Syllabus Spring 2024

History of Design Communication

DSGN.200.01

GHH: 208

Monday-Thursday 3:30 -4:50 pm

Office hours:

Monday 2:30pm – 3:30 pm or by appointment

(HOURS SUBJECT TO CHANGE)

Office: GHH 325 & Zoom

cell. 508.965.6642

Email: ekowalski@rwu.edu

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course fulfills a requirement in the Graphic Design Core Concentration. The focus of this course is the study of historical inventions, trends, and trendsetters as forces that have shaped the contemporary image of graphic design communications. The course covers a period beginning with the invention visual communication, the advent of printing press and ending with digital imaging.The invention of the printing press, the industrial revolution, the ongoing development of the computer and other significant evolutions have influenced how we view visual imagery.

All members of this class have something to offer and can learn from each other. Therefore, active participation by all students is encouraged. All students are expected to read and review the relevant course material before class in order to make the class discussion as rich as possible and to fully examine all issues and questions.

It is expected that students will work on average approximately 3 hours per academic hour outside of class. At varying points during the semester, this may increase or decrease for research and writing intensive moments. Allocating about 7-13 hrs per week to focus on this course is recommended.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

During the course of our study we will:

Address origins and objects of visual communication, which aids in making history directly relevant to the practice of design;

Identify the relationship of graphic design to the larger social, economic, political and cultural contexts.
Identify the significant contributions and contributors in the history of design providing a context for the current and future state of design.
Examine design communications in a global environment.
Discover and examine significant technological advances as well as contributions of significant people over the course of time relating to visual communications.

ATTENDANCE

Per the University Academic Standards: Regular attendance in classes is expected of all students. Professors announce attendance policies to all classes by the end of the first week of classes during each semester. If a student fails to comply with a professor’s attendance policy, as stated in the course syllabus, the professor may ask the Registrar to administratively withdraw the student from the course.

Three unexcused absences will result in the lowering of your grade, one letter grade. After 6 absences, the student will be withdrawn from the course if prior to university withdraw date; otherwise student will automatically receive an F for the course. There will be no excuse for missing class unless approved by the instructor. Students must directly speak to the instructor in advance of the absence or within 24 hours of a missed session to have it approved. In the event of illness, a doctor’s note is recommended. An email message or voice mail message does not necessarily constitute an approved absence. Chronic lateness or leaving early is disruptive to the class as a whole…thus, three tardies shall be considered one absence. You will be also be marked absent if you are over half an hour late, leave class early.

To have an absence be considered excused, with no exceptions, you must: notify me within 24 hours of the absence via email (ekowalski@rwu.edu) and provide written documentation of the excuse (doctor’s note, ect) within 1 week.

ASSIGNMENTS

Deadlines are a major factor in the operation of any work environment. Therefore, all assignment deadlines are absolute. No work will be accepted beyond its due date. Turn in your work by the deadline even if you feel it is unfinished. It’s better to be present and participating during class discussions. Assignments turned in on time can be revised during the last three weeks of the semester. If you are unable to turn an assignment in at it’s proper time for a legitimate reason, you must make arrangements with the instructor beforehand and must receive permission for a different due date.

Participation 10%

Complete the assignments given and participate fully during class sessions. It is essential that you ask questions and share opinions during discussions. Participation involves giving attention, looking, listening, preparing questions and sharing thoughts. Participation helps you learn to be more articulate and prepares you for a career as a professional.

Homework 30%

This is a brief response and general outline of the reading. Make note of what you found most interesting, least interesting, anything confusing, etc. Ask questions, connect the material from past readings, summarize in your words. These will not be evaluated based on writing skills, but rather level of comprehension and reflection on the material. Points may be deducted for improper submissions or not enough content. Readings are assigned for most class sessions and should be completed prior to that session so that you are prepared to discuss the material relevant to class each day. See calendar.

Examinations 30%

Test will be given on Bridges on the dates posted on the class blog. If you have some sort of legitimate reason why you will be unable to take the exam on the day that an examination is given you must notify me prior to or with 24 hours of the missed session. For example if your driving and get a flat tire (or some sort of other unfortunate thing that is not your fault) , contact me right away. If you can provide photographic evidence or some sort of receipt with a date. Then I may be able accommodate you with an extension.

The format for these exams will be a combination of slide identification, matching or short answer as well as possible take home assignment components

Research Paper 30% + Manifesto extra credit

You will have a semester long formal research paper. This will be discussed in more detail at a later date. You will also have the opportunity to write brief manifesto or mission statement for extra credit. This will be discussed in more detail at a later date.

STUDENTS ACCESSIBILITY SERVICES

The University commits to providing reasonable accommodations for students with documented disabilities. Students with disabilities (including medical conditions) who need accommodations to fully participate in this class are urged to contact Student Accessibility Services, as soon as possible, to explore the arrangements needed to be made to assure access.

