Course Information

Course Number: COMD1200
Course Title: Graphic Design Principles 2

Credits / Hours: 6
Section Number: D052
Pre/Co-requisites: COMD 1100, COMD 1127

Course Description: 
COMD 1200, the culminating freshman design course, investigates visual communication, and its relevance to graphic design. Through the process of image-making, we will integrate concepts with type and image. Students develop projects from thumbnails to final presentations while exploring multiple disciplines such as advertising, graphic design, web design, illustration, broadcast design production, and others. 

 

Class Meetings

Time: Monday & Wednesday  8:30-11

Online Space(s):

• • OpenLab

  • Google Drive

Faculty Information

Professor(s) Name: Patricia Childers

Contact Information: pchilders@citytech.cuny.edu

Online Office Hours/Information:
Monday: Naam 1118,  11 am or by appointment

 

Syllabus

syllabus GDP2_COMD1200_s2023_Childers_syllabus

 

Technology Requirements

• • Openlab
  • Miro
  • Google Drive: gd2 f22

Schedule

A schedule of topics including a detailed schedule can be found on the Schedule page.

Textbook

Graphic Design; The New Basics
Ellen Lupton & Jennifer Cole Phillips
access online: https://docdownload.net/page.php?title=Ellen+lupton%2C+jennifer+cole+phillips+graphic+design+the+new+basics+princeton+architectural+press+%2820&doc=ellen_lupton__jennifer_cole_phillip&user=felekantofkuln&id=150722020306-cd5da8f46810a1b218a9f8c7c65be224&count=248

Learning Outcomes

General education outcome covered	How the outcome is assessed
Information Literacy: Demonstrate the ability to find information through proper resources.	Research, writing and presenting a design report.
Oral Communication and Listening: Demonstrate the ability to discern pertinent information from irrelevant information.	Critiques demonstrate the understanding of concepts.
Thinking Critically: Demonstrate the ability to evaluate strengths and relevance of arguments on a particular issue.	Through student’s ability to advance concepts

Teaching/Learning MethodsB

Group discussion (critique,) lectures, research, demonstrations, assignments, blog, reading, writing, presentation, quizzes.

Instructional Objectives

B Evaluate methods and criteria

B Compose form conceptually, as opposed to composing through collage

B Demonstrate competency through four projects with multiple parts

B Analyze, productively and diplomatically, during a presentation;
give and receive constructive criticism during critiques

Outcome

B Understand the design tools (conventional and digital)
and the production required to create graphics, typography and images

B Explore the various aspects of dynamic composition and page layout

B Understand project pacing and deadlines.

B Cleanly and professionally present your work.

Focus

Graphic designers create visual form to communicate specific messages to specific audiences. This class focuses on developing your ability to manipulate design elements to communicate compelling, meaningful ideas.

In design, there are not always ‘correct’ solutions—but some are more appropriate and compelling than others. Appropriate solutions, hardly ever arrive quickly, but through a series of evolutionary steps. In this class, you will investigate which “steps” work best for you and develop a methodology based on reliable habits that will support you throughout your career.

Classwork

Students agree to commit to arriving in class at the scheduled times. During class, students will show and discuss their work, watch video lessons and slideshow presentations, participate in virtual group projects and discussions, and work on projects. The benefit of this format is that you will interact with me and your classmates. You aren’t on their own.

Technology

We will use Adobe software, OpenLab, GoogleDrive.

Process

Each week, you can access a schedule of what is needed to participate through our class website. The semester revolves around a set of five scaffolded projects. This means that each project will build on the material that you have produced in the previous project. Therefore, it is imperative that you complete all projects within the deadline.

All projects are explained in detail during class. Detailed, step-by-step instructions are posted on Openlab. The class is tightly scheduled with the expectation that you will read each assignment and follow instructions. Please re-read instructions after project completion to assure compliance. Failure to follow instructions will slow your to progress to the next assignment.

Requirements

Classwork

Classes are formatted to assist you with feedback at every step. We critique work-in-progress as well as finished projects at 8:30 pm. You must be in attendance to present your work to receive full credit. This schedule assures immediate feedback on every project and every homework assignment. In addition, virtual office hours are held twice a week, and are flexible to accommodate your schedule.

Ongoing Assignments

Sketches: Each week you will sketch. Be sure to save all sketches to include in a process book at the end of the semester!!

Blog: Comments will be required for some assignment, you will be notified when due.

Homework

Homework is due at start of class
Each day, we review homework at 8:30 to get direction for the day’s work.
No homework is accepted after 8:30.
If you homework is not available at 8:30 you will not receive credit for it.
Missing homework will result in a grade drop. An inability to meet deliverables, as in missing more than 10% of your assignments, is not permitted.

Again: Assignments are due at the beginning of class and recorded in the homework roster.
Grading of homework is Pass/Fail, based on following instructions, and completion. Projects must adhere to documented instructions in a professional manner to earn credit.

