CGA 2014 - Visual Communication
3 Credit Hours
Student Level:
This course is open to students on the college level in either the Freshman or Sophomore year.
Catalog Description:
CGA2014 Visual Communication (3 hrs.)
This course is designed to introduce students to the fundamentals of visual communication - the conveying of ideas and information through visual forms.
Course Classification:
Lecture
Prerequisites:
Grade of C or better in Design Software (CGA2013) or Computer Illustration (Illustrator) (CGA2012) or instructor approval.
Co-requisites:
NONE
Controlling Purpose:
This course is designed to introduce students to the fundamentals of visual communication.
Learner Outcomes:
The student will understand and use the iterative design process: problem definition, analysis, idea exploration, idea development, focus, refinement, and production. The student will understand how visual communication is used in our society and its evolution. The student will understand and use the Gestalt principles in the creation of design.
Unit Outcomes for Criterion Based Evaluation:
The following outline defines the minimum core content not including the final examination period. Instructors may add other material as time allows.
UNIT 1: Introduction to Visual Communication and its Use and Meaning in Society Outcomes:
Upon completion of this unit, the students will identify how visual communication is used in society.
- Define visual symbols
- Describe how visual symbols are used in society
- Describe how visual symbols are used in the navigation of information
- Apply the understanding of iconography: the symbolism of a work, an artist, or a body of art to selected works of art
- Describe the evolution of visual language in printed works
- Describe the evolution of visual language in film and television
- Describe the evolution of corporate branding and iconography in today’s marketplace
- Forecast changes in visual communication resulting from interactive media and the internet
- Describe the use of color in visual imagery and the emotional responses it elicits
- Describe how colors aids in the transmission of information
UNIT 2: Introduction to the Principles of Gestalt Psychology to Visual Communication Outcomes:
Upon completion of this unit, the students will be able to identify and utilize the Gestalt concepts of visual perception
- Understand and apply the principle of closure in the creation of original student work
- Understand and apply the principle of proximity in the creation of original student work
- Understand and apply the principle of direction in the creation of original student work
- Understand and apply the principle of similarity in the creation of original student work
- Describe the application of the Gestalt principles in works of great artists
UNIT 3: Introduction to the Basic Principles of Design
Outcomes: Upon completion of this unit, the students will be to able identify and utilize the basic principles of design
- Understand and apply the graphic design principle of contrast in the creation of original student work
- Understand and apply the graphic design principle of repetition in the creation of original student work
- Understand and apply the graphic design principle of alignment in the creation of original student work
- Understand and apply the graphic design principle of proximity in the creation of original student work
- Understand and apply the graphic design principle of balance in the creation of original student work
- Understand and apply the graphic design principle of unity in the creation of original student work
UNIT 4: Introduction to the Iterative Design Process of Art Creation
Outcomes: Upon completion of this unit, the students will be to able utilize the iterative design process in creating original designs
- Understand and apply the process of process of defining the problem as the initial step in the creation of art
- Understand and apply the process of audience analysis and goal setting as a step in the creation of art
- Understand and apply the process of idea exploration and conceptualization as a step in the creation of art
- Understand and apply the process of idea development as a step in the creation of art
- Understand and apply the process of evaluation and elimination as a step in the creation of art
- Understand and apply the process of gaining feedback as a step in the creation of art
- Understand and apply the process of refinement as a step in the creation of art
Projects Required:
The course will include a range of exercises and projects that will demonstrate competency of the above techniques. For an updated description of these projects, refer to the course syllabus.
Textbook:
Contact Bookstore for current textbook.
Materials/Equipment Required:
Access to Adobe design software (face to face sections of the class will use software already installed in the graphic design computer lab)
A method to save and back-up work such as a flash drive, external hard drive, or access to an online cloud storage service
A sketchbook and drawing implements, including pencils, black pens, markers, colored pencils, etc.
Tools to mount printed artwork, which may include: a ruler, x-acto knife, utility knife, spray adhesive, and mat board.
A specific list of supplies can be found in the course syllabus.
Attendance Policy:
Students should adhere to the attendance policy outlined by the instructor in the course syllabus.
Grading Policy:
The grading policy will be outlined by the instructor in the course syllabus.
Maximum class size:
Based on classroom occupancy
Course Time Frame:
The U.S. Department of Education, Higher Learning Commission and the Kansas Board of Regents define credit hour and have specific regulations that the college must follow when developing, teaching and assessing the educational aspects of the college. A credit hour is an amount of work represented in intended learning outcomes and verified by evidence of student achievement that is an institutionally- established equivalency that reasonably approximates not less than one hour of classroom or direct faculty instruction and a minimum of two hours of out-of-class student work for approximately fifteen weeks for one semester hour of credit or an equivalent amount of work over a different amount of time. The number of semester hours of credit allowed for each distance education or blended hybrid courses shall be assigned by the college based on the amount of time needed to achieve the same course outcomes in a purely face-to-face format.
Refer to the following policies:
402.00 Academic Code of Conduct
263.00 Student Appeal of Course Grades
403.00 Student Code of Conduct
Disability Services Program:
Cowley College, in recognition of state and federal laws, will accommodate a student with a documented disability. If a student has a disability which may impact work in this class and which requires accommodations, contact the Disability Services Coordinato
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