FCS 140 Introduction to Interior Design

Spring Semester 2018

Credits: 3.0 Instructor: W Harris, NCIDQ, ASID, CKE

Time: 10:15 am – 11:15 am (Sec 1) Office: CLK 223C
11:30 am – 12:30 pm (Sec 2) Office Hrs: 4:00 pm (MTWF) or by Appt.
Days: MWF Phone: 496-4886
Room: CLK 351 Email: harrisw@byui.edu

Course Description:
WARNING: This course is NOT about pillow fluffing!!! Expect to APPLY course concepts!!!
This course provides students with a BROAD introduction to residential interior design. Specific
topics include the process and profession of design; the elements and principles of design; color
theory; floor plans, housing, and building systems; architectural detail; furniture selection and
arrangement; space planning; universal and sustainable design; lighting; interior finishes; and,
accessories.

Course Outcomes:
1) Students will explore the interior design profession, research an interior design professional,
and evaluate the design process in residential projects.

2) Students will develop an interior design vocabulary and increase their ability to analyze
visual images by identifying: the elements and principles of design; housing types; interior
architectural detail; sustainable energy concepts, materials, and products; furniture terms
and materials; lighting sources and fixtures; and, interior finish materials.

3) Students will become familiar with residential development code, residential building
construction, and interpreting floor plans.

4) Students will create a virtual concept board, furniture arrangement plans, and plan
residential interior spaces that demonstrate an awareness of spatial concepts.

5) Students will enhance verbal communication skills through team work and class
discussions.

6) Students will demonstrate visual communication skills by creating an electronic portfolio that
reflects an understanding of basic graphic design principles.

7) Students will exhibit organizational skills and commitment by being punctual, prepared,
participatory, and meeting deadlines.

Learning Model Implementation:

1) Prepare
Students will prepare for class by reading assignments in the course text and other assigned
resources. Comprehension of reading and discussion material will be reflected in short
quizzes (both announced and unannounced).

2) Teach One Another

Students will build communication and team skills by working collaboratively in small
classroom groups in which they will apply learning in a variety of formats.

3) Ponder & Prove

Students will apply knowledge in both individual and team assignments. Each student will
create a personal electronic portfolio that expresses their design journey throughout the
course.
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Text & Materials:

1) Required Course Text
The following textbook is required for this course: Interiors: An Introduction, 5th Edition,
Nielson & Taylor. Please bring the text to class as assigned on the course calendar.
If in doubt, bring the text!

2) Course Materials
Some materials for class assignments will be provided and/or loaned to the students.
Loaned materials MUST BE RETURNED or the student’s account will be charged the full
replacement cost (including shipping/handling and tax).
Students should be prepared for class with a 2” (or larger) binder for multiple class
handouts, assignment sheets, and notes. General supplies—such as note paper, writing
instruments, highlighters, tape, STAPLERS & STAPLES, etc.—and a few printed, hard
copy assignments are also the student’s responsibility.

Electronic Requirements:
Electronic application is a course requirement. This will require patience, flexibility, and a learning
attitude by each student throughout the semester.
1) Course calendar & I-Learn
Discussion topics, assignments, and due dates will be available to students on both a hard
copy course calendar and on I-Learn. Each major assignment will include a hard copy
assignment sheet that can be used as a helpful checklist for requirements.

2) Laptop computer
A laptop computer is required for this course! Students must bring their laptop computer
to classes indicated on the course calendar for in-class activities and assignments.
Students should charge their laptops prior to class, but power reels will be available if
needed. Please allow extra time for set up before class if you need to “plug in.”

3) Web-based software
Students will be accessing a variety of electronic formats in class. Campus internet access
is generally consistent, but a cell phone with personal Hotspot capability may be beneficial
at times.

4) e-Portfolio
The creation of an electronic portfolio—NOT a blog!—is a major requirement for this course.
Weebly—a highly intuitive website creator with “drag and drop” building blocks—is
recommended (required for FCS Ed majors) and will be demonstrated.

