Marshall University
School of Journalism and Mass Communication
JMC 241, 201/202 CRN
2813/2814
Graphics of Communications
Fall 2011, MW 11:00-12:50/2:00-3:50, Smith Hall 331
Professor Chris Ingersoll
Office: Communications Building 133
Email: ingersoll @marshall.edu
Office Phone: (304) 696-6376
Office Hours: MW10:00-11:00 TR10:00-1:00 & 4:00-5:00
or by appointment
Course Description
Required Text
Required Materials
3 hrs. I, II. S. Creative and practical aspects of typography, layout and design of
printed communication. (PR: Keyboarding proficiency)
There is no required text for this course.
1. A flash drive and a second form of backup for your files.
2. Use of a digital camera (not the camera in your phone).
Purchase the flash drive, digital backup, and have access to a digital camera for the start of the course.
The remaining tools listed below will be needed about midterm.
3. Put aside $10-15 to purchase quality paper to complete your book. An order will
be placed during the semester to Dolphin Paper. The text paper for the book will
require a specific paper at a cost of about $4. The remaining funds can be used for
cover stock. Paper makes a significant difference in the final presentation. Calculating
and purchasing the paper is part of the course objectives in understanding print
production quality and budgets.
4.X-Acto, or other brand of precision knife with a minimum of 5 extra #11 blades.
http://www.dickblick.com/brands/xacto/
5. A 24 inch metal corked back ruler.
MU Online will be used heavily throughout this course. Assignments will be submitted
through MU Online. Not understanding how to submit assignments through MU
Online is not admissible grounds for late, or missing assignments. Help is always
available during office hours for any questions you may have. Do not wait until the last
minute to submit. The ability to take back and resubmit is available. When submitting
PDF’s make sure to view the submitted file after it is attached to make sure it appears as
you wish it to be graded.
Computer
Requirements
This course will require extensive time working with the Adobe software. The graphics
lab computers may only be used for JMC coursework. The lab is open to students on
a first-come, first-serve basis, and the hours for the lab are posted outside the SH 331
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door. It is the responsibility of the student to budget time to complete the assignments
according to lab availability. Computers with the Adobe software are also available in the
library.
The Adobe Creative Suite version 4 (Illustrator, InDesign and Photoshop) is the
primary software used in this course and is available on the computers located in
the classroom. Lynda.com is required for this course and available through Marshall
University at: http://lynda.marshall.edu
Recommended
Readings
Recommended readings, reference materials, videos and Lynda courses will be available
on MU Online.
Grammar
Proficiency
Statement
All written work submitted in this course will be evaluated for quality. Writing quality
includes structure, content, grammar, punctuation and spelling. The research paper will
be submitted according to MLA (Modern Language Association) style. The purchase
of a stylebook is not required. Students will use The Purdue Online Writing Lab for style
guidelines http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/747/01/
Writing Center
Kelly Prejean, Corbly Hall
Drinko Library, 2nd Floor (304) 696-2405
www.marshall.edu/writingcenter
“The Writing Center, which is administered by the Department of English, provides
free writing consultation to students. Students can drop in without an appointment
to receive help with writing or to use a PC. The Writing Center tutoring staff, which
consists of English graduate students and undergraduate peer tutors of all majors, can
help students through the entire writing process, from discussing initial ideas to revising
and editing their work.” (Undergraduate Catalog)
Academic
Dishonesty
All work produced in this course is considered “public” and is used for purposes of
teaching and evaluation. This includes the use of student work as a model for future
students and courses, and the submission of student work to online plagiarism detection
services. Cheating and plagiarism can result in an F for this course. All work submitted
must be of the student’s own creation and in their own words. Tracing artwork or
duplicating layouts may violate the owner’s copyright and is prohibited. All work
submitted is expected to be completed during this semester. Work produced for other
classes, jobs, or internships, will not be accepted. Using copyrighted materials as part of
an assignment is prohibited. Academic dishonesty is a serious matter. See Undergraduate
Catalog for Marshall University’s policy on academic dishonesty.
