Digital Design 2250
Section 1 
Humanities 172 
TH 12:30 - 2:20 PM 


 Syllabus - Fall 2005

Required Text
Visual Design Fundamentals: A Digital Approach, Alan Hashimoto, 2004

Course Catalog Description
This course builds upon two-dimensional compositional skills developed in Basic Design by utilizing the computer as an art and design tool. Students will apply bitmap imaging, vector drawing and page layout software to a series of visual design problems. Each student will gain a working knowledge of digital design hardware, e.g., scanners, digital cameras, printers. Various forms of information input and output will also be addressed. Discussions will include therole of digital technology in art and graphic design. Critical evaluation of artwork will focus on formal design issues and visual communication. No previous computer experience is required.

Hands on software training directed toward the art of visual design and aesthetic expression will be emphasized. We willl be working primarily with Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, and Adobe InDesign. Critical reviews of design projects will focus on the elements and principles of visual design.

Required Materials
 • Sketch book and tracing paper
 • Compass
 • Pencils and erasures
 • Scissors & X-acto knife
 • Matte board
 • Photocopy access
 • Steel or steel-edge ruler
 • Spray Mount or Rubber Cement
 Course Content / Requirements

Class TIme: There will be two 75 minute classes each week. One will be class time which will include lectures, slides, critiques, handouts, in-class working sessions
 
Lab TIme: The other will be lab time. Lab time will consist of tutorials, Q&A, and small in-class assignments geared to help understand the software. Lab assignments cannot be completed outside of lab time.
Assignments: There are three projects, and 16 lab assignments. Each assignment will be due at the beginning of the class specified on the calendar. Be prepared to present your work at the front of the classroom as you enter each day. Late assignments will be accepted on a limited basis (one week following the due date) and for a reduced grade (you will lose one full letter grade for late work). You may re-work on time, graded pieces in an attempt to raise your grade but not late work. Reading assignments from the text will be assigned often and students should be prepared to discuss pertinent issues when asked.
 
Attendance: Regular, punctual class attendance is extremely important. Assignments will be due on most days. It is to your advantage to be in class. You will be responsible for missed information from your classmates. Participation in class critique and discussion is expected.
 
Grading: Finished assignments will be graded. These grades will be determined based on three criteria:
A. Following assignment guidelines
B. Creativity, Originality and Innovation
C. Craftsmanship and Presentation


Grading Breakdown
 Pictographs 15 points 15%
 Playing Card 10 points 10%
 Book Cover 25 points 25%
 Magazine Layout 25 points 35%
 Preparation Points* 9 points 9%
 Lab 16 points 16%
Total:  100 points  

Grading Percentages
A  : 100–94% B+ : 89–87% C+ : 79–77% D+ : 69–67% F : 57–0%
A- : 93–90% B   : 86–84% C   : 76–74% D   : 66–60%
B-  : 83–80% C-  : 73–70% D-  : 57–59%

* Preparation points cannot be made up

** Students with medical, psychological, learning or other disabilities desiring accommodations, academic adjustments, or auxiliary aids will need to contact the Disability Resource Center, Room 203 Noyes Building, phone number (435) 283-7244. The Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) Coordinator at the Disability Resource Center (DRC) determines eligibility for and authorizes the provision of appropriate services and aids.

Plagiarism Statement:
Plagiarism includes knowingly “representing, by paraphrase or direct quotation, the published or unpublished work of another person as one’s own in any academic exercise or activity without full and clear acknowledgment. It also includes the unacknowledged use of materials prepared by another person or agency engaged in the selling of term papers or other academic materials.” The penalties for plagiarism are severe. They include a warning or reprimand and grade adjustment. Other penalties may also be imposed at the Academic Standards Committee; these include probation, suspension, expulsion, withholding of transcripts, denial or revocation of degrees, and other appropriate disciplinary actions. (See Academic Standing: Probation and Suspension section of Academic Catalog).
Assignment Schedule
Assignments due at the beginning of the day indicated below.
Week Date Mondays Date Wednesdays
01     Aug23  
02 Aug25 Aug30 Illustrator Lab
03 Sep01 Pictograph Thumbnails Sep06 Illustrator Lab
04 Sep08 Pictograph Laser Sketch Sep13 Illustrator Lab
05 Sep15 Pictograph Pre-final Sep20 Illustrator Lab
06 Sep22 Pictograph Finish Sep27 Illustrator Lab
07 Sep29 Playing Card Oct04 Photoshop Lab
08 Oct06 Playing Card Oct11 Photoshop Lab
09 Oct13 Cover Thumbnails Oct18 Photoshop Lab
10 Oct20 No School Oct25 Photoshop Lab
11 Oct27 Cover Laser Sketches Nov01 Photoshop Lab
12 Nov03 Cover Pre-final Nov08 InDesign Lab
13 Nov10 Cover Finish Nov15 InDesign Lab
14 Nov17 Layout Thumbnails Nov22 InDesign Lab
15 Nov24 No School Nov29 InDesign Lab
16 Dec01 Layout Laser Sketches Dec06 Layout Pre-final
17 Dec08 Proposed Layout Final Dec12 @ 4 - 6:30 PM

View Fall2005 Class Projects