Schedule-Joseph Edwards-sicpossum-art
Syllabus-Joseph Edwards-sicpossum-art
joseph@sicpossum.com
Projects-Joseph Edwards-sicpossum-art
Syllabus

Syllabus as a printable PDF.

Materials List

Media Workshop/Graphic Design I

ART 4926: Media Workshop & GRA 2190: Graphic Design I

Mon/Wed 9:05-11:35 & 12:50-3:20

MCH 315B
Spring 2004

Instructor: Joseph Edwards
Email: joseph@sicpossum.com
Class Website: http://mailer.fsu.edu/~jcedward
Office Hours: Mon/Wed, MCH 315B, 11:35-12:50 (between classes)
Phone: cell--443.5437
Art Department phone: 644.6474

Course Description

This course is an introduction to the techniques and concepts of graphic design. It builds upon the skills developed in Methods and Concepts I and II as they apply to graphic design. Students will address design issues while expanding their skills. Students will extend their methodology of design and become comfortable in discussing their ideas.

Prerequisites

ART 1300
ART 1201
PGY 1401
ARH 2050 or ARH 2051

Course Objectives

Software Skills: Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign & Quark, DreamWeaver, and Flash.

Digital Imaging Skills: Photography, Scanning.

Concepts: Appropriate resolution, file formats, standard units of measurements, naming conventions, general technical concepts for print and web.

Language: Vocabulary for critique that includes standard art and design terms, and an introduction to the critical theory surrounding this discipline.

Course Materials

Supplies: These are to be purchased as needed. Reavers Art Supply Warehouse has most everything but the digital media (you'll need to get a few things at CompUSA and one or two things at WalMart or an office supply store.)

Sketchbook/Binder: You will be required to keep a sketchbook/binder dedicated to this class. Here you will keep notes, evidence of design concepts, etc.

Textbooks: I do not require a textbook. Instead, I recommend purchasing some magazines such as Print, Communication Arts, How, or Eye.

But, do be prepared to buy a book. You may want to expand your knowledge beyond what I cover. It may be that some particular software intrigues you or that you are not "getting it" and really need a reference you can hold in your hands. Look at each book before purchasing. Every book claims to have the answers--but do they match your questions? Take a list of questions that you've created, and go see which publishers "speak" to you.

In addition, each program has "help" files to assist you, and resources abound on the Internet.

Critiques (A critical analysis or evaluation of a subject)

Critiques are the "Test" in these classes. Projects are DUE on critique days, otherwise they are late. Be prepared to actively participate. This means talking and listening. Ask questions; speak up. This is not the time for passivity. If you do not have your project complete it is still in your best interest to attend class and participate in the critique. If you are sick, arrange to have a friend bring in your project.

Evaluation

Commit to your projects and your grade will follow.

Your projects will be evaluated on your technical and conceptual accomplishment. Fulfilling the minimum requirements should not be your sole intention.

Ask your self:

Did I fulfill the requirements?
Did I build on the basic principles?
Did I experiment?
Is it clean and well designed?
Is it exciting?

Design is visual communication. While it may seem like the evaluation of "design" is a subjective exercise--it isn't.

I encourage you to engage the material with euthusiasm. You're working toward your future.

Grading

Project 1                                    15%
Project 2                                    15%
Project 3                                    15%
Project 4                                    15%
Final Project                               20%
Exercises 1-5                              10%
Class attendance/participation      10%

Projects are DUE on the assigned date. Late projects or missing critique will affect your grade by one-half letter grade each. If neither you nor your project is at a critique, expect one full letter grade to be removed from the project's final grade.

Grading Scale

A - Excellent work. Excellent technical and conceptual development, ideas well communicated, participation in class and critiques, attention to detail, extra time well spent.

B - Good work. Good skill development, craftsmanship, some technical problems and/or problems communicating concepts.

C - Average work. Average skill and conceptual development, technical problems.

D - Poor work. Skills and concepts underdeveloped, lack of class attendance and participation, incomplete/late assignments, unwilling to address technical and conceptual problems.

F - Unacceptable work. Deficient in both technical and conceptual elements, no participation, very late or no work.

I - Incomplete. This will only be given in cases of medical, or family medical emergency, and only then with the proper documentation.

Attendance

Attendance is expected at each class. If you feel as if you have finished your project, assist others, exchange ideas, explore with others; learning is a community process. Contribute!

Standard FSU policy is that:

...students may miss a maximum of three class meetings without any penalty, and that any additional absence (excused or otherwise) will result in a reduction of the course grade.

However, this is NOT a "standard" course, and missing an entire day will considerably set you back. Three absences are allowed; anticipate lowering your final grade by.one-half letter per additional absence beyond the first three.

So...Do not miss class. If you must, then let me know what's up--by email--before class begins.

Email

The official method of communication at The Florida State University is your ACNS Garnet email account. And so it will also be for this class. If you choose to have your Garnet account forwarded to another email account, you still will be responsible for all information distributed to your Garnet account. For help: http://cars.acns.fsu.edu or 644-8502.

Lab Fee

The art department charges a lab fee to be used for expendable materials used throughout the art facilities.

Responsibilities

IMPORTANT: All cell phones MUST be turned off during class. If your cell phones rings, expect it to affect your grade!

No food or drinks in the lab!

Check the class website (http://mailer.fsu.edu/~jcedward) regularly. It contains information useful in this course.

Show up for every class. Listen to me. Ask questions if you do not understand. Let me know if you are having trouble with the concepts or the technology. Sometimes you may have a "block" which can be overcome through discussion.

In and out of class, write down questions you have (general and specific) that are not immediately related to completing your assignments.

Read the schedule the evening before, and make sure you have the necessary materials to bring to class.

If you are beginning the graphic design program here at FSU, then this information is the foundation of your entire major. If this is simply an introduction to desktop publishing before you graduate, then this is the entire amount of information that you need.

Academic Honor Code

Students are expected to uphold the Academic Honor Code. The Academic Honor System at the Florida State University is based on the premise that each student has the responsibility to: (1) Uphold the highest standards of academic integrity in the students own work, (2) Refuse to tolerate violations of academic integrity in the University community, and (3) Foster a high sense of integrity and social responsibility on the part of the University community.

Go to http://www.fsu.edu/~union/honor.htm for the full text.

Americans With Disabilities Act

Students with disabilities needing academic accommodation should: (1) register with and provide documentation to the student Disability Resource Center; and (2) bring a letter to the instructor indicating the need for accommodation and what type. This should be done during the first week of class. For more information about other services available to FSU students with disabilities, contact the Students with Disabilities Resource Center:

Dean of Students Department
08 Kellum Hall
Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL 32306-4400
850/644-9566
(TDD) 850/644-8504

This syllabus and other class materials are available in an alternate format upon request