Appalachian State University – Department of Technology
Instructor: Angela Arnold
Class Meeting Time: 5:00 – 5:50pm, Tuesday, Room 122
Phone #: 336.877.6719
Office Hours:
Email:
Appointment Only ah20046@appstate.edu
Course Description and Objectives:
This course involves the development of the mechanics of being a professional in the graphic arts field. The main topics to be covered include resumes, cover letters, interviewing, presentations, and business writing.
Upon Completion of this course, the student should be able to:
Identify their own marketable qualities and skills
Create a marketable resume and cover letter
Learn basic interviewing techniques and questions
Learn to use and identify available resources on campus and surrounding areas
Learn to identify and write various types of business letters
Learn to research companies by using available resources including the career center, internet, etc
Text Books:
Harper, R., (2004). The harder I work, the luckier I get!
Charlotte, NC: Preserving
Memories.
Harper, R. (2005). 21 Steps to success and happiness
. Charlotte, NC: Lion’s Heart
Publishing, LLC.
Zeiss, T., (1997). The 12 essential laws for getting a job…and becoming indispensable.
Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers.
Attendance/Class Participation:
Attendance and class participation is expected and is part of the final grade. Each student is responsible for the information covered during absence.
Writing Assignments:
Three book reviews will be turned in during the semester. Students should turn one paper for each of the assigned book. The purpose of this assignment is to help students develop critical reading skills, sharpen the ability to identify major points, concepts or perspectives expressed by the authors of the books. Each paper should be one to two pages long, concise and well written.
1. Your first paragraph should be no more than 1/2 page long and should briefly summarize the author’s main points, findings or position.
2. The second paragraph should express your agreement or disagreement with the book.
You should analyze the strengths and weaknesses of the book.
3. Each of the three papers will be one to two pages, typed and double-spaced.

4. Three papers are due, one for each book.
Exams
The midterm and final exams will be comprehensive. Missed midterm and final exams can only be made up if arrangements have been made prior to the exam period.
Research Paper
Students will research a topic related to Graphic Arts and write a 10-15 page research paper. The instructor should approve the topic by September 5. The topic should deal with an aspect of careers in Graphic Communications. The research paper should be APA format, double-spaced, typed, have proper reference notes and a reference list.
Presentations
Students will present research papers to class. The presentation should be presented as a format technical style. Presentations should be 10 minutes long, leaving time for questions and conclusion. Presentations will be given on November 28 & December 5. Research paper will be due the same day as the presentation.
Notebooks
Students will compile a notebook of materials to be turned in December 12. Notebooks will be given back before the end of class. Notebooks will be graded on creativeness as well as materials in notebooks. Notebooks should contain all class materials, assignments and other resources. Notebooks should at least contain the following divided sections:
1.
Personal Research & Goals
2.
Resume
3.
Letters & Forms
4.
Employers, Job Targets & Networking
5.
Interviewing
6.
Book Reviews & Research Paper
7.
Trends
Course Outline:
Date Class Topic
8/22 Intro: What is Seminar?
Assignment
Personality Profile
8/29 Personal Research List 10 Future Goals
9/5 Planning & Goal Setting 1-2 pg Book Review
9/12 Job Targets Research Graphic Art Related Jobs
9/19 Resume Rough Draft Resume
9/26 Resume Resume & Register with Career Gear online
10/3 Cover Letter & Other Letters Cover, Acceptance, Thank You, & Rejection
Application & Prospecting Letters
10/10 Other Forms
10/17 Midterm
10/24 Employers
10/31 Interviewing
Interoffice Memo, Press Release
Withdrawal, & Networking Letters
1-2 pg Book Review
50 Questions Employers Ask
Mock Interview at Career Center

11/7 Interviewing
11/14 Networking
11/21 Trends in Graphic Arts
11/28 Presentations
12/5 Presentations
12/12 Final Exam
Grading: 1000 points possible
1-2 pg Book Review
2-3 pg Paper on Graphic Arts Company
1 pg paper on current trend in Graphic Arts
Research Paper due & Presentations due
Research Paper due & Presentations due
Notebooks due
A = 1000-900, B = 899-800, C = 799-700, D = 699-600, F = 499-500
Assignment Points Possible Due Date
Personality Profile 25 8/29
List 10 Future Goals
1-2 pg Book Review
Research Graphic Art Related Jobs
25
50
25
9/5
9/12
9/19
Rough Draft Resume
Resume & Register with Career Gear online
Cover, Acceptance, Thank You, & Rejection
Application & Prospecting Letters
Midterm Exam
Interoffice Memo, Press Release
Withdrawal, & Networking Letters
1-2 pg Book Review
50 Questions Employers Ask
Interview at Career Center
1-2 pg Book Review
2-3 pg Paper on Graphic Arts Company
1 pg paper on current trend in Graphic Arts
Research Paper
Presentations
Notebooks
Final Exam
Attendance & Class Participation
25
25
30
100
20
50
25
50
50
50
25
100
100
50
125
50
9/26
10/3
10/10
10/17
10/17
10/24
10/31
11/21
11/7
11/21
11/28
11/28 or 12/5
11/28 or 12/5
12/12
12/12