I'm going to be teaching graphic design to high schoolers for the first time. School starts in 3 weeks. I've made a great deal of headway planning my curriculum on http://www.nhsdesigns.com.
I wonder if anyone out there has taught this subject to high schoolers before, and if so, may I take a peek at your syllabus or curriculum? Lesson plan ideas would be much appreciated too.
I do! I teach a graphic design / DTP theory course at the local college. It's a tad out of date in places (I've given up on trying to keep up with advances in Adobe and Macromedia stuff, this semester I'm going to pretend that CS3 never happened) but there's tons of stuff and a load of handy handouts and assignments. Feel free to share and enjoy. It's a hodgepodge of established theory, stuff I've been taught and my own ideas on what's what so caveat emptor.
You can download it here:
http://www.hairyfishnuts.com/salvage-curic.zip
Be warned it's 65 megs (winzipped Word docs with a bunch of tiffs for the examples and the like) so a bit of a haul but I hope it helps.
If you see anything I've gotten wrong or have an ideas how to improve it let me know! It's a constant work in progress.
WOW! This is huge! I had no idea the entire curriculum would be in here. Thanks, Salvage!
No problem, that's about 7 years of honing and tweaking (or more accurately making it up as I go along). I try to teach the course for two different kinds of students, the ones that want to take a full time graphic design course (so they'll have a leg up) or the ones who may end up dealing with graphic designers and want to be able to talk the language, understand the process and offer useful edits. Basically for that side of it I'm trying to create clients that are easy to deal with rather than the usual sort.
But again if you see anything wrong or have an suggestion for improvement let me know!
It sounds like you got enough in one gulp...
I use a classic lesson to introduce design: called "Favorite Snack". Student generates a list of favorite snacks. Then they create a 12x18 vertical poster using the word (example Skittles) and a clean graphic image of the food. We have all ready covered colored pencil blending, cut colored paper or colored pencil is the media. The word needs to be in a font style that is appropriate to the food... Many kids choose to print the word out in the font style and free hand transcribed it.
That sounds like the kids have a blast, Randy. I will probably try that. I like the hands-on approach. While I will spend a good deal of time teaching Photoshop, InDesign and Illustrator, I'd like to spend at least the first 9 weeks away from the computer.
Okay, here's what I came up with. I'd love feedback from any design teachers out there:
Welcome to the 2007-2008 graphic design class at [removed] High School!
This is my first year teaching design here. I have worked as a teacher for four years, worked as a graphic and web designer for seven years, studied art-making and art history for countless years, and have enjoyed making art my whole life.
I’m thrilled to welcome you to my dedicated design classroom! This space will enable us to do great projects and to use varied materials in addition to computer technology.
Many projects will be based on the California Standards for the Visual Arts for grades 9-12. They may include drawing, cartooning, painting, collage, printmaking and more, along with a great introduction to desktop computer design. We will this variety of media with the goals of generating a personal style, learning design skills and language, and practicing problem-solving and creative brain-storming.
I love teaching art and design. My goal is for everyone to find something inspiring, interesting, fun, or new. I look forward to learning from and being inspired by you too. - Dawn
Basic Information
Instructor: Dawn Pedersen
Class Web Site: www.nhsdesigns.com
Contact Methods: E-mail: dawnsbrain@gmail.com
Mailbox: Feel free to leave notes and/or items for me at the front office.
Prerequisite: NoneWhat Will I Learn?
As a result of taking this class, you should be able to:
- Identify numerous careers which are available with the right design skills and background.
- Identify the various products created by graphic designers.
- Use the elements and principles of design in a decisive fashion.
- Manipulate various design tools to create the result you want.
- Plan a graphic design project according to a client’s needs and follow the plan through.
- Understand how to create an attractive layout that communicates a message effectively.
- Explain how color works, and what various colors/color combinations communicate to others.
- Understand how typography works, and use it effectively in a design.
- Obtain legally, or create, imagery for a design and use it effectively.
- Master the basics of digital design, such as image formats, layering and color notation.
- Use Adobe Photoshop competently to create artistic imagery and to edit photographs.
- Use Adobe Illustrator competently to create simple illustrations and logos.
- Use Adobe InDesign competently to create publications such as flyers, advertisements and magazine articles.
- Incorporate principles of prepress for offset lithography (the printing press) into your designs.
- Identify various advanced topics that should concern a graphic designer.
How Will I Be Graded?
Whenever possible, I will provide rubrics for each design project that tell you what I expect for Excellent, Good, Moderate, and Poor work. Sometimes I may have students participate in creating the rubric and/or self-evaluating, or evaluating other students.
Students’ grades will be based on (and what percent of the final grade):
- design projects (40%)
- homework (15%)
- quizzes (15%)
- final tests (30%)
I will use the standard final grade breakdown:
- A 90-100%
- B 80-89%
- C 70-79%
- D 60-69%
- F 59% or below (failing)
I consider three things important to evaluating student design work:
- Effort (visible in the work and/or demonstrated in class)
- Creativity (how original your work is)
- Following Directions (did you explore the assignment as given?)
What Kind of Homework Will There Be?