If you are a student that requires academic accommodations and are not currently registered with Student Accessibility Services; please complete the Registration form and upload documentation following instructions after clicking on the yellow Clockwork button on the SAS websitehttps://www.rwu.edu/undergraduate/academics/student-academic-success/student-accessibility-services-sas

If you are already registered with SAS please click on the yellow clockwork button on the SAS website and request your Faculty notifications letters for this course. If you do not request your letters, faculty are under no obligation to provide academic accommodations.

Student Accessibility Services is located on the first floor of the University Library and is open Monday through Friday from 8:00AM to 5:00PM. They can be reached at sas@rwu.edu and 401-254-3841. For any further questions please reach out to sas@rwu.edu

Information on The Tutoring Center:

The Tutoring Center, which is comprised of the Math, Science, Writing, Language, SECCM and Business Centers is located on the second floor of the Main Library. You can walk in and see a peer tutor; appointments for faculty tutors are encouraged. All tutoring is free. You are encouraged to visit the Center to ask questions, whether it’s about course-specific tutoring, specialized study groups, or how to get the most out of tutoring. In addition, the Writing Center offers a second option for tutoring: an email tutoring system called WritingHelp (https://rwu.edu/go/writinghelp or go to rwu.edu and enter “WritingHelp” in the search bar). The WritingHelp email system is not in-person tutoring; for in-person help, please come into the Writing Center.

The Tutoring Center provides assistance from Monday – Thursday 9am – 8pm; Friday 9am – 3pm; Sunday 5pm – 8pm. For more information and tutor schedules, please go to https://rwu.edu/go/tutoring or go to rwu.edu and enter “Tutoring” in the search bar.

STUDENT PLEDGE TO ACADEMIC INTEGRITY

All RWU students adhere to the university’s policies regarding academic integrity:

http://rwu.edu/academics/academic-affairs/academic-standards

We, the students of Roger Williams University, commit ourselves to academic integrity. We promise to pursue the highest ideals of academic life, to challenge ourselves with the most rigorous standards, to be honest in any academic endeavor, to conduct ourselves responsibly and honorably, and to assist one another as we live and work together in mutual support.

Title IX Policies

Roger Williams University fosters a campus free of power-based personal violence including sexual harassment, sexual assault, relationship/domestic violence, stalking, and/or any form of sex or gender-based discrimination. If you disclose a personal experience as described above, either verbally or in writing, the course instructor is required to notify the Title IX Coordinator. To disclose any such violence confidentially, contact one of the resources listed below:

The RWU Counseling Center – 401-254-3124
Health Services – 401-254-3156

Additional information regarding your rights and resources are available at: RWU Title IX

Tutoring Opportunities

Mental Health and Wellness

Recommended language:

If you are feeling stressed, worried, or down during the semester, or if you notice signs of emotional distress in someone else, here are some campus resources:

Office of Student and Family Assistance 401-254-3042

The Counseling Center 401-254-3124

Public Safety (available 24/7/365 at 401-254-3333.

If you or someone you know needs to talk to someone right now, text or call 988 or chat 988lifeline.org for a free, confidential conversation with a trained counselor 24/7.

You can also call the Counseling Center at 401-254-3124 after hours, following the prompts to be immediately connected to a professional who can provide crisis intervention. If you are off-campus in the Bristol area, call East Bay Center (available 24/7/365) at 401-246-0700.

Additional resources are available on the RWU Counseling Center website.

INCLEMENT WEATHER / CANCELLATIONS

RWU utilizes an RWU Alert system which serves as the University’s primary communications tool for alerting campus community members to urgent situations. When activated, the system sends phone, email, and text messages regarding incidents that could affect their safety. The University also hosts an emergency siren warning system that broadcasts alarms and voice instructions when activated. In the case of a fire alarm, individuals should proceed outside of the building. All buildings include instructions on what to do in the event of each type of emergency.

Additional information regarding what to do in the event of a campus emergency can be found here: https://www.rwu.edu/undergraduate/student-life/about-student-life/policies-guidelines/emergency-procedures

Campus emergency contact information is located on the website here: https://www.rwu.edu/undergraduate/current-students/emergency-info

The numbers for campus emergency contacts are as follows:

Emergency: 401-254-HELP (4357)

Public Safety: 401-254-3611

Health Services: 401-254-3156

Environmental Health

& Safety: 401-254-3611 or 401-254-4357

Facilities: 401-254-3136

Counseling Center: 401-254-3124

COVID-19 Classroom Protocols

Mask wearing (high quality N95 or KN95) in indoor settings is considered an effective and recommended practice by the Centers for Disease Control and the American College Health Association and has been proven effective at RWU. The University reserves the right to require mask wearing in any indoor setting when deemed necessary, and we support any individual who chooses to wear a mask to protect themselves or others.

EMERGENCIES CALL 911 or Roger Williams Public Safety 401-254-3333

Campus Notifications: If you hear a fire alarm inside, proceed outside. If you hear a siren outside, proceed inside.