5) e-Portfolio submissions & printing

ALWAYS use campus computers to submit e-Portfolio “quizzes” and print hard copy
assignments. Off-campus Internet service interruptions, laptop computer failure, printer
malfunction, running out of ink or paper, or similar issues do not justify a missed deadline
or poor quality hard copy printing. Web-based software can be conveniently accessed on
campus computers; campus printers produce quality prints.

Course Policies (aka The Six Ps!):

1) Punctuality and Attendance
Attendance and promptness are attitudes that become a part of who you are: they are also
part of the Student Honor Code and who you are as a disciple of Jesus Christ. To learn
from and teach others, attendance is necessary. Students are expected to arrive on time.
Arriving on time demonstrates respect for the class, the other students, and the instructor.
Late arrivals disrupt others and interrupt the classroom activities.
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Do not schedule anything during class time, including doctor appointments, work, projects
for other classes, weddings/honeymoons, missionary “farewells,” family reunions, etc.
Missing class or not coming prepared will have a negative impact on your grade and—more
importantly—your learning.

One point will be awarded each class for complete and punctual attendance. Students who
arrive late OR leave early OR miss class do not earn attendance points for that day.
Although any absence will negatively affect your grade, missing more than FOUR
classes will result in a two letter reduction in the final course grade (i.e. an A grade will
be reduced to a C in the course, a B grade will be reduced to a D in the course, and so
forth). Students missing more than SIX classes will automatically fail the course.
Following are the ONLY ACCEPTED EXCUSES for an absence:
 University Authorized Absence
Please submit a signed copy of the Authorized Absence form before you leave.
 Serious Illness
Please communicate with the instructor and submit a doctor’s note ASAP.
Absences should be carefully evaluated--with only emergency or illness in mind. No
absences, whether University authorized absences or medically authenticated absences,
are “excused” in the sense that students are relieved from class work assigned during the
absence(s).
There are no excuses for missing the final classroom experience. Students are obligated to
be available through the official end of the semester, which includes all instructional and
final examination days. Students should NOT arrange to leave prior to the final day of the
semester.

2) Preparation
True learners act for themselves and accept responsibility for their own learning; they also
come to class and other activities fully prepared. In this course, the timely completion of
reading and other assignments will provide a more comprehensive understanding of the
course material, as well as personal learning.
Students should plan their personal schedules to allow for preparation time
according to the University standard: for every semester credit hour, TWO HOURS of
preparation outside of class are required per class hour per week (e.g. approximately
SIX HOURS +/- per week for this course).
In other words, plan your study schedule to include approximately TWO HOURS of
preparation/assignment completion time BEFORE every class (MWF). Anticipate the
potential for additional preparation time in learning to use web-based software effectively.

3) Procedure
Please be fully present in every class. Be respectful of others. Chronic disturbances will
affect the students’ final grade in the course.
The use of CELL PHONES or OTHER ELECTRONIC DEVICES are allowed in this class
ONLY when specifically assigned/required/requested that day. Place CELL PHONES
in airplane mode (or similar) and stow them away before each class begins! Refrain
from overtly texting or “slyly” texting below the table, in a pocket, etc. Repeated infractions
regarding the usage of electronic devices WILL RESULT IN FAILURE (F) in this course.
Other classroom disruptions include, but are not limited to:
 Chronically late arrival
 Unprepared with the text and/or laptop per the course calendar
 Honor Code violations, such as torn/shredded/tight jeans, short skirts, unshaven, etc.
 Food and drink (other than water or non-disruptive snacks)
 Visiting rather than on-topic discussions
 Using laptops for off-topic activities (email, FB, Pinterest)
 Sleeping
 Bringing babies/children
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4) Performance
A significant portion of this course is based on classroom experiences that have been
designed for individual and collaborative experiential learning. Specific requirements and
evaluation criteria for each assignment will be provided during the progression of the course.
In-class work must be completed IN CLASS! Late work will NOT be accepted!

