G r a p h i c
D e s i g n
I ,
s u m m e r
2 0 0 9
Syllabus
MDAR-235-81
school of continuing studies
Graphic Design I, summer 2009
INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION:
Robert Gassiot, ABS, BA, MPS
Phone:
Home: (504) 899-1804
Work: (504) 896-9582
E-mail:
rgassiot@tulane.edu
rgassiot@chnola.org
Campus mailbox:
Elmwood campus
Web site:
www.mdar235.weebly.com
Office hours:
By appointment
Course/University Information:
Tulane University, School of Continuing Studies
Media Arts Department
Course:
MDAR-235-81: Graphic Design I
Time:
Monday and Wednesday, 6 pm - 8:40 pm
Location:
Elmwood Campus, PC lab
Blackboard:
mytulane.blackboard.com
Course Fees:
Special course fees are $35.
Course Description:
This is an introductory course in the field of graphic
design. An emphasis is placed on terminology, file types,
design techniques, color (spot and four-color process),
and software training. Software training primarily focuses
on Adobe InDesign.
File types, typography and layout are additional
concentrations included in the class. Other software
products/topics discussed, but formal training is
not provided in this course, include Quark X-Press,
Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Acrobat
Professional, Adobe Flash and Adobe Fireworks.
A series of projects and in-class assignments are
assigned to assist the student with developing design
skills utilizing software. Projects will be evaluated and
critiqued by peers at end of the semester. Course is a
prerequisite to MDAR-335.
Course Objectives & Outcomes:
To enhance, guide and train students in the graphic arts
field. Students will incorporate software training with
theories—color theory, typography, and utilize graphic
design vocabulary to prepare visually appealing, artistic
visual communication pieces on computer platforms.
Students will be acquire introductory skills in Adobe
InDesign.
Course Requirements:
n All class meetings should be attended. Failure to do so
will jeopardize your training of design software.
n Purchase necessary text and complete assignments on
due dates. Late projects will be penalized.
n Participate in class discussions.
n Ask questions.
n Prepare yourselves for critiques.
n Bring acceptable printed items to class to discuss
the design and layout (i.e., magazines, newspapers,
packaging, CD covers, direct mail pieces, etc.).
Attendance:
Attendance is expected and is in accordance with Tulane
University School of Continuing Studies regulations.
Notify instructor prior to missing class. E-mails are
acceptable.
Assignments, Projects & Deadlines:
All projects must be completed by yourself. Any prior
coursework or published work will not be accepted.
Projects will be submitted both in electronic (original
source file) and as a final printed piece. At the end of the
semester each student will make an electronic portfolio
utilizing PDF technology.
Grading/Assignments:
6 – 10 Projects................................................ 40%
2 Quizzes . ..................................................... 20%
1 Midterm...................................................... 20%
1 Final project/presentation/critique............... 20%
Grading Scale:
Grading scales follows Tulane University standards.
A (+/-) Excellent
B (+/-) Above average
C (+/-) Average
D (+/-) Below average
F Failing
Computer Lab:
Students are expected to complete assigned projects by
due dates. Any student who does not complete projects/
class assignments will automatically be dropped one
letter grade. Students are expected to utilize Computer
Lab. (Note: frequent use of computers/software
enhances and improves both design and computer
skills.)
Computer Lab Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Saturdays & Holidays: per monitor’s posted schedule
Class Rules:
n No cell phone use during class.
n No IPOD use, unless for file storage.
n No Internet surfing during class.
n If requested, computer monitors must be turned OFF
during class lectures.
n Class absences must be submitted in writing. E-mail
accepted.
Required Course Text:
Adobe InDesign CS3 How-Tos: 100 Essential Techniques.
Anton and Cruise, 2007.
Basics of Design: Layout & Typography for Beginners.
Lisa Graham, 2005.
Suggested text:
InDesign Type. Nigel French, 2006.
Required Course Materials:
E-ruler and/or Ruler*
Storage device: IPOD, jump drive, etc.**
Color wheel*
Calculator (helpful, but not required)
*Art supply store
**Computer or office supply store
Code of Academic Conduct (Honor Code):
Adhere to University’s honor code standards and
procedures. All coursework should be original work from
student.
http://college.tulane.edu/code.htm
Academic dishonesty in any form will not be tolerated.
Students are expected to be familiar with the Code of
Academic Conduct (Honor Code) and its provisions.
Collaboration: Oral reports, writings and tests are to be
prepared and completed by each student individually.
Collaboration should be limited to discussions of subject
matter, issues and case studies in and outside of class.