There will be some homework in the form of research, brainstorming, preliminary design work, or exercises. From time to time, you will be instructed to access the class Web site for homework or class assignments: www.nhsdesigns.com. If you fall behind and have to finish work outside of class, it is your responsibility to make arrangements with me to use the materials at home or after school.
What Will the Quizzes and Tests Be Like?
You will be quizzed (regularly) and tested (at the end of each semester) on design vocabulary and concepts. Quizzes and tests will mainly be of the multiple choice, matching, or puzzle variety.
How Do I Make Up Missing or Incomplete Work?
You are expected to keep up with projects in class and will be given a generous amount of time to finish them. Late or incomplete work can be turned in during the same quarter for a lower score. If the work is late due to an excused absence, you will have one extra school day per day of excused absence to complete it without a reduction in grade. If you are absent from the start to the end of a project, you will be given alternate work to do. If you will be/have been absent for an extended period of time, please ask for an Independent Study packet to receive credit for work done outside of school.
What Are My Responsibilities?
Since everyone learns about design here, everyone is considered a designer. Get used to thinking of yourself that way!
- Show respect for everyone in the classroom and for our materials.
- Arrive promptly and ready to get on task.
- Pay attention during lectures and demonstrations.
- Participate in classroom discussions and design activities.
- Do your best work during each and every class period.
What are the Consequences of My Behavior?
GOOD behavior:
A classroom where you can have fun, surmount visual problems and produce good design.
POOR behavior:
If you seem to have forgotten one of the rules, I will give a verbal reminder. If the behavior continues, I will write your name on the board or on a clipboard as a warning. If you get two checks after your name, there will be further consequences which may include: a seat change, clean-up duty, a call home, detention, and/or an office referral.What Can I Expect From My Teacher?
- A variety of challenging projects using different media and skills
- Clear instructions and demonstrations on using the materials, doing the projects, and cleaning up
- Encouragement and guidance in evaluating your own and your peers’ artwork in a constructive way
- A clear grading policy and frequent formal or informal progress reports
- Respect for your input, ideas, and interests
I have received and read the 2007-2008 [removed] High School Graphic Design Class syllabus. I will contact Miss Pedersen if I have any questions:
Student Signature___________________________________Date________________
Adult Signature_____________________________________Date________________
If you would like another copy of this letter to keep at home check here: ___
(I will make a photocopy and return it to the student.)
Wow! I found this great PowerPoint presentation by Mr. Sanchez, a 5th-grade teacher. It gave me a lot more ideas on
what to include on my syllabus. I'd like to be nice and thorough on the first day of class.
I added this to the preamble:
In many ways, we will be working together like employees in a design company. We will eventually be doing real-world Web design projects with real clients while we learn. Usually our clients will be other teachers or classes at this school, but we may receive jobs from outside out the school. I will teach you how to behave like a professional designer.
I added these bits too:
What Should I Bring to Class?
You are responsible for bringing these every day to class:
- Notebook with paper for note-taking
- Pencil or pen
How will My Behavior in Class Affect My Grade?
Good conduct is worth ten percent of your grade! Everyone starts will full credit for Good Conduct. If your behavior in class is consistently a problem for me, it will reduce your Good Conduct grade.Classroom Library
I will have a certain number of art and design books from my personal library available for your reference during class periods. If you are done with the day’s work before class is over, I encourage you to check a book out from me. You must return the book to me before you leave the classroom for the day. You may not take them home unless I find you to be exceptionally trustworthy and make special arrangements with you.Class Dismissal
I dismiss you from class, not the bell. Make sure you have cleaned up your area and returned any supplies to their storage container. Return any books you have checked out from me before you go.
I changed my grading breakdown to add the "good conduct":
- design projects (40%)
- homework (15%)
- quizzes (15%)
- final tests (20%)
- good conduct (10%)
I changed my rules to these that are far more specific and practical:
Since everyone learns about design here, everyone is considered a designer. Get used to thinking of yourself that way! My job is to teach you professionalism in addition to design skills.
- If you have a question to ask, raise your hand and then wait to be acknowledged.
- Stay in your seat unless you have permission to do otherwise.
- Never use vulgar or offensive language in our classroom.
- Keep your hands, feet and objects to yourself.
- No chewing of food, gum, or anything else. Beverages in screw-cap containers are okay.
I changed the contract bit at the end too, to assign more responsibility to the student and parent for understanding the class requirements and expectations:
Classroom Contract
Student Name: ______________________________________________
Period: _______Student: “I have received and read Miss Pedersen’s syllabus. I promise to follow the classroom rules, procedures, and guidelines.“
Student Signature___________________________________Date________________
Parent or Guardian: “I have read with my child the contents of Miss Pedersen’s syllabus and have helped him/her understand it. I will contact Miss Pedersen if I have any questions.”
Adult Signature_____________________________________Date________________
I am so siked about this website and the graphic curriculum. I am teaching graphic for the first time this school year and didn't get much done this summer to prepare for it (I was getting married).
I can't believe how much info is here! Thanks
Here's my official graphic design syllabus, all complete and stuff [PDF file].
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