Fall 2015
MW 11:30A–2:00P
Graphic
Contact Information
Instructor: Matt SmithOffice: Baugh Center for the Visual Arts (BCVA) 111 Office phone: 254.295.4297
E-mail: mjsmith@umhb.edu
Office Hours: M–Th 2:30 – 5:00 pm, or by appointment
Catalog Course Description
Name and Number: Graphic Design 1, ARTS 3370 Time & Location: MW 11:30A–2:00P, BCVA 103 Catalog Description: Emphasis in this course is on a problem-solving, conceptual development, layout and implementation of text and image integration. Prereq-uisites: 2370 (Digital Art), ARTS 2375 (Typography), or permission of the instructor. materials fee.
Expanded Course Description
This course introduces students to graphic design as a form of visual knowledge production, documenta-tion, and communication. Historical and contempo-rary cultural literacy is emphasized. Digital print and screen-based projects familiarize students with the process of problem discovery, creation, setting, and solving. Presentations, critiques, reading assignments, and class discussions allow the student to develop a vocabulary and a critical framework for speaking about design skills, techniques, and practices.Instructional Format
This course is made up of the following components.
1. Lectures. The instructor will introduce the proj-ects, reading assignments, and central ideas.
2. Reading assignments. Reading assignments and class discussions introduce a critical framework for reflecting on your art/design practice.
3. Visual Research Presentations. Visual research presentations are designed to increase the stu-dent’s cultural literacy. In short, the student will
as it pertains to the practice of art and design (“taste,” as it is being used here, is sometimes described as discernment, or critical acumen).
4. Studio projects, assignments, and exercises. Projects and assignments allow the student to learn by doing things. The student also learns by working with and critiquing her peers.
5. A final project. The student will execute a project based on a design brief, and present it to the class in a formal critique setting. The final project is summative. It is an opportunity to apply what has been learned in the entire course.
Academic Honesty
The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor policy on aca-demic integrity applies to all courses. UMHB expects the highest standards of academic integrity among all members of the campus community. All acts of plagia-rism or violations of academic honesty are considered serious offenses and may result in failure of the assign-ment or the course.
Special Accommodations
If you have a disability for which you are or may be requesting an accommodation, you are encouraged to contact both your professor and the Accommodation & Student Assistance Program office in the Robert & Linda Black Center for Counseling, Testing & Health Services, Mabee Student Center, Suite 310, as early as possible in the term.
Required Textbook
While there is no required textbook, students will be expected to complete several reading assignments. Texts will be distributed in class or made available via myCampus.
Assignments & Final Grade
Attendance and Participation. Absences directlyreflect on the quality of the art and the resulting grade. To complete the assignments, students will have to work outside of class time. Stu-dents also need to arrive to class on time. If an emergency arises, please contact the instructor. Students who are consistently late or absent will receive penalty points on their final grade. More than three unexcused absences will lower your final grade by one letter, and students missing eight classes or more cannot earn more than a D. Students with special circumstances such as health problems or sports commitments should see the instructor to discuss accommodations. 50% Projects/assignments. If an assignment or
project is turned in late, the student will not earn higher than an 89 (B) on that assignment. Similarly, if the student misses, or is insuffi- ciently prepared for a critique (either a process or final critique), the student will not earn high- er than an 89 (B) on that assignment or project. 10% Visual research presentations. If a visual
re-search presentation is late, the student will not earn higher than an 89 (B) on that assignment. 10% Reading assignments. If a reading assignment
is turned in late, the student will not earn high-er than an 89 (B) on that assignment.
30% Final project. Note: if a final project is turned in late, or in an incomplete state, the student will not earn higher than an 89 (B) on that assign- ment. Similarly, if the student misses a critique (either a process or final critique), the student will not earn higher than an 89 (B) on the final project.
University Grading Scale
A — 90 to 100B — 80 to 89 C — 70 to 79 D — 60 to 69 F — 59 or lower
Grading Rubric
Individual projects, assignments, presentations, and participation in discussions and critiques will be evalu-ated using a four-point rubric:
F = Incomplete or Very Late (59 or lower) D = Beginning, Satisfactory, or Fair (60 to 69) C = Developing, or Good (70 to 79)
B = Accomplished, or Very Good (80 to 89) A = Exemplary, or Truly Exceptional (90 to 100) Note: The difference between a B and a C is largely de-termined by craft, or finish. The work must look ready to present to a professional client or a close, respected, highly valued collaborator. An “exemplary” A is very difficult to achieve. The difference between a B and an A is largely determined by simplicity, or resolution. A truly exceptional presentation has impeccable craft, or finish, and it’s fully resolved. It may be complex, but it won’t always be complicated.
Supplies (subject to change)
The computers in the assigned classroom will be a key tool for producing, organizing, and processing work. The student will also need an external hard drive or flash drive, and a sketchbook (or just paper) and pencils.
Back up your work!
Use an external hard drive; flash drive; and/or a Google Drive, Dropbox, or Box account. Technological disasters DO occur. You will be shown absolutely zero sympathy if you fail to complete a project due to not
Critiques & Participation
Formal (final) and informal (process) critiques will be held during the course of the semester. Participation will be factored into final grading. Presentation skills and performance theory are a critical component of all art work and design. Students are expected to partici-pate fully in class discussions and critiques by offering constructive comments to their peers, and by consider-ing and applyconsider-ing received criticisms of their own work. As noted above, if a student misses, or is insufficiently prepared for a critique (either a process or final cri-tique), the student will not earn higher than an 89 (B) on that assignment or project.
