SCHOOLOFDESIGN
TheTorontoCityCollege – GeorgeBrown
FACULTY OF BUSINESS AND CREATIVE ARTS
COURSE OUTLINE
COURSE NAME: DESIGN THESIS
EFFECTIVE DATE: JANUARY 2006
PROFESSORS:
DAN
MIKE GARRETT
VINCE
OUELLETTE
mgarrett@gbrow
MANCUSO
danthesis@jughe
nc.on.ca
vmancuso@gbrow
ad.tv
416-415-5000 EXT
nc.on.ca
3755
GILLES MORIN
SHELLEY WARSH
gmorin@gbrownc.on.ca
swarsh@gbrownc.on.ca
416-415-5000 EXT 3379
416-415-5000 EXT 3476
COURSE CODE: GRAF 3006
CREDIT HOURS: 14 WEEKS X 6 HOURS = 84 HOURS
PREREQUISITES: ALL REQUIRED DESIGN COURSES FROM SEMESTERS ONE TO FIVE and eight Design Electives
including at least one of the following: Corporate Design I, Advertising I, Exhibit Design I, Illustration I, or Web Design I.
COREQUISITES: NONE
PLAR ELIGIBLE: YES ( ) NO ( )
NOTE TO STUDENTS: Academic Departments at George Brown College will NOT retain historical copies of Course
Outlines. We urge you to retain this Course Outline for your future reference.
FOR OFFICE USE ONLY
ORIGINATOR:
SIGNATURE
DATE
SIGNATURE
DATE
DIRECTOR:
EQUITY STATEMENT: George Brown College values the talents and contributions of its students, staff and community
partners and seeks to create a welcoming environment where equity, diversity and safety of all groups are fundamental.
Language or activities which are inconsistent with this philosophy violate the College policy on the Prevention of
Discrimination and Harassment and will not be tolerated. The commitment and cooperation of all students and staff are
required to maintain this environment. Information and assistance are available through your Director, Student Affairs, the
Student Association or the Human Rights Advisor.
STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES: Students should obtain a copy of the Student Handbook and refer to it for additional
information regarding the grading system, withdrawals, exemptions, class assignments, missed tests and exams,
supplemental privileges, and academic dishonesty. Students are required to apply themselves diligently to the course of
study, and to prepare class and
SCHOOLOFDESIGN
TheTorontoCityCollege – GeorgeBrown
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
There are two components of this course: (1) Thesis and (2) Portfolio
Thesis:
This course offers students the opportunity to develop their own thesis specific to their chosen Design Major.
The thesis will be developed around a theoretical proposition (hypothesis) and will include research, project
management, a creative design component—all culminating into a final thesis in book format (and may include
other formats, such as digital and 3-D mock-ups in addition to the book). Please see below.
Portfolio:
There will be a one hour lecture as well as studio component for Portfolio. In studio students will review their
work and develop a PDF digital portfolio. Students will also prepare a plan for the portfolio they will create after
they complete the course.
Deliverables: 1 digital PDF portfolio that has been personally branded PDF and no larger than 2 MG’s.
To include a sampling of work, a covering letter and Curriculum Vitae (CV).
THESIS COMPONENT & DELIVERABLES:
Students will choose an option that will provide the right vehicle for developing a successful design thesis for
their chosen major. A PDF file will be submitted of all work.
Option #1
Directed Project:
Research an actual professional client that is of interest to you. The client need NOT be approached
for consultation and for approval of the thesis process. However, a contact person could be consulted
as a mentor. The contact person could be a Product manager, Client liaison, Art director, etc...
Suggested clients and thesis ideas: (You may determine your own.)
• Ministry of Transportation: Research and redesign the signage for major Canadian highways
• Publisher: Research & design/illustrate a new series of books
• Toronto Airport: Research and redesign an environmental graphic and wayfinding system.
• Software Company: Research and design an interactive new media solution for their
software packages
• Bank: Research and design a new corporate identity and graphic communication system
• Cosmetic Firm: Research and redesign the packaging for a major line of products
• Newspaper/Magazine: Research and redesign a new grid, layout, type.
