Syllabus

= = = News Graphics = JRN 338 ▼ School of Journalism ▼ Michigan State University ▼ Spring 2011 ▼ 3 Credits

//Schedule an appointment whenever possible!//
 * Classes held:** Monday/Wednesday, 9:10 am to noon
 * Room:** CommArts 236
 * Instructor:** the incredible Karl Gude
 * Phone:** 203-856-0320 (emergencies only)
 * Office Hours:** Tuesday and Thursday, 10 am to noon
 * Email:** karlgude@gmail.com
 * Class wiki:** http://jrn338.wikispaces.com
 * Class Wordpress site for posting homework**: http://homeworkjrn338ss11.wordpress.com/home/
 * Wordpress login for posting homework**: jrn338student (email me if you forgot the password)
 * Class Twitter:** JRN338 (hashtag #JRN338)
 * Office:** Room 215 upstairs in the Oyer building on the side nearest Wilson. There is an entrance on the Wilson side.



OBJECTIVES When text and visuals come together they become a powerful tool for conveying information simply and effectively. Used heavily by news organizations and a variety of other industries, information graphics have become essential in the communication of ideas, knowledge and data. In this creative, hands-on class you will learn how to design diagrams, maps and charts using drawings, photos and other images. You will work with programs like Adobe Illustrator, InDesign and Flash.

To achieve these goals you will be assigned exercises and projects that will require research and the use of images and type. You will be expected to use Adobe InDesign or Illustrator and other specialized software to execute some of your design solutions (however, this is a graphics course, not a software course, though instruction will be provided).

This is a beginning class. You will be expected to know, by the end of the semester, how to: • Interpret information visually using a variety of tools. • Create maps, charts and diagrams to communicate this information. • Use Adobe Illustrator and Flash to create them

COURSE ORGANIZATION This is a three-credit course. The lab is open at 8 a.m. and this is an ideal time to work on projects, which will take longer to create than class time will allow. It is your responsibility to organize your time in order to meet the deadlines.

The course is a blend of lecture, during class time, and assignmets you will complete out of class. During class time we will also critique professional and student work.

ATTENDANCE You are expected to attend all classes. Explanations of projects and demonstrations of procedures for completing projects will take place in class. I will not go over material if you were out unless you have a written note from a doctor. If you miss more than two classes without instructor approval you will be docked 20 points for each day you miss. You must attend the last two class periods of the semester. Failure to do so will result in a 300 point deduction in your final grade.

TARDIES Class begins at the scheduled time. Please be on time so that you don’t disrupt the class. Consistent tardiness will result in you and I having a conversation in my office (the hallway!) and a possible lowering of your grade. ASSIGNMENTS AND GRADING

Critique a graphic: **100 points** Map: **100** Charts: **100** Labeled drawing: **100** Print graphic: **2****00** Small Flash graphic: **100** Final project: 5**00** (Attendance) **–20** points for each missed class past two absences Total points: **1,300**
 * Projects:**

PROJECTS AND DEADLINES All work is submitted to your Wiki and is due 2 hours before class. People in the communication industry live or die by deadlines. In this class project deadlines are just that. Failure to complete all course work may be the basis for a zero in the course.

Projects MUST be labeled correctly, with your full name and the project name. Example: Karl Gude Charts In addition to scheduled classes, students should EXPECT to utilize some of the posted open lab time in order to satisfactorily com- plete work and meet deadlines.

SUPPLIES • A removable jump drive for backing up work (a crashed file or computer will not be an excuse for a late assignment. Save often, and take your file with you.)

IMPORTANT INFORMATION The School of Journalism adheres to the policies on academic honesty as specified in General Student Regulations 1.0, Protection of Scholarship and Grades, and in the all-University Policy on Integrity of Scholarship and Grades, which are included in Spartan Life: 1998 Student Handbook and Resource Guide and on the MSU Web site.

Academic Honesty: Students are expected to do their own work on all assignments. Students who cheat, fabricate or plagiarize will receive a 0.0 on the assignment and may fail this course. Plagiarism means the appropriation of another person’s ideas, processes, results or words without giving proper credit. Article 2.3.3.of the Academic Freedom Report states that “the student shares with the faculty the responsibility for maintaining the integrity of scholarship, grades, and professional standards.” In addition, the School of Journalism adheres to the policies on academic honesty as specified in General Student Regulations 1.0, Protection of Scholarship and Grades, and in the all-University Policy on Integrity of Scholarship and Grades, which are included in Spartan Life: Student and Handbook and Resource Guide.

Classroom Conduct: Students are expected to conduct themselves in an appropriate manner in the classroom. As noted in the University’s Code of Teaching Responsibility, this involves “the right of faculty members to conduct classes, and of students to participate in those classes, without interference or disruption.” Additionally, section 2.3.5 in the “Academic Freedom for Students at Michigan State University” report states that, “the student’s behavior in the classroom shall be conducive to the teaching and learning process for all concerned.” If a student’s behavior is so disruptive that it interferes with the teaching and learning process, the student may be required to leave the classroom and could be referred to the student judicial affair’s office for a disciplinary hearing.

If you need or want to request an accommodation for a disability, call the Office of Programs for Handicapper Students at 353-9642 (voice) or 355-1293 (TTY). You will be required to provide instruction from OPHS to your course instructor. If you wish to be absent from class to observe a religious holiday, make arrangements in advance with the instructor. If you miss class to participate in a required activity for another course, provide the instructor with adequate advanced notice and a written authorization from the faculty member of the course.