PUR 4101 - PUBLICATIONS EDITNG AND DESIGN
COURSE DESCRIPTION AND PURPOSE
The course examines the role of good design in publication both in print and on the web. Students
explore the role of type, color and layout in communicating a cohesive and powerful message. They
then use these elements to create their own publications. Students are introduced both to the basics of
good design as well as the standard tools used by designers to create it.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
Students will be able to:
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Student
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Have the background and experience in laying out, editing and producing materials
which are used for most public and internal relations, and other similar
communications.
Improve their ability to select the most effective typefaces, using type as a design
element, to choose color, to do basic layouts, to edit copy to fit a layout, and to
design materials with the parameters of the printing process in mind
Improve their ability to recognize good design, to critique others' publications, and to
work with printers and other vendors
Develop a basic understanding of the technology supporting graphic, print & web
design work.
Learning Outcomes:
To understand concepts and apply graphic design theories in the creation and
presentation of combined text-image communication pieces.
To think critically, creatively and independently when producing assigned projects
and assignments as well as when providing critique of other designers’ work.
To use design elements appropriate to the specific publication format, its purpose,
design language and target audience.
TEACHING METHODOLOGY
This is a fully online course in which all of the instructional materials and activities are delivered
through Blackboard, and/or other internet-based media.
ASSURANCE OF LEARNING
The School of Journalism & Mass Communication cares about the quality of your education. That's why
SJMC courses have been certified by Quality Matters, a quality assurance program dedicated to
continual improvement of online courses. Quality Matters is a faculty-centered peer review process
that evaluates and certifies the quality of our online courses. For more information, go to Quality
Matters.
SJMC DIVERSITY STATEMENT
The School of Journalism and Mass Communication (SJMC) fosters an environment of inclusivity and
respect for diversity and multiculturalism. The SJMC educates students to embrace diversity and
understand the root causes of discrimination, as well as social, ethnic, sexual, disability and genderbased exclusion.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
POLICIES
Please review the FIU's Policies webpage. The policies webpage contains essential information
regarding guidelines relevant to all courses at FIU, as well as additional information about acceptable
netiquette for online courses.
Course Standards:
Online classes require enhanced responsibility on the part of students. I will attempt to answer
questions and respond to problems with a 24-hour turn around time. I can not guarantee that I will be
able to answer questions about an assignment less than 48 hours before it is due.
At the end of the course, student will understand the role of the designer and production person.
Student will also develop the skills needed to create and execute publications.
Incompletes:
Incompletes will be granted only under circumstances where a student experiences a major
unanticipated event disruptive to his/her continuing in this course after having satisfactorily completed
at least half of the term. A student requesting an incomplete must present a written explanation
detailing the circumstances that necessitate that request as well as an explanation as to how he/she
will eventually complete the course requirements. Incompletes are not given to students as a way to
avoid receiving a failing grade.
TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS & SKILLS
One of the greatest barriers to taking an online course is a lack of basic computer literacy. By
computer literacy we mean being able to manage and organize computer files efficiently, and learning
to use your computer's operating system and software quickly and easily. Keep in mind that this is not a
computer literacy course; but students enrolled in online courses are expected to have moderate
proficiency using a computer. Please go to the "What's Required" webpage to find out more information
on this subject.
Required Software:
All students must have access to Adobe InDesign CS5, and Adobe Photoshop CS5. This software is
available with a student discount from http://shoputs.fiu.edu for $420 (Adobe Design Premium
bundle). It is also available at the SJMC labs (129,242 and 303).
Please visit our Technical Requirements webpage for additional information.
ACCESSIBILITY AND ACCOMMODATION
 Please visit our ADA Compliance webpage for information about accessibility
involving the tools used in this course.
 Please visit Blackboard's Commitment Accessibility webpage for more information.
 For additional assistance please contact FIU's Disability Resource Center.
COURSE PREREQUISITES
This course has prerequisite(s).

