Course Description: CMCN 335 introduces students to the basic theory, skills & technology relating to print media graphic design including visual communication theory, typography, layout, scanning, photo editing, production shop operations and software in a Mac environment. The focus is on learning by doing, including preliminary portfolio development. This is a hands-on course with small lecture/
textbook component. Typical class meetings will include instructor demonstrations, class discussion and individual or group activities.

Venue: Monday, Wednesday 12 to 1:15 PM, Burke 114.

Instructor: Steven Dick, Ph.D. Mass Media Michigan State,
M.A. Telecommunication Southern Illinois Carbondale,
B.A. Broadcasting Western Kentucky.
For more information, please see online vita.

Office: Monday and Wednesday 11 - Noon, 175 OK Allan Hall. Appointments are available on request. Email: Dick@ModernMediaBarn.com

Texts: Required - Visual Communication, Fourth edition, Paul M. Lester. ISBN: 0-534-63720-5 and the book's web page. Suggested: The Non-Designer’s Design Book by Robin Williams, 2nd or most recent edition. External USB, minimum 128 megabytes; CDs also acceptable. Small amounts of tracing paper, mounting board & similar materials may be required.

Attendance: It is mandatory, as classroom activities and demonstrations cannot be recreated. Tests & graded assignment deadlines can only be made up with official University, medical, police or funeral service documentation including a verification phone number, and must be scheduled within one week of your return to class. Every unexcused absence after the first will result in a reduction of 50 points from your final average in addition to zero’s on missed work. Attendance will be taken at the beginning of class and after our mid-class break. Both parts will count toward attendance totals.

Ethics, Diversity & Special Needs: The visual aspect of communication possesses the greatest power to influence, persuade, and - sometimes - misguide the viewing public. Our material will focus on the role & impact of ethics and human diversity in visual communication processes and resulting messages, inclusive of the concens of women, racial, ethnic, political and religious groups, members of alternative lifestyles, the disabled, and special-needs populations. Your instructor will make accommodations for students with documented special needs of their own. To make such arrangements, meet with the instructor and provide appropriate documentation within the first week of school.

Emergency Procedures: A map of this floor is posted in the hallway showing designated evacuation route(s) and rescue area(s). Students who may need assistance during an emergency should notify the instructor. There is a fire escape at the back of this classroom. Do not use it unless there is really an emergency; alarms will sound.

Lab Use & Printing: See the handout and/or postings for rules on lab usage, available lab hours, and restrictions on use of lab printers. Every student will be held responsible for knowing and following the rules as described. DEADLINES WILL NEVER BE EXTENDED FOR FAILURE TO FOLLOW LAB RULES/PROCEDURES.

Grades: With 1000 points possible, final grades are calculated as follows: 900-1000 pts. = A; 800-899 pts. = B; 700-799 pts. = C; 600-699 pts. = D; 0-599 pts. = F. Test and project grades are determined on a standard 10-point scale: 90-100% = A, 80=89% = B, 70-79% = C, 60=69% = D, 0-59% = F.

Assignments: All assignments are due at the BEGINNING of the class period on the stated due date unless otherwise noted. At a minimum, graded assignments will include the following:

• Tests - 4 at 125 points each = 500 (50%): Weekly tests will cover all material to date.
• Graded Software Activities - 4 at 100 points each = 400 (40%): Students will turn in color printouts and/or digital files on CD for one completed design project in each of three software packages: Indesign, Photoshop and Illustrator (100 points each); plus an original package including a business card, letterhead and single-page resume for yourself (100 points).
• Class Project = 100 (10%): Each student will contribute to the development, content, design and production of a CLASS PUBLICATION, the specific nature of which is to be determined by class size and interests.