Art Department Student Learning
Outcomes and Course Objectives
I. Communication: Upon Completion of thiscourse, the student will be able to make effective written, verbal, and visual presentations of their work.
• The student will understand the relationship between form and content
• Display works of art selectively
• Demonstrate how to self-promote with support-ing and professional materials
II. Production: Upon Completion of this course, the student will be able to use visual problem solving by exploring tools, materials, and techniques. • Understand the elements of composition and
principles of design
• Employ technical and conceptual expertise in the creation of visual statements
• Use expressive and sensitive handling of materi-als in two– and three–dimensional works of art • Understand the health risks for artists and safe
handling of materials and equipment
dent will demonstrate an understanding of artwork in relationship to contemporary and historical practices and theory; recognize culturally diverse art forms and practices; and understand how art reflects the history of human achievement.
Credit Hours
Art courses follow the recommendations for awarding credit as recommended by The National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) and the Texas Asso-ciation of Schools of Art (TASA). For our studio classes, normally a ratio of one hour of credit = two hours of contact time and one hour of outside work per week, for example: a 3-credit hour course would require six facul-ty contact hours per week. Note: Faculty contact must be sufficient to ensure the development of knowledge and skills required by each course. Normally, faculty contact is greater at the foundation or introductory level than at the advanced studio level.
Semester Events: Fall 2015
The Art Department has organized the following events, talks, and lectures. Your attendance is recom-mended.1. UMHB Art Faculty Exhibition: August 24—Sep-tember 17, Art Gallery, BCVA. Opening Reception, 5:00 pm, Thursday, August 27.
2. Otto Dix: Matthaüs Evangelium: September 24— October 15, Art Gallery, BCVA. Opening reception at 5:00 pm, Thursday, Septembr 24.
3. Karl Umlauf: Recent Work: October 22—November 14, Art Gallery, BCVA. Opening reception at 5:00 pm, Thursday, October 22 (fae event).
4. Senior Exhibitions: November 19 — December 11, Art Gallery, BCVA.
5. Christmas Pottery Sale: December 3 & 4, BCVA lobby.
A Final Note from the Department
All students are required to commit themselves to the following prior to participating in this course: • The student should understand that this coursecould expose them to a wide range of experiences, some of which, for example, may contain themes, language, graphic violence, and sexual reference not consistent with Christian values.
• The student should also understand that the pur-pose for studying such material is to seek a mature understanding of the potential and accomplish-ment of the course subject as a means of exploring the human predicament.
• The student should understand that this instruc-tor will strive for a mature Christian discernment concerning the moral and aesthetic appropriate-ness of the materials and assignments for this course.
All art majors are strongly encouraged to enter student competitions and exhibitions.
This schedule will change; check myCampus regularly for updates.
Week 1
august 24 & 26
Welcome, course intro, syllabus overview, and questionnaire. • Project 1: Design as Observing, Collecting, Curating, and Editing
• Reading Assignment: Potter, Martens, Munari, Lewitt
Week 2
august 31 & september 2
• Project 1 Review, Discussion, and Critique
• Project 2: Design as Visual Language: Poster Remix
• Research Assignments & Discussion: Potter, Martens, Munari, Lewitt
Week 3
september 7 & 9
• No class Monday, September 7 (Labor Day)
• Reading Assignment: Hofmann, Lupton & Miller, Elliman • Project 2, Process Critique
Week 4
september 14 & 16 • Project 2, Final Critique
• Project 3: Design as Identity: Announcement Card
• Research Assignments & Discussion: Hofmann, Lupton & Miller, Elliman
Week 5
september 21 & 23
• Project 3: Design as Identity: Announcement Card • Project 4: Design as Identity: Abstract Logomark
• Reading Assignment: Brockmann, Wright, and Mevis & Van Deursen
Week 6
september 28 & 30 • Project 4 continued
• Research Assignments: Brockmann, Wright, and Mevis & Van Deursen
Week 7
october 5 & 7
• Lecture: Apparent Motion
• Project 5: Design as Form: (Apparent) Motion Graphics • Reading Assignment: Gerstner, Bill, Bringhurst
Fall 2015
MW11:30 am– 2:00 pm BCVA 103
Matt Smith
Office: BCVA 111 mjsmith@umhb.edu 254.295.4297 isnotmattsmith.com Office Hours Monday–Thursday 2:30–5:00 pm, or by appointment Note: This schedule may change. Check myCampus for latest updates.october 12 & 14
• Project 6: Design as Identity: “Branding” & Packaging Your Collection • Research Assignments: Gerstner, Bill, Bringhurst
• Reading Assignment: Holt, Bringhurst
Week 9
october 19 & 21 • Project 6 continued • Research Assignment: Holt
Week 10
october 26 & 28 • Project 6 continued
• Reading Assignment: Arnheim, Dondis
Week 11
november 2 & 4
• Project 7: Design as Circulation: Print Publication (Collection “Catalog”) • Research Assignments: Arnheim, Dondis
Week 12
november 9 & 11 • Project 7 continuedWeek 13
november 16 & 18
• Project 8: Design as Circulation: Electronic Publication (“Catalog”)
Week 14
november 23 & 25
• Project 8 continued; Final Project proposal due • No class Wednesday, November 25 (Thanksgiving)
Week 15
november 30 & december 2 • Final Project continued
Finals Week
Final Presentations and Critique
note: Many of the course materials used for this class have been drawn from ART S131 Intro to Graphic Design, taught by Julian Bittiner, Yale University; and VIS216 Visual Form, taught by David Reinfurt, Princeton
Fall 2015
MW11:30 am– 2:00 pm BCVA 103