Capstone I syllabus [ART 4998]

Capstone I [ART 4998] specifically for graphic design majors

All students must be enrolled in GD V (ART 4405) the same semester they take Capstone I (4998-1 hour course credit. ) Capstone I will prepare students for GD VI (Professional Portfolio) and Capstone II. This is preliminary to taking GD VI (ART 4406) and enrollment in Capstone II  (2 hour course credit.) Every effort must be made to have this occur the semester previous to graduation and be immediately followed by enrollment in GD VI (4406) and Capstone II in the student’s final semester prior to graduation. Senior Exit Shows for Graphic Design will be group shows and will occur only during Spring Semester.

Course Objectives and Requirements:

During Capstone I, each student is expected to create a written evaluation of all Graphic Design assignments completed in all previous Graphic Design classes and their appropriateness for possible inclusion in a Professional Portfolio. This document will be created in consultation with the Graphic Design faculty and will include all specified requirements to create a well-rounded presentation to potential employers.  Included in this statement, each student will address their research into an intended specialty within the field of Graphic Design, including a thorough definition of their specific area of interest and a personal evaluation as to why this might be a good fit for their particular needs, interests and personality.

Candidates will then submit a written proposal of the project(s) (Statement of Intent) to be developed and completed for Capstone II. Each candidate’s portfolio and Senior Exit Show must contain a minimum of 7 of the following 9 projects depending on the candidate’s intended area of specialty:

• Multiple-page design project (example: magazine cover and spreads and/or home page and interior pages of website) that demonstrate’s the student’s skill in handling large amounts of text, visual hierarchy and balance of type and image.

• Project utilizing experimental/interpretive typography 

• Project utilizing original conceptual photography and/or illustration

• Branding and collateral system including logo, identity and supporting collateral, some 3-D capabilities

• Posters, book jackets or other items created in a series (must be at least 3 items)

• PSA, non-profit, social awareness or advertising campaign

• Publication, book, websites or brochure system

• Environmental design project (signage, exhibit design, wayfinding system, etc.)

• Other new projects developed with input of Graphic Design faculty (written proposal required)

These requirements are  intended to result in a well-rounded portfolio  of 12-15 pieces appropriate for use in interviews and employment applications .

Candidates will also:

1. Execute a body of work related to the proposal with input from Graphic Design faculty.

2. Participate in two Peer Review critiques during the semester 

3. Consistently re-evaluate their proposals and reflect on their progress.

4. Continue to re-define and hone their technical and conceptual studio abilities.

5. Generate the content for a professional resume and design a personal logo for use on a resume, business card, and website.

6. Students will create a basic personal professional website.

Learning Outcomes for Capstone I in Graphic Design

At the conclusion of this course, the candidate should be able to:

1. Articulate conceptual motivations  for all of their design decisions

2. Demonstrate a historical perspective and articulate artistic influences

3. Utilize an appropriate design and typographic vocabulary to successfully communicate a concept

4. Demonstrate critical understanding of their work and the creative process in relation to traditions inherent in contemporary graphic design practice.

Outcome Assessment

Peer Review and Faculty Committee critiques will be held with the candidate’s assigned Faculty Committee twice during the semester: at Mid-Term and at the final Senior Exit Show. During these sessions, the candidate’s progress will be evaluated in regard to quantity, quality and relevance. Class structure is intended to ensure that each candidate maintains momentum toward their defined goals in their Capstone sequence.

Capstone II, a BFA Exhibition and an oral defense will signify the culmination of the candidate’s academic career at University of West Georgia.

General Topics and Course Requirements:

• Mandatory attendance to two Peer and Faculty Review sessions

• Submission of a written proposal at the beginning of Capstone II

(Supervised by Graphic Design faculty)

• Submission of written research and Statement of Intent

• Design of personal logo to be used on a resume, business card and website

• Development of content for professional resume and website

Grades:

Grading scale:

100-90=A

89-80=B

79-70=C

69-60=D

under 59=F

Written assignment assessment and plan for production of work for  Exit Show: 100 pts

One Peer and Two Faculty Review meetings 100 pts

Written research and identification of intended specialty 100 pts

Faculty Evaluation 500 pts

Personal logo design 100 pts

Resume content/design , website content development 100 pts

The candidate’s final grade will be based on satisfactorily completing the above.

Please see other specific blog entries for Class Procedures, Grading Policies, Attendance Policies, Late Work Policy, Professional Behavior. These policies are the same for all graphic design courses taught by Joey Hannaford.