Class Hours
3 ____Laboratory Hours___0____CreditHours____3____
Prerequisites Acceptance to KSU graduate-student status
Description (or Proposed Degree Requirements)
This course explores the nature and role of publication design through a study of visual
communication theory; historical development of design; use of color, photography and
graphics; and the use of design software and tools, including cloud computing and Drop Box.
Students learn to exercise control over messages through coordination of text, images, and
strategic design. Graphic design software (Adobe Creative Suites InDesign and Photoshop) and
other online tools are used to develop an understanding of visual communication strategies and
skills to create publications for communication to internal and external organizational audiences.
Public relations professionals often use graphic design software as one of many tools to
communicate with key stakeholders; visual communication assists with creating awareness and
understanding, affecting attitudes and opinions, and influencing behavior.
Students are not required to purchase software for this course. They must be able to download
VMware software (or its substitute, as determined by the university), provided by the university
online, to give software access through cloud computing.
III.
Justification
A graduate-level design class has been requested by Department of Communication alumni and
public relations professionals for some time. The undergraduate Organizational Publications
course has been popular since its development as a design course in 2004; the undergraduate
course tends to fill every time it is offered, which currently is in fall, spring and summer
sessions. This online graduate course provides the opportunity to address this content need at the
graduate level in the context of the current digital environment. The graduate course will cover
the basics in visual communication and design techniques, yet also address the higher-level
strategic decisions that must be made in communicating through design and include a specific
digital component. The digital component is just now possible because of software capabilities
added within the past year. Cloud computing makes it possible to offer this as a totally online
course.
IV.





Additional Information (for New Courses only)
Instructor: Dr. Barbara S. Gainey
Text: Posted readings will be used.
Optional resources:
The Non-Designer’s Design & Type Books, deluxe edition, 2008, by Robin Williams;
ISBN 978-0-321-53405-7.
The Design Collection Revealed: Adobe InDesign, Photoshop and Illustrator CS6 (Adobe
CS6), 2012, by Chris Botello, ISBN 1133693237.
Adobe InDesign CS6 Interactive: Digital Publishing for the Internet and the iPad (Adobe
CS6), 2012, by Chris Botello and Elizabeth Eisner Reding, ISBN 1133693261.
Guide to Graphic Design, 2014, by Scott Santoro, ISBN 0205959229
Associated Press Stylebook.
Prerequisites: Acceptance to KSU graduate-student status
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Objectives:
Students will be able to:
Identify key concepts of effective visual communication theory
Define publication challenges of the digital communication age
Identify key concepts in effective use of color, photography and graphics
Develop basic understanding and skills in the use of cloud computing and design
software (InDesign and Photoshop)
Incorporate software tools to create effective layout and design
Use design strategies for effective internal publication communication
Use design strategies for effective external publication communication
Develop basic understanding and skills in the use of digital design strategies and
applications for more effective communication with organizational stakeholders
Instructional Method
This is a completely online graduate class, taught through learning modules
posted to the Desire-to-Learn (D2L) learning management system. Adobe Creative Suites
software and other tools will be available to students through cloud computing.
Method of Evaluation
Students will be evaluated through quizzes, design assignments, and other assigned activities.
The course will be evaluated through student evaluations and instructor observations and
feedback on the success of the course. Student interest in and demand for the course will also be
taken into consideration.
V.
Resources and Funding Required (New Courses only)
Existing resources will be utilized without immediate need for a new hire.
Resource
Amount
Faculty
Existing resources
Other Personnel
Equipment
Supplies
Travel
New Books
New Journals
Other (Specify)
Continued support from the CHSS Distance Learning
Office
Continuing cloud computing support from ITS
Existing resources
Some training may be sought through the CHSS Distance
Learning Office
Noted above
Noted above.
NA
TOTAL
Funding Required Beyond
Normal Departmental Growth
VI. COURSE MASTER FORM
This form will be completed by the requesting department and will be sent to the Office of the
Registrar once the course has been approved by the Office of the President.
The form is required for all new courses.
DISCIPLINE
COURSE NUMBER
COURSE TITLE FOR LABEL
(Note: Limit 30 spaces)
CLASS-LAB-CREDIT HOURS
Approval, Effective Term
Grades Allowed (Regular or S/U)
If course used to satisfy CPC, what areas?
Learning Support Programs courses which are
required as prerequisites
Communication
COM 5410
Digital Publication Design
3-0-3
Spring 2014
Regular
APPROVED:
________________________________________________
Vice President for Academic Affairs or Designee __
VII Attach Syllabus
COM 5410 Digital Publication Design
Spring 2014, Online Course, Graduate Certificate Elective
Department of Communication
Kennesaw State University
Professor:
Dr. Barbara S. Gainey, Associate Professor, Public Relations
Class times:
Online
E-mail: bgainey@kennesaw.edu
Phone: 770-499-3331
Office:
Social Science Building, #5104
Office hours:
Dr. Gainey—To be determined
Course description:
This course explores the nature and role of publication design through a study of visual
communication theory; historical development of design; use of color, photography and
graphics; and the use of design software and tools, including cloud computing and Drop Box.
