“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

Graphic Design 50:080:331 is an entry level graphic design course that attempts to teach students the graphic design principles of concept, process and craft. The course will emphasize the relationship of type and image in creating meaning, as well as, research and exploration into mechanical production needed in solving and executing design problems. The assignments given are intended to expose students to various aspects of research, visualization, experimentation, production and critique. The course also examines the foundation and methodologies of fine arts (form, composition, color) and its relevance to graphic design. In this course we will specifically explore: composition and typography, word/image relationships and interpretation/meaning.

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 develop a verbal and visual vocabulary to describe, generate and evaluate
basic graphic design assignment
2. To develop visual problem solving skills (methodologies)
3. To develop an interest in crossing boundaries (taking on responsibilities, some or all,
of content provider, writer, editor, image maker, producer) to generate projects
4. To develop technological skills and craft in executing solutions
5. To develop an understanding of image and type relationship in the process of producing
messages or meaning
6. To develop visual research skills
7. To develop an understanding of the visual process: concept, process and craftCompetency-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. Create effective and appropriate visual solution in relation to the problem given
3. Work through the stages of the design process: concept, process and craft (sketchbook)
4. Proficiently use graphic tools and programs
5. Understand and utilize visual composition (form, color, scale)
6. Effectively use type
7. Indicate an understanding of information hierarchy and its relationship
to visual typographic choices
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 readings and issues
5. Maintaining a sketch book. (The formal and empirical qualities of it’s content
will be an important consideration for the final grade.)Evaluation

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.
There is lab fee of $35 for this class. Fees must be paid by January 31, 2003.