Option #2 Applied Project:
2 of 10
SCHOOLOFDESIGN
TheTorontoCityCollege – GeorgeBrown
Research and contact a charitable professional organization that is of interest to you. The chosen
organization must provide a service necessary and beneficial to the community and focus on a worth-while
cause. THE CLIENT MUST BE APPROACHED for consultation and for approval of the thesis process.
A contact person must be available as a mentor. He/she could be a Product manager, Client liaison,
Art director, Curator, etc.
Suggested clients: (You may determine your own.)
• Sick Kids Hospital
• M.A.D.D.
• Casey House
• Art Gallery
• Rape Crisis Centre
• Literacy Association
• Child Find
• Kid’s Help Line
• Make a Wish Foundation
• Dance Company
Option #3
Experimental Project:
The student will research and examine their own area of interest. The student must establish a basis
for a new approach and/or create something new in concept and thinking. The basis of the thesis
is researching and formulating new ideas and opinions based on art, science, technology, etc. The student
will create an innovative strategy and pursue a new and inventive form of graphic communication that
meets the identified criteria. The thesis must be a synthesis of experience, research and knowledge,
and express an innovative vision.
Suggested thesis ideas: (You may determine your own.)
• Research and create a New Media presentation on the
power of creative consciousness using the most recent
computer technology.
• Research and design and reframe information, ideas, and
concepts using narrative, visual and symbolic representations,
for an exhibition highlighting multi-cultural diversity.
• To examine how type affects reading in public school children.
Design an appropriate typeface and incorporate it into a book.
• To examine how the zeitgeist has influenced poster design
throughout history. To show that poster design is only relevant
within a certain cultural and social context as a source
of information.
• To examine the role and various techniques of advertising in our
culture and determine trend for the 21st century.
Every thesis must include the following deliverables:
3 of 10
SCHOOLOFDESIGN
TheTorontoCityCollege – GeorgeBrown
1.
Thesis Book
• Statement of Intent
• Identification of main issues
• Research for the chosen topic
• Proposal (Hypothesis)
• Design Process (will differ project to project and be approved by professor)
• Design Management
• Evaluation of Effectiveness of Applied Approach
• Refinement of Communication & Presentation
2.
Thesis Board
3.
A CD with Digital Files for the Thesis Book & Design Component in PDF format.
COURSE OUTCOMES:
COURSE OUTCOME 1
To construct a conceptual model for the thesis project.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
The student will:
• identify the area of interest for further study
• research the topic of interest
• define the thesis proposal statement
• establish and define the set of criteria that will be followed to fulfill the hypothesis
CONDITIONS
Learning outcomes will be demonstrated by:
• successfully creating the following project management documents to be outlined in the studio
1. a contract: states the thesis choice topic and list of deliverables
2. weekly progress documentation / production schedule
3. a budget to produce the proposed project for the design component
CRITERIA: Performance will be satisfactory when:
• the contract has been signed by the students and the faculty advisor
• all required time management sheets have been filled out with the required detailed information
COURSE OUTCOME 2
• Develop and create a design solution (the design component) to suit the thesis concept.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
The student will:
• develop and create the design for all required components of the thesis
• analyze and evaluate the results as outlined in the criteria
• critique and give feedback in their assigned thesis support group
• include all process work (thumbs, linears, comprehensives)
4 of 10
SCHOOLOFDESIGN
TheTorontoCityCollege – GeorgeBrown
CONDITIONS: Learning outcome will be demonstrated by:
• completion of the final thesis book & design component
• completion of the board to be used in the final end of year show
• oral presentation of thesis to selected faculty
• digital files burned to CD
CRITERIA: Performance will be successful when:
• the final thesis book is submitted within the allotted time frame and is evaluated by professor
• the oral presentation is evaluated by the professor
COURSE OUTCOME 3
• Develop and practice the skill set required of working in teams, interacting and relating with
others in the creative process.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
The student will:
• communicate with others in a professional and courteous manner.
• analyze and evaluate each other’s work
• critique and give feedback in their assigned creative teams
• work in class on the assigned tasks
CONDITIONS: Learning outcome will be demonstrated by:
• a final oral presentation of finished work
• weekly attendance and participation creative team/group.