Students learn to exercise control over messages through coordination of text, images, and
strategic design. Graphic design software (Adobe Creative Suites InDesign and Photoshop) and
other online tools are used to develop an understanding of visual communication strategies and
skills to create publications for communication to internal and external organizational audiences.
Public relations professionals often use graphic design software as one of many tools to
communicate with key stakeholders; visual communication assists with creating awareness and
understanding, affecting attitudes and opinions, and influencing behavior.
You are not required to purchase software for this course. You must be able to download
VMware software (or its substitute, as determined by the university), provided by the university
online, to give you software access through cloud computing.
Prerequisites: Acceptance to KSU graduate-student status.
Text: Posted readings will be used.
Optional resources:
 The Non-Designer’s Design & Type Books, deluxe edition, 2008, by Robin Williams;
ISBN 978-0-321-53405-7.
 The Design Collection Revealed: Adobe InDesign, Photoshop and Illustrator CS6 (Adobe
CS6), 2012, by Chris Botello; ISBN 1133693237.
 Adobe InDesign CS6 Interactive: Digital Publishing for the Internet and the iPad (Adobe
CS6), 2012, by Chris Botello and Elizabeth Eisner Reding, ISBN 1133693261.
 Guide to Graphic Design, 2014, by Scott Santoro, ISBN 0205959229
 Associated Press Stylebook.
Major course objectives:
Students will be able to:
9. Identify key concepts of effective visual communication theory
10. Define publication challenges of the digital communication age
11. Identify key concepts in effective use of color, photography and graphics
12. Develop basic understanding and skills in the use of cloud computing and design
software (InDesign and Photoshop)
13. Incorporate software tools to create effective layout and design
14. Use design strategies for effective internal publication communication
15. Use design strategies for effective external publication communication
16. Develop basic understanding and skills in the use of digital design strategies and
applications for more effective communication with organizational stakeholders
Course Policies:
Class format and expectations: This is a completely online graduate class, taught through learning modules posted
to the Desire-to-Learn (D2L) learning management system. You are expected to have access to a computer and
monitor/screen large enough to enable you to see and manipulate small tools in the design software. Each online
module builds upon previous modules.
The online modules will run on a weekly schedule (each module will begin on a Tuesday). Your schedule
will outline the topic for each module. Your quizzes, course content, and assignments will become visible at noon
each class day (Tuesday). You will have until noon on the next class date to access the materials and complete any
activities there. You choose when you access the content within the given time frames. You should expect to spend
at least five hours per week on this course.
Deadlines are extremely important in public relations work and in our online class. The syllabus spells out
the due dates for all assignments. Late assignments will not be accepted. Assignment grades will usually be posted
within one week of receipt of the assignment.
Email Communication
You are expected to use your assigned KSU email account. (If you have extenuating circumstances that require a
different email, please discuss this with me immediately.) Checking your email and your D2L site regularly is your
responsibility and an expectation of this course. Email failures, like Internet failures, can severely hinder your
progress in this course. Please always put specific information in the subject line of your email. Provide details in
the body of your message, including the course name and number. Always provide your full name.
I will respond to email at bgainey@kennesaw.edu within 48 hours during the week (M-F 9 a.m.-5 p.m.).
You may also make an appointment to visit me in my office at SO 5104. Please request an appointment by email.
Additional Information
Some technical support is available to students through the KSU ITS department. Getting technical assistance is
your responsibility. If a document or lecture does not open for you, let me know. Sometimes I can put information in
a different format that you can access more easily. However, if the problem is on your end (your computer, your
modem), it is your responsibility to find someone on your end to help you with the problem. To contact the ITS
student help desk: email, studenthelpdesk@kennesaw.edu or call: 770-499-3555.
Global learning:
Kennesaw State University is a learning-centered institution emphasizing creativity, diversity, global awareness,
leadership, ethics, teaching excellence, digital literacy, technological competence, and community engagement.
KSU has adopted a Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP), an educational process that enhances one’s competencies for
participating productively and responsibly in the diverse, international, intercultural, and interdependent world.
