Course Title: Communication Design Studio D

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Communication Design Studio D

Credit Points: 12.00

Terms

Course Code	Campus	Career	School	Learning Mode	Teaching Period(s)
GRAP2279	City Campus	Undergraduate	335H Applied Communication	Face-to-Face	Sem 2 2006, Sem 2 2007, Sem 2 2008, Sem 2 2009
GRAP2279	City Campus	Undergraduate	345H Media and Communication	Face-to-Face	Sem 2 2010, Sem 2 2011, Sem 2 2012, Sem 2 2013, Sem 2 2014

Course Coordinator: David Cutter

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925 5355

Course Coordinator Email: david.cutter@rmit.edu.au

Course Coordinator Location: 9.05.13

Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

GRAP 2276 Communication Design Studio A

Course Description

This course is an introduction into the process of image-based communication - image as language. This study area aims to further develop an awareness of visual literacy of graphic, illustration and photographic-based imagery and exploring how meaning can be represented, and messages can be communicated through these forms. You will further your studies of composition and elements, art direction, and general understanding of sourcing imagery. The semester program will have an emphasis on techniques in creating, manipulating and managing images with the aim to achieve the desired effect and use in the intended context. Emphasis will be placed on a your ability for exploration, experimentation and self-discovery when creating or manipulating imagery that respond to certain themes, ideas and contexts, culminating in your knowledge and skills develops to creatively execute their  design tasks.

The key areas of study in Studio D include learning to use the elements of design – in particular form, colour and space through a series of practical projects that target various aspects of visualisation that students can utilize when working in graphics, illustration and photo images across a range of media.

The semester’ s activities are devised to enhance and assist the completion of four major projects in Studio D.

Throughout the semester, you will be required to respond to various creative exercises to contextualise the learning content within this course. 

You are encouraged to concentrate on your individual projects as well as being involved in group critiques for the benefit of appreciating the psychologies and interpretations of images. There is an emphasis on experimenting with a variety of mediums in order to expand a knowledge of form, figuration, space and colour as well as
investigating ways in which to adapt and alter interpretations of the image when transferred into the digital and print mediums.

Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

To provide students with a basic knowledge of graphics-based, illustration-based and 3-dimensional creation, exploration and management.

To develop students ability to initiate research, critique and review of progression through tasks and project brief both as an individual and collaborating in a group, and commitment to their own learning.

On successful completion, you will be able to:

• display a basic knowledge of image representation, to have a more developed appreciation of image as communication language.
• know about image as language and critically analyze it as a communication device.
  
• develop image-based visual literacy, perceptions, psychologies and strategies for communication outcomes and goals.
• display strategic thinking of identity and symbolism as communication and communication systems.
  
• develop 3-dimensional form construction literacy.
• develop and apply strategies for production of 3 dimensional communication outcomes
• know about image as language and critically analyze it as a communication device.

Overview of Learning Activities

You will be presented with projects that involve creative problems solving through developing visual skills in a variety of applications that demonstrate an understanding of the course topics. 

You will experience a range of graphics and photographic-based creative activities that aim to introduce and expand upon awareness, understanding, skills and techniques.

Framework
The Design Studio model will act as the framework for the transition towards professional engagement in the development of creative projects.

Essential attributes of a design studio experience are the ability to:
• work collaboratively and pro-actively with studio partners.
• devise an appropriate attendance and time management structure taking into account the requirements of all involved.
• substantiate all contributions to the studio output.
• put forward ideas and negotiate them through to final output.
• perform in a professional manner.
• consult in a timely and open way, where staff response and guidance is valued.

Under this professionally oriented system, it is required that student-designers:
• keep accurate and objective notes of all consultations with lecturers/tutors, peer reviews and group critique reviews.
• articulate your own responses to these comments and demonstrate a progressive attempt to deal with the issues raised.
• request ‘sign-off’ of any major benchmark periods before progressing on the project.
• identify and substantiate research, outside activities and self-directed study that leads to the successful completion of project work.


During tutorials there will be research discussion, an analysis of topics and a critique of ideas relating to the visual workshops offered as well as to the major projects in this course area. Group discussion and an interaction of ideas is central to the expansion of your self-awareness as well as a recognition of perspectives and interpretations. Group feedback is thus incorporated into the course, enabling you to have a greater understanding of image practices and their conceptual development. Participation in discussions develop your ability to develop analytical, critical and verbal communication skills.

Overview of Learning Resources

Copied handouts are distributed by the lecturers and/or made accessible electronically, and Texts may be recommended as required.

Overview of Assessment

Assessment will be a combination of individual briefs and group projects to address image based communication for design which will be required as a compendium folio of the course tasks and projects.  Student critiques, presentations (individual & group), tutorial and workshop activities are also part of your assessment.
You will be required to submit your Studio D compendium folio for a progress review and guide to assessment in Week 5 and again in Week 9.