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Unit Objectives
The Six Degrees
of Education
The School of Journalism and Mass Communications Learning Outcomes have been
established with consensus of the faculty for all majors in the academic unit.
Curriculum in the school ensures that students are able to:
1. understand and apply the principles and laws of freedom of speech and press, including the right to dissent, to monitor and criticize power, and to assemble and petition for redress of grievances;
2. prepare and disseminate oral and written communications in Standard American English which include:
understanding concepts and applying theories in the use and presentation of images and information
writing correctly and clearly in forms and styles appropriate for the communications professions, audiences and purposes they serve;
critically evaluating their own work and that of others for accuracy and fairness, clarity, appropriate style and grammatical correctness;
synthesizing information from primary and secondary sources
conducting research and evaluating information by methods appropriate to the communications professions in which they work;
3. apply basic numerical and statistical concepts;
4. articulate the ethical responsibilities with which professional communicators
must concern themselves and work ethically in pursuit of truth, accuracy, fairness
and diversity;
5. demonstrate fundamental skills that show competency in and ability to be employed in a mass communications field. Including
thinking critically, creatively and independently;
understanding of the history and role of professionals and institutions in shaping communications; and understanding of the diversity of groups in a global society in relationship to communications;
6. apply tools and technologies appropriate for the communications professions in
which they will work.
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Course Objectives
Upon completion of this course students should be able to:
properly choose and apply industry standard tools. (5, 6)
implement design with production and budget considerations. (1, 5, 6)
apply typography as a communication tool based on function and visual impact. (5, 1)
utilize writing skills and strategies in solving design problems. (2, 5, 6)
select and utilize visual and typographic elements based on message,
audience and usability. (4, 5)
understand the basic design principles of positive and negative space, perspective, light, line and form. (5)
combine elements within historic styles. (4, 5)
utilize the grid and understand the elements of copyfitting and page layout. (3, 5, 6)
produce deliverables under professional standards. (1, 6)
design from research, and concept development. (2, 5)
apply and critique elements of the visual and written languages (2, 6)
Deadlines
The projects in this class will require significant time outside of class to create work of
quality and substance. The goal is to produce work with portfolio potential.
Deadlines are a part of the profession. Computer problems are not a viable excuse.
Back up work often, and in at least two places. Use the apple + S, keyboard command
continually. This will save the file to that point.
Work is due as stated on the project sheet and MUST be delivered according to the
directions on the project sheet. Late work beyond forty-eight hours will not be accepted
and will not be graded. A project due on a Monday at 11:59 p.m. will only be deliverable
until Wednesday at 11:59 p.m., and a twenty percent late penalty will be applied. A
project due on a Wednesday at 11:59 p.m. will only be deliverable until Friday at 11:59 p.m.
and a twenty percent late penalty will be applied.
Late work beyond the forty-eight hour deadline, or critique points, will only be
granted with a Dean’s Excuse. “The student who seeks an excused absence must do so
immediately after the event/activity/incident by following these guidelines. Whenever
time permits, such as for University activities scheduled well in advance, the excuse must
be obtained and presented to the instructor prior to the absence.” (Undergraduate Catalog)
Attendance
Students are expected to attend all classes and required to sign the attendance sheet.
If a class or critique (crit) is missed, it is the responsibility of the student to see what
materials were covered, assignments made, and deadlines set. Habitually arriving late, or
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leaving early, from critiques will result in loosing critique points. One critique absents is
granted without an excuse. Any missed critiques beyond one, require a Deans Excuse.
Inclement Weather Huntington Campus. Generally it is Marshall University’s policy to maintain its normal
Policy schedule, even when conditions are inclement. However, that is not always possible.
In those instances when it is necessary to alter the schedule in response to weather
conditions, every effort will be made to notify all those affected—students, faculty,
staff and the general public—as expeditiously and as comprehensively as possible in the
following ways:
Television stations in Huntington and Charleston will be notified.
Radio stations in Huntington and Charleston will be asked to announce the delay
or closing.
Time permitting, newspapers in Huntington and Charleston will be notified.
Often, however, decisions must be made after deadlines of newspapers.
The Office of University Communications will communicate the specific details of
the delay or closing to the Office of Public Safety at 696-HELP.