Academic integrity:
Every KSU student is responsible for upholding the provisions of the Student Code of Conduct, as published in the
Graduate catalog. Section II of the Student Code of Conduct addresses the University’s policy on academic honesty,
including provisions regarding plagiarism and cheating, unauthorized access to University materials,
misrepresentation/falsification of University records or academic work, malicious removal, retention or destruction
of library materials, malicious/intentional misuse of computer facilities and/or services, and misuse of student
identification cards. Incidents of alleged academic misconduct will be handled through the established procedures of
the University Judiciary Program, which includes either an “informal” resolution by a faculty member, resulting in a
grade adjustment, or a formal hearing procedure, which may subject a student to the Code of Conduct’s minimum
one semester suspension requirement.
Plagiarism, fabrication of research data, and cheating will result in an F for the assignment. A student who turns in
work that is not his or her own (or a result of the team’s collaboration, when appropriate) will receive 0 points on the
assignment.
ADA Statement: Kennesaw State University provides program accessibility and reasonable accommodations for
persons defined as disabled under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities
Act. Kennesaw State University's Disability Support Services can be accessed at
http://www.kennesaw.edu/stu_dev/dsss/dsss.html.
Intellectual property protection:
Lectures, presentation slides, exercises, and handouts used in this course are the property of Dr. Barbara Gainey.
Class sessions may not be electronically recorded without permission of Dr. Gainey. Recordings, including class
notes, may not be used for commercial purposes without proper attribution.
FERPA: The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a federal law that protects the privacy of
student education records once the students has reached 18 years of age. Under that law, we cannot release your
student ID number, grades, performance evaluations, or any other personal or academic information to anyone by
you, unless you provide written permission to do so.
Netiquette: Remember to follow basic rules of online etiquette. A helpful resource is found at
http://www.albion.com/netiquette/.
Course requirements and grade calculations
Quizzes (3 @ 40 pts)
120 points
Internal publications
250 points
Flyer—25 points
Print newsletter—100 points
Digital newsletter—25 points
Brochure—100 points
External publications
200 points
2 @ 100 points each
Online activities
50 points
Multiple 5-10 point activities
Digital magazine assignment
200 points
Electronic portfolio
30 points
Total:
850 points
Total points:
A: 850-765 points
B: 764-680 points
C: 679-595 points
D: 594-510 points
F: 509 points and below
Course schedule: Because some variables are not yet known, this course outline is flexible and may change. While
I expect to adhere closely to assignment dates, I will make you aware of any syllabus changes as soon as possible.
Reminder: March XX is the last day to withdraw from a class without academic penalty.
Course Schedule
Week(s) Module(s)
1
1
Content
Assignments
Welcome to online course.
Readings
Overview of course, review of syllabus.
Online activities
Introduction to course software & tools.
Introduction to design.
2
2
History of design—from pencil to digital.
Technology changes everything—almost.
Visual communication theory
.
Readings
Online activities
Quiz 1
3
3
How do we define good design?
Publication challenges in the digital age.
Introduction to new software.
“What do you see?” activity.
Readings
Online activities
4
4
Using cloud computing.
ABCs of publication design.
Adobe Creative Suites—InDesign &
Photoshop.
Introduction to InDesign work area,
tools & terms, basic features.
Readings
Quiz 2
Assignments
5
5
Use of color in design.
Readings
Introduction to Photoshop.
Assignments
Internal publication design—
Additional features in InDesign
Additional features in Photoshop.
Organizational announcement flyer assignment (25 pts)
Use of DropBox.
6
6
Use of typography, photos & graphics.
Quiz 3
Internal publication design-Readings
What did you learn from samples? Assignments
Begin work on newsletter design.
7
7
Internal publication design-Complete newsletter assignment,
Get instructor feedback.
Moving newsletter to digital publication.
Begin digital modifications.
8
8
Turn in digital newsletter—DropBox.
Readings
Brochure design—complete assignment.
Assignments
Additional design/software features.
Content
Assignments
Week(s) Module(s)
9
9
Readings
Assignments
External publication design, part one.
Readings
Design strategies.
Assignments
Additional design/software features.
Work on two external publication designs
(choose from billboard, advertisements,
trade show exhibit panel, complex brochure).
10
10
External publication design, part two.
Additional design/software features.
Advanced publication design.
Magazine design.
Readings
Assignments
11
11
Advanced publication design.
Readings
Magazine design.
Assignments
The transition to digital design.
Begin work on magazine assignment—
Plan and begin researching & writing
articles, gathering photos & graphics.
Complete work on two external publications,
post to DropBox.
12
12
More tips in InDesign & Photoshop.
Advanced publication design.
Discussion board—Discussion of
magazine design challenges, tips.
Continue work on magazine assignment.
13
13
Continue work on magazine assignment. Assignments
--Design elements, Layout strategies.
--Add digital elements.
14
14
Complete and turn in to DropBox the
digital magazine assignment.
Peer feedback on magazine publications.
Assemble electronic portfolio and post.
15
15
Instructor feedback on final design projects.
Students: Complete posted assessments,
provide reflection comments.
Readings
Assignments
Assignments