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GMD 101 - Introduction to Graphic and Multimedia Designn - Mark Daybell

Course:Introduction to Graphic and Multimedia Designn
Professor:Mark Daybell
Email:mark.daybell@canyons.edu
Format:
  • Online
Course Length:
  • 8 Week

Introduction

GMD Logo

Welcome to GMD 101: Introduction to Graphic and Multimedia Design and the Graphic and Multimedia Design program at College of the Canyons. Over the next few months, it will be my pleasure to introduce you to the history, stars and practice of visual communication. Together, as a class, we will explore various graphic and multimedia design topics, apply design techniques to a variety of real-world design projects and develop strong analytical skills. I very much look forward to getting to know each of you as I hope to guide, develop and sharpen your visual communications.

On background, I earned my MFA from CSU Fullerton and my BS from California Polytechnic State University‚ San Luis Obispo. In 2000, I was hired by College of the Canyons to develop a Multimedia program and in 2002, I combined Multimedia with the Graphic Design program to create Graphic and Multimedia Design (GMD). Over the past 20 years, I’ve exhibited my videos‚ photography‚ installations and films at museums‚ galleries‚ film festivals and alternative art venues.

Outside of my discipline, my interests include: health, fitness, and travel. I’m an advocate for equality, equity, human rights, and open access education.

Course Description

Introduces the concepts and practices applicable to graphic and multimedia design, including the elements and principles of composition, divergent thinking, and the creative process. Through a series of design projects, students begin to develop a portfolio, which explore visual communication and self-expression. Includes instruction in several software applications.

What to Expect in this Course

Foremost, expect to regularly join our class via Canvas (College of the Canyons’ LMS).

The primary goal of this course is to understand, through doing, how an idea can be translated from language-based concepts into effective visual communication. To that end, we will analyze how visual communication differs from written communication and explore various techniques and strategies of effective visual communication.

Students will also learn how to develop a creative process, which is the foundation to crafting successful visual communication solutions repeatedly.

Finally, it’s extremely important for designers to have the ability to interpret, express, and communicate ideas about their work. Therefore, students will develop skills in critical analysis, design terminology, and semiotics.

Types of Assessments

This is a studio art course. The majority of assessments will be tied to the execution of design projects. All projects with be a mix of conceptual and technical skills. Beyond design projects, there will be peer-to-peer discussions and three quizzes.

Textbook Information

Guide to Graphic Design

Scott W. Santoro

Pearson Education

ISBN-10: 0132300702 • ISBN-13: 9780132300704

Guide to Graphic Design - Cover

Other Relevant Course Information

Mandatory Required Course Tools and Technologies

  • Reliable Internet Access, preferably high speed
  • A computer that meets minimum hardware requirements to run Adobe Creative Cloud
  • Adobe Creative Cloud

 

Access to the Internet

There are no face-to-face meetings for this course – it is completely online. Therefore, reliable and consistent access to the Internet is mandatory. Not having access to the Internet is not an excuse to miss any deadline. If you’re in any doubt about your consistent and reliable access to the Internet, please consider attempting the course when your circumstance has improved or try a face-to-face alternative.

 

Computer

The Design Industry is Mac-based, which means Apple Macintosh computers are the preferred platform and software instruction is geared toward Macintosh computers. However, PC computers, which meet minimum hardware requirements can also be used to successfully complete the course.

 

Access to a Campus Computer

College of the Canyons has many Mac (and PC) computers available for student use on both the Valencia and Canyon County campuses. Contact the TLC, Library and/or ASG Computer Labs for details

 

Required Software

College of the Canyons does not provide the required Adobe Creative Cloud license to GMD students. Therefore, obtaining a subscription is mandatory. Details may change, currently a monthly subscription purchased directly from Adobe runs $19.99.

 

Other Relevant info

Instructor Drops and Withdrawals

Because of the 100% online nature of this course, the only evidence I have of course participation is your weekly completion of online coursework. Failure to make consistent progress demonstrated through completion of coursework may result in a course drop or withdrawal.

  • Drop Scenario 1: A student who does not login* to Canvas within 48 hours of the start date will be dropped (Although the class is not accessible until the first day of class, I highly recommend logging into Canvas at least one week ahead of time so reduce any delays in the Canvas login processes)
  • Drop Scenario 2: A student who does not make regular progress toward course completion (missing quizzes, discussions, not submitting course work on deadline, etc.), may be dropped or withdrawn from the course

Additional Resources

Canvas

This course can be accessed on the first day of class via Canvas at https://coc.instructure.com. Log into Canvas using your CanyonsID single sign-on:

  • CanyonsID Username is your COC student email address (Ex: username@my.canyons.edu)
  • CanyonsID Password is your COC student email password

Please visit the Get to Know Your Online Classroom page for help logging into Canvas and for tips on using Canvas and Zoom. Canvas Chat Support is also available 24/7 for any Canvas related issues.

Online Education

Check out the Online Education website for more information on a variety of topics that can help you be a successful online student such as: exam proctoring, learning styles, computer skills, and tips for student success. If this is your first online course, feel free to take our online learning readiness assessment to assess your skills.

The Learning Center (TLC)

The TLC provides FREE online tutoring resources to COC students!

Academic Accommodation Center (AAC)

College of the Canyons AAC provides educational services and access for eligible students with documented disabilities who intend to pursue coursework at COC. A variety of programs and services are available which afford eligible students with disabilities the opportunity to participate fully in all aspects of the college programs and activities through appropriate and reasonable accommodations. For more information on their services visit the Academic Accomodation Center website.

Online Counseling

The Counseling Department offers appointments online. You can schedule an appointment by visiting the Online Counseling website. Counselors can help you map out a plan to reach your educational goals as well as advise you on course selection and registration.

Management of Stress and Mental Health

Often the pressure on our students is very strong, involving academic commitments, relationships, outside jobs and family pressure to name a few. The staff and faculty of College of the Canyons are here to see you succeed academically and care about your emotional and physical health. You can learn more about the broad range of confidential student services, including counseling and mental health services available on campus by visiting the Student Health & Wellness Center in the Student Services Building (across from the bookstore). The phone number is 661-362-3259 that you can call 24/7. You can also e mail for an appointment at StudentHealthCenter@canyons.edu. At the Canyon Country Campus the Health Center will be in the new Student Services Building.

Also, the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline number is now 988. All students at COC are encouraged to enter that phone number in their cells. You can call it when you, or someone you know, is having thoughts of suicide or is in severe distress.

You can also now use the Crisis Text Line: Just text "Courage" to 741741. Someone will get back to you immediately. Its free, 24/7, and confidential.

Veterans Resource Center

The College of the Canyons Veterans Resource Center is a department within the Student Services Division at the college, created to help veterans and veteran dependents with applying to College of the Canyons, enrolling in classes, and requesting VA Education or Vocational Benefits. For more information please visit the Veterans Resource Center website, email veterans@canyons.edu or phone (661) 362-3469.

Library

The Library provides live online and in-person research help, access to a full range of e-resources and physical materials that support the curriculum, individual and group study areas, and much more!

Last updated: 04/02/2024 Sub#: 1733