Description:

This course will focus on the use of the student's total design capability and technical knowledge in solving graphic design problems of professional scope and complexity. Students will have the opportunity to work with three art directors and produce three professional projects for potential inclusion in their portfolios. 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. Demonstrate the ability to solve complex visual problems.
2. Identify important information needed to solve complex visual problems.
3. Estimate the time required to complete an assigned project.
4. Demonstrate a systematic approach to creative problem solving.
5. Demonstrate the effective methods of translating abstract verbal concepts into visual images.
6. Define the needs and interests of the audience.
7. Design projects involving given materials, formal materials and psychological materials.
8. Relate a variety of visual information vehicles to both 2- and 3-dimensional design forms.
9. Design graphic products for potential inclusion in a portfolio.
10. Recognize and demonstrate productive attitudes and work habits in the studio/lab.

Content Outline & Competencies:

I. Evaluating Graphic Design and Advertising
   A. Define the graphic designer's problem.
   B. Describe and follow the steps in the creative problem solving
process.
      1. Concepting
      2. Thumbnails
      3. Roughs
      4. Comprehensives
   C. Identify the classes of materials the designer works with.
      1. Given materials (products, copy, slogans, logotypes, format,
media, production, etc.)
      2. Formal materials (space, contrast, proportion, harmony, rhythm,
repetition, line, mass, shape, color, weight, value, texture, etc.)
      3. Psychological materials (visual perceptions, optical illusions,
the instincts, intuitions, emotions of the audience, etc.)
   D. Describe the impact of electronic information.
      1. Communicating with clients
      2. Access and copyright issues
      3. Networks, servers and back-ups
      4. Compression of market delivery time

II. Information Vehicles - The Visual Vocabulary
   A. Choose the most appropriate graphic mode for a given problem.
      1. Photography
      2. Illustration
      3. Typography
   B. Employ hand graphic elements as necessary.
      1. Symbols/logos
      2. Charts and diagrams
      3. Maps
      4. Minor graphic elements
   C. Appropriately employ electronic elements.
      1. Fonts
      2. Stock photography
      3. Stock illustration
      4. Clip art

III. Graphic Design Products
   A. Compare and contrast the different types of graphic design products
including:
      1. TV graphics
      2. Corporate advertising
      3. Publications
      4. Educational media
      5. Promotional materials
      6. Exhibition design
      7. Packaging design
      8. Environmental signage
   B. Follow the creative problem solving process to create three projects
selected from the preceding list.
   C. Respond to the projects through professional critiques and
evaluation, including self evaluation.

IV. 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:

Project #1          25%
Project #2          25%
Project #3          25%
Studio performance  25% 
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.