Prerequisite: MMC 3104C, PUR 3000, PUR 4100, or consent of instructor. Review
the Course Catalog webpage for prerequisites information.
TEXTBOOK
Designing for Print
Charles Conover
Wiley, 2nd Edition, 2011
ISBN-10: 0470905975
ISBN-13: 978-0470905975
You may purchase your textbook online at the FIU Bookstore.
EXPECTATIONS OF THIS COURSE
This is an online course, which means most (if not all) of the course work will be conducted online.
Expectations for performance in an online course are the same for a traditional course. In fact, online
courses require a degree of self-motivation, self-discipline, and technology skills which can make these
courses more demanding for some students.
Students are expected to:
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Review the how to get started information located in the course content.
Introduce yourself to the class during the first week by posting a self introduction in
the appropriate discussion forum.
 Take the practice quiz to ensure that your computer is compatible with Blackboard.
 Interact online with instructor/s and peers.
 Review and follow the course calendar.
 Log in to the course, at minimum, 3 times per week.
 Respond to emails within 24 hours*.
 Submit assignments by the corresponding deadline.
*Please note: I can not guarantee that I will be able to answer questions about an assignment less than
48 hours before it is due
The instructor will:
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Log in to the course at least 2 times per week.
Respond to emails within 24-48 hours.
Grade assignments within 2 weeks of the assignment deadline.
COURSE DETAIL
COURSE COMMUNICATION
Communication in this course will take place via Email.
I will check the messages on emails every day, but please allow at least 24 hours for a response. Please
do not wait until the last minute to ask questions about assignments as I may not get to them before
the assignment is due.
The Email feature is an external communication tool that allows users to send emails to users enrolled
within the course. Emails are sent to the students’ FIU email on record. The Email tool is located on
the Course Menu, on the left side of the course webpage.
Visit our Writing Resources webpage for more information on professional writing and technical
communication skills.
DISCUSSION FORUMS
Keep in mind that your discussion forum postings will likely be seen by other members of the course.
Care should be taken when determining what to post. If you have questions regarding the course
content, please post them in the general discussion forums as your classmates might benefit from the
answers. No need to email the professor.
ASSESSMENTS
Quiz
There is one quiz for this class worth 10 points. The quiz is is based on the readings or tutorials covered
in class.In order to mitigate any issues with your computer and online assessments, it is very important
that you take the "Practice Quiz" from each computer you will be using to take your graded quizzes and
exams. It is your responsibility to make sure your computer meets the minimum hardware
requirements.
Assessments in this course are not compatible with mobile devices and should not be taken through a
mobile phone or a tablet. If you need further assistance please contact FIU Online Support Services.
ASSIGNMENTS
Assignment Expectations:
Image is crucial in corporate publications. Although great visual ideas and graphic design are critically
important, presentation must not be overlooked. All copy must be edited for typos and spelling errors
before they are submitted. Good writing is vital to both advertising and public relations careers.
Accordingly, all students will be held to a uniform writing standard. After the completion of MMC 3104,
all papers, reports and tests written inside of the classroom - regardless of length - will first be graded
for content. All assignments should be edited for typos and spelling errors before they are submitted.
One core objective for this course is learning how to use essential design software: Adobe Photoshop,
Illustrator, and InDesign. Therefore, students will have the opportunity to practice using these tools
through non-graded assignments. However, these assignments will count toward your participation
grade. Meaning, you simply need to turn in the assignment ON TIME to receive FULL credit (10 points).
PLEASE NOTE that it is students’ responsibility to practice and learn how to use these software as they
will be asked to turn in a portfolio at the end of the semester which will require students to know how
to use Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign adequately in order to complete their portfolio.
The other four assignments will be based on readings and other course materials. All assignments must
be uploaded to Blackboard by the end of the assigned day (usually Sunday at 12:00 midnight). For most
assignments, you have one week to turn it in. It is highly recommended that student review the
instructions as soon as they are made available (or first thing Monday). Assignments are due on Sunday,
do not wait the Thursday or Friday to start working on it or to contact the professor for help. The
earlier you start, the more time you will have to successfully complete your assignment.
