Course Competencies:

Competency 1:           

The student will be able to identify and discuss the five dimensional aspects of a film or graphic by:

1.   Developing a basic familiarity with them through   assigned readings in the textbook

2.   Developing a basic familiarity with them by viewing in-class presentations and examples

3.   Making presentations to the other students on the five dimensional aspects

4.   Finding scenes from films, commercials and print ads that prominently exploit the five dimensional aspects

Competency 2:           

The student will be able to identify, discuss and utilize the key elements involved in each of the aspects of visual communication by:

1.  Analyzing lighting techniques in black and white films

2.  Developing an awareness of color theories in films and graphics

3.   Selecting the appropriate aspect ratio for a graphic image or a film

4.   Defining and analyzing the graphic forces and vectors at work within a plane

5.   Applying established rules of image continuity in editing

Competency 3:           

The student will be able to create effective visual messages by:

1.   Developing storyboards that maximize the five dimensional aspects

2.   Creating images that produce the desired reaction in the viewer with clarity and without confusion

3.   Utilizing the tools at his/her disposal to create effective designs that are aesthetically pleasing

Learning Methods:

Outcomes and competencies will be achieved through lectures, readings, viewing a variety of films, videos, TV commercials, print ads, completing projects and quizzes on reading assignments.

Course Requirements:

Two out of Five Presentation Projects:

Throughout the course, the student will present to the class a total of two projects randomly chosen from among the five projects listed below.  Due dates are included in the syllabus and detailed guidelines and expectations can be downloaded by clicking on the buttons below:

Grading/Evaluation:

Projects (2 Projects at 500 points each) = 1,000
Less Absences = 00
Total = 1,000

A = 900-1000
B = 800-899
C = 700-799
D = 600-699
F = 0-599

Attendance Policy:
 
Attendance is crucial to the successful completion of this course; therefore, there are no excused absences. 
 
During FALL and SPRING terms, for the first four absences the student is deducted 10 points from the final grade.  For the fifth and sixth absences, 100 points are deducted.  Seven absences result in an automatic F. 
 
During SUMMER terms, for the first two absences the student is deducted 10 points from the final grade.  For the third and fourth absences, 100 points are deducted.  Five absences result in an automatic F.
 
Two late arrivals, after the roll is called, constitute one absence.

Extra Credit and Emails

Your professor regularly uses your mymdc.edu email address so send important class announcements, including opportunities to receive extra credit.  It is the students' responsibility to check  their mymdc.edu email account regularly to keep themselves informed.

Withdrawal:

It is the student’s responsibility to initiate the withdrawal process before the established deadline for the term.  Otherwise, an F will be issued at the end of the course.

Cell Phone and PDA Policy:

All cellular phones, PDAs, Blackberries or any other electronic communications devices (now in existence or yet to be developed) must be TURNED OFF and cannot be consulted during the duration of the class.  Failure to observe this rule will result in immediate expulsion from the class.

Disability Statement:

Students with documented special learning needs may want to inform the instructor so that accommodations may be made, or contact the Office of Services for Students with disabilities.

Ethics Policy:

Academic dishonesty in any form will not be tolerated and violators will be dealt with in accordance with policies stated in the Student Handbook.

Class Meetings and Assignments:

First Class Meeting

Introduction to the course.
Students are randomly assigned their two projects
Lecture: Chapter 1
Reading Assignment: Chapters 1, 2 & 3.

Second Class Meeting

Lecture: Chapter 2.
Reading Assignment: Chapter 3

Third Class Meeting

Lecture: Chapter 3.
Assignment: Project #1

Fourth Class Meeting

Presentation of Project #1  
Assignment: Chapters 4 & 5

Fifth Class Meeting

Lecture: Chapter 4  
Reading Assignment: Chapter 5

Sixth Class Meeting

Lecture: Chapter 5
Assignment: Project #2

Seventh Class Meeting

Presentation of Project #2  
Reading Assignment: Chapter 6

Eighth Class Meeting

Lecture: Chapter 6
Reading Assignment: Chapters 7 & 8
 

Ninth Class Meeting
 

Lecture: Chapters 7 & 8
Assignment: Project #3

Tenth Class Meeting

Presentation of Project #3
Reading Assignment: Chapters 9 & 10

Eleventh Class Meeting

Lecture: Chapters 9 & 10.
Reading Assignment: Chapters 11, 12 & 13

Twelfth Class Meeting

Lecture: Chapters 11, 12 & 13
Reading Assignment: Chapters 12 & 13
Assignment: Presentation #4

Thirteenth Class Meeting

Presentation #4
Reading Assignment: Chapters 14, 15 & 16

 

Fourteenth Class Meeting

Lecture: Chapters 14, 15 & 16
Assignment: Presentation #5

Fifteenth Class Meeting

Presentation #5

Sixteenth Class Meeting

Presentation #5 (Continued)
Last day to make-up any missed  projects.