Graphic Design Course Syllabus

Course Title: Graphic Design Name:

Length: Semester
Prerequisite: None
Grade Level: Grade 9, 10, 11 &12
Instructor: Mrs. Flynn, email: flynnl@region10ct.org

Department Student Expectation: (#3) The LSM graduate demonstrates effective use of information and
technology to enhance learning.

Mission Statement: “The mission of Lewis S. Mills High School is to foster academic excellence, personal
growth, and respect for diversity. Within a safe learning environment, we share the collective responsibility
with students, parents, and the community to cultivate the skills, knowledge and attitudes that help our
students to realize their full potential as learners and responsible citizens, and to experience success beyond
high school.”

Essential Questions - Business and Finance Technology

• How has the study of business made you aware of career options?
• How can you utilize technology in the global business environment?
• Why do you need to master the language of business?
• How do business ethics impact decisions made in your life?
• How does effective communication facilitate the networking procedure?
• Why is it important for you to utilize the problem-solving and decision-making process?

Materials for Class

A notebook and pocket folder or 3-ring binder and Pen/Pencil. Also, bring your creativity and imagination to
every class!

Supplemental Materials
Software Equipment
Microsoft Word/Publisher PC
Adobe InDesign CS5 Printer – Scanner - copier
Adobe Photoshop CS5 Digital Camera

Course Description
Graphic Design is a course that explores graphic communication through the understanding of the elements
and principles of design; as well as, the design process, from idea development through the final execution of
a document. Professionals use the concepts explored in this course in the following disciplines: advertising,
graphic design, web design, illustration, broadcast design, photography and game design and many others.
Assessment will be based upon a rubric that takes into consideration effort, technical understanding and
creative use of resources for the completion of various assignments using PhotoShop CS5 and InDesign CS5.

*Syllabus is subject to change at the instructor’s discretion. L. Flynn 2015/2016

Course Objectives & Specific Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student should be able to:
 Define and trace the development of Graphic Design
 Identify the numerous design careers which are available
 Evaluate designs (your work and others) for audience, meaning and effectiveness
 Identify and use the Elements and Principles of Design in a decisive fashion
 Distinguish between the types of graphic images used
 Understand and use color to communicate ideas to others
 Understand the principles of graphic placement
 Use typography effectively in a design
 Utilize Adobe Photoshop to edit photographs and create artistic imagery
 Utilize Adobe InDesign to create publications such as advertisements and brochures

Resources
Classroom in a Book, Adobe Design Systems: Adobe InDesign CS5; and Adobe Photoshop CS5

Assessment
The Graphic Design student will be required to design for focus and flow, achieve balance by inserting and
modifying graphics as well as using special characters to create a graphic design published document
throughout the semester. The end product may consist of creating a logo, business card, an advertisement,
flyer, brochure, newsletter and designing publications for their digital portfolios. Production projects, class
exercises, tests and quizzes will assess the skill and ability level of each student.

Grading
Individual Production 60%
Projects/Test/Quizzes 30%
Homework and Class Participation/Behavior 10%

Fire Drill
Proceed out the door turning right and exit down the main hallway through the main lobby and out the front
door. Proceed to the front parking lot (must be 200 feet from the building)! Stay together as a class so
attendance can be taken.

Determine Goals – What Do I Expect?

►Attention to and participation in classroom discussions/exercises
►Every effort to assist others (and myself) in learning/utilizing various techniques
►To have fun learning and exploring the capabilities of graphic design while gaining insight to a career in graphic
design. I love to hear your ideas and comments and see your creative side – take chances with your work and
think outside the box. Since everyone learns about design in this classroom, everyone is considered a designer.
Get used to thinking of yourself that way!

*Syllabus is subject to change at the instructor’s discretion. L. Flynn 2015/2016

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Classroom Guidelines
► Please be on time… Tardiness adds up to detentions!
► Be respectful of others’ work and time, and equipment – Inappropriate language or disrespect toward
others will not be tolerated.
► Be prepared. Bring all materials to class. Locker passes will not be given to retrieve your materials
► Use your class time wisely… plan, plan and plan!
► Adherence to LSM Acceptable Use Policy
► Cell Phones or iPods are NOT allowed unless permission is given by instructor for educational
purposes. The instructor is NOT responsible for a missing or damaged cell phone. If I see the cell
phone, it is an automatic zero for that class, and it will be confiscated and turned into the office.
► Food/Beverages and GUM are not allowed in the computer lab
► Stay seated until the bell rings. Do not line up at the door
► Be responsible, clean up your area, and push in your chair.

Academic Dishonesty
► Students involved with cheating (both the student who cheats, and the student who allows cheating to
occur) will receive a zero for the particular assignment/test/project in which cheating occurred; a
written referral and a phone call home to ones’ parents/guardians.

Consequences for Unacceptable Behavior

► Any intentional malicious acts, which damage hardware or corrupt software, will result in removal
from class and an administrative referral.
► Persistent and excessive interruptions during class will influence grades and could result in teacher
detention or removal from class.
► If you fail to adhere to the Guidelines, you will lose your access to the computer for that day.

Make-up Work
►Pass in the office make-up sheet at the beginning of class, a due date will appear on the make-up sheet
►Homework can only be made up if an office make-up sheet is given to the instructor
►If classroom is not available for make-up work, the computer lab has the software installed for you to use
on your own time
►Communication is very important.

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To acknowledge that you and your son/daughter have had the opportunity to review the Graphic Design
syllabus, and that it is understood what components and how your son/daughter’s grade will be calculated,
please indicate below by signing this form. This form is due on or before September 4th.

Student Name Printed ___________________________________________________________

Student Signature Date

Parent/Guardian’s Signature _____________________________________________________

*Syllabus is subject to change at the instructor’s discretion. L. Flynn 2015/2016

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