TOURO COLLEGE COURSE SYLLABUS
LANDER COLLEGE
DEPARTMENT:
COURSE TITLE:
COURSE NUMBER:
PREREQUISITES:
CREDIT HOURS:
DEVELOPER:
LAST UPDATE:
Academic Computing Department
Advanced Design Studio
MCD 335
MCD 262, MCD 263, MCD 267
3
Academic Computing Department
January, 2004
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This lecture and lab course integrates the sophisticated functions of Quark XPress, Adobe
Illustrator, and Adobe Photoshop, and focuses on the importance of design in using desktop
publishing software. Class assignments are aimed at integrating software technology and
aesthetics for print media. Typography as a strong design element is emphasized, and advanced
projects for type design is used throughout the semester. In practice exercises and assignments,
students will apply the concepts acquired through lectures and demonstrations. Color theory and
application are emphasized. Pre-press and production will be discussed, as well as color
separations for print. Regular critiques of student and professional work will be carried out
throughout the course.
COURSE/DEPARTMENTAL OBJECTIVES

Further the students’ understanding of visual design

Focus on typography and its purpose in design

Examine the differences between print software; advantages and disadvantages of digital
design vs. hands-on

Discuss functions of good design in all areas of print and web media

Understand current design trends and aesthetics

Integrate software technology and aesthetics for print media

Integrate typography, color, graphics and layout in creating a professional design
presentation

Understand how class projects relate to the design industry
1

Create professional quality projects in print design and web design consistent with portfolioquality presentation

Learn to integrate acquired skills in desktop publishing to solve practical design problems

Prepare the student for "real world" design problems
COURSE/INSTITUTIONAL OBJECTIVES
1. To further professional and pre-professional career interests of students in the field (s) of
Desktop Publishing;
2. To develop students’ critical reasoning skills;
3. To foster analytical and quantitative thinking;
4. To develop students’ abilities to solve problems and interpret data;
5. To prepare students to communicate clearly and effectively in spoken form;
6. To foster students’ abilities to access and evaluate information objectively and effectively;
7. To introduce students to skills needed to function effectively in a technological society;
COURSE CONTENT

Work on multi-faceted projects using text and images

Bring a project through all steps to completion, from rough, comps, and thumbnails to
finished output

Create professional quality, multiple-piece print design projects for advertising, publishing,
and/or corporate fields

Apply current design trends and aesthetics to individual style

Combine software technology knowledge and aesthetics for print media

Create professional design projects integrating typography, color, graphics and layout
HARDWARE/SOFTWARE/MATERIALS REQUIREMENTS:
Latest versions of Quark XPress, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
2
The student is responsible for reading all of the materials that will be directly related to the class
assignment. Students are responsible for finishing all class and homework assignments by the
end of the semester. The student will be required to present an independent project of sufficient
complexity and sophistication using the skills acquired.
GRADING GUIDELINES
Grades will be based on finished projects and the successful completion of classroom and outside
assignments, midterms, quizzes, and final exams. Grades will be based primarily on exams and
projects, but will also reflect successful completion of exercises and assignments, attendance and
class participation. Completed projects will be graded using the following criteria:
comprehension of the material, technical proficiency in using tools and techniques, project
planning, design concept, execution, quality control, and a demonstration of aesthetic
development. Each project deadline must be respected. All projects must be turned in as hard
copy and on digital media at the end of the semester.
Suggested Grading Policy:
Exams and Projects = 50% of grade
Exercises and Assignments = 25% of grade
Student Attendance and Participation = 25% of grade
METHODOLOGY
All classes are lecture, lab, and studio oriented. Lectures should cover theory and functions of
graphic design and typography. Professor should encourage students to develop their own
solutions to design problems. Professor is encouraged to use AV equipment such as slides,
videos, and the use of large monitor to re-enforce lecture topics. Class can be heals in lab and/or
classroom. Projects should relate to lecture topics when they are assigned.
COURSE TEXT(S)
Title:
Author:
Pub. Date:
Publisher:
ISBN #:
Creativity for Graphic Designers: A Real-World Guide to the ldeas Generation
From Defining Graphic Design Basics,
Arntson, Amy E.
1997
HBJ College & School Div
0030187346
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Title:
Author:
Pub. Date:
Publisher:
Type and Image, The Language of Graphic Design
Meggs, Phillip
1992
John Wiley and Sons, Inc.
3
ISBN #:
0-471-28492-0
Title:
Author:
Pub. Date:
Publisher:
ISBN #:
American Typography Today
Carter, Rob
1997
John Wiley & Sons
ENTRANCE COMPETENCIES

