Description:

This course will explore the scope and potential of graphic design as a vehicle for visual communication in contemporary society. Signs and symbols, as well as communicative power of typographic, hand graphic and photographic modes, will be studied. Traditional and electronic methods will be used to develop projects. This course is typically offered in the spring semester only. 6 hrs. lecture and studio/wk.

Associated Costs: These are additional (out-of-pocket) expense considerations that students should expect in addition to the course tuition, fees, and textbooks. $200 to $400.

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

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 scope and potential of graphic design as a vehicle of communication in contemporary society.
2. Compare and contrast visual communication methods as they attempt to inform or persuade the receiver of the visual message.
3. Solve communication problems of both an informative and persuasive nature.
4. Identify major types of signs and symbols used in graphic communication.
5. Apply a selected identity mark to an identity system.
6. Conduct market research and define the message and the audience.
7. Demonstrate the use of the following graphic communication modes: typographics, hand graphics, and photographics.
8. Identify important information needed to solve a creative problem.
9. Exhibit skills related to both electronic and traditional preparation of comprehensives.
10. Recognize and demonstrate productive attitudes and work habits in the studio/lab.

Content Outline & Competencies:

I. The Relationship Between and Definition of Visual and Graphic
Communication
   A. Describe the similarities and differences of the following visual
communication methods:
      1. Graphics
      2. Film
      3. Television
      4. Video
      5. Computer
   B. Compare and contrast the following graphic communication forms:
      1. Two dimensional
      2. Three dimensional

II. Information and Persuasion Through Graphic Communication
   A. Solve information communication problems.
      1. Knowledge
      2. Skills
   B. Solve persuasion communication problems.
      1. Attitudes
      2. Preferences
      3. Prejudices

III. Communication to a Variety of Audiences
   A. Compare and contrast mass audience/low literacy issues.
      1. Simplicity
      2. Realism
   B. Compare and contrast sophisticated audience issues.
      1. Education level
      2. Symbolic association
   C. Utilize the communication process.
      1. Research
      2. Analysis
      3. Implementation
      4. Feedback

IV. Signs and Symbols in Graphic Communication
   A. Define, describe and identify signs and symbols including logogram,
phonogram, pictogram and diagram.
   B. Use appropriate signs and symbols in creative projects.

V. Graphic Communication Modes
   A. Explain graphic communication modes including typographic, hand
graphic and photographic.
   B. Employ various graphic communication modes in creative projects.

VI. Evaluation of Communication Systems
   A. Evaluate specific projects for the following criteria:
      1. Semantic (meaning)
      2. Synthetic (graphic)
      3. Pragmatic (reproduction)
   B. Address the preceding criteria in the development of creative
projects.

VII. Attitudes and Work Habits
   A. Identify and develop positive attitudes toward tasks and fellow
employees appropriate for the workplace, including giving and accepting
criticism and praise.
   B. Identify and develop productive work habits, including attending to
detail, completing tasks, maintaining the work setting and recording
data.
   C. Identify and develop collaborative/teamwork skills, including
solving problems in groups, building consensus and responding to
supervision.

Methods of Evaluation of Competencies:

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

Minimum of three projects  75 - 80% of grade
Studio performance         15 - 25% of grade
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.