ARTS-3333 Design & Production – Spring 2018
Section I: TR / 1:40 – 4:20 p.m. / VABL 1.223
Section II: TR / 4:30 – 7:10 p.m. / VABL 1.112
Instructor: Ping Xu
Office: VABL – 1.209
Office Hours_TR: 12:05 – 1:05 p.m.
Office Hours_W: 2:30 – 4:30 p.m.
or by appointment
Phone: 956-665-7500 (Office)
E-mail: ping.xu@utrgv.edu
Course Blog: http://pxstudio.us/blog/?cat=59
Download the print copy of course syllabus

Catalog Description:

This course covers the terminology and process of preparing designs for commercial printing. The preparation of graphic design stresses attention to detail and introduces the principles of prepress associated with the printing industry. Students complete basic to complex electronic documents that include a broad spectrum of the printing process.

Description of Instructional Methods

The structure of the class includes lectures, demonstrations, in-class studio activities such as group discussion, peer critique, and project developments. Projects will be assigned and due on the scheduled dates. At the completion of assigned projects, a critique and presentation will take place.

Course Objectives:

At the completion of this course, the learner will be able to:

1. Perform graphic design for print reproduction technology.
2. Prepare a prepress package for the print process.
3. Exam budget, estimation, schedule, and traffic of print productions.
4. Explore visual languages through a variety of print formats.
5. Solve technical problems for print productions.

The main objective of this course is to create design components through multiple layout formats such as business cards, postcard, and magazines to produce professional print productions.

Student Learning Outcomes:

• Students will gain an understanding of components of print coordination.
• Students will learn to prepare design work for production utilizing offset, silk-screen, laser and ink-jet processes.
• Students will learn current print and plate-making terminology.
• Students will learn color correction, physics of color reproduction, film analysis, halftone correction, paper selection, and print processes.
• Students will explore prepress and on-press proofing, and binding and finishing processes.
  

Student Learning Outcomes for UTRGV’s Graphic Design Majors:

Students who complete the Graphic Design Major are prepared to enter the real world as professional graphic designers or as artists who use the tools and effects of communication art. Student designers are trained to successfully manipulate the components and composition of visual art within a framework of concept that targets an audience or purpose, whether that target is commercially based or personal. The design program installs technological knowledge, cultural and historical understanding and artistic integrity. To respond critically to works in the arts and humanities. To engage in the creative process or interpretive performance and comprehend the physical and intellectual demands required of the author or visual or performing artist.

Recommended Books:

• From Design Into Print: Preparing Graphics and Text for Professional Printing
  ISBN-10: 032149220X
• The Intelligent Lifestyle Magazine: Smart Editorial Design, Storytelling and Journalism
  ISBN-10: 3899556313

Recommended Resources & Periodicals:

Behance | Pinterst | Communication Arts | Print | HOW | CMYK | Computer Arts | Baseline

Scholastic Integrity:

As members of a community dedicated to Honesty, Integrity and Respect, students are reminded that those who engage in scholastic dishonesty are subject to disciplinary penalties, including the possibility of failure in the course and expulsion from the University. Scholastic dishonesty includes but is not limited to: cheating, plagiarism, and collusion; submission for credit of any work or materials that are attributable in whole or in part to another person; taking an examination for another person; any act designed to give unfair advantage to a student; or the attempt to commit such acts. Since scholastic dishonesty harms the individual, all students and the integrity of the University, policies on scholastic dishonesty will be strictly enforced (Board of Regents Rules and Regulations and UTRGV Academic Integrity Guidelines). All scholastic dishonesty incidents will be reported to the Dean of Students.

Students with Disabilities:

If you have a documented disability (physical, psychological, learning, or other disability which affects your academic performance) and would like to receive academic accommodations, please inform your instructor and contact Student Accessibility Services to schedule an appointment to initiate services. It is recommended that you schedule an appointment with Student Accessibility Services before classes start. However, accommodations can be provided at any time.

• Edinburg Campus:
  Student Accessibility Services
  108 University Center
  Phone: (956) 665-7005 (Voice),
  Fax: (956) 665-3840 (Fax)
  E-mail: accessibility@utrgv.edu

Sexual Harassment, Discrimination, and Violence:

In accordance with UT System regulations, your instructor is a “responsible employee” for reporting purposes under Title IX regulations and so must report any instance, occurring during a student’s time in college, of sexual assault, stalking, dating violence, domestic violence, or sexual harassment about which she/he becomes aware during this course through writing, discussion, or personal disclosure. More information can be found at www.utrgv.edu/equity, including confidential resources available on campus. The faculty and staff of UTRGV actively strive to provide a learning, working, and living environment that promotes personal integrity, civility, and mutual respect in an environment free from sexual misconduct and discrimination.

Attendance Policy:

Students are expected to attend all scheduled classes and may be dropped from the course for excessive absences. UTRGV’s attendance policy excuses students from attending class if they are participating in officially sponsored university activities, such as athletics; for observance of religious holy days; or for military service. Students should contact the instructor in advance of the excused absence and arrange to make up missed work or examinations.