Class review of homework gives direction for your next assignment. Therefore, it is critical to complete all homework to proceed.
However, homework is a time to experiment. During a critique you investigate your thoughts and processes., so that you can take the next step. There is no “wrong” homework.
Therefore, as long as your homework is complete and basic criteria followed, you will pass this course. To excel, go above and beyond! Be brave, experiment, have fun.

This may seem like a tricky balance. Please ask me to clarify!!! This is your responsibility, and grade! You deserve to understand how to excel in this class!

Critiques

Class critiques are conversations that are a part of the process of making. By learning and using professional design terminology will help you to develop professional confidence.

Like most professional design projects, each assignment has goals and constraints. By nature, visual solutions elicit aesthetic, socio-political, and functional responses specific to each individual. Through peer responses we can explore varied interpretations.

Final Critiques

You will be notified about final critiques for the end of each project.
To earn credit for your project, work must be completed by the start of class, 8:30, and you must be in attendance.

Class Participation

Class participation means that you are fully present in class, not gaming, surfing, chatting, etc. Transgressions will resultinareductionofyourparticipationgrade.

This class will be conducted as a professional experience—a job, or an interview. Assume that your professor and peers will be in a position to recommend you in the near future. In class, you are not only building your knowledge and your portfolio, you are establishing your professional reputation.

Professionalism is demonstrated by:

B Class preparedness: completes projects on time, has all materials needed for class,
checks web site for instructions

B Participation: volunteer comments and answers, ask questions, and help classmates

B Remaining attentive: arrive on time and remain for the full time period

B Preparation: Follow project instructions and takes notes

B Punctuality: deadlines are critical to professional situations and this class.
This class reflects that in both assignments and deadlines.

Attendance Policy

The COMD BFA and AAS degrees are design studio programs. In-class laboratory activities and engagement with other students is a significant portion of the courses.

Students are permitted two absences. After that, you must withdraw or fail.
Please remember, the university counts late arrivals count as one-half absence.
Therefore, two late arrivals will be counter as one absence.

If you are sick you MUST submit your documentation to: Accessibility@citytech.cuny.edu.

Common Sense Rules

B Homework is due at start of class

B Come to class ready to work, with completed homework and all supplies.

B No games/browsing/email/etc. during class.

B Failure to comply, including late attendance, extended breaks, leaving early, and
incomplete homework, will affect your grade.

Communication

Please consistently check your City Tech email (or the email you provide to me and OpenLab) for reminders or changes. Check mail at least 24 hrs before class.

It is your responsibility to keep lines of communication open.
Please remember to check that your mailbox is not full.

Academic Integrity

Anyone who works with information, ideas, texts, images, music, inventions, and other

Standards intellectual property owe their audience and sources accuracy and honesty in using, crediting, and citing sources. As a community of intellectual and professional workers, the College recognizes its responsibility for providing instruction in information literacy and academic integrity, offering models of good practice, and responding vigilantly and appropriately to infractions of academic integrity.

Accordingly, academic dishonesty is prohibited in The City University of New York and at New York City College of Technology and is punishable by penalties, including failing grades, suspension, and expulsion.

More information about the College’s policy on Academic Integrity may be found in the College Catalog. 

Assessment/Grading

Goals & Methods of Assessment

B Goal #1: Preparation: Understand the preparation process:
Follow directions, assemble materials, conduct research.
Method of Assessment: Evaluate each step.

B Goal #2: Process: Understand professional methods and procedures.
Method of Assessment: Evaluate process.

Goal #3: Concept: Compose with professional imagery.
B Method of Assessment: Evaluate clarity of message.

Goal #4: Craft: Understand the importance of presentation.
Method of Assessment: Evaluate based on the stated goal.

B Goal #5: Punctuality: Understand the importance of arrival time and deadlines.
Students who know they will be absent must e-mail homework before the start of class.
Method of Assessment: Class roster

Grading Policy

Students are evaluated on participation, presentation, and verbal communication. Attendance affects participation and the final grade.

Projects are graded daily and on completion. Homework is due at beginning of class, late homework will results in a grade reduction. Homework and in-class skill-building exercises are graded on a credit/no-credit basis, and can not be completed later.

Project/Assignment is assessed by:

1 Image project	15%
2 Type/image project	15%
3 Poster project	15%
4 Motion project	15%
5 Final process book project	15%
Blog	15%
Homework/Preparation	10%
Total	100%

 

Assessment

A [4.0; 95 –100%] Exceptional quality work and participation, exceeds course goals
A- [3.7; 90 – <95%] Very high quality work, much participation

B+ [3.3; 87 – <90%] High quality work, much participation

B [3.0; 83 – <87%] Very good work, satisfies goals, some participation

B- [2.7; 80 – <83%] Good work, some participation

C+ [2.3; 77 – <80%] Average work, participation shows a general understanding of project

C [2.0; 73 – <77%] Average work, little participation

C- [1.7; 70 – <73%] Passing work but below requirements

D [1.0; 60 – <70%] Below requirement, incomplete

F [0 – <60%] Failure, no credit

Participation

Class participation means that you are fully present in class, not looking at your cell phone or surfing on your computers. Transgressions will result in a reduction of your participation grade.