Successful completion of prerequisites

Understanding and ability to use visual design principles to plan projects

Thorough knowledge of Quark, Illustrator, and Photoshop

Ability to critique work of fellow students and accept constructive criticism

Ability to receive constructive criticism and participate in discussion

Internet literacy, including researching and downloading images
COURSE EXPECTATIONS

How to take a design project from concept to completion

Students are expected to examine typographic problems and use type as a source to find
design solutions

Ability to integrate desktop publishing software to execute projects

Attention to professional-looking finished projects is highly expected in this course
EXIT COMPETENCIES
Create professional quality projects in print design and web design consistent with portfolioquality presentation
Learn to integrate acquired skills in desktop publishing to solve practical design problems
4
TOURO COLLEGE COURSE OUTLINE
LANDER COLLEGE
DEPARTMENT:
COURSE TITLE:
COURSE NUMBER:
PREREQUISITES:
CREDIT HOURS:
SEMESTER :
Academic Computing Department
Advanced Design Studio
MCD 335
MCD 262, MCD 263, MCD 267
3
Spring, 2004
CLASS INFORMATION
CLASS CODE:
[Put in FULL CLASS CODE - ex. MCO 140 BB]
SCHEDULE:
[Put in DAY & TIME class meets:- ex. Tues. 9-12 AM]
LOCATION:
[Put in SITE & ROOM of class - ex. Ave. J Campus, Rm 301 ]
FINAL EXAM DATE:
[Put in DATE & TIME of final exam - ex. Jan. 23, 2003 - 9-12 AM ]
INSTRUCTOR CONTACT INFORMATION
Instructor Name:
[Put in INSTRUCTOR NAME]
Email Address:
[Put in INSTRUCTOR email.]
Contact Phone:
[Put in INSTRUCTOR contact/dept phone here.]
Office Location/Hours:
[Put in INSTRUCTOR office hours.]
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This lecture and lab course integrates the sophisticated functions of Quark XPress, Adobe
Illustrator, and Adobe Photoshop, and focuses on the importance of design in using desktop
publishing software. Class assignments are aimed at integrating software technology and
aesthetics for print media. Typography as a strong design element is emphasized, and advanced
projects for type design is used throughout the semester. In practice exercises and assignments,
students will apply the concepts acquired through lectures and demonstrations. Color theory and
application are emphasized. Pre-press and production will be discussed, as well as color
separations for print. Regular critiques of student and professional work will be carried out
throughout the course.
COURSE/DEPARTMENTAL OBJECTIVES
1

Further the students’ understanding of visual design

Focus on typography and its purpose in design

Examine the differences between print software; advantages and disadvantages of digital
design vs. hands-on

Discuss functions of good design in all areas of print and web media

Understand current design trends and aesthetics

Integrate software technology and aesthetics for print media

Integrate typography, color, graphics and layout in creating a professional design
presentation

Understand how class projects relate to the design industry

Create professional quality projects in print design and web design consistent with portfolioquality presentation

Learn to integrate acquired skills in desktop publishing to solve practical design problems

