ART 1313 - Design I

Description
Students in this course learn to use the elements and principles of design as a basis for all creative work in the visual arts. Students are introduced to the vocabulary of design as well as the use of the computer as a design tool. This course must be taken before any Graphic Design course.

Pre-Requisite
NONE

3 Credit Hour(s)

Contact Hours
30 lecture contact hours; 60 lab contact hours

4.67 Faculty Load Hour(s)

Semesters Offered
Fall, Spring

ACTS Equivalent
N/A

Grade Mode
A-F

Learning Outcomes
Students completing this course will be able to:

Demonstrate a working knowledge of the current graphic design software, including Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop.
Demonstrate a familiarity with the vocabulary of design.
Demonstrate abstract thinking and creativity through design.
Research information on clients, products, styles, etc. and then apply that research to their designs.
Critique work not only for skill and technique, but also for its application.
Understand and use the computer as a design tool, including Macintosh operating system, Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop.

General Education Outcomes Supported

Students develop higher order thinking skills.
Students develop effective oral communication skills.
Students can use computers proficiently.

Standard Practices
Topics List

The Computer as a Design Tool
Adobe Illustrator
Basics of Adobe Photoshop
Elements of Art
Principles of Organization
Design Vocabulary
Evaluation of Art/Design
Presentation
Critiques

Learning Activities

Required Methods of Instruction

Primarily lecture, visual aids, demonstrations, and studio work.
Areas covered must include instruction on the use of Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, design vocabulary, research, discussions, presentations, and critiques.
Methods must include visual demonstrations, classroom discussions, studio work, presentation, and critiques with a focus on learning advanced design concepts and software use. Instructors should closely monitor the progress of students and their use of the software to ensure that the students are gaining a thorough knowledge of the application.

Assessments

Assessment is based on a chosen project assigned across all sections of the course. The rubric and assignment must be very similar, and the project should demonstrate the learning progression of the students.

Grading guidelines

Grades in this course should be based on design aesthetics, creativity & originality, following instruction, execution with the prescribed software, and presentation of the work.
Percentages of each of the criteria may vary with each project, but Design and Execution should both be given nearly equal weight in grading of each of the major projects.