This class will be conducted as a professional experience, a job, or an interview. Assume that your professor and peers will be in a position to recommend you in the future. You are not only building knowledge and your portfolio, but you are also establishing your professional reputation and affecting your career goals.

Professionalism is demonstrated by:

• • Class preparedness: completes projects on time, has all materials needed for class, checks website for instructions
  • Participation: in critiques, and discussions; volunteers answers, asks questions, helps classmates
  • Attentive Arrives on time and stays for the full-time period
  • Follows project instructions and takes notes
  • Punctuality and deadlines are critical to professional situations and this class. This class reflects that in both assignments and deadlines.

Participation Assessment

B Participation, presentation, and verbal communication is graded.
Attendance affects the participation grade.

B Active participation is shown through working effectively in groups
as well as through cooperation and respect for others.

Accessed by:      

Level 1 Participation

B All of the markers of level 2 participation, plus:

B Volunteers participation

B Expands on ideas or concerns of others

B Re-visits issues or ideas that need more attention

B Helps the group stay on track

B Summarizes group decisions and action assignments

Level 2 Participation

B Well prepared in advance

B Takes a large part in setting group goals and agendas

B Actively participates in discussion and asks questions

B Listens actively and shows understanding

B Acknowledges and builds on others’ ideas

B Volunteers willingly

Level 3 Participation

B Moderately prepared in advance

B Some participation, occasionally introduces information

B If absent or late, informs professor and sends homework

Level 4 Participation

B Little advance preparation, observes passively, says little

B Uses phone and talks with others

B Gives the impression of wanting to be somewhere else

B Attendance record is haphazard and inconsistent

Assignments

Your Contribution

The diversity that each student brings to this class is a resource and a strength. It is my intent to present materials and activities that are respectful of diversity: gender, sexuality, disability, age, socioeconomic status, ethnicity, race, and culture.

Your suggestions are encouraged and appreciated. Please let me know ways to improve the effectiveness of the course for you personally and for other students. Source: University of Iowa College of Education

Class Blog Posts

When assigned, students must contribute to the blog. The process gives you professional experience using design vocabulary and develops your “eye” through observation, and assessment.

File Naming All students are expected to label all files.
COMD file name convention:
course number_ season year__your last name_ first name_project name.
For example: comd1200_s2023_smith_amy_letterform

Assignments/Projects

Five Projects The class progresses through four scaffolded assignments and culminates in a final synthesis project, a book that includes work from the entire semester.

Project 1: Image

Goal: Explore 2-dimensional form, figure-ground, focal point, and proportion.

Objective: Manipulate one form to create two dynamic shapes

Process: Working within a 6 x 6-inch square, create compositions using a single letterform. Manipulate the forms and counter-form of the letter to create figure-ground compositions that strike a balance between positive and negative shape. Isolate just enough of each letter to hint at its identity. Letterforms can be from any culture.

Project 2: Image/Text

Goal: Explore scale, and cultural awareness.

Objective: Combine two forms to create an image with context.

Process: Working within a 6 x 6-inch square, combine a graphic image that represents a specific object with a letter that represents it. Create one cohesive recognizable mark.

Project 3: Design Influence Poster

Goal: Explore your influences through research. Organize and explore the grid, proportion, and create hierarchy, to provide context.

Objective: Combine multiple forms to provide context.
Research and design a typographic poster that visually represents design that has influenced you. 

Process: Where did your design understand come from? Art from home, games, or music? Research, write, and report on something that has influenced your design philosophy. Use a grid to integrate proportion, use hierarchy and color to reinforce context. Apply principles in a step-by-step process to explore a design methodology.

Project 4: Motion

Goal: Create the illusion of movement in a two-dimensional space.

Objective: Combine multiple forms to create form progression. Activate your poster to reinforce your message.

Process: Choose an element from your poster and manipulate it in a way that will reinforce your message. Create a gif.

Project 5: Process book

Goal: Synthesis of multiple elements over multiple pages.

Objective: Showing your process and conclusions. Combine everything that you have created this semester from sketches to final projects to document your semester.

Process: Create a grid and organize content. Display the semester process from sketch to finished project for each assignment.

 

Class Etiquette & Netiquette

Expectations for class etiquette and netiquette.

Make every opportunity to give an excellent impression and follow the standards of netiquette.

The content you post on course discussion boards, chat rooms, blogs, and wikis is used by instructors to determine the level at which a student is achieving and how serious the student is towards their studies.

Posts: Do

• • Post in a manner that reflects your preparation, motivation, and knowledge of the course content. 
  • Post messages relevant to the discussion topic thread. 
  • Post messages that make a positive and intellectual contribution.
  • Post messages that contribute to a civilized debate.  
  • Ask relevant questions.

Grammar: Do:

• • Write complete and coherent sentences with proper punctuation, capitalization, and grammar.
  • Use italics to emphasize a point.
  • Write in a manner that reflects your command of the English language as well as your competence in course content.

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