Course Title: Extend expertise in a specialised art form to professional level

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term2 2014

Course Code: VART6299C

Course Title: Extend expertise in a specialised art form to professional level

School: 320T Architecture & Design

Campus: Brunswick Campus

Program: C6127 - Advanced Diploma of Graphic Design

Course Contact: Alistair Briggs

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 9196

Course Contact Email: alistair.briggs@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Nominal Hours: 80

Regardless of the mode of delivery, represent a guide to the relative teaching time and student effort required to successfully achieve a particular competency/module. This may include not only scheduled classes or workplace visits but also the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, including any non-classroom activities.

Pre-requisites and Co-requisites

None required.

Course Description

In this unit you will maintain and develop specialist knowledge and ideas in your professional design practice. You will build skills to respond to more complex technical and conceptual challenges. You will investigate individual and experimental ways to approach a design problem and gain experience in presenting the outcomes to the public.


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

CUVPRP606A Extend expertise in a specialised art form to professional level

Element:

1 Maintain currency of specialised knowledge in
professional practice

Performance Criteria:

1.1 Initiate own exposure to contemporary practice in chosen art form
1.2 Proactively identify and explore the potential of new and emerging technologies, materials and methodologies
1.3 Evaluate impacts of current and emerging trends on the creation of ideas, production of work and management of professional creative practice

Element:

2 Evolve ideas in a specialised art form

Performance Criteria:

2.1 Research historical and contemporary themes and concepts in chosen art form
2.2  Analyse the motivations, philosophies and cultural origins of different works in chosen art form
2.3  Identify new sources and research opportunities
2.4  Identify the potential for individualised or specialised research based on current
2.5 Evolve own ideas and develop innovative approaches
2.6 Hone and adapt concepts for work based on emerging ideas and research

Element:

3 Manage specialised resources

Performance Criteria:

3.1 Evaluate the requirements for the set-up, handling and storage of specialised materials, tools and equipment
3.2 Create resource management systems that support professional practice

Element:

4 Refine specialised technique to professional level

Performance Criteria:

4.1 Integrate command of technique, materials and process to create finished work of professional standard suitable for the public domain
4.2 Deepen individual engagement with techniques, ideas and the relationships between them
4.3  Apply critical and creative thinking to challenge, adapt and refine the creative work

Element:

5 Resolve technical and conceptual challenges

Performance Criteria:

5.1 Trouble shoot technical challenges that arise in the creation of work based on detailed
5.2 Develop innovative solutions that allow for experimental approaches
5.3 Find solutions that enhance the conceptual integrity of the work

Element:

6 Finish and prepare work for public presentation

Performance Criteria:

6.1 Finish work to a professional standard using specialised techniques for the chosen
6.2 Develop and apply effective approaches to safety and sustainability in the final preparation of work

Element:

7 Evaluate professional work

Performance Criteria:

7.1 Seek and apply constructive criticism from others
7.2 Evaluate work against planned strategy for own creative practice
7.3 Evaluate own work in the context of work by others
7.4 Adjust work processes and practice to improve technical, conceptual and commercial outcomes


Learning Outcomes


On successful completion of this course, you will have developed and applied the skills and knowledge required to demonstrate your competency in the above elements.


Details of Learning Activities

This course addresses the design process in a holistic way. It will support students to develop skills in areas such as design problem solving, concept development, design research, audience analysis, design production, application of design principles and design delivery. There is an emphasis on projects that simulate real world industry situations and finished graphic design work suitable for inclusion in an industry ready portfolio.

Learning activities will take place in a studio, workshop or classroom using industry standard tools and resources. You will complete exercises and industry style projects. You will also be required to undertake independent study.

In class activities may include:

  • class exercises
  • tutorials
  • practical demonstrations
  • workshops
  • group discussion
  • review and revision
  • peer learning
  • peer teaching and class presentations
  • teacher directed group activities/projects
  • workshopping of student projects including peer/lecturer feedback

Out of class activities may include:

  • independent research
  • independent project based work
  • studio practice
  • online tutorials and activities
  • review and revision


Teaching Schedule

Week Activities Elements
1

Summative assessment task 1:Corporate identity
Logo production - Investigate design solution

1.1 - 1.3, 2.1-2.6 
  Logo production - Develop design solution 1.1 - 1.3, 2.1-2.6
2 Logo production & Stationery production - Develop design solution  4.1-4.3, 5.1-5.3
  Logo production & Stationery production - Develop design solution
Project milestone - Logo finalised - Feedback from peers
 4.1-4.3, 5.1-5.3, 6.1-6.2, 7.1-7.4
3 Stationery production - Develop design solution 4.1-4.3, 5.1-5.3
  Stationery production - Refine design solution
Project milestone - Stationery finalised - Feedback from peers
4.1-4.3, 5.1-5.3, 6.1-6.2, 7.1-7.4
4

Website production - Extend and evolve design solution

4.1-4.3, 5.1-5.3
  Website production - Extend and evolve design solution
Project milestone - Website finalised - Feedback from peers
4.1-4.3, 5.1-5.3, 6.1-6.2, 7.1-7.4
5 Corporate identity production - Finalise project
Feedback from peers
4.1-4.3, 5.1-5.3, 7.1-7.4
  Fuji Xerox Introductory Presentation - Industry partner  3.1-3.2
6

Submission / Summative Task 1: Corporate ID
Production of test file for Fuji Xerox - Experiement for design solution

 3.1-3.2, 6.1-6.2
  Summative Task 2: Annual Report
Deliver test files to Fuji Xerox - Experiement for design solution
1.1 - 1.3, 2.1-2.6
7 Annual Report production - Develop design solution 1.1 - 1.3, 2.1-2.6
  Annual Report production - Develop design solution
Site visit to Fuji Xerox
 3.1-3.2
8 Annual Report production - Develop design solution  4.1-4.3, 5.1-5.3
  Annual Report production - Develop design solution  4.1-4.3, 5.1-5.3
9 Study Tour / Industry
 1.1
 

Study Tour / Industry

 1.1
10

Study Tour / Industry

 1.1
  Study Tour / Industry
 1.1
11 Annual Report production - Refine