5) Proof
The completion and submission/presentation of course assignments will reflect the individual
students’ mastery and internalization of the subject matter, as well as signify their continuing
success in future courses. Course work must be thorough, satisfy the requirements, and
meet the assigned deadline. Late work will NOT be accepted! There is NO extra credit.

6) Proviso
The instructor reserves the right to make necessary adjustments to the syllabus, calendar,
assignments, and assessment during the semester. It will be the students’ responsibility to
adjust to changes. Personal growth and development occur when change is embraced with
a positive attitude.

University Grading System:

1) Description
Grades are based upon an evaluation of all assigned and completed coursework.
Classroom/laboratory participation, mastery of subject matter, and promise of continuing
success in sequential courses in related fields are all criteria used to evaluate progress.

2) “A” Grade
Represents outstanding understanding, application, and integration of subject material and
extensive evidence of original thinking, skillful use of concepts, and ability to analyze and
solve complex problems. Demonstrates diligent application of Learning Model principles,
including initiative in serving other students.

3) “B” Grade
Represents considerable/significant understanding, application, and incorporation of the
material that would prepare a student to be successful in next level courses, graduate
school, or employment. The student participates in the Learning Model as applied in the
course.

4) “C” Grade
Represents sufficient understanding of subject matter. The student demonstrates minimal
initiative to be prepared for class. Sequenced courses could be attempted, but mastering
new materials might prove challenging. The student participates only marginally in the
Learning Model.

5) “D” Grade
Represents poor performance and initiative to learn, understand, and apply course
materials. Retaking a course or remediation may be necessary to prepare for additional
instruction in this subject matter.

6) “F” Grade
Represents failure in the course.

Course Grading System:

1) Weighted Course Grade
The final course grade will be weighted as follows:
 10% Attendance
 25% Preparation & participation
 65% E-Portfolio
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2) Final Letter Grade

A letter grade will be given based on the following percentile basis:
A 94 - 100%
A- 90 - 93%
B+ 85 - 89%
B 80 - 84%
B- 77 - 79%
C+ 74 - 76%
C 70 - 73%
C- 67 - 69%
D+ 64 - 66%
D 60 - 63%
D- 57 - 59%
F Less than 57%

3) Grade Adjustment
The overriding purpose of a grading system is to certify the attainment of skills by the
student. In some cases, the grade that would be derived from the grading scale is
inappropriate. In such cases, the instructor may assign the grade deemed appropriate. This
may especially occur for a student whose overall grade falls within two percentage points of
the next higher or lower grade. The reason for such grades will be disclosed to the student
affected upon request.

Student Support Services:

1) Disability Services
BYU-Idaho does not discriminate against persons with disabilities in providing its
educational and administrative services and programs, and follows applicable federal and
state law. This policy extends to the University’s electronic and information technologies
(EIT).
Students with qualifying disabilities should contact the Disability Services Office at
disabilityservices@byui.edu or 208-496-9210. Additional information about Disability
Services resources can be found at http://www.byui.edu/disabilities.

