Visual Communications Syllabus

Course Description Visual Communications is an introductory course to graphic design. You will begin by learning how to properly utilize the tools of professional graphic designers. Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign will be the primary digital tools. You will also learn how to use traditional media and how to combine it with modern digital techniques. Along with learning the tools of the trade, you will also learn how to follow design rules and when to break them. You will complete a variety of exercises and projects in this course. Exercises are short assignments designed practice specic tools and techniques. Projects take the form of completed graphic design deliverables and will draw from all you have learned. You will also complete other assignments related to the history of graphic design, the future of the industry, new technologies, legal and ethical issues, and professional conduct. Instructor Contact Alan Reece 865-397-3182 ext 158 (8:30AM - 9:45AM & after 3:15PM) reece.alan@gmail.com (Preferred) Parents and students are encouraged to immediately contact the instructor with any questions or concerns. Class Policies Respect your classmates, your teacher, your tools, and your workspace. Be ready to learn when the bell rings. Maintain a good attitude. Be receptive to new experiences and challenges. Follow all rules set forth by the school. Software & Equipment Dell Precision Professional Workstations Apple iMacs Pen tablets Adobe Master Collection CS5 Microsoft Ofce There is NO need to purchase any of this software or equipment for home-use. Required Materials SD Card or USB Flash Drive (2GB minimum, SD Card preferred) Sketchbook Headphones (recommended, not required) Colored pencils (keep at home) If you already have any of these materials, do NOT buy new ones. You can reuse! Handmade sketchbooks are also acceptable. Late Work and Make-up Work Policies Late Work will be receive a penalty of 10% off the possible score per day. Late work will not be accepted more than 4 days late. Make-up work is a students responsibility. Make-up work will be handled before/after class or after school. Make-up work will not be discussed during class time. Any assignment that was discussed prior to a students absence will still be due on the original due date. If a student was absent on the due date, the work will be due the day of return.

Fall 2011

Visual Communications Syllabus

Extensions to a due date or exemptions from assignments will be rare and handled on a case-by-case basis at the instructors discretion. Open Lab Times Thursday 3:15 - 5:30PM Other day are available by appointment. Additional days will be announced near the end of each 9 weeks. You are encouraged to use this time to catch up on projects, complete make-up work, and complete independent projects to enhance your skills. The lab should only be used for graphic design related work. You will be expected to pay for any printing or other materials used for purposes not directly related to assigned classwork. The lab will be open until 5:30, however if no students arrive by 3:45 the lab will close early. Be prompt. Sketchbook You will be expected to maintain a sketchbook for this course. You may reuse a partially used sketchbook. The sketchbook will be used to plan your projects, practice techniques, keep notes, and record ideas. A sketchbook with a page size of at least half-letter is recommended. Grading Projects Assignments Final Project Sketchbook Daily Effort Course Sequence A program of study consists of a sequence of at least three courses. Visual Communications is the rst course in the Design Communications program of study. To continue in this program of study, students must complete Visual Communications with a 93 or better or receive instructor approval to move on to Digital Design and Imaging. Digital Design may be repeated up to four times with instructor approval. Spots in Digital Design are limited and placement is competitive. Your work in this course will affect placement in the next one. 40% 30% 10% 10% 10%