Plagiarism: Plagiarism is taking someone else’s work
and using it as your own without attribution. It is
grammatical theft. Students sometimes use material in
their research papers but mistakenly neglect to state the
attribution. If you take a quote from a book, newspaper,
magazine, website, television broadcast, etc., you must
name the author, footnote it properly in your paper and
list it in your bibliography. If you find information and
rephrase it in your paper - even if it’s not a direct quote
- you must attribute it by footnote. If in doubt, consult
the Code of Academic Conduct and its insert titled,
“Acknowledging Sources in Academic Work.” To find the
Code of Academic Conduct, go to the SCS homepage
and click on “Rules & Requirements.”
Education Resource Center:
http://erc.tulane.edu
Resources:
www.adobe.com
www.ilovetypography.com
www.veer.com
www.quark.com
www.aiga.com
Note: Subject to change
Projects
MDAR-235-81
school of continuing studies
Graphic Design I, summer 2009
Flier This exercise provides an introduction to layout design,
Newsletter Design a newsletter, including color
file types, importing and placing graphics, placing text and
selection, typography selection and Masthead design,
InDesign toolbars and panels. An emphasis is placed on
and importing and formatting generic text files. This
different color production techniques, including spot color
exercise demonstrates the major difference of design/
(one-color), two-color and four-color process. The Pantone
layout software vs. word processing software. Type control
Matching System (PMS) system is also introduced. (Project
is a critical issue with this project. Paragraph and character
entails an 8.5” X 11” one-color, two-color, four-color layout.)
formatting are new topics reviewed. (two-color)
Brochure Instructor provides photography and text for
Business Form Business is a part of everyday life, even
layout placement to design a double-sided, six-panel, three-
in the design field. This exercise will demonstrate the
fold, two-color brochure. This exercise provides additional
importance of tabs, tables, and the step and repeat function.
practice with layout design, placing file types, importing and
(two-color)
placing graphics, formatting text and columns/grids. (twocolor)
Magazine Cover Design a visually-appealing,
Corporate Identity Package This intensive exercise is
professional-looking magazine cover. Creativity is the goal.
an introduction to identity design with the creation of a logo
Target audience should be an influential factor in project.
for a specific local small business. Project includes the usuage
(four-color)
of appropriate typography, the creation of an original iconic
symbol and professional color selection. Project also includes
Invitation/Promo piece Design an inspirational and
creating a letterhead, envelope, business card and logo
appropriate invitation or promo piece as instructed. This
identity sheet. (two-color)
project demonstrates “old school” techniques of cut and
paste and proper presentations of finished product. Actual
Poster Create an interesting, visual appealing 11” X
envelope provided. (two-color)
17” poster, with an emphasis on scale, on a current topic
provided. (four-color)
Web Design Create a storyboard using InDesign for a
proposed Web site based on your identity logo design.
Advertisement Create an advertisement based on specific
print guidelines provided. This creative exercise introduces
the student to standards that are normally placed within an
agency/company. Guidelines of the advertisement will come
from a selected local magazine. (one-color)
This listing does not include ongoing class exercises.
Note: Due dates will be announced.
Summary
MDAR-235-81
sc h ool of contin u ing st u dies
G raphic D esign I , su m m er 2 0 0 9
Introduction class;
Lecture; Graphic design and computer exercises
2 Wed., July 1
Lecture; In-class exercises
Lecture (File types), Project 1: FLYER/PDF (1-color, 2-color, 4-color)
WEEK 2
3 Mon., July 6
Lecture; In-class exercises
Lecture (Color); Project 2: BROCHURE /PDF
4 Wed., July 8
Lecture; In-class exercises
Lecture; Project 3: BUSINESS form/PDF
WEEK 3
5 Mon., July 13
Lecture; In-class exercises
Project 4: POSTER/PDF
6 Wed., July 15
Lecture; QUIZ (File types, typography, etc)
Project 5: CORPORATE IDENTITY/PDF AND PROJECT 6: WEB COMP
7 Mon., July 20
Lecture; In-class exercises
Lab time; Projected project due date
8 Wed., July 22
MID-TERM
Lecture; Project 7: ADVERTISEMENT/PDF
9 Mon, July 27
Lecture; In-class exercises
Project 8: NEWSLETTER DESIGN/PDF
WEEK 6
WEEK1
1 Mon., June 29
WEEK 4
OBJECTIVE/PROJECT
WEEK 5
WEEK/CLASS NO.
& DATE
10 Wed., July 29
QUIZ 2; In-class exercises
Project 9: MAGAZINE COVER
11 Mon., August 3
Lecture; In-class exercises
Project 10: INVITATION/PDF
12 Wed., August 5
Lecture; In-class exercises
Lab time; Projected project due date
13 Mon., August 10
Final PRESENTATIONS/projects
PROJECT DUE DATES:
Due dates will be announced.
TENTATIVE QUIZ DATES:
Dates are subject to change with notification.