Course Syllabus
GID 33: Graphic Design Studio I
Instructor: Carolyn Brown
Phone: (415) 997-9270
Email: browncarolyn@fhda.edu
Office hours: M/Th 8:00 - 10:00 PM
Course times: 3 hours lecture and 3 hours lab
Course Description: This class in an introduction to graphic design and visual communication. Projects include composition, typography, image editing and layout. Design principles are explored through creative projects. Students practice fundamental software skills using Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign to complete the graphic design activities in this course. The course has weekly modules. Each module has instructional activities. 1) Learn a design principle. 2) Learn Adobe skills. 3) Create a design. There is extra credit in every module.
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Student Learning Outcomes
A successful student identifies elements of visual language (negative shape, balance, color, focal point, typography) in graphic design work that may include advertising, logo design, poster design, business cards and brochures.
A successful student will demonstrate technical and expressive fluency in industry-standard software applications.
Course Objectives
The student will be able to:
1. demonstrate an understanding of basic design principles.
2. assess form, content and technique when solving visual problems.
3. demonstrate a working knowledge of graphic design software applications.
4. create digital comprehensives for class presentation and critique.
5. exhibit an understanding of the disciplines of graphic design.
6. develop and demonstrate self-directed learning strategies.
7. give presentations on topics related to graphic design.
8. transform visual communications into graphic presentations for a culturally-diverse marketplace.
Software for this course
You need Adobe CC on your personal computer or you can use Adobe CC in the Foothill College computer labs.
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Communication
You can contact me anytime by text message, phone call, Remind, or Canvas
Grades
Assignments and final grade are on a curve.
88-100 = A
76-87 = B
64-75 = C
50-63 = D
0-49 = F
W = withdrawing or dropping. If you decide to drop this course, talk to me first. I'm sure we can find a way for you to complete the class and achieve your typographic goals. If you really want to drop and can't talk to me, you need to officially withdraw through the Foothill Admissions and Registration Office. You can find important dates and how to drop at https://foothill.edu/reg/registration/add-drop.html
Reach out to me if you have questions
Students with Disabilities & other Resources
If you have a learning disability or physical challenge, you are entitled to any assistance you need to achieve your academic goals. To contact the Disability Resource Center, you may:
- Visit DRC in the Student Resource Center Building 5400
- Email DRC
- Call DRC at 650-949-7017 to make an appointment
Foothill College also offers these helpful services at
Academic Honesty
Do your own work. Do not copy from classmates, Google, or other sources. If you copy, you will get a zero for the assignment and I will review all of your assignments to see if they are copied. If you copy more than once you will fail the class.