Department of Journalism & Mass Communication

College of Liberal Arts

Department of Journalism & Mass Communication

STANDARD COURSE OUTLINE

JOUR 305: Media Design

I. General Information

A.Course Number: JOUR 305

B.Title: Media Design

C. Units: 3

D. Prerequisites: JOUR 120 with a grade of “C” or better

E. Course Classification: 2 units @ C-4, 1 unit @ C-12

F. Responsible Faculty: Danny Paskin, Gary Metzker

G.Terms Offered: All, multiple sections per term usually

H. Prepared by: Danny Paskin

I.Date Prepared: June 25, 2013

II.Catalog Description

Gives students experience in design of printed and online materials. Examines theories, principles and techniques of contemporary media design. Covers historical roots of media design and acquaints students with use of photographs, illustrations, graphs, type and color in visual communication.

III.Justification

News design is about information as much as decoration. Think of yourselves as visual journalists, not just decorators. You’ll be the newsroom experts on how to combine text, graphics and photos to explain stories to readers.

With that in mind, the class introduces students to design for old and new media, thoughtfully and with relevance. From newspapers to public relations brochures to magazine spreads – always rememberingthat the work of a designer is to serve and assist the reader, more than the art.

Students examine the history of design, type and fonts, study layouts, photos, graphics and color and what they communicate to your audience.

In this hands-on class,students also learn how to design newspapers, brochures, reinvent logos, newsletters and photo spreads, all by using the same software used by professionals, while learning the theory behind each practice. Students learn the terminology associated with media design.

While this class – the first of two media design classes offered by the Department as of Fall 2013 –does not propose to turn students into professional media designers over the course of a couple months, student should, by the end of the semester, be able to produce original pieces focusing both on journalism and public relations in a professional level.

IV.Course Objectives and Measurable Outcomes

After taking this course, students will be able to:

A) Understand the basic concepts of media design, including art, typography, color and white space.
Developed by: lectures, readings, various in-class assignments, evaluation of previously published material
Typically Measured by: graded assignments, projects, exams

B) Learn how to apply basic concepts of designand the specific theories of both journalism and public relation design
Developed by: lectures, readings, various in-class assignments, in-class discussions, major graded projects
Typically Measured by: graded assignments, exams

C) Demonstrate their ability to produce design content for media, both for journalism and public relations.
Developed by: lectures, readings, in-class discussions, evaluation of previously published material
Typically measured by: in-class assignments, projects

D) Be proficient in the use of design-related software.
Developed by: lectures, readings, in-class assignments, projects
Typically measured by: in-class assignments, exams, projects

V. Standard Course Outline

This is only an indication of possible subjects to be worked on the course of the semester. Subject matter and sequence of topics may vary depending on the instructor.

Week 1 / Introduction to class and visual communication / InDesign
Jan. 28, 30 / InDesign
Feb. 4, 6 / InDesign/Photoshop
Feb. 11, 13 / Photoshop
Feb. 18, 20 / Typography
Feb. 25, 27 / Typography // Art
Mar. 4, 6 / Art
Mar. 11, 13 / Photo Layout
Mar. 18, 20 / Photo Layout // Color
Mar. 25, 27 / Color
Apr. 1, 3 / News Design
Apr. 8, 10 / News Design
Apr. 15, 17 / News Design // Public Relations Design
Apr. 22, 24 / Public Relations Design
Apr. 29, May 1 / Public Relations Design
May 6, 8 / Final Project - Lab

VI. Methods of Instruction

This course will follow an interactive style of teaching learning. Students and instructor will share the responsibility for a productive learning experience. Students should be prepared to engage in lively discussion and sharing of ideas. Some classes will be lecture-heavy, although it’s highly recommended that professor use current examples and/or draw from his/her own professional experience as often as possible. Still, much of the work during the semester will be hands-on, providing students with plenty of opportunities to apply theories and concepts and media tools discussed and practiced in class. The instructor will often use student-centered pedagogical techniques, such as small group discussions, group assignments and class presentations to convey and discuss course content. Students will consistently received feedback from professors, paying special attention to their writing skills, and being allowed, as much as permissible, to revise their assignments.