Tardiness Policy:
A tardy means you are being late over 5 minutes when you clock in. Tardiness is not tolerated in this class. Three tardies will be counted as an absence. A tardy or an absence on a critique/presentation day will result in a grade reduction for that project.

Effort Policy:
Students are expected to keep track of their performance throughout the semester and seek guidance from available sources (including the instructor) if their performance drops below satisfactory levels. Unprepared, late to class, and/or non-participating students will receive a reduced project grade when applicable.

Back-up Policy:
In order to preventing unexpected file damages or disk errors, please back up your important files such as your final project files and your package folder in two different locations/disks. Another data loss prevention is using Time Machine.

Grading Policy:

Student works will be assessed for creativity, presentation, and content value, based on professional standards. In determining students’ grade of the course, the consideration is given to the following areas: Attitude, attendance, constructive participation, development of concepts, aptness of thought, originality, composition, construction, curiosity, tenacity, inventiveness, presentation, and technical proficiency in working those assigned projects. The final grade of the course will be the sum of the project scores divided by the quantity number of projects.

Grade Scale (apply to each project):

Excellence_90- lOO [A]

Presents extremely imaginative idea and shows excellent technical/presentation skills. The project may also go well above and beyond the parameters of the exercise. Solid class discussions and critique involvement are also involved.

Above Average_80 – 92 [B]

Completes a solid overall development with original thought through the process of project developments. It also shows good design incite and work ethic. Regular participation in class discussions and peer critiques are also maintained.

Average_70 – 79 [C]

Meets the parameters of the problem, but does not exhibit originality or may be presented in a condition or manner that does not effectively communicate the goals of the exercise or in essence lacks proper execution.

Weak_60 – 69 [D]

Unacceptable_0 – 59 [F]

Point or Grade Deduction:

Three point deduction will be occurred for the grade of a single project by each unexcused absence during the period of project.

One letter deduction will be occurred for the grade of a single project:
• an absence on a critique/presentation day
• an one day delay of the project

Course Drops:

If one student absents more than four classes in one semester, the instructor will fill out an “Add/Drop Form” from the department office to drop the student’s class.

According to UTRGV policy, students may drop any class without penalty earning a grade of DR until the official drop date. Following that date, students must be assigned a letter grade and can no longer drop the class. Students considering dropping the class should be aware of the “3-peat rule” and the “6-drop” rule so they can recognize how dropped classes may affect their academic success. The 6-drop rule refers to Texas law that dictates that undergraduate students may not drop more than six courses during their undergraduate career. Courses dropped at other Texas public higher education institutions will count toward the six-course drop limit. The 3-peat rule refers to additional fees charged to students who take the same class for the third time.

Course Evaluation:

Students are required to complete an ONLINE evaluation of this course, accessed through your UTRGV account (http://my.utrgv.edu); you will be contacted through email with further instructions. Online evaluations will be available after week 13. Students who complete their evaluations will have priority access to their grades.

Process Book:

In this course you will be required to have a process book/design idea diary(minimum size 8.5 x 11) for the entire fall session with entries for each assignment and each class meeting. The book should include; sketches, notes, ideas as well as visual inspirations/imagery from magazines, books, etc. (can be copied cut out) – print design that is interesting/inspirational to you. The process book will be counted as a graded component in each one of the assignments that is presented in this session.

Support Materials:

Any periodical, book, etc. represented by photocopies of articles and work sourced material should relate to the content that we are covering during each assignment.

Notes:
All project notes should be easily sourced in your process books
• any test prints or copies should also be included in your books
• all project information/handouts should be filed.

Supplies & Materials:

• Recommended books_available on Amazon
• Process Book_3 ring binder (for organizing research materials and handouts)
• Notebook/Sketch Book/Pen/Marker
• Digital Camera (rent/borrow, or purchase if applicable) [optional]
• Card Reader [optional]
• Disk for back-up/transportation purposes, please choose one or more of the following options):
  – Two 64 GB USB Drives
  – An External Hard Drive

Topics:

• Small format print layouts
• Median format print layouts
• Large format print layouts
• Preparing design work for printing (pre-press)

Applications:

• Adobe InDesign CC 2018
• Adobe Photoshop CC 2018
• Adobe Illustrator CC 2018

Course Tools:

• WordPress
• Blackboard
• Flickr
• Behance
• Pinterest

Calendar of Activities – Spring 2018:

January 16	Class Begin
January 18	Project-1A Begin (BCs & Mockup) [1/18-2/15]
February 15	Project-1B Begin (BC & Imposition) [2/15-3/1]
March 1	Project-2 Begin (Large Format BRM) [3/1-29]
March 13 – 15	Spring Break / No Class
March 29	Project-3 Begin (Brochure or Magazine) [3/29-5/7]
May 7	Final exams – Schedule is posted at my.utrgv.edu – check your scheduled time on the course blog