CRITERIA: Performance will be successful when:
• successful presentation of final submitted work incorporating the improvements suggested by the
members of their creative team and professor
• Digital presentation is made to the class
COURSE OUTCOME 4
• To develop and create a final digital portfolio
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
The student will:
• create the self-identity logo that best reflects themselves and their design major
• decide and select suitable pieces of work for inclusion in their portfolio
• critique each other’s portfolio
CONDITIONS: Learning outcome will be demonstrated by:
5 of 10
SCHOOLOFDESIGN
TheTorontoCityCollege – GeorgeBrown
• submission of the final digital portfolio in the allotted time frame
• active and involved participation in creative team
CRITERIA: Performance will be satisfactory when learner:
• receives portfolio critique by peer group (oral and written)
• receives evaluation of portfolio
GENERIC SKILLS
The college is committed ensuring that students have the full range of knowledge and skills required for
full participation in all aspects of their lives including skills to enable them to be life long learners. To
ensure graduates have this preparation, such generic skills as literacy and numeracy, computer,
interpersonal, communications, and critical thinking skills will be embedded in all courses. The table below
indicates which generic skills will be taught, practiced, and/or evaluated in this course.
SKILL
T
Communicate clearly- spoken, written,
visual presentation
Reframe ideas and concepts to
demonstrate understanding using
narrative, numerical, symbolical forms
●
Apply mathematical techniques
●
Use the computer to perform tasks
●
Interact and work in teams to achieve
goals
P
E
SKILL
●
●
Evaluate information based on
quantitative and/or qualitative data
●
●
Create innovative strategies and/or
products that meet identified needs
●
●
P
E
●
●
●
●
Manage time and other resources to
attain goals
●
●
●
Take responsibility for own actions
●
●
●
Adapt to new situations and demands
●
Assess own skills, knowledge and
experience
●
Apply critical thinking in problem solving
and making decisions
●
●
●
Collect, analyze and organize
information
●
●
●
T
●
DELIVERY METHODS
Students will work in creative teams and individually with in-class advisement, critiques presentation
and evaluation.
LIST OF TEXTBOOKS AND OTHER TEACHING AIDS
Required Texts:
Design: The Business of Graphic Design : A professional’s Handbook
Advertising: Canadian Advertising In Action; Sixth Edition; Keith J. Tuckwell, Publisher: Prentice Hall
6 of 10
SCHOOLOFDESIGN
TheTorontoCityCollege – GeorgeBrown
How To Art Direct; Laurence K. Withers, Publisher: Art Direction Book Company
New Media: Experience Design 1 by Nathan Shedroff
EVALUATION SYSTEM
Mid Term
presentation of
Thesis:
Digital Presentation in Acrobat or PowerPoint
5%
Typography & Design
Consultation and
implementation:
Meet with GBC School of Design Professor (other than your own)
for critique and make necessary changes to the thesis based on
the recommendations.
5%
Final Oral
Presentation of
Thesis:
Presented to Faculty & Industry Professional
10%
Thesis project:
Final Thesis Book and Design Component plus CD with PDF’s including studio
participation.
65%
Portfolio component:
2 MG PDF portfolio including studio participation.
15%
Total:
100%
TESTING AND ASSIGNMENT POLICY
Because this is a project driven course:

Student work is evaluated on an accumulative basis. There are no tests – the student term marks are
arrived at through a project-by-project gathering of marks, with an average being taken at the end.

All projects must be completed and handed in to pass this course.

Sometimes, for a variety of reasons, students will turn in a substandard piece of work. At the
teacher’s discretion, a student may be allowed to redo a project for re-evaluation.

The process of design is as important as the finished product. Time is provided for individual
consultation, discussion and guidance. Prior to submitting projects, students receive individual
creative direction and coaching so that they may improve their assignments.
Missed deadlines will result in a student losing marks in the following manner:

One week late: one full letter grade is lost, i.e. A becomes B

Two weeks late: at the discretion of the teacher, no marks awarded
Legitimate illnesses covered by a medical note will be handled on a case-by-case basis.
THESIS REVIEWS:
Evaluation will be an ongoing process through grades, in class critiques, external critiques and final evaluation.
(Please see topical outline on last page for details.)