VII. Extent and Nature of Use of Technology

The use of technology will depend on individual instructors, but may include Beachboard, should include the development of familiarity with web resources specific to the course. Given the highly technological nature of media design, instructors also should teach students how to use professional design tools currently available in the Department for student-use in the computer lab, especially that being used to teach the class (for example, relevant parts of the Adobe Create Suite package), although how much and what tools is up to the professor’s discretion, based on their unique class focus and expertise. Film and video may be used in the classroom; however, the percentage of time used for each needs to be clarified and limited.

VIII. Textbooks

The following is a short list of textbooks that are most likely to be used in this course. Instructors may assign one of these and/or include other texts.

Graphic Communications Today, 4th ed., Ryan & Conover, 2003

Adobe InDesign Classroom in a Book, Adobe Creative Team (pertinent edition)

Adobe Photoshop Classroom in a Book, Adobe Creative Team (pertinent edition)

The Newspaper Designer's Handbook, Tim Harrower (latest edition)

IX. Methods of Assessment

Methods of assessment: these will vary depending on the instructor. They may include:

• Class Participation – 10% of final grade (including reviewing classmates’ work in class)
• Various quizzes on reading assignments – 10% of final grade
• Idea Book (collection of professional samples relating to topics covered in class) -10%
• In-class assignments – 10% of final grade
• Midterm – 15% of final grade
• Final Exam – 15% of final grade
• Photo Layout – 20% of final grade
• Final Project – 20% of final grade

X. Instructional Requirements

Instructors may determine their own policies with regard to plagiarism, withdrawal, absences, and adding the course, so long as the policies are consistent with the University policies as laid out in the CSULB Catalog. Syllabi must refer to the appropriate sections in the Catalog, lay out the precise policies for the course on attendance and plagiarism, and ask students to inform instructors promptly of the need for accommodation of disabilities. It is recommended that instructors include some explanation of how they assess class participation.

XI. Bibliography

This is a highly selective bibliography, which certainly misses out on many important works. It is intended to show the range of materials currently available to our students. The following works are all in the CSULB library. In addition, much material relevant to the course can be found in periodicals, both in print and in electronic form. Professors teaching this class should also be aware that, as in other fields, texts for Journalism and Mass Communication are constantly changing, and, therefore, bibliography in syllabi should also be constantly updated.

●AdamsMorioka. (2008). Color Design Workbook. Rockport Publishers.

●Adobe Creative Team. (2008). Adobe Illustrator CS4 Classroom in a Book. Adobe Press

●Airey, D. (2009). Logo Design Love: A Guide to Creating Iconic Brand Identities. New Riders Press.

●Beaird, J. (2010). The Principles of Beautiful Web Design, 2nd ed. SitePoint.

●Carter, R. (2006). Typographic Design: Form and Communication. Wiley.

●Christian, D., Jacobsen, S., and Minthorn, D. (ed.) (Latest Edition). The Associated Press Stylebook. The Associated Press.

●Gottschall, E. (1989). Typographic Communications Today. The MIT Press.

●Johnson, S. (2006). The Magazine Cover to Cover. Oxford University Press.

●Kelleher, T. (2007). Public Relations Online: Lasting Concepts for Changing Media. Sage

●Krause, J. (2008). Complete Color Index. How.

●Mcneil, Patrick. (2008). The Web Designer’s Idea Book. How.

●McWade, J. (2003). Before & After Page Design. Peachpit Press.

●McWade, J. (2009). Before & After: How to Design Cool Stuff. Peachpit Press.

●Moen, D. R. (2000). Newspaper Layout & Design: A Team Approach. Iowa State Press.

●Neumeier, M. (2005). The Brand Gap: How to Bridge the Distance Between Business Strategy and Design. Peachpit Press.

●Robbins, J. N. (2007). Learning Web Design: A Beginner's Guide to (X)HTML, StyleSheets, and Web Graphics. O’Reilly Media.

●Rothstein, J. (2007). Designing Magazines. Allworth Press.

●Samara, T. (2006). The Typography Workbook. Rockport Publishers.

●Samara, T. (2007). Publication Design Workbook. Rockport Publishers.

●Van Duyne, D. K., Landay, J. A. & Hong, Jason I. (2006). The Design of Sites: Patterns for Creating Winning Web Sites. Prentice Hall.

