TIME AND LOCATION

59 Carroll Hall
Tuesdays and Thursdays
9 a.m. to 10:50 a.m.
Download PDF Syllabus (Spring 2009)

COURSE DESCRIPTION

In Newspaper Design you will learn to use the principles of page design for daily and weekly news publications.

During this class you will learn advanced techniques for Adobe InDesign CS3, one of the leading programs in the desktop publishing field. You will master this software by completing class exercises and projects. Attendance is required (unexcused absences will affect your final grade) and deadlines are absolute. If you miss class, it is your responsibility to make up the work.

I expect that you will conduct yourselves within the guidelines of the Honor System. All work must be completed with the high level of honesty and integrity that this University demands.

ATTENDANCE POLICY

Each student will be allowed one unexcused absence. Additional unexcused absences will result in a 2% reduction in your final grade. Excused absences (doctor’s note or cleared with me in advance) do not affect your grade.

In addition, every five late arrivals will result in a 2% reduction in your final grade.

REQUIRED READING

• The Newspaper Designer’s Handbook: Tim Harrower - McGraw Hill
• The News & Observer: Subscribe in the Pit.

RECOMMENDED READING

• Editing by Design: Jan V. White - Allworth Press (2003)
• Adobe InDesign CS3 Classroom in a Book: Adobe Creative Team - (2007)

ITEMS TO PURCHASE

• USB stick: You will need a USB stick to back up your files. Please remember that you are responsible for backing up your work. No deadline can be missed due to loss of data.
• Sketchbook: All of your projects will be sketched before you start working on the computer.

GRADING

This is a project-oriented course. Therefore, the grading will be based on three In-class/Take-home projects (inside newspaper page, front page newspaper design, feature page design) and one Final project (newspaper redesign).

Components (250 Points Each)

Project 1: Inside Page Design
Project 2: Front Page Design
Project 3: Feature Page Design
Final Project: Newspaper Redesign
Total: 1,000 Points

Notes: Please be aware that I reserve the right to raise grades at the end of the semester in some cases according to class attendance, participation in discussions and the overall quality of your lab exercises. The main goal of this course is that you create a basic newspaper design portfolio, as well as to provide the skills for recognizing the virtues and flaws of everyday journalistic layouts.

GRADING CRITERIA

During this course we will be completing several lab exercises. These exercises will not be graded, but are intended to give you a better understanding of the software and to get you ready you for the four main projects.

Be prepared to work on projects outside of class. You will have time during class for hands-on work, but generally this will not be enough. Computer labs can be used outside of class hours, and you are welcome to use your laptop. It is your responsibility to organize your time in order to meet the deadlines. Consider your production speed and make plans accordingly. Always work in advance. And remember, I will be available to help you.

These are the main general grading criteria I will be using for the projects:

1. Every project must be completed on time
2. Overall spatial organization, structure of the elements on the page
3. Informative use of color or grays
4. Thoughtful choice of type
5. Aesthetic design choices in general
6. Creativity

Detailed guidelines and specific grading criteria for the projects will be provided in class.

I will be happy to review out of class exercises during office hours or by appointment if you are interested. However, it is very important for you to remember that these exercises will not be considered in your final grade.

GUEST SPEAKER

During the semester I will try to bring a design industry leader to class as a guest speaker. This professional will be available for portfolio reviews and feedback. Further details will be announced in class.

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