2010-2011 Course Syllabus
Pleasure Ridge Park High School
Ms. Denise Webb
Room T112B [Tech Building]
Course description: Intro to Graphic Arts [Exploring Careers] is a required elective for students in the Print Technology career-themed program and should be taken freshman or sophomore year. Students will learn the elements and principles of design and learn to apply them using industry-standard Adobe CS4 [Adobe InDesign, Adobe Photoshop, and Adobe Illustrator] on state-of-the-art Apple computers. Students will also learn strategies for designing ads, logos, business collateral, posters; learn the basics of print production, color theory, basic copywriting skills and lastly, essential workplace skills. This course prepares students for upper-level Print Technology courses such as Digital Imaging, Typography, Digital Page Layout/Design, Press, and Finishing/Binding.
The student will:
• Understand how the elements and principles of design work together to communicate an idea
• Complete design projects, from initial concept to final printed piece.
• Demonstrate proficiency in Adobe software, the industry standard for graphic design and print production.
• Work under the pressure of deadlines, simulating a “real-world” work environment
• Write effective headlines and captions, and design graphics that effectively communicate an idea in a visual format.
Deadlines
It is my practice to be firm on deadlines. Just as in the real design world, students are expected to turn in their work on time. Assignments will not be accepted late unless due to a school-approved absence. Late assignments will receive a substantial penalty [half off is standard], and will be accepted at the teacher's discretion. Late assignments with partial credit may still be used in critiques.
Lab rules
No cell phones, no food or open drinks in the lab, and use the Internet only with my explicit permission for class-related tasks.
Assignments
We will focus primarily on basic print design and graphic design concepts, with an emphasis on Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and Illustrator. Students will work on a series of assignments: logo design, package design, photo editing, advertising and poster design, and print production.
Grading
Projects/Quizzes/Critiques 40%
Daily Grades/Assignment 40%
Participation 20%
• Participation in class critiques
• On-task behavior
• Helping others as needed
• Taking initiative to solve problems
• Organization (use of planner, recording daily notes in sketchbook/notebook, coming to class prepared with materials needed)
I use Infinite Campus for grading and grades will be available online. I update grades at least once weekly.
Materials
• Folder: Any folder with pockets dedicated solely to our class.
• USB Flash drive: 1 GB or higher
• Memory Card for Digital Camera: Students will have access to a digital camera; however students will have to share memory cards unless they purchase their own. While not required, a memory card will be helpful at times when completing projects, so that students do not have to risk losing their work through shared use with other classes.
Equipment
All PRP Print Technology students sign a contract yearly to be responsible for any equipment that they may accidentally destroy, damage, lose, or have stolen while in their care. This must be signed to use any PRP Print Technology equipment, including the computers in our classroom Mac lab.
Server Organization
You may store a reasonable amount of your work on the class server. Occasionally we will clean out folders to free up space on the server. It is imperative that you use correct labeling and organization on all files. In particular, make sure you save any wanted data in a timely manner by the end of the school year or if you drop the course. Unfortunately, failing to do so could result in the loss of your files.
I have read and understand the syllabus for Graphic Arts.
Parent Signature Date
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Student Signature Date
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