GRDSN 142
Print Production

GRDSN 121 or permission of instructor.

Concurrent enrollment:

None.

Course Description:

This is an intermediate course in computer graphics and printing technology. Projects involve using industry standard computer applications to create and edit pixel and vector images, create page layouts, and prepare files for commercial printing. Emphasized are color management, printing technology, file preparation for multiple color printing, Acrobat PDF workflow, raster image processing, cross-application data exchange and file troubleshooting.

Required Texts:

There is a suggested but not required text for this class. Getting It Printed: How to Work With Printers and Graphic Imaging Services to Assure Quality, Stay on Schedule and Control Costs (Links to an external site.) 4th Edition by Eric Kenly. We will reference Lynda.com. You can obtain a FREE Lynda.com account when you sign up for a library card through Spokane Public Library.

The class is comprised primarily of classroom instruction reinforced by ongoing in-class (Labs) and out-of-class (Homework) exercises, a midterm as well as a course final all of which count toward the final grade. Also contributing to your grade are Layout Reviews—one-on-one reviews of previous files created. This review and exercise count towards your final grade in this course. In addition, in-class participation and student professional conduct will be evaluated through a grading rubric / assessment.

Teaching / Learning Strategies:

Activities include but are not limited to:

• Lectures
• Exercises
• Labs
• Demonstrations
• Videos
• Quizzes
• Tours
• Midterm and Final Exam

Applications:
Adobe InDesign CC • Adobe Photoshop CC • Adobe Illustrator CC • Acrobat Pro DC • Acrobat Distiller

Student Evaluation

The class is comprised primarily of classroom instruction reinforced by ongoing in-class (Labs) and out-of-class (Homework) exercises, a midterm as well as a course final all of which count toward the final grade. Also contributing to your grade are Layout Reviews—one-on-one reviews of previous files created. This review and exercise count towards your final grade in this course. In addition, in-class participation and student professional conduct will be evaluated through a grading rubric / assessment.

Course Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the course, students should be able to:

1. Students will identify the various types of printing processes.
2. Students will analyze and troubleshoot files for print production
3. Students will construct digital layout and graphic files for print using current industry standards.
4. Students will use vector & raster art according to industry standards in documents to be printed on an offset press.
5. Students will discuss the various models of digital colors and color management, and apply them to digital images for both print and web.
6. Students will create PDF files for soft proofing, digital distribution, or offset press output.
7. Students will prioritize sending files to a print provider with all necessary components and instructions.
8. Students will plan and communicate with others in a graphic arts production environment.

Grading/Evaluation Policy

Your final grade is compromised of quizzes, midterm and final examinations. While exercises don’t impact your grade the MUST be submitted in order to receive a final grade. Failure to not submit WILL result in the failure of the class.

Exercises
Each week there will be a homework exercise. Exercises are graded as “complete” or “incomplete” basis. ALL exercises are to be completed by the end of the course. For each missing exercise your final grade will be lowered by one letter grade.

Quizzes – 50 pts.
At the beginning of each week there is a weekly quiz conducted on Canvas that covers the previous week’s content; from lectures, exercises, tours, video and labs. If you miss a quiz it cannot be made up.

Midterm Examination – 25 pts.
The midterm examination will be conducted on Canvas and the questions will be pulled from the first half of the assigned quizzes. If you miss the Midterm or Final Examination, it can be made up; however, doing so will result in the student recieving half the credit for that examination.

Final Examination – 25 pts.
The final examination will be on Canvas and the questions will be pulled from the first and second half of the course quizzes. If you miss the Midterm or Final Examination, it can be made up; however, doing so will result in the student recieving half the credit for that examination.

Grading / Evaluation Points:
The status of submissions and grades will be maintained on Canvas, however the final grade is compromised of the cumulative scores of quizzes, midterm, and final.

0 – 20 = 0.0

20 – 30 = 0.5

30 – 40 = 1.0

40 – 50 = 1.5

50 – 60 = 2.0

60 – 70 – 2.5

70 – 80 = 3.0

80 – 90 = 3.5

90 – 100 = 4.0

Note: Some courses are in sequence. If you receive a failing grade in a course, you may have to come back the following year to complete the SFCC Graphic Design A.A.S. degree. This course syllabus is only for the quarter listed above and the faculty may make appropriate changes. Also, future syllabi for this course may be different.

Attendance Policy
Attendance is crucial to your progress and will be taken at the beginning of every class.
The attendance policy is as follows:

3 Credit Course:  More than 6 absences = 0.0

Two late attendances = one absence.

Exceeding the allowable absences will result in failure of the course.

Exceptional circumstances
Exceptional circumstances are unexpected situations that will be considered on a case by case basis. Examples include the death of a close family member, serious illness or hospitalization. The faculty and student team, along with DSS staff where applicable, will work together to find solutions that may include additional extension time where possible, strategies to get back in sequence with the course, and specialized advising to adjust the education plan. In the most serious situations, where the best option is a full withdrawal from school, the college offers a medical withdrawal process through the Admissions/Registration Department.

Late Work Policy
All assigned exercises and projects are due either at the beginning of class (in the case of homework exercises and projects) or at the end of class (in the case of lab exercises) as specified by the course calendar.

Late coursework will be accepted however, will be assessed accordingly according to the grading rubric established. Exercises are graded on a “complete” or “incomplete” basis. ALL exercises are to be completed by the end of the course.

