Syllabus Template

PSUGD Syllabus Template

 

Course Title, Prefix and Number

 

Faculty Contact Information

Instructor:

Contact Information:

Term:

Office Hours and Location:

 

Course Description      

Insert actual course description as it exists in PSU Bulletin

 

Pre-requisites / Co-requisites

List course pre-reqs here as they exist in PSU Bulletin

 

Course Communications

Link to the course Basecamp or website or D2L or Blackboard

 

Course Objectives

Include course objectives here. They are ideally action-oriented and measurable, use action verbs, examples:

 

Student Learning Outcomes

Student learning outcomes come from the Graphic Design Program Assessment Document, and are standardized for each class. 

 

Outline of Course Content

Week 1:

 

Week 2:

 

Week 3:

 

Week 4:

 

Week 5:

 

Week 6:

 

Week 7:

 

Week 8:

 

Week 9:

 

Week 10 – Finals:

 

Course Requirements

(exams, assignments, papers, etc.)

This course consists of exams, assignments, essays, …

 

Required Texts & Readings   

Book

Website

Podcast

Article

Include title and author information here.

These readings also should be placed in the course calendar where appropriate.

 

Attendance Policy   

Students in the Graphic Design Program are required to attend classes, for the full class duration and are expected to be punctual. Students not enrolled in the class are not permitted to attend. All classes in Graphic Design share the same attendance policy: up to two absences are allowed per course, per term. At three absences there is a 5% grade deduction of the final grade (ie. from an 85% to an 80%), at 4 absences, there is a 10% grade deduction of the final grade (ie. from an 85% to a 75%), and at 5 absences, a student will be automatically failed from the class. For students who intend to continue coming to class after an automatic failure, it will not change the final outcome of your grade, an F is an F.  Please also note that we do not distinguish between “excused” and “unexcused” absences. 

Late arrivals and early departures are defined as 10 minutes or less. Greater than 10 minutes is an automatic absence. Late arrivals and early departures are worth ½ absence each. Each of you is expected to keep track of your own attendance.

 

Student Resources

PSU’s Writing Center: https://www.pdx.edu/writing-center/

The writing center has guides, videos and an ability to set up an appointment online.

PSU’s Counseling Center: http://www.pdx.edu/shac/counseling

The counseling center offers a variety of services to help you. The website has information on walk-ins and what to do in the case of an emergency.

Access and Inclusion for Students with Disabilities:

http://www.pdx.edu/drc/accommodations

PSU values diversity and inclusion; we are committed to fostering mutual respect and full participation for all students. My goal is to create a learning environment that is equitable, useable, inclusive, and welcoming. If any aspects of instruction or course design result in barriers to your inclusion or learning, please notify me. The Disability Resource Center (DRC) provides reasonable accommodations for students who encounter barriers in the learning environment.

If you have, or think you may have, a disability that may affect your work in this class and feel you need accommodations, contact the Disability Resource Center to schedule an appointment and initiate a conversation about reasonable accommodations. The DRC is located in 116 Smith Memorial Student Union, 503-725-4150, drc@pdx.edu, http://www.pdx.edu/drc

If you already have accommodations, please contact me to make sure that I have received a faculty notification letter and discuss your accommodations.

Women’s Resource Ctr: http://www.pdx.edu/wrc/welcome-to-the-womens-resource-center

Queer Resource Center: http://www.pdx.edu/queer/

PSU Graphic Design Blog: http://psu.gd/category/blog/

There are many resources available to you as a student here at PSU, and even more as part of the Art + Design department and community. If you are looking for something in particular, we probably have it, just ask.

 

Method of Evaluation

Project: X%

Exam: X%

Participation: X%

 

Grading Scale

A 93% +

A- 90–92%

B+ 87–89%

B 83–86%

B- 80–82%

C+ 77–79%  

C 73–76%

C- 70–72%

D+ 67–69%

D 63–66%

D- 60–62%

F 59% –

 

Academic Integrity / Plagiarism

Plagiarism is the act of claiming someone’s work as your own through copying it without giving the creator of the work credit. Plagiarism can also include using another person’s theories, ideas, or phrases without proper attribution. The simplest way to avoid plagiarizing is to always cite the source from which you gather information or develop arguments. Plagiarism is a serious issue and is a violation of the PSU Student Conduct Code. (https://www.pdx.edu/dos/psu-student-code-conduct) Work that qualifies as plagiarism can result in failure from this course.

