MM 331:
Principles of Graphic Design

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MM 331 Catalog Course Description

PREREQUISITES: ENGLISH 100/101 OR EQUIVALENT; MM 300

A hands-on introduction to the principles and techniques of graphic design for print and digital media that covers print vs. digital production; resolution and size considerations; vector vs. raster formats; color theory and layout principles; typography; file formats, output, and management. Software instruction is in Adobe Photoshop.

COURSE GOALS

The student will learn

• Graphic design theory and practice.

• Basics of visual message design.

• File management techniques for digital and print graphics composition.

• Industry-established production cycles.

STUDENT OUTCOMES

By the end of the course, students should be able to:
1. Describe print vs. digital production considerations.
2. Identify major stages in production cycles.
3. Apply layout and color theories and principles to their own graphic design projects.
4. Scan images.
5. Evaluate digitized and print images using graphic design terminology.
6. In Photoshop, use selection tools, layers, color correction techniques, guides, alignment features, filters and know how to composite images.

COURSE CONTENT

• Readings on graphic design and color theory and digital asset management for various media.

• Research, analysis, evaluation and critique of graphic designs from a variety of media based on aesthetic and graphic design criteria.

• Detailed class discussion of course readings.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS

Students will complete written assignments (graded and ungraded) of approximately 5-10 pages (1250-5000 words) relevant to the topic and issues of the course. Typical writing assignments may include one or more of the following: audience and project analyses, creative briefs, descriptive and analytical critiques, executive summaries, media evaluations, needs assessments, project proposals and procedural documents.
In the course outline, the instructor will assign a documentation style (APA, MLA, Chicago Manual, etc.) appropriate to the writing context and provide assessment criteria for each of the required course assignments listed below.

• The production of a graphic design project such as a composite proof created in Photoshop.

• A written statement of purpose for a final graphic design project, describing the intended audience, purpose and message and addressing design decisions.

• An updated file folder of images used to create the composite graphic project.

• An oral presentation of the final project (including a written outline).

• Quiz or exam that demonstrates knowledge of graphic design principles and terminology.

• A self-assessment journal that comments on design decisions and lessons learned.

REQUIRED TEXTS

Judith Wilde & Richard Wilde. Visual Literacy: A Conceptual Approach to Graphic Problem Solving. Toronto: Watson-Guptill 2000. ISBN: 0823056201

RECOMMENDED TEXTS

Adobe Photoshop CS Classroom in a Book. San Jose, CA: Adobe Press,
Weinmann, Elaine & Lourekas, Peter. Photoshop CS for Windows and Macintosh: Visual QuickStart Guide. Berkeley: Peachpit Press, 2001. ISBN: 0201713098
Williams, Robin & Tollett, John. Robin Williams Design Workshop. Berkeley: Peachpit Press, 2000. ISBN: 0201700883
The Non-Designer's Design Book. Berkeley: Peachpit Press, 1994. ISBN: 1566091594

WEBLIOGRAPHY

About.com, Graphic Design. http://graphicdesign.about.com/
Adam.ac, art, design, architecture & media information. http://adam.ac.uk/
Adobe.com. http://www.Adobe.com/
American Print Alliance. http://www.printalliance.org/
Apollo13: Color. http://www.apollo13art.com/National/com%20480/lectures/color/overview.html
Computer Arts, Photoshop and 2-D Tutorials. http://www.computerarts.co.uk/tutorials/2d/
Dmitry's Design Lab. http://www.webreference.com/dlab/
Encyclopedia of Educational Technology. http://coe.sdsu.edu/eet/Admin/TOC/index.htm
Print Art.com. http://www.print-art.com/gb/home/home.htm
Print.com, America's Graphic Design Magazine. http://www.printmag.com/
Web Developer's Virtual Library, Graphics Tools, Techniques, Examples and Resources. http://wdvl.com/Authoring/Graphics/

NATIONAL UNIVERSITY LIBRARY

The NU Library System (NULS) supports academic rigor by providing access to scholarly books, journals, ebooks, and databases of full text articles from scholarly journals. Library books and journal articles can be shipped to online students. Librarians are available to assist students at the Spectrum Library in San Diego, at the regional Library Information Centers (LIC), and online (www.nu.edu/library/index.html).

GRADING

Grades are based on a percentage scale. The grade breakdown is as follows:
A 95 -100          C 74 - 76
A- 90 - 94          C- 70 - 73
B+ 87 - 89         D+ 67 - 69
B 84 - 86           D 64 - 66
B- 80 - 83          D- 60 - 63
C+ 77 - 79         F Below 60

Definition of Grades:
A Outstanding Achievement that significantly exceeds standards
B Commendable Achievement that exceeds standards
C Acceptable Achievement that meets standards
D Marginal Achievement that is below standards
F Failing