An extension due to extenuating circumstances such as health or other personal problems can be obtained by receiving permission from the instructor, either prior to or after the fact, by submitting appropriate written documentation to the college or by contacting the instructor directly. Please refer to the Spokane Falls Community College guidelines for further information.

 

Make-up Policy
For an absence to be excused a student will need to communicate to their instructor via email prior to an absence. Students need to complete any overdue work by the next class period, or by instructor arrangement.

 

Online Sessions Policy
A remote synchronous  learning environment is the same as in person learning environment. I expect you to be professional in your demeanor and time when class is in session.

Class activities and/or student presentations may be recorded. Recording any part of the online course without the permission of the faculty or students is a violation of the Standards of Conduct for Students, and those who do so are subject to the disciplinary process outlined in the conduct standards. Please see Standards of Conduct for Students (Links to an external site.) for more information.

• Attendance will still be taken.
  If you show up late or not at all you will still be held accountable and in line to the attendance policy. If you are close to or in jeopardy of I will reach out to bring to your attention. If you are in violation of, you may be subject to failure of the course
• Camera on.
  I expect all to have their camera’s on while class is in session. If your computer does not have a webcam, I would suggest purchasing one so that I can see that you are engaged while class is in session.
• Recording.
  On occasion I may record class sessions for demonstration and explanation purposes so be on your best behavior.
• Attire and Appearance.
  Remember that, even though you may be alone at home, your instructor and classmates can SEE you! While attending class in your pajama bottoms is a tempting option, you’ll want to make sure that you are presenting yourself in the best possible light at least from the waist up. Put on a clean shirt. Run a brush through your hair. Brush your teeth and put on deodorant… no, they can’t smell you through the screen but that is just good common hygene.
• Be aware of your surroundings.
  Your professor and classmates can also see BEHIND you. Make sure that there is nothing in the background (traffic, other people, a pile of laundry) that may distract from the class. While it is not necessarily the best choice to attend class from your messy bedroom, it may be the only place you can find peace and quiet away from roommates or family members. If that is the case, you can employ a Virtual Background (Links to an external site.) to hide what you don’t want seen.
• Mute is your friend.
  Once you log in to the virtual classroom, be sure to mute your microphone (lower left-hand corner). This will help to eliminate background noise that could distract others.
• Raise your hand and wait to be called upon.
  If you wish to speak, either physically raise your hand or use the “Raise Hand” button at the center of the bottom of your screen. Once the teacher calls on you, unmute yourself and begin speaking. When you have finished speaking, indicate you are done by saying something like “That’s all” or “Thank you” and then mute your microphone again.
  
• If you don’t have anything nice to say…
  The Zoom chat feature is a tool to make comments and ask questions without interrupting the speaker but be aware that your comments are public and are recorded in the minutes of the session. As you most likely learned in your first face-to-face classroom back in kindergarten, “If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all.”

 

COVID-19 POLICY

Mandatory Wearing of Face Coverings

In accordance with the Washington State mandate, all employees, students, and visitors will be required to wear masks (cloth face coverings) inside any building on campus (and outside whenever physical distancing is not possible). Face shields alone cannot be used as a face covering, but may be used in addition to the cloth covering. Students who seek a medical exception should be referred to DSS immediately. Students arriving without a mask can get one in Building 17 (Information Window) or Building 30 (Tutoring Center). Anyone who is not wearing a mask appropriately can be asked to leave the building. A poster  (Links to an external site.)has been developed and posted that shows proper mask wearing.

Mandatory Health Attestations

As required by the reopening requirements for Higher Education, all individuals who will be on-site are required to complete a daily attestation of health (absence of symptoms of COVID-19) before coming on campus. The  (Links to an external site.)link to the electronic form (Links to an external site.) for attestations is located on SFCC’s home page (top right corner). See the full Mandatory Health Attestation Protocol  (Links to an external site.)for more details.

Mandatory Safety Training for Students

All students, including those enrolled in online classes, will be emailed a link to a mandatory safety training  (Links to an external site.)(a four-minute video) before the start of the quarter, and have been told that they must complete the training prior to the first day of class. Towards completion of this requirement, feel free to:

•  Embed this training into your canvas shell and/or include it in your first day presentation.
•  Choose to show the video in class.
•  Choose to certify completion through Canvas.
•  If a student comes to an on-ground or hybrid class without having completed the training, ask them to leave until they have completed the training. Security can be called (x3333) for assistance if needed.

Other Policies

Campus Safety
Community Colleges of Spokane is committed to the safety and well being of students, faculty, and staff. The entire community is responsible for cooperating with one another to create a healthy and safe environment. Unfortunately, the actions of some create problems for others. At all times when you are on campus, or involved in campus activities, be mindful of the security of your possessions and cautious of your personal safety. Please report any suspicious activities to any faculty or staff member. Registered sex offenders may be enrolled at, employed by this college, or are attending classes in this facility. Persons interested in seeking the identity of these person(s) may obtain further information from: http://www.icrimewatch.net/index.php?AgencyID=54488 (Links to an external site.)

For Student Conduct Code Information access
http://apps.leg.wa.gov/WAC/default.aspx?cite=132Q-10 (Links to an external site.)

Faith and Conscience Policy:
Community Colleges of Spokane will grant reasonable accommodation so that grades are not impacted for students who are absent for reasons of faith or conscience, or for an organized activity conducted under the auspices of a religious denomination, church, or religious organization. Such absences must be requested in writing on the Class Absence Request form within two weeks of course start. There are no additional fees associated with this request. Faith and Conscience Policy Link (Links to an external site.)

Revised 08/17/2020