The Office of University Communications will place the delay or closing message
on the Huntington campus AUDIX system (304) 696-6245 as well as the university
response number (304) 696-3170.
Definitions: University Closed-All classes suspended and offices closed. Classes
Cancelled: All classes suspended; offices open. Delay Code A-Means a delay in the
opening of classes BUT no delay in the opening of offices. Delays will usually be in the
range of one to two hours. Delay Code B-Means a delay in the opening of classes AND
a delay in the opening of offices. Delays will usually be in the range of one to two hours.
Class operation under delays: Under both categories of delay, students should go to the
class that would begin at the stated delay time or the class that would have convened
within 30 minutes of the stated delay time. A two-hour delay means that classes that
begin at 10:00 a.m. begin on time. Classes that begin at 9:30 a.m. meet at 10:00 a.m. and
continue for the remaining period of that class. See the Undergraduate Catalog for Marshall
University’s policy on inclement weather.
Equal
Opportunity/
Affir mative Action
Policy Statement
SOJMC Diversity
Statement
It is the policy of Marshall University to provide equal opportunities to all prospective
and current members of the student body, faculty, and staff on the basis of individual
qualifications and merit without regard to race, color, sex, religion, age, disability,
national origin or sexual orientation. See the Undergraduate Catalog for Marshall
University’s policy on equal opportunity/affirmative action.
This statement affirms the W. Page Pitt School of Journalism and Mass
Communications’ commitment to an environment of teaching and learning which
recognizes and welcomes diversity of race, color, culture, sex, sexual orientation, age,
religion, national origin, marital status and economic, political and ethnic backgrounds.
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Consistent with Marshall University’s dedication to this principle, the School of
Journalism and Mass Communications is committed to developing the potential of
all students by creating and maintaining an environment that promotes and fosters
understanding in multicultural, global community. The dean and faculty believe that a
diverse faculty, staff and student population value differences and similarities among
people and supports the mission of the organization.
ADA Statement
Any student who requires additional accommodation for success in this course will
be given that accommodation as required by law. The student must first receive
documentation from the university’s office of students with disabilities and provide the
instructor with documentation. With proper authorization, the instructor may provide
the student with additional test time, different test location, additional assignment time
within reason and in accordance with SOJMC deadlines or other special assistance as
deemed reasonable by Marshall University.
Decorum
Arriving to class on time and prepared to work is imperative. This class will be treated
as a professional environment. Leaving class early, using computers for personal business
or online social networking during class, cell phone usage during class, treating fellow
classmates or faculty with disrespect, and failing to set proper priorities for the course
schedule is neither appropriate, nor acceptable.
Course Philosophy
The goal of this course is to prepare students for design relevant to the communications
field. Basic rules and guidelines must first be learned to effectively produce professional
materials within economic realities. Creativity is most defiantly encouraged, but an
understanding of the foundations behind design is the first priority. Practice in the skills
learned in this course is essential. The goal is not only to practice certain skills and gain
new knowledge, but also to help students in becoming accomplished self-learners — to
think critically, and understand that in failure, there is success. This course encompasses
a great deal of material, and requires additional time beyond class time to study and
practice. Design is not a formula to be measured and checked off. It is an experience of
discovery and problem solving.
Instruction This course will involve lecture, reading materials, instructional videos, multiple source
research, design and writing projects, critiques, discussion and a final exam. Additional
instruction may be added as needed. The course schedule is a guide and open for
amendment as deemed necessary.
Grades Building Project 350 possible points
Book Project 500 possible points
Lynda Certificates 120 possible points
Final Exam 30 possible points
A
B
C
D
F
Critiques 20 point deduction for missed crits
920-1,000
850-919
770-849 700-769
699 and below
Students are responsible for reading the information provided in this syllabus,
in the course work, on MU Online, and the Marshall University Undergraduate Catalog.

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Marshall University
School of Journalism and Mass Communications
graphics of communications grade points
BU I L D I N G PRO J E C T . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 350 total pts.
Building Photos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 pts.
Cannon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 pts.
Building Drawing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250 pts.
