COURSE SYLLABUS
PUBLICATIONS EDITING & DESIGN
1138-PUR4101VC1138-88828
GENERAL INFORMATION
PROFESSOR INFORMATION
Instructor:
Prof. Lorene P Bauduy
Phone:
Office:
BBC AC II - 320
Fax:
Office Hours:
By appointment
Email:
(305) 919-4578 (FIU)
lbauduy@fiu.edu
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 PREREQUISITES
Prerequisite: MMC 3104C, PUR 3000, PUR 4100, or consent of instructor.
For more information about prerequisites, click here.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
Students will be able to:




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.
Student 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.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
POLICIES
Please review the policies page as it contains essential information regarding guidelines relevant to all
courses at FIU and additional information on the standards for acceptable netiquette important for
online courses.
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.
PROCTORED EXAM POLICY
This online section does not require an on-campus meeting and/or exam.
However you may find it helpful to find out the labs hours at BBC.
Please note that the information contained in this section applies only if your course requires a
proctored exam.
Through a careful examination of this syllabus, it is the student’s responsibility to determine whether
this online course requires proctored exams. Please visit our Proctored Exam Resources webpage for
important information concerning proctored exams, proctoring centers, and important forms.
TEXTBOOK
Designing for Print (2nd Edition)
Conover, Charles
Wiley (2011)
ISBN: 978-0470905975
You may purchase your textbook online at the FIU Bookstore.
EXPECTATIONS OF THIS COURSE
This is an online course, meaning that most of the course work will be conducted online. Expectations
for performance in an online course are the same as for a traditional course; in fact, online courses
require a degree of self-motivation, self-discipline, and technology skills that can make them more
demanding for some students.
Students are expected to:





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
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 turnaround time. I cannot 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.
COURSE DETAILS
COURSE COMMUNICATION
Communication in this course will take place via email or the general forum.
I will check the messages on emails or messages 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.
Messages are a private and secure text-based communication that occurs within a course and among
course members. Users must log on to Blackboard to send/receive/read messages. The Messages tool is
located on the left side Course Menu (Blackboard user interface). It is recommended that students
check their messages routinely to ensure up-to-date communication.
For more information on professional writing and technical communication click here.
Visit our Writing Resources webpage for more information on professional writing and technical
communication skills.
DISCUSSION FORUMS
For questions pertaining to course content, assignment instructions, deadlines, etc, students can use
the General Forum as your classmates might benefit from the answers. No need to email the professor.
Keep in mind that forum discussions are public, and care should be taken when determining what to
post.
QUIZZES
There are three quizzes 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.
It is your responsibility to make sure your computer meets the minimum hardware requirements.
Please note 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
Image is crucial in corporate publications. Although great visual ideas and graphic design are critically
important, presentation must not be overlooked. Be sure to review all assignments for typos and
spelling errors before submitting. 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 softwares/programs: Adobe
Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. Therefore, students will have the opportunity to practice using
these tools. These assignments will be graded.
PLEASE NOTE that it is students’ responsibility to practice and learn how to use these softwares 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 three assignments will be based on readings and other course materials, and three
assignments based on students’ ability to executed skills taught in the design programs. All assignments
must be uploaded to Blackboard by the end of the assigned day (usually Saturday 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. Assignments are due on Saturday, 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.
Please note that the following information only applies if your course requires the use of Turnitin to
submit your assignments.

Review the detailed Turnitin Instructions on how to submit your assignments and how to review
the Grademark comments (feedback) from your professor.
ADOBE CONNECT
ADOBE CONNECT PRO MEETING
The Adobe Connect Pro Meeting is an online meeting room in which you can interact with your
Professor and fellow students by sharing your computer, screens or files, chat, broadcast live audio and
take part in other interactive online activities.
Requirements for using Adobe Connect Pro Meeting:



Disable any window pop-up blocker.
Adobe Flash Player is required to successfully run your Connect Pro meeting. You can test your
computer to make sure that you are set up with all of the tools you will need to participate in
the meeting.
Use of a combination headset and microphone with USB connection is recommended to ensure
quality sound and reduce technical difficulties.
Please click here for additional information on Adobe Connect (Tutorials & Help).
GRADING
Number of
items
Points for each
Total points
available
3
15
45
Programs (Adobe) Assignments:
- Photoshop
- InDesign
- Illustrator
3
10
30
Quizzes
3
10
30
Participation:
- Symmetry discussion
1
10
10
Course Requirements
Assignments:
- Typography
- Color
- Layout
Rough drafts
2
20
40
- Brochure
- Magazine spread
Portfolio Assignment:
- Brochure (40 points)
- Magazine Spread (55 points)
2
40/55
95
TOTAL
250
Letter Grade
Range
Letter Grade
Range
Letter Grade
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
Week 1
January 12 - 18
Class introductions
Week 2
January 19 -25
Design Basics
Week 3
Jan 26 - Feb 1
Intro to Photoshop
Week 4
Feb 2 - 8
Intro to InDesign
Week 5
Brochure Design
ASSIGNMENTS
CAREFULLY review syllabus; introduce yourself to your
classmate, take the Academic Honesty Policy
Read chapter 1 and all the material assigned for that
week.
Due on Jan 25:
- Quiz on Chap 1 – Designing for Print
- Symmetry Discussion
Read the tutorial and all the material assigned for that
week.
Due on Feb 1: Photoshop Assignment
Read the tutorials and all the materials assigned for that
week.
Due on Feb 8:
- Quiz on tutorials
- InDesign Assignment
Read all materials assigned for that week.
Feb 9 - 15
Week 6
Feb 16 -22
Typography
Week 7
Feb 23 – Mar 1
Color
Week 8
March 2 – 8
Brochure design
(continued)
Week 9
March 9 – 15
Week 10
March 16 – 22
Layout
Week 11
March 23 – 29
Intro to Illustrator
Week 12
Mar 30 – Apr 5
Week 13
Apr 6 – 12
Magazine Design
Week 14
Apr 13 – 19
Week 15
Apr 20 – 26
Week 16
Apr 27 – May 3
Web Design
Magazine Design
continued
Production / Printing
Final Project
Due on Feb 15: Brochure thumbnails
Read Chap 3, the tutorials and all the materials assigned
for that week.
Due on Feb 22:
- Typography Quiz
- Typography Assignment
Read the tutorial and all the material assigned for that
week.
Due on March 1: Color Assignment
Read the tutorial and all the material assigned for that
week.
Due on March 8: Brochure draft
SPRING BREAK
Read Chap 4 and all the materials assigned for that
week.
Due on March 22: Layout Assignment
Read the tutorial and all the material assigned for that
week.
Due on March 29: Illustrator Assignment
Read Chap 5 and all the materials assigned for that week
Read all the materials assigned for that week in the
module.
Due on April 12: Magazine design rough draft
Read all the materials assigned for that week in the
module.
Read Chap 7 and all the materials assigned for that week
Final project assigned
Final Project due on May 1