Code of Conduct and Title IX

Portland State is committed to fostering a safe, productive learning environment. Title IX and our school policy prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex, which regards sexual misconduct — including harassment, domestic and dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. We expect a culture of professionalism and mutual respect in our department and class. Please be aware that as a faculty member, I have the responsibility to report any instances of sexual harassment, sexual violence and/or other forms of prohibited discrimination to PSU’s Title IX Coordinator, the Office of Equity and Compliance or the Dean of Student Life and cannot keep information confidential. You may report any incident of discrimination or discriminatory harassment, including sexual harassment, to either the Office of Equity and Compliance or the Office of the Dean of Student Life. If you would rather share information about sexual harassment or sexual violence to a confidential employee who does not have this reporting responsibility, you can contact a confidential advocate at 503-725-5672 or by scheduling on-line (psuwrc.youcanbook.me) or another confidential employee found on the sexual misconduct resource webpage. For more information about your obligations and resources for sex/gender discrimination and sexual violence (Title IX), please complete the required student module Creating a Safe Campus in your D2L.

 

 

————————————-  EXAMPLE BELOW ———————————–

 

SYLLABUS

ART 111: Design Thinking

 

Course description     

Introduction to the various creative strategies and methodologies designers use
in practice. Specific attention is given to problem-solving techniques, and the incorporation of empathy and research within a design process. 4 credits.

 

Prerequisites/Corequisites

Instructor approval for non-majors.

 

Course Objectives

1. Introduce the concept of design thinking

2. Exposure to divergent and convergent thinking strategies

3. Introduce primary and secondary research methods

4. Enhance empathy

5. Focus efforts on problem-identification

 

Student Learning Outcomes

 

Outline of Course Content
Weeks 1-4

Introductions, syllabus, course overview

Start Process Drive
Please create a folder on Google Drive to house all course related materials including notes, readings, and original research. This is a term-long requirement.

Start Project 1: Mapping a Process
This first project maps a process in its entirety.

Readings: Adams, Meadows, Lupton, James

 

Weeks 4-9

Project 2: Design for Improving Your Life and Your Community
Project 2 involves using a research-driven design methodology to solve a real problem. You can choose between solving something in your life or something in the community. We will focus in research, empathy, problem-identification and ideation.

Readings: Adams, James, Design Council, IDEO, Burnett and Evans


Weeks 9-FINALS

Project 3: How You Solve Problems ‘Zine
This project has two parts. The first is to collect, write and illustrate eight techniques you use to solve problems (inside and outside of class). For the second part, you will create a 12 page ‘zine dedicated to analyzing how you solve problems overall, what works and what doesn’t. What tools you can gather in your problem-solving arsenal?

Process due Week 10.

Finals Week: Thurs., March 21 at 9am
Design Thinking ‘Zine is Due

 

Course Requirements

This course includes studio work and projects, critiques, writing assignments, and an emphasis on process.

Projects and Exercises: Projects and exercises are the building blocks of this course. Each project / exercise will contain specific objectives and criteria. In general, these are graded on: form, concept and skill (either by hand or digital).

Writing: Writing about art, design, and art history is a highly important skill we will work on developing. This form of writing is done in the third person, and each writing assignment will state specific requirements (writing criticism is structured differently than a research paper). Outlines are beneficial in helping create a clear, coherent argument and structure. Please use a traditional font, no larger than 11 pt, flush left, single spaced, with your name and date in the upper corner and care in the typography. Additionally, please spell check and grammar check your work.

Critiques: Critiques are very important, not only the development of your project, but for gaining practice in discussing your intentions and helping others see what’s working or not for their projects. The better you can talk about your work, the better you can understand it and defend it.

Process: A process drive is required for this course to collect ALL course materials and see your own growth and development. This process binder should include: research, notes, drawings, storyboards, documentation of your projects, all course materials (handouts, readings, etc.). If in doubt—include it!

 

Required Texts & Readings

Conceptual Blockbusting (4th ed.), James Adams*
A Short Guide to Research (for Designers), Meredith James*
Thinking in Systems: A Primer, Donnella Meadows
Graphic Design Thinking, Ellen Lupton
A Study of the Design Process, Design Council
Field Guide to Human-Centered Design, IDEO
Designing Your Life, Burnett and Evans

*These are course textbooks and need to be purchased.