Spring 2011
Monday & Wednesday
sec one: 11:00-12:50
sec two: 2:00-3:50
Smith Hall 331
B O O K PRO J E C T . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 500 total pts.
Bibliography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 pts.
Research . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 pts.
Samples of Designer’s Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 pts.
Thesis Statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 pts.
Outline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 pts.
Paper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 pts.
Reworked Paper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 pts.
Book Thumbs and Mock-up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 pts.
Book Illustration Practice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 pts.
Packaged InDesign File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 pts.
Finished Book . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150 pts.
LYN DA . C O M . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120 total pts.
FI NA L E X A M . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 total pts.
C RI T I QU E S . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (-20 pts)
*Some critiques are in the schedule, but pop critiques can be called
920-1,000A during any scheduled class period. Missing more than 1 critique, including pop
850-919B critiques, without a Dean’s Excuse results in a 20 point deduction.
770-849C
700-769D
699 and below F
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graphics of communications schedule of lectures & projects
Lecture
Project Assigned
Project Due
M 8.22 The Course ...................................................................Paper, Bibliography, Research & Samples
W8.24 Design Principles .........................................................Building Photos
M 8.29 The Software & Illustrator Tools..............................Lynda.com Illustrator Up and Running
W8.31 Pen Tool..........................................................................Cannon
soc..... start of class
ol....... mu online
M 9.5 No Class - Labor Day Holiday
W9.7 Perspective & Line Quality......................................... Building Project.............................................................. Building Photos Due 11:59pm ol
in addition to posting on MU Online, bring building photos to class on thumb drive for 9 .7
M 9.12 Building Photo Critique..........................................................................................................................................Cannon Due 11:59pm ol
W9.14 Building Studio
M 9.19 Building Studio.............................................................Thesis Statement & Outline........................................Lynda.com Illustrator Up and Running Certificate Due 11:59pm ol
W9.21 Building Studio.........................................................................................................................................................Bibliography, Research & Samples Due 11:59pm ol M 9.26 Building Studio.............................................................Writing the Paper...........................................................Thesis Statement 11:59pm ol
W9.28 Building Studio
M 10.3 Building Studio
W10.5 Building Critique......................................................................................................................................................Outline Due 11:59pm ol
M 10.10 The Grid.........................................................................Lynda.com InDesign Up and Running..................................Building Due 11:59pm ol
W10.12 InDesign and Print Production
midterm
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graphics of communications schedule of lectures & projects
Lecture
Project Assigned
Project Due
M 10.17 Book Layout in Thumbs & Mock-Up.....................Book Thumbs & Mock-up .........................................Paper Due 11:59pm ol & hard copy/office door
W10.19 Typography................................................................................................................................................................Paper Conference Sign Up Ends 5pm/office door
Paper Conferences 24, 25, 26, 27 & 28
Sign up on office door by 10.19 5pm
M 10.24 Book Illustration...........................................................Book Illustration Practice.............................................Book Illustration Practice Due 11:59pm ol
W10.26 Book Layout in InDesign........................................................................................................................................Lynda.com InDesign Up and Running Certificate Due 11:59pm ol
M 10.31 Book Studio...............................................................................................................................................................Reworked Paper Due 11:59pm ol
W11.2 Book Critique
M 11.7 Paper ...............................................................................Book Paper Order
W11.9 Printing, Cutting, Binding & Presentation
F 11.11 ......................................................................................................................................................................................Book Paper Order Due 11:59pm ol
M 11.14 Packaging InDesign......................................................Book InDesign File
W11.16 Morrow Library Visit
F11.18......................................................................................................................................................................................Book InDesign File Due 11:59pm ol
M 11.21 No Class - Thanksgiving Holiday Break
W11.23 No Class - Thanksgiving Holiday Break
M 11.28 Printing, Cutting, Binding & Presentation (repeat)
W11.30 Book Studio
M 12.5 Book Studio...............................................................................................................................................................Book Due 4pm smith hall 331 M12.13 Final Exam Section One 10:15-12:15 smith hall 331
W12.12 Final Exam Section Two 12:45-2:45 smith hall 331
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