ART-260 : GRAPHIC DESIGN I

COURSE DESCRIPTION
GRAPHIC DESIGN I is a studio course intended to teach students the basic principles required to solve graphic design problems. In the course, formal and communicative aspects of graphic design are covered through readings, projects, in-class assignments and discussions. Students learn the fundamentals of visual communication through words and images. Example projects are explorations in letter forms and page layout, the making of logos and other marks, and book or poster design.
In addition to the study of graphic design, students are provided the opportunity to learn good studio practices. Problem-solving skills, willingness to research, craftsmanship, and professionalism are all important to success in this course. Students are provided opportunities to develop an awareness of design's cultural context and establish good studio practice.

TEXTBOOK
TBD

LEARNING GOALS

Students will learn:

PROCEDURES

GRADING POLICY
If you are concerned about your grade please do not hesitate to contact me.
Assignments and class participation are evaluated based on achievement of technical and creative concepts, thoughtfulness, attention to detail, effort and originality of approach.
Generally grades follow these criteria:
A =  Student whose work and work ethics display exceptional effort and care
B =  Student displays good work ethic, completes assignments with thought and care
C = Average work and average effort
D = Student presents below average work and displays little effort in completing assignments
F = Student does not complete assignments and/or attend class

For final grading purposes:

ATTENDANCE
Attendance will be taken during each class period. Success in a studio art class is dependent upon the student's participation in the studio activities and interaction with other students. Skill and knowledge is acquired as much by doing and participating as it is by reading and responding. This cannot occur if a student is not in class. Therefore, three unexcused absences will result in the lowering of a full letter grade at the end of the semester. Late arrivals and early departures will be noted and count as a half of an absence. Frequent absence and/or tardiness will result in the failure of the course.

*Due to my commute from Brooklyn there may be times when I am unavoidably late to class due to traffic or weather. Fortunately our class is 4 hours per session. In the event that I am late I will notify the Arts & Communications office located on the second floor, W-225. The department secretary, Barbara Bliss, will place a listing on the bulletin board outside of her office noting late or cancelled classes for the day. If it is not listed, ask Barbara for more information. You are required to attend class and work until I arrive.

DEADLINES
Finished projects will be due at the beginning of class on the day of the deadline.

CRITIQUES
We will discuss student work as a group. Critiques are focused opportunities to share insights, verbalize intentions and to assist students in their development. Please use a respectful tone while discussing the work of your peers. The critique process is meant to help each student understand the strengths and weaknesses in her or his work. Critiques should never feel like a personal attack. Critiques in a studio class are as important as exams in a lecture course.

LEARNING
Art and design disciplines attract highly motivated people who, as students, are very concerned with grades. Shift concerns from grades to learning - grades will follow.
Be attentive and as precise as possible in critique; precision with the analysis of the work of your peers is as important as your attention to the discussion of your own work. You can always learn from others.
Make an effort to be as open as possible. Good advice should resonate with you as you develop in your studio practice.
Keep in mind that when we fall short it is an opportunity to learn. Be gentle with yourselves and each other as you open yourselves to learning. Learning from mistakes in the critique is a generous act on the part of the mistake maker.

TIPS

MATERIALS

***Always bring sketchbook, drawing pencil, 24" ruler, x-acto knife, adhesive, and scissorsEach week I will tell you what you need for the next project.


WEEKLY SCHEDULE

NOTE: Weekly schedule may occasionally change due to the pace of projects and topics. It is your responsibility to check with me or other students to get information you may have missed and to be prepared for the next class.
WEEK 1 INTRODUCTION: What is Graphic Design? 
WEEK 2

COMPOSITION: Line, Shape, Positive and Negative Space
WEEK 3 COMPOSITION: Logos, Symbols and Pictograms
WEEK 4

COMPOSITION: Decals
WEEK 5 LETTERFORMS: Introduction to Typography
WEEK 6 LETTERFORMS: Individual Characters, Text & Image
WEEK 7 COMMUNICATION: Color
WEEK 8 COMMUNICATION: Images
WEEK 9 COMMUNICATION: Text
WEEK 10 COMMUNICATION: Sequential Storytelling
WEEK 11 OBJECTS: 3-d
WEEK 12 Proposal for FINAL PROJECT
WEEK 13

FINAL PROJECT:
Student develops and completes an ambitious self-assignment, which serves as the final exam for the course.
WEEK 14

FINAL PROJECT:
Student develops and completes an ambitious self-assignment, which serves as the final exam for the course.
WEEK 15

FINAL PROJECT DUE

CLAIRE MCCONAUGHY

ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF GRAPHIC DESIGN
BERGEN COMMUNITY COLLEGE
W-314, 201-689-7621

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