VCMT 1085 - Visual Communications I

Academic Division: Business, Industry and Technology
Academic Discipline: Visual Communication Media and Technology

Assistant Dean: Brooke Miller, M.B.A.

3 Credit(s)
This course provides an overview of the Mac Computer platform, Vector Graphics, and Visual Communication practices. It will enable the student to employ digital drawing tools and the elements and principles of design to create vector graphics and illustrations. The student’s projects will be based on conceptual sketches transferred to the computer utilizing digital illustration practices and techniques in Adobe Illustrator. The vector graphics and digital illustrations will be created for independent compositions or layouts and exported using the appropriate output method for their intended use as seen in the industry. UG

2 Lab Hour(s)

2 Lecture Hour(s);

Required as Prerequisite or Concurrent Course(s): Take VCMT 1050 ;

College Wide Outcomes

College-Wide Learning Outcome	Assessments - - How it is met & When it is met
Communication – Written
Communication – Speech
Intercultural Knowledge and Competence
Critical Thinking
Information Literacy
Quantitative Literacy

Student Learning Outcomes for Course

Mac Software
1. Learn to use the Mac computer	Mac Quiz, beginning of the course.
Vector Skills
1. Create and edit vector graphics and illustrations using digital drawing tools in industry standard software. (CTAG). Apply special effects. Put the type on a path, and warp type into shapes. Use brushes, strokes, symbols, and pattern fills.	All mid-end of course exercises are done in Adobe Illustrator and projects as well. Middle- end of the term.
2. Demonstrate a proficiency level of skill with the pen tool for drawing in Illustrator. Be able to create vector artwork from a scan or raster artwork.	Hills, valleys, and shark teeth exercise in Illustrator, tracing exercise in Illustrator. 80% or better is required on tracing exercise to demonstrate pen tool proficiency. Tracing exercises. Middle of the term.
3. Generate images in the appropriate output format for intended use. (CTAG)	All projects and exercises mainly use Adobe Illustrator, but also integrate with other Adobe programs.
4. Use vector graphics and illustrations in a layout. (CTAG)	Project #1 - Flyer design is a poster layout only using vector graphics and illustrations in Adobe Illustrator. Middle of term.
5. Research principles of illustration and use problem solving to complete the creative process for creating vector graphics. (CTAG)	Projects and exercises require research of tools and techniques to practice creating vector graphics. LinkedIn Learning videos will be available to learn skills as well. Then, the student will apply the learning from the exercises into the projects. Mid-end of term.
Design Theory
1. Apply the principles of graphic design.	Exercises, midterm test, final test and all projects. Throughout the course.
2. Demonstrate an awareness of graphic design.	Daily homework chapters from textbooks – throughout the course. Weekly journals – first half of the course.
3. Develop projects by following the design process and use an artist statement to justify elements and concepts used throughout the process.	Midterm Test and all projects – require thumbnails, rough comps, and artists statements turned in with every project. Second half of the course.
4. Use the design process and critical thinking process to solve design problems.	In class exercises, thumbnails for all projects, creativity portion of rubrics for all projects and Midterm Test. Throughout the course.
5. Critique, discuss and accept criticism of work and other students’ work.	Project critiques and participation in critiques are 10% of each projects grade. All of the course.
Intercultural Knowledge
1. Research is done into the culture of the student’s choosing to create a design reflecting that culture.	Project #1 - Cultural Flyer poster made entirely in vector and includes a cultural statement due with the final project.

Standard Grading Scale
93-100 A

90 - 92 A-

87- 89 B+

83 - 86 B

80 -82 B-

77- 79 C+

73 - 76 C

70 -72 C-

67- 69 D+

63 - 66 D

60 -62 D-

00- 59 F

Statement on Diversity
North Central State College believes that every student is a valued and equal member of the community.* Every student brings different experiences to the College, and all are important in enriching academic life and developing greater understanding and appreciation of one another. Therefore, NC State College creates an inclusive culture in which students feel comfortable sharing their experiences. Discrimination and prejudice have no place on the campus, and the College takes any complaint in this regard seriously. Students encountering aspects of the instruction that result in barriers to their sense of being included and respected should contact the instructor, assistant dean, or dean without fear of reprisal.

*Inclusive of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, national origin (ancestry), military status (past, present or future), disability, age (40 years or older), status as a parent during pregnancy and immediately after the birth of a child, status as a parent of a young child, status as a foster parent, genetic information, or sexual orientation,

Standard NCSC Course Policies
Important information regarding College Procedures and Policies can be found on the syllabus supplement located at this link