University Standards:
1) Good Honor Code Standing
When a student is in good honor code standing, they have the blessings of protection,
preparation, and peace. It also means a student’s conduct is consistent with the Principles
of Personal Honor, the CES Honor Code, The Family: A Proclamation to the World, For the
Strength of Youth, the University Standards and Policies, and the principles of The Church
of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, both on and off campus.
The University Standards are designed to support and strengthen the Honor Code. Included
are standards and policies on each of the following: (1) academic honesty, (2) student life,
(3) dress and grooming, (4) continuing ecclesiastical endorsement, and (5) church
attendance. All students are required to remain in good honor code standing once admitted
to BYU-Idaho, whether they are on or off campus, on or off track.
 Academic Honesty
BYU-Idaho students should seek to be completely honest in all their dealings. They should
complete their own work and be evaluated for that work. They should avoid academic
dishonesty and misconduct in all its forms, including but not limited to plagiarism, fabrication
or falsification, cheating, and other academic misconduct.
 Dress and Grooming
The dress and grooming of both men and women should always be modest, neat and clean,
and consistent with the dignity adherent to representing The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-
day Saints and any of its institutions of higher education.
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 Women
A clean and well-cared-for appearance should be maintained at all times.
Clothing is inappropriate when it is sleeveless, strapless, backless, or revealing.
It should not have slits above the knee or be formfitting. Dresses and skirts
must be knee length or longer (even with leggings worn). Pants, slacks or jeans
should not be patched, faded, frayed, or torn and must be ankle length—no
capris or shorts may be worn on campus. Hairstyles should be clean and neat,
avoiding extreme styles and unnatural colors. Caps or hats should not be worn
in buildings. Excessive ear piercings (more than one pair) and all other body
piercings are inappropriate. Shoes should be worn in all public campus areas.
Flip-flops and other casual footwear are inappropriate on campus.

 Men
A clean and well-cared-for appearance should be maintained. Pants, slacks,
and jeans should not be patched, faded, frayed, or torn and must be ankle
length—no shorts. Hairstyles should be clean and neat, avoiding extreme styles
or colors and trimmed above the collar leaving the ear uncovered. Caps or hats
should not be worn in buildings. Sideburns should not extend below the earlobe
or onto the cheek. If worn, mustaches should be neatly trimmed and may not
extend beyond or below the corners of the mouth. Men are expected to be
clean-shaven; beards are not acceptable. Earrings and other body piercings are
unacceptable. Shoes should be worn in all public campus areas. Flip-flops and
other casual footwear are inappropriate on campus

2) Preventing Sexual Misconduct

BYU-Idaho prohibits sex discrimination against any participant in its education programs or
activities. Prohibited sex discrimination includes incidents of sexual harassment (including
sexual violence), dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking
(collectively “sexual misconduct”).
As an instructor, one of my responsibilities is to help create a safe learning environment for
my students and for the campus as a whole. University policy requires that I report all
incidents of sexual misconduct that come to my attention. If you encounter sexual
misconduct, please contact the Title IX Coordinator at titleix@byui.edu or 208-496-9200.
Additional information about sexual misconduct and available resources can be found at
www.byui.edu/titleix.

Please know that anyone who reports an incident of sexual misconduct to the Title IX Office
will not be disciplined by the university for any Honor Code violations occurring at or near
the time of the reported misconduct. Being a victim of sexual misconduct is never
considered a violation of the Honor Code. Victims should seek the help they want and need
without any concern about their status as a student.

Academic Policies:
Please refer to the current BYU-Idaho Catalog for complete information regarding Student Support Services,
University Standards, and Academic Policies.
1) Electronic Devices in the Classroom
The BYU-Idaho Learning Model envisions students who have come to class prepared to share
ideas--rather than merely receive them. Learning occurs through discussion in which each
student listens carefully to the comments of others and seeks the opportunity to add, as inspired,
to what is being said. Participating in such a discussion requires careful attention—as though
one were with a friend, one-on-one.
In order to promote such a learning environment, the University requires, as general policy,
that electronic devices be turned off during class time. These devices include laptop computers,
cell phones and all other electronic devices.
Instructors may, for the sake of achieving special learning objectives or to meet individual student
needs, authorize the use of specific electronic devices in their classrooms. However, it is
recommended that the use of laptops for note-taking not be allowed except for occasional
lectures. In the Learning Model environment, thinking about what is being said in the classroom
and seeking the opportunity to add a comment is more important than transcribing the
discussion. Impressions that come in class can be noted by hand. When class is over, students
will find that their handwritten notes, along with ideas brought to remembrance by the Spirit, will
allow them to write detailed reflections. Those reflections will be richer because of the student’s
active participation in the class discussion.