Prepare the student for "real world" design problems
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
The student is responsible for reading all of the materials that will be directly related to the class
assignment. Students are responsible for finishing all class and homework assignments by the
end of the semester. The student will be required to present an independent project of sufficient
complexity and sophistication using the skills acquired.
GRADING GUIDELINES
Grades will be based on finished projects and the successful completion of classroom and outside
assignments, midterms, quizzes, and final exams. Grades will be based primarily on exams and
projects, but will also reflect successful completion of exercises and assignments, attendance and
class participation. Completed projects will be graded using the following criteria:
comprehension of the material, technical proficiency in using tools and techniques, project
planning, design concept, execution, quality control, and a demonstration of aesthetic
development. Each project deadline must be respected. All projects must be turned in as hard
copy and on digital media at the end of the semester.
Suggested Grading Policy:
Exams and Projects = 50% of grade
1
Exercises and Assignments = 25% of grade
Student Attendance and Participation = 25% of grade
COURSE TEXT(S)
Title:
Author:
Pub. Date:
Publisher:
ISBN #:
Creativity for Graphic Designers: A Real-World Guide to the ldeas Generation
From Defining Graphic Design Basics,
Arntson, Amy E.
1997
HBJ College & School Div
0030187346
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Title:
Author:
Pub. Date:
Publisher:
ISBN #:
Type and Image, The Language of Graphic Design
Meggs, Phillip
1992
John Wiley and Sons, Inc.
0-471-28492-0
Title:
Author:
Pub. Date:
Publisher:
ISBN #:
American Typography Today
Carter, Rob
1997
John Wiley & Sons
COURSE CONTENT
Week 1: LECTURE TOPIC: Introduction to Typography
Identifying, classifying, and using typefaces for mood, flavor and as art.
LAB TOPIC: View and discuss examples of Serif and Sans Serif type. Characteristics to look
for.
ASSIGNMENT: Create a complete display typeface character set based on an existing typeface
or create your own.
Week 2: LECTURE TOPIC: Type Designers - Historical overview of type designers from the
18th Century to present. (Professor is encouraged to use reference material and/or AV equipment
for lecture)
LAB TOPIC: Design Your Own Typeface 2
ASSIGNMENT: Finish design of typeface. Apply type to a design situation.
1
Week 3: LECTURE TOPIC: Invitations History and use of design in invitations for weddings
and other functions. (Professor is encouraged to use reference material and/or AV equipment for
lecture)
LAB TOPIC: Page layout for invitations, typography and calligraphy, special fonts for script and
special characters (Hebrew, Russian)
ASSIGNMENT: Design logo, script, and text for an invitation; wedding, engagement, birth
announcement, or birthday
Week 4: LECTURE TOPIC: Invitations Part 2 Lecture on commercial use and greeting card
companies; Hallmark, American greetings. Postcard art and design
LAB TOPIC: Preparing a multi-page or folded card for print; choosing papers and card stocks
Week 5: LECTURE TOPIC: Package Design: History of package design (Professor is
encouraged to use reference material and/or AV equipment for lecture) Working with clients and
target audience for product and package design; boxes, bags, bottles
LAB TOPIC: Design a Label for a product; using DTP software for layout and production
ASSIGNMENT: Redesign a label for a product; energy drinks such as “Powerade”
Week 6: LECTURE TOPIC: Package Design Part 2: Advances in digital technology and its
effect on package design: ie. CD/DVD covers, cosmetics, food products, advertising
LAB TOPIC: Continue work on label design
Week 7: LECTURE TOPIC: Editorial Page Art: Lecture on history of newspaper art and design,
illustration for print, magazines, historical overview- (Professor is encouraged to use reference
material and/or AV equipment for lecture)
LAB TOPIC: Setting up galleys and columns, images and text on a page, banners and headlines,
illustrations and photos
ASSIGNMENT: Redesign Village Voice or other newspaper cover page
Week 8: MIDTERM REVIEW
Mid-term Test/Review: grading of finished projects
Week 9: LECTURE TOPIC: Posters and Magazine Cover Design from the 19th and 20th Century
LAB TOPIC: Preparing for output, color separations, papers, spreads
ASSIGNMENT: Finish Design Village Voice or other newspaper cover page
Week10: LECTURE TOPIC: Logo design and promotional campaigns for merchandising and
retail markets. Professor should provide examples and a possible field trip to retail stores and
businesses. Target audiences, age ranges, incomes, etc.
LAB TOPIC: Integration of Quark, Illustrator, Photoshop
ASSIGNMENT: Create logo, stationery and grand opening mailing card for a start-up
companyWeek 11: LECTURE TOPIC: Brochure designs
• LAB TOPIC: Using Quark for layout; Photoshop for images
ASSIGNMENT: create the brochure for start-up company
Week 12: LECTURE TOPIC: Re-purpose for the Web; how websites are used as a marketing
tool, design skills for the Web
1
LAB TOPIC: Using Photoshop and Dreamweaver
ASSIGNMENT: Create a working web page from the brochure
Week 13: LECTURE TOPIC: Multimedia and user interactivity on the Web for advertising
LAB TOPIC: Using Flash and/or Image ready to create interactive access for website
ASSIGNMENT: Finish Web pages
Week 14:
LECTURE TOPIC: Multi-page brochure design of the 20th and 21st Century
LAB TOPIC: Multi-page layout design for a cultural events
ASSIGNMENT: Design an 8 page brochure ; (First Night New York)
Week 15: LECTURE TOPIC: Deadlines, specs, proofs
LAB TOPIC: Continue work on brochure, finish all work for final critiques
Week 16: FINAL REVIEW
Final exam/review: grading of all finished projects submitted.
*****Weekly schedule is subject to change, depending on time and
specific need of students.
ATTENDANCE & MAKE-UP POLICIES
Instructor is required to provide a substitute or arrange make-up date/s for missed class/classes.
Make-up dates must be arranged by the student with the professor.
HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENTS
Projects and Homework must be turned in no later than one week after the assigned completion
date, otherwise grade will be lowered or no credit will be given for the assignments. Students
who miss classes must get necessary material from instructor. Lab Exercises must be done
during class. (Special arrangements must be requested in writing and approved in signature by
the professor.)
1