Review from another thesis faculty in studio
Review from Regular thesis faculty in studio
Final Review with Professor & Industry Professional
week 6
week 9
week 14/15
7 of 10
SCHOOLOFDESIGN
TheTorontoCityCollege – GeorgeBrown
GRADING SYSTEM
A+/A 86-100
B+
77-79
C+
67-69
D+
57-59
A-
B
73-76
C
63-66
D
50-56
B-
70-72
C-
60-62
80-85
Below 50
F
EXCERPT FROM THE COLLEGE POLICY ON ACADEMIC DISHONESTY:
The minimal consequence for submitting a plagiarized, purchased, contracted, or in any manner inappropriately
negotiated or falsified assignment, test, essay, project, or any evaluated material will be a grade of zero on
that material.
8 of 10
SCHOOLOFDESIGN
TheTorontoCityCollege – GeorgeBrown
TOPICAL OUTLINE
WEEK
LECTURE
CONTENT
OUTCOMES
1
Introduction To Thesis
Introduction to all aspects of
the thesis/portfolio course.
Students to view a sample
thesis in their major.
Students review their topics
in groups and refine
proposals and deliverables.
Professor to set standard
regarding studio work. Students
to understand how to write a
proposal, cover letter, contract
and CV.
Students to discuss and
formulate proposal and
determine deliverables.
Students to bring self identity
material to studio for next week.
2
Portfolio : Branding the
portfolio. Samples from
Thesis 2005.
Group critiques of : self
identity, letterhead, CV,
covering letter & leave
behind. Final review proposal
& deliverables. Introduce
contracts.
Contract & Typography &
Design Evaluation sheets in
Public folder.
Groups critique.
Contract due next week.
Final iterations of self identity
due for next week.
3
Skill sets
Critique self identities.
Students to receive feedback on
identities and self promotion.
Contract due.
Grid design of thesis book for
next week (hard copy) of :
• Statement of Intent
• Identification of main issues
• Research for the chosen topic
• Proposal / Hypothesis
• Design Management
production schedule
Students to sign up for portfolio
in class reviews.
Discuss grid design and
content for thesis book.
Discuss ideas for design
component and identify what
will be delivered in thumb
format for next week.
Guest: Paper rep. from
Coast Paper.
4
5
The Job Interview
Review design component of
thesis. Determine what
portion of design component
is due for next week.
Review design (hard copy)
for Thesis book.
Students to present their ideas
and receive feedback.
Begin portfolio reviews for
5 students.
Student to decide on what
aspect of des. Component will be
brought in for next week.
Job Search
Group critiques for design
component.
Portfolio reviews for
5 students.
Prepare students for other
faculty feedback next week.
Review of design component.
Student to determine what
aspect of design component will
be brought for review next week.
Portfolio feedback for 5 students.
9 of 10
SCHOOLOFDESIGN
TheTorontoCityCollege – GeorgeBrown
6
CV
Design component group
reviews. Criteria given for
digital presentation, PDF
portfolios and year end
posters. Presentation to
another thesis professor in
the last 3 hours.
Students receive feedback on
design component. Students to
understand requirements of
digital portfolio and year end
posters. Portfolio reviews for
5 students. Critique from
another professor.
7
Outline content for digital
presentations in wk 9.
One on one Design
component review
from professor.
Students receive individual
feedback on thesis. Portfolio
feedback for 5 students.
8
Intersession week
9
Acrobat 1
5 minute thesis digital
presentations.
In class reviews and
mid term evaluation.
10
Acrobat 2
Design component critiques.
Introduce again that the
Faculty reviews for Typog. &
Design are to be done
between week 11 & 13.
Students receive feedback on
thesis. Portfolio reviews for
5 students.
11
Industry designer.
Introduce design criteria for
thesis boards.
Design component.
Students to understand concept
for thesis boards and create
layouts. Portfolio reviews for
5 students.
12
Design component critiques.
Students receive feedback on
thesis. Portfolio reviews for
5 students.
13
One on one review from
professor.
Feedback.
Students to sign up for final oral
thesis presentations.
14
Final thesis presentation by
appointment.
Digital portfolio due.
Final thesis evaluation to
professor and industry designer.
15
Final thesis presentation by
appointment.
Digital portfolio due.
Final thesis evaluation to
professor and industry designer.
* Note: A course outline is designed to give a student an idea of the concept and daily implementation of a particular course.
It is, however, a living thing and sometimes changes need to be made to it in mid term for a variety of reasons. The teacher
reserves the right to do this without prior consultation.
10 of 10