P T C 6 0 5
Elements of Visual Design
summer 2006 course materials
This course will be conducted via e-mail & WebCT.
Please familiarize yourselves with WebCT .updates here: i.e., CHAT Fri. 14 July 9 p.m.
instructors y l l a b u s
Catalog description for ENG 605: Provides an understanding of and competency in the visual presentation of information. Course integrates theories of design, techniques of composition, and technologies of electronic and print publishing. Modules include both design principles and hands-on practice in visual literacy, layout and design, and graphic tools.
* Exploring the Elements of Design, Poppy Evans & Mark A. Thomas, eds.
* NJIT WebCT account (for discussion and posting).
* Access to a computer with basic hardware and software. For the purposes of posting materials to the WebCT site, you will need to have a graphics program (see Image editors list at tucows.com if you do not have one; most PCs are shipped with a basic Microsoft image editor) and either a digital camera or a scanner in order to generate images of completed assignments.
* Periodic WebCT chats will be scheduled; online office hours upon request. For CHATS, meet in Room One of Chat section of WebCT.
*In order to successfully complete assignments 1-5, you will need to purchase colored construction paper and coverstock paper (i.e., "color aid paper"), posterboard, or matte-board (preferably dark). You should be able to get such paper at any store that sells school or art supplies (i.e., Staples, Office Max, Kinkos). Note: These assignments are not generated using software (although you will use a word processing or graphics program to generate typeface in Assignments 2, 5, and also the "Expressive Type" part of #4). Required Work / Assignments:
Please Note:
1. Beyond posting completed assignments, all students are required to make weekly postings to course WebCT discussion, and are expected to participate in WebCT dialog throughout the course, and provide feedback on works by other students (e.g., discuss what you like about pieces, ask questions, mention things that you don't think work well, etc.).
2. Students must complete all Assignments listed on the syllabus. Assignments will be evaluated and graded within one week of their submission, and may be re-done as many times as a student wishes.
3. Students will produce a course project, an edition of your own magazine or newsletter (in print).
All work for the course is due on the last day of the semester.
Grades will be determined by using the following formula:
- completion of (& engagement in producing) assignments = 40%
- overall participation in the course and WebCT discussion = 30%
- course project = 30%
Week 1 (7 July):
Obtain a copy of Exploring the Elements of Design, Poppy Evans & Mark A. Thomas, eds. ISBN 1-4018-3286-5. http://www.delmarlearning.com; Copies of the book are available at the NJIT bookstore and through other online booksellers.
Read the Preface and Chapter 1, Exploring the Elements of Design.
Due 7/10: Contributions to WebCT discussion (Introductions and Ch. 1 sections) + Assignment 1: "Line, Letter, and Leaf," p. 34. Post on WebCT as soon as complete.
Notes: use a real leaf in carrying out the assignment! Use physical materials to create the design, photograph or scan it, then submit the picture file on WebCT. Please do *not* use software to enhance the images. Do not forget to include the border in assignments that call for such. Also, please use a straight line (as opposed to a curved one) in this assignment. Although the book specifies using a grey background, you may also use black or white.
Week 2 (14 July):
Read Chapter 2, Exploring the Elements of Design.
Due 7/14: Contribution(s) to WebCT (Ch. 2 section) + Assignment 2: "Letterform Study," pp. 67-68. Post to WebCT as soon as complete.
AFTER YOU FINISH ASSIGNMENT 2, complete Assignment 2A: Create a poster for a fictitious or real event using any software you know how to use (i.e., if you don't know how to use a graphics program like PhotoShop, then Microsoft Word is fine). Post to WebCT as soon as complete with a note describing your process for designing the poster and software you used to create it.
Week 3 (21 July):
Read Chapter 3, Exploring the Elements of Design.
Due 7/21: Contributions to WebCT (Ch. 3 section) + Assignment 3: "Ugly Colors, Splendid Colors," pp. 114-15. Post to WebCT as soon as complete.
For the rest of the term, in addition to the final chapter assignments (#s 4 & 5), focus on completing the Course Project. Presumably there will be considerable dialog about these projects via email and WebCT.
The first step is to determine the topic of newsletter you are planning to produce. What is the purpose of the publication? As a way of writing a proposal for the Final Project, draft a Press Release for the newsletter, due via email by 7/21.
Note: for info on Press Release composition, see:
Week 4 (28 July):
Read Chapter 4, Exploring the Elements of Design.
Due 7/27: Contributions to WebCT (Ch. 4 section) + Assignment 4: "Expressive Type" and "Type Collage," p. 144. Post to WebCT as soon as complete.
Notes: Do not use software to produce the "Type Collage." Please put all parts of "Expressive Type" in one file before posting, and post three seperate files for "Type Collage."
Week 5 (4 August):
Read Chapter 5, Exploring the Elements of Design.
Due 4 August: Contributions to WebCT (Ch. 5 section) + Assignment 5: "Photo Crop," and "Name Logo," pp. 178-79. Post to WebCT as soon as complete.
Notes: You can either include the "Photo Crop" before and after shots in one file, or post two different files.
Complete assignments and Course Project are due by last day of classes, August 7.
Course Project: Using Microsoft Publisher, or any other program available to him or her, each student will prepare an edition of an 8-page printed newsletter (double-sided format and appropriately bound). Students will determine the subject matter of their publication, which should contain text and images, and reflect use of the design principles we've explored during the term. The digital files for the project will be posted to WebCT, and hard-copy of the Final Project must be delivered to Prof. Funkhouser at NJIT (c/o Humanities Dept. NJIT University Heights Newark NJ 07102) by August 8. If you wish to receive feedback on the project while it is in process, send to me via email and I will promptly take a look.
Note: If you're using MS Publisher to do your newsletter you may benefit by visiting this URL:
http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/results.aspx?Scope=TC&Query=newsletter
The NJIT Honor Code will be upheld
in this course, and that any violations will be brought to the immediate attention
of the Dean of Students.