●Wheeler, A. (2009). Designing Brand Identity: An Essential Guide for Whole Branding Team. Wiley.

XII. Additional Supplemental Materials

Please find below a sample syllabi from a recent semester.

Journalism 305, Section 01/02: Media Design (Spring 2013)

Mondays and Wednesdays, 2 to 3:50pm – SS/PA-005

Professor: Danny Paskin ()

Office: SSPA-025Phone: (562) 985-2602

Office hours: Mondays and Wednesdays, 8:30am to 9:50am

or by appointment

Advising Hours: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9am-12:30pm

COURSE DESCRIPTION: This class is an introduction to graphic design as it relates to print and electronic media as visual communicators, focusing in journalism and public relations. Layout and design, typography and production techniques will be an integral part of the course of study. Computer-assisted design will be introduced and developed. This is the first of two classes being offered by the Department on the field of Media Design, with the second one - a follow-up to this class – being JOUR 405, Advanced Media Design, which will be offered for the first time next semester, Fall 2012.

CLASS GOALS: This course will have a hands-on approach to media design. We will be addressing both the theory and practice of media design. While there will be lecture classes throughout the semester, the goal of the class is to give you practical experience in media design. That includes selection, preparation and study of the production processes for type, photography, art, and white space. Production methods will be discussed relating to printed work – newspapers, magazine and photographic presentations, brochures, newsletters, letterheads, logos and more. You will learn how a creative media professional works and become acquainted with design vocabulary. You will be able, by the end of the semester, to produce original pieces focusing both on journalism and public relations in a professional level.

REQUIRED READINGS:

• Graphic Communications Today, 4th ed., Ryan & Conover, 2003. (Since this is an older book, try to buy it online on Amazon or eBay or similar, as it’s much cheaper than on any bookstore)

SUGGESTED READINGS:

• Adobe InDesign CS4 Classroom in a Book, Adobe Creative Team, 2008
• Adobe Photoshop CS4 Classroom in a Book, Adobe Creative Team, 2008
• The Newspaper Designer's Handbook, Tim Harrower, 2007

REQUIRED MATERIAL:

• Flash/USB drive – 1 Gb minimum; 2 Gb or more suggested
• A ruler
• A stand-alone, simple calculator (not on a cell phone)

(please always bring your flash drive to class, and ruler and calculator when requested)

ANTICIPATED SCHEDULE OF CLASSES:

Date / Topics to be covered / Book Chapter
Jan. 23 / Introduction to class and visual communication / InDesign
Jan. 28, 30 / InDesign
Feb. 4, 6 / InDesign/Photoshop / 1, 2
Feb. 11, 13 / Photoshop / 5
Feb. 18, 20 / Typography / 7, 8
Feb. 25, 27 / Typography // Art / 3
Mar. 4, 6 / Art / 4
Mar. 11, 13 / Photo Layout
Mar. 18, 20 / MIDTERM // Photo Layout
Mar. 25, 27 / Color
Apr. 1, 3 / SPRING BREAK / 6
Apr. 8, 10 / News Design / 16
Apr. 15, 17 / News Design / 14
Apr. 22, 24 / Public Relations Design / 10
Apr. 29, May 1 / Public Relations Design / 12
May 6, 8 / Final Project - Lab
May 13 / FINAL EXAM, from 12:30pm-2:30pm

GRADED WORK AND ASSIGNMENTS:

Any written assignments should be written in Times New Roman, 12 pts, double spaced (and yes, I can tell when it is double-and-a-half spaced). Any online assignments should conform to the outline of the exercises, as shown in class and on BeachBoard.

Following is a tentative listing of the assignments for the semester. Since this class is highly practical, all assignments listed below are not “set in stone,” and may be changed, dropped or substituted based on decisions made in class or by your professor based on what will enhance your learning experience even more. Any changes will be announced probably in class andon BeachBoard.

For most of those, you will be judged based on the following categories: how well you followed the instructions listed below and given in class; your execution (no little mistakes here and there); and your originality and creativity. (Also see, “How to get an ‘A’ below.)

