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Course Information

Theory and practice of designing with information. Topics include graphs, charts, pie-charts and diagrams. Through advanced assignments related to information graphics, exhibition design and wayfinding systems, students will synthesize and design complex data sets. Preparation of final work using current design software applications.

Prerequisite COMD 2400 or department permission

Course Objectives

INSTRUCTIONAL OBJECTIVES
1. Create both “live” and static data graphics (bar, pie, & time series charts) using appropriate software graphing tools.
2. Transform statistical information into an understandable visual format using unconventional methods and imagery. 
3. Visually explain a complex process or object clearly and easily.
4. Define and explain historical development of data graphics.
5. Create both “live” and static data graphics (bar, pie, & time series charts) using appropriate software graphing tools.
ASSESSMENT
1, Students will demonstrate competency by creating various data graphic formats within a layout.
2. Students will demonstrate competency by synthesizing information and creating data graphics without the use of graphing software tools.
3. Students will demonstrate competency by illustrating a process, procedure, or complex object.
4. Students will display competency through discussions and research. 
5. Students will demonstrate competency by creating various data graphic formats within a layout.

General Education Outcome

GENERAL EDUCATION OUTCOME
1. Thinking Critically The student will demonstrate the ability to evaluate evidence and apply reasoning to make valid inferences.
2. Oral Communication Speaking: The student will demonstrate the ability to articulate himself using relevant industry-specific language
3. Social Interaction The student will demonstrate an understanding of professional ethics.
HOW THE OUTCOME IS COVERED
1. Evaluate through class critique to determine how well students were able to advance their project concepts by applying evidence and using logic to make decisions.
2. Evaluate through class discussion and /or written tests if students use appropriate nomenclature to defend creative, critical and technical decisions in project concepts and development.
3. Evaluate through class discussion and written tests if students have developed a sensitivity and awareness of professional ethics.

Recommended Texts

  • Functional Art, The: An introduction to information graphics and visualization (Voices That Matter) by Alberto Cairo | Aug 22, 2012
  • Meirelles, Isabel. Design for Information : An Introduction to the Histories, Theories, and Best Practices Behind Effective Information Visualizations, Quarto Publishing Group USA, 2013. ProQuest Ebook Central, https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/citytech-ebooks/detail.action?docID=3399922.

E-RESOURCES

  • Academic One File has always been an excellent general database for undergraduate research. The depth of full-text offerings has recently been improved.
  • Ebook Central is an expansive collection of ebooks that can be searched either through the catalog or as a standalone database. Here you can get Meirelles, Isabel, the recommended reading listed above.
  • The Wall Street Journal is free to the entire City Tech Community. Activate your free subscription today!
  • The New York Times Sign up for your free academic pass or renew your subscription.

Attendance/Participation

Attendance (College) and Lateness (Department) Policies:

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. Absences more than 10% of the total class hours may result in a 10% drop from your grade due to an inability to meet the deliverables of participation. This may be in addition to other penalties that will be imposed for failure to complete in-class academic requirements. Missing more than 25% of total class meetings will not be permitted. Any two ‘lates’ (15 minutes or more) will be equal to 1 absence.

Academic Integrity Standards 

Students and all others who work with information, ideas, texts, images, music, inventions and other intellectual property owe their audience and sources accuracy and honesty in using, crediting and citation of 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 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.

Class Etiquette & Netiquette

Learning is a group activity. The behavior of each person in class affects the overall learning environment. As a COMD student you are expected to act in a professional manner; to be respectful of the learning process, your instructor, and your fellow students.

Class Policies

  1. If you miss a class or will be missing a class, you must send me an email.
  2. Use your City Tech email for all school business.
  3. Keep and backup all the exercises and projects that you have created throughout the semester.
  4. You are expected to keep up with the class blog.
  5. You will be penalized for late work; typically one point for each dayyou are late.
  6. Missed assignments will earn a zero.
  7. No partial credit will be given.
  8. No social media or texting during class.
  9. I reserve the right to reject you from class and give you an absence for the day.
  10. Respect your classmates as you would be respected. No food or drink allowed in the labs.
  11. When you email me, please write the subject line as follows: COMD 3505 [Your Name]
  12. You have the option to revisit earlier projects and revise them based on original comments. If you feel you can improve your grade, this is your opportunity.
  13. If you will not be able to present or hand in a project on the scheduled day, it is your responsibility to notify me PRIOR to the due date and request alternate arrangements.
  14. Points will be deducted from your project grade for missed critiques.
  15. Late or missing work due to technological malfunctions such as a failed computer or flash drive will not be excused.

Required Material

  • Sketchbook
  • Tracing Paper
  • Pencils
  • Markers
  • Flash/USB (min 2Gig) Drive
  • External Drive/Cloud access
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