Professor will deduct five points for all late assignments, and will not grade if turned in later than 1
week from the due date.
ADOBE CONNECT PRO MEETING
Adobe Connect is an online meeting room where you can interact with your professor and fellow
students by sharing screens, sharing files, chatting, broadcasting live audio, and taking part in other
interactive online activities. We will be utilizing this tool to conduct student appointments, as
required.
Requirements for using Adobe Connect:
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Disable any window pop-up blocker.
Adobe Flash Player is required to successfully run your Adobe Connect meeting. You
can test your computer to make sure your computer and network connections are
properly configured to provide you with the best possible Adobe Connect meeting
experience.
Use of a combination headset and microphone with USB connection is recommended
to ensure quality sound and reduce technical difficulties.
Reference Adobe Connect (Tutorials & Help) to learn about the tool, how to access
your meeting rooms and recordings.
GRADING
Course Requirements
Assignments
Number
of Items
Points for
Each
Total
Points
Available
Weight
3
15
45
22.5%
5
10
50
25%
1
10
10
5%
Participation:
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Quiz
Adobe Assignments (3)
Symmetry discussion
Color discussion
Course Requirements
Drafts & Thumbnails
Number
of Items
Points for
Each
Total
Points
Available
Weight
3
10
30
15%
2
35/30
65
32.5%
14
N/A
200
100%
Portfolio Assignment:
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Brochure (35 points)
Magazine Spread (30 points)
Total
Letter
Range
Letter
Range
Letter
Range
A
Above 93
B-
81 - 83
D+
67 - 70
A-
91 - 92
C+
77 - 80
D
64 - 66
B+
87 - 90
C
74 - 76
D-
61 - 63
B
84 - 86
C-
71 - 73
F
< 61
COURSE CALENDAR
WEEKLY SCHEDULE
Right to Revise: Your professor reserves the right to revise this schedule in the interest of delivering
course content as deemed necessary.Please check your course announcements and emails regularly for
updates should they be made.
Date
Topics
Assignments
Aug. 25
Class introductions
CAREFULLY review syllabus; introduce yourself to
your classmate.
Sept. 1
Design Basics
Read chapter 1 and all the material assigned for that
week.
Due: Symmetry Discussion
Sept. 8
Intro to Photoshop
Read the tutorial and all the material assigned for that
week.
Due: Photoshop Assignment
Sept. 15
Intro to InDesign
Read the tutorials and all the materials assigned for
that week.
Due: InDesign Assignment
Date
Topics
Assignments
Take Quiz
Brochure Design
Read all materials assigned for that week.
Due: Brochure thumbnails due
Typography
Read Chap 3, the tutorials and all the materials
assigned for that week.
Due: Typography Assignment
Oct. 6
Color
Read the tutorial and all the material assigned for that
week.
Due: Color Assignment
Oct. 13
Layout
Read the tutorial and all the material assigned for that
week.
Due: Layout Assignment
Oct. 20
Brochure design
(continued)
Read Chap 4 and all the materials assigned for that
week.
Oct. 27
Intro to Illustrator
Read the tutorial and all the material assigned for that
week.
Due: Illustrator Assignment
Nov. 3
Magazine Design
Nov. 10
Magazine Design
continued
Read all the materials assigned for that week in the
module.
Due: Magazine design rough draft
Nov. 17
Web Design
Read all the materials assigned for that week in the
module.
Nov. 24
Production / Printing
Read Chap 7 and all the materials assigned for that week
Dec. 1
Final Project
Final Project Assigned
Dec. 8
FINALS WEEK
Final Project due Wednesday, Dec. 10, Midnight
Sept. 22
Sept. 29
Read Chap 5 and all the materials assigned for that
week