●Class participation, in-class assignments and attendance: Show up on time for class and prepared. Participation in class discussions is a vital element to this class, and will be judged as so. In-class assignments will also be important to your learning during the semester, and should be completed in a timely and professional manner. You should always contribute to an overall better learning environment. Please note that this class is more than just attending class and being on time: it is also about the quality of your in-class assignments, and how active you are in class and in-class discussions (so, no, Facebooking or texting during class is not a way to participate).

Value: 10% of final grade, assigned at the end of the semester

●Visit to your professor’s office: As part of your grade, you will be “asked” to come visit your professor’s office twice in the semester – with at least one visit before the Midterm. This is a great chance not only for me to get to know you but also a chance for you to address any specific concerns, requests, wishes, childhood stories, etc. You are, of course, more than welcome to visit the office as many times as you want over the semester. Keep in mind that, if the office hours do not work for you, we can always schedule an appointment.

Value: 2% (1% each) of final grade, assigned at end of semester

First visit due by Spring Break; Second visit due before end of classes.

●Readings– As listed above in the schedule of classes, many weeks will be accompanied by readings. In order to emphasize and consolidate readings, students will be given assignments that relate to each week’s readings.

Value: 8% of final grade for all summaries

Expected Learning Outcome: By the end of this assignment, students should be able to recognize passages from the readings that are relevant to class, developing, then, both their reading and their critical thinking skills.

●Idea Book: For several weeks during the semester, students will be asked to collect several samples for inspiration from actual published pieces, to be determined week by week by their professor. Each sample should be added to a folder, binder or similar, and must be accompanied by a two-paragraph, double-spaced, typed explanation related the piece.

Value: 10% of final grade

Expected Learning Outcome: By the end of this assignment, students should be able to recognize good and bad professional design work, improving their own design skills in the process, using those samples to improve their own work.

First Batch – due March 20; Second Batch – due May 8.

●Mood board: As an introduction to design, you will be asked to do a mood board: a collage of cutouts from print publications that, overall, summons a specific mood. The goal is that the images themselves can clearly tell the mood, without the need for words (which you may NOT use) or further explanation.

Value: 10% of final grade

Expected Learning Outcome: By the end of this assignment, students should have a basic understanding of image design, design hierarchy and basic design principles

●Photo layout: Do an 11x17” news photo layout using original photos that you have taken during class exercises. Keep in mind all notions of photo design and photography in general explained in class.

Value: 20% of final grade

Expected Learning Outcome: By the end of this assignment, students should understand both typography and photojournalism design.

●Final Project: For the final project for the semester, students will have a choice between doing one of the following two projects. Both projects involve similar amounts of work, and hardship.

○Newspaper layout project: Mimic the front page of a well-known newspaper.

○Newspaper layout project: Mimic two pages of a well-known magazine.

○Corporate ID project: Recreate the corporate ID for an existing company, producing three different pieces: a logo by itself; a business card using that logo; and a letterhead, also with the logo present.

○For all of them: Write a short, 2-4 paragraph rationale explaining why you did what you did.

Value: 20% of final grade

Expected Learning Outcome: By the end of this assignment, students should a solid understanding of (news) design as covered during the semester, including typography, color theory, photography/art, and specific media design theories and practices

●Midterm and final exams: Will be based both on lectures in class and on your main textbook (use your reading summaries to assist there). Will also include a practical aspect, using Photoshop and/or InDesign. The exams will not be cumulative, unless for specific topics otherwise listed in class.

Value: 20% (10% each) of final grade total

GRADING SCALE (IN PERCENTAGE OF FINAL GRADE):

A = 90% and above

B = 80% to 89%

C = 70% to 79%

D = 60% to 69%

F = 59% and below

HOW TO GET AN “A” IN THIS CLASS:

1. Study the chapters before the class period to which they were assigned. Do not just read the chapters but also actually understand the subject matter. 2. Attend all classes and be on time. 3. Ask questions. 4. Sit in the front of the room. 5. Do the extra credit assignments if available. 6. Come talk to me during office hours if you have any problems at all, or e-mail me if you can’t come talk. 7. Never surprise me with a project. Always make sure I go over the project with you before it’s due.8. Follow directions for the projects. 9. Make sure I know your name. 10. Turn in projects always on time. 11. At all times, be creative!