Description:

This course is designed to acquaint the student with the various aspects of the graphic design field. Topics include the ways in which visual messages are used in society, the skills needed by a graphic designer and the potential areas of specialization and employment. This class will have guest speakers from the field of graphic design. Emphasis will be on assisting the student to make an informed decision about graphic design as a career. 3 hrs. lecture/wk.

Associated Costs: These are additional (out-of-pocket) expense considerations that students should expect in addition to the course tuition, fees, and textbooks. $40 to $50.

Supplies: Refer to the instructor's course syllabus for details about any supplies that may be required.

Prerequisites: NONE

Textbook(s): For information see - http://bookstore.jccc.net

Course Fees: NONE

Course Objectives:

Upon successful completion of this course the student should be able to:

1. Describe the meaning of graphic design including types of images and visual messages.
2. List examples of graphic design products in use in our society including: print, video, signage, and film.
3. Describe educational needs of a graphic designer including: perceptual, visual, theoretical, organizational, technical knowledge and skills.
4. List related disciplines within the graphic design field including: Graphic Design, Typography, Photography, Illustration, Digital Design and Technology.
5. List significant historical developments that influenced the disciplines of graphic design including: major periods, world events, technology and contemporary developments.
6. List specialties in the graphic design field including: advertising, illustration, publication, exhibit, package, information, multimedia and environmental design.
7. Identify entry level through upper level employment positions in the graphic design career field.
8. Describe expectations for a typical entry-level job in the Midwest including: job description and qualifications, salary range, working conditions and promotion opportunities.
9. Describe projections for job opportunity for the next three to five years including: types of jobs, locale and source of information.
10. Define business issues of importance to the designer including: ethical standards, technologies, pricing and marketing, salaries, contracts and freelance vs. salaried issues.
11. Describe resources for professional growth available for the graphic designer including: organizations, publications, seminars and conferences, internet and job placement centers.
12. Use vocabulary, through discussion and written reports, that demonstrates an understanding of the graphic design field including terms relating to design disciplines, history, specialties, job descriptions, business issues and resources.
13. Describe the essential requirements for successful completion of the Graphic Design Program including: admissions requirements, recommended course sequence and prerequisites, Portfolio Review and requirements for admission into the Graphic Design Internship course.

Content Outline & Competencies:

I. An Overview of the Field of Graphic Design
   A. Describe the meaning of graphic design.
      1. Types of images (type, drawing, graphics, photography)
      2. Visual messages (sender, message, receiver)
   B. Describe graphic design in our society.
      1. Examples of usage (print, video, signage)
   C. Describe educational needs for graphic designers.
      1. Perception
      2. Visual organization
      3. Design methodologies
      4. Aesthetics
      5. Visualizing techniques
      6. Materials, tools, processes, technology
      7. Production techniques
      8. Message and content
      9. Design theory
      10. Historical perspective
   D. List related disciplines within the graphic design field.
      1. Graphic design
      2. Typography
      3. Photography
      4. Illustration
      5. Digital design
      6. Design technology
   E. List significant historical developments that influenced graphic
design.
      1. Major trends in design history
      2. Influence of world events on style
      3. Influence of technology on style
      4. Contemporary developments in design
   F. List career specialties in the graphic design field.
      1. Advertising
      2. Publication design
      3. Illustration
      4. Type design
      5. Exhibit design
      6. Digital design
      7. Multimedia design
      8. Package design
      9. Environmental design
      10. Information design
      11. Educational design 
      12. Corporate graphics
      13. Identity design
      14. Photography
   G. Identify entry level through upper level job positions in the
graphic design field.
      1. Production artist
      2. Digital prepress artist
      3. Layout artist
      4. Designer/illustrator
      5. Art director
   H. Describe expectations for a typical entry level job in graphic
design.
      1. Sample job description
      2. Salary range/benefits profile for average 
      3. Average working conditions (hours, environment, demands, etc.)
      4. Promotion opportunities
      5. General employment qualifications
         a. Personal attributes
         b. Skills
         c. Portfolio
   I. Describe projections for economic growth and job opportunity for
next 3-5 years.
      1. Types of jobs forecasted
      2. Geographic locale identified
      3. Available information on salaries
      4. Source(s) of information
   J. Define business issues of importance to the graphic designer.
      1. Ethical standards
      2. New technologies
      3. Pricing and marketing
      4. Salaries/benefits
      5. Contracts/legal considerations
      6. Freelance vs. salaried
   K. Describe available professional resources for the graphic designer.
      1. Professional organizations
      2. Networking
      3. Seminars, conferences, workshops
      4. Professional publications
      5. Internet
      6. Video or CD
      7. Job placement centers
   L. Use vocabulary relating to the graphic design field including terms
related to the following:
      1. Disciplines within the field of graphic design
      2. Design history
      3. Design specialties within the field
      4. Job descriptions in graphic design
      5. Business issues relating to graphic design
      6. Resources for the designer

II. JCCC Graphic Design Program
   A. Career program profile
      1. List the sequences of courses/prerequisites for the full and part
time tracks.
   B. Identify admission requirements for the JCCC Graphic Design
Program.
      1. Testing
      2. Required courses
      3. Application
   C. Describe portfolio review and explain its importance to the graphic
design student major. 
   D. Describe the internship component of the Graphic Design Program and
explain its importance to the graphic design major. 

Methods of Evaluation of Competencies:

Evaluation of student mastery of course competencies will be accomplished using the following methods:

Class participation/performance (including attendance, punctuality,
speakers series reports, acceptable completion of assigned projects,
meeting deadlines, individual and group discussion, involvement in
directed activities and group collaboration) 60% of grade

Exams or Midterm/Final project(s)            40% of grade
(no more than two)
Total                                       100%   
                      
Grades for projects will be based on project objectives and competencies
evaluated in class critiques, evaluation forms and individual
conferences.

Studio performance grade is based on the student's attendance record,
degree of productivity, ability to work independently and level of
participation in class critiques. 

Grade Scale:
      4.0  = A
      3.75 = A-
      3.25 = B+
      3.0  = B
      2.75 = B-
      2.25 = C+
      2.0  = C
      1.75 = C-
      1.25 = D+
      1.0  = D
below 1.0  = F

Semester Grade: total grade averaged to A, B, C, D, or F.

Caveats: NONE

Disabilities:

If you are a student with a disability, and if you will be requesting accommodations, it is your responsibility to contact Access Services. Access Services will recommend any appropriate accommodations to your professor and his/her director. The professor and director will identify for you which accommodations will be arranged.

JCCC provides a range of services to allow persons with disabilities to participate in educational programs and activities. If you desire support services, contact the office of Access Services for Students With Disabilities (913) 469-8500, ext. 3521 or TDD (913) 469-3885. The Access Services office is located in the Success Center on the second floor of the Student Center.