 

Attendance Policy   

Students in the Graphic Design Program are required to attend classes, for the full class duration and are expected to be punctual. Students not enrolled in the class are not permitted to attend. All classes in Graphic Design share the same attendance policy: up to two absences are allowed per course, per term. At three absences there is a 5% grade deduction of the final grade (ie. from an 85% to an 80%), at 4 absences, there is a 10% grade deduction of the final grade (ie. from an 85% to a 75%), and at 5 absences, a student will be automatically failed from the class. For students who intend to continue coming to class after an automatic failure, it will not change the final outcome of your grade, an F is an F.  Please also note that we do not distinguish between “excused” and “unexcused” absences.

Late arrivals and early departures are defined as 10 minutes or less. Greater than 10 minutes is an automatic absence. Late arrivals and early departures are worth ½ absence each. Each of you is expected to keep track of your own attendance.

 

Student Resources

PSU’s Writing Center: https://www.pdx.edu/writing-center/

The writing center has guides, videos and an ability to set up an appointment online.

PSU’s Counseling Center: http://www.pdx.edu/shac/counseling

The counseling center offers a variety of services to help you. The website has information on walk-ins and what to do in the case of an emergency.

Access and Inclusion for Students with Disabilities:

http://www.pdx.edu/drc/accommodations

PSU values diversity and inclusion; we are committed to fostering mutual respect and full participation for all students. My goal is to create a learning environment that is equitable, useable, inclusive, and welcoming. If any aspects of instruction or course design result in barriers to your inclusion or learning, please notify me. The Disability Resource Center (DRC) provides reasonable accommodations for students who encounter barriers in the learning environment.

If you have, or think you may have, a disability that may affect your work in this class and feel you need accommodations, contact the Disability Resource Center to schedule an appointment and initiate a conversation about reasonable accommodations. The DRC is located in 116 Smith Memorial Student Union, 503-725-4150, drc@pdx.edu, http://www.pdx.edu/drc

If you already have accommodations, please contact me to make sure that I have received a faculty notification letter and discuss your accommodations.

Women’s Resource Ctr: http://www.pdx.edu/wrc/welcome-to-the-womens-resource-center

Queer Resource Center: http://www.pdx.edu/queer/

PSU Graphic Design Blog: http://psu.gd/category/blog/

There are many resources available to you as a student here at PSU, and even more as part of the Art + Design department and community. If you are looking for something in particular, we probably have it, just ask.

 

Method of Evaluation

Project 1: Process Map                     100 points    29%

Project 2: Design for Improving    100 points    29%

Process Drive                                     100 points    29%

Project 3: ‘Zine                                     50 points    13%

Total                                                    350 points     100%

 

Grading Scale

A 93% +

A- 90–92%

B+ 87–89%

B 83–86%

B- 80–82%

C+ 77–79%

C 73–76%

C- 70–72%

D+ 67–69%

D 63–66%

D- 60–62%

F 59% –

 

Academic Integrity / Plagiarism

Plagiarism is the act of claiming someone’s work as your own through copying it without giving the creator of the work credit. Plagiarism can also include using another person’s theories, ideas, or phrases without proper attribution. The simplest way to avoid plagiarizing is to always cite the source from which you gather information or develop arguments. Plagiarism is a serious issue and is a violation of the PSU Student Conduct Code. (https://www.pdx.edu/dos/psu-student-code-conduct) Work that qualifies as plagiarism can result in failure from this course.

Code of Conduct and Title IX

Portland State is committed to fostering a safe, productive learning environment. Title IX and our school policy prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex, which regards sexual misconduct — including harassment, domestic and dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. We expect a culture of professionalism and mutual respect in our department and class. Please be aware that as a faculty member, I have the responsibility to report any instances of sexual harassment, sexual violence and/or other forms of prohibited discrimination to PSU’s Title IX Coordinator, the Office of Equity and Compliance or the Dean of Student Life and cannot keep information confidential. You may report any incident of discrimination or discriminatory harassment, including sexual harassment, to either the Office of Equity and Compliance or the Office of the Dean of Student Life. If you would rather share information about sexual harassment or sexual violence to a confidential employee who does not have this reporting responsibility, you can contact a confidential advocate at 503-725-5672 or by scheduling on-line (psuwrc.youcanbook.me) or another confidential employee found on the sexual misconduct resource webpage. For more information about your obligations and resources for sex/gender discrimination and sexual violence (Title IX), please complete the required student module Creating a Safe Campus in your D2L.