“The history of intellectual and technological progress in lines me to think that once a question is asked, a solution will arise, sooner or later. Therefore, the ability to ask a question is of more value than an ability to provide answers.”
— David Lance Goines, Where Ideas Come From

Communication Design I is a the first of two advanced design classes where students continue to apply the principles established in the graphic design course (concept, process and craft), to generating a body of work geared towards a professional portfolio in the areas of poster,publication, and packaging design. The class is developed for graphic design students to exercise conceptual and formal skills in producing intelligent (thought through), visual solutions to graphic design problems. There is an emphasis in the development of advanced conceptual skills in the area of interpretive and metaphorical thinking. Students are expect to have a competent level of computer and graphic literacy. A major emphasis on highly finished comps and the development of a professional portfolio.
This is an extraordinary demanding course that will require a lot of commitment and initiative
on your part. You will be asked to spend at least twice as much time working outside of class
as we will spend in class. In actuality, you may find that you need to spend considerably more than that amount of time.

Course Objectives
1. To further apply graphic design principles to complex design problems.
2. To develop critical thinking skills
3. To continue developing a verbal and visual vocabulary to describe, generate and evaluate basic graphic design assignments
4. To develop visual problem solving skills (methodologies)
5. To develop an interest in crossing boundaries (taking on responsibilities, some or all,
of content provider, writer, editor, image maker, producer) to generate projects
6. To develop more advanced technological skills in executing solutions

Competency-Based Objectives
Upon successful completion of the course, the student should be able to:
1. Effectively develop, identify and express (verbal, visual, written) a clear concept
2. Effectively show high proficiency in the use type and image
3. Effectively show high proficiency and attention to craft and presentation
4. Work through the stages of concept, process and craft (sketchbook)
5. Proficiently use all graphic applications
6. Process criticism and create beneficial outcomes
7. Be able to accomplish multi-projects in a timely manner
8. Effectively research, use and create images
9. Process criticism and create beneficial outcomesCourse Structure
1. Five to six projects and bi-weekly writing assignments
2. All group critiques for final projects; regular small group critiques about process;
3. In class studio work sessions
4. Short lectures and group discussions on design examples, readings and issues
5. Maintaining a sketchbook.
6. Written and verbal exercises in articulation of concept
7. Professional/guest critiques

Evaluation
40% Final visual solutions
20% Final verbal and written articulation
20% Written/Reading exercises
10% Participation
10% Attendance

Evaluation for this course will be based on your participation as a student with an intention
to learn and produce significant work that will contribute to the objectives of this course,
as well as to an increasingly interdisciplinary design field. A working understanding of concepts presented in class, designed responses to assignments, effectiveness and depth of process, active participation in critiques, workshops and discussions, craft and presentation all contribute to the final evaluation which will be reflected in a letter grade.F: Failure. Student demonstrates little or no understanding of course material or has
failed to apply the information presented to assigned problems. Incomplete projects
also constitute the assignment of an “F”.
D: Below average. Student exhibits some evidence of concepts studied but responses
are below the level required for satisfactory performance
C: Average. Student demonstrates an understanding of the information studied applies
this information to assigned problems satisfactory, meeting basic expectations but not going
beyond suggested parameters
B: Above average. Student exhibits a more than competent understanding of concepts
presented and utilizes these concepts in an articulate and noteworthy manner.
A: Exceptional. Student demonstrates an advanced understanding of concepts presented
and is able to achieve individual, innovative, remarkable results above and beyond
suggested parameters. Class Policies
Since this course is a studio class that meets once a week, attendance and participation is mandatory and essential. Two unexcused absences will result in a grade reduction by 1/2 grade point. Please meet with me if you need to miss class, absence without permission will be
considered unexcused. Absence on days of final critiques will not be tolerated. During times when class is in session, you are either in the class room, dark room, design lab or you let me know where I can find you. If no information on your whereabouts is available, you will be noted absent; the same occurs when a student is chronically late.Suggested

Books
Type and Typography
Phil Baines and Andrew Haslam
Watson-Guptill Publishing
Looking Closer: Critical Writings on Graphic Design
Edited by Michael Bierut, William Drenttel, Steven Heller & DK Holland (optional)
Allsworth
Suggested periodicals:
Communication arts
Print Magazine
Eye MagazineThere is lab fee of $35 for this class.

Fees must be paid by January 31, 2003.

Again this semester, we have a large class. We will have to split the class in half.
The schedule will be as follows:
Communication Design I : 9-10:30
Communication Design II: 10:30-12