COURSE: VT 1300 Communication Design
CREDIT: 3 credit hours - Fall Semester 2007

Section 50 DAYS/TIME: T/R 6:20 pm - 7:45 pm
PLACE: Udvar-Hazy Business Building 119
INSTRUCTOR: J Maxfield
OFFICE: nada
CONTACT: here

MATERIALS REQUIRED:
A USB drive or other storage media is suggested for backing up your files. The cost of a USB drive starts at about $25 and goes up from there. PC or Macintosh formatted media will work because both types of computers are in the instructional facility (and support facilities). You will also need a sketch pad and drawing pencils for thumbnail sketches and a notebook for, uh, taking notes.

REQUIRED TEXT: “Robin Williams Design Workshop” by Robin Williams and John Tollett. The cost of the text is about $40.00 (US) dollars. The ISBN is 0-201-70088-3.

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
VT 1300 Communication Design

This is an entry class for the visual technologies and CIT programs. Explores the elements of design from which advertising, computer graphics, and graphic arts are structured. Builds awareness and skill in creating designs, using the concepts of composition, proportion, alignment, contrasts, repetition, proximity, white space, typography, eye movement, and element control. Emphasis is placed on the value of these concepts to creatively communicate ideas. Includes lecture and lab. Prepares students for more advanced design projects using computer-based tools. No pre-requisites.

INSTRUCTOR NOTES:
This class will teach both theory as well as real-world applications of communication design principles. An overview of the different types of media will be given, and students will create projects that reflect their creativity and knowledge of basic design skills.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:
At the completion of this course, the student will be able to understand and explain the following:

• Design media (print, web, interactive multimedia, digital video, etc.)
• Learn basic design principles
• Basic computer concepts - using computers for design - Students will learn to use both MacOS and Windows platforms.
• Fundamentals of typography - fonts, sizes, kerning, leading, tracking, serifs, sans serifs, modern, old style, script, decorative, body copy, display fonts, font attributes and styles, and much more
• Fundamentals of type as a graphic element - concordant, conflicting, and contrasting; usage and number of fonts
• Print and Internet fundamentals - overview, issues, preparation
• Color principles - theory, complimentary, and contrasting
• Fundamentals of layout - proximity, layout, alignment, repetition, and contrast; proportion, use of space, and eye movement
• Portfolio development and individual style development
• Design software and hardware tools on the computer
• The creative process - steps involved in a design project including research, sketches and thumbnails, identity creation, brainstorming, revising, audience, medium, purpose, and presentation to the client
• Business package or portfolio development including: logo, packaging, business card, direct mail piece, brochure, letterhead, envelope, newspaper or magazine advertisement, and web page
• Design careers - roles and responsibilities, day to day workload, and job opportunities
• Strategies for effective communication and design

ESCAPE CLAUSE:
The instructor reserves the right to change the specifics of this class (weekly topics of instruction, assignments, assignment details, etc.) as required for the betterment of the class. Changes will be announced in a timely manner during the instruction periods and/or on the class website.

GRADING:
Grades will be issued on a percentage of total points possible as follows:
94-100% = A
90-93% = A-
87-89% = B+
84-86% = B
80-83% = B-
77-79% = C+
74-76% = C
70-73% = C-
67-69% = D+
64-66% = D
60-63% = D-
Below 59% = F

Quizes/Participation: 200 points
Assignments: 900 points
Midterm: 200 points
Final: 200 points
TOTAL: 1500 points

SPECIAL NEEDS:
If you are a student with a physical or mental impairment and would like to request accommodations, please contact the Disability Resource Center (652-7516) in Room 201 of the Student Services Center. The Disability Resource Center will determine your eligibility for services based upon complete professional documentation. If you are deemed eligible, the Disability Resource Center will further evaluate the effectiveness of your accommodation requests and will authorize reasonable accommodations that are appropriate for your disability.

LATE ASSIGNMENTS
No late assignments will be accepted. Period. Be sure to budget you time wisely. If, in the unfortunate situation you find yourself with an incomplete assignment at the time it is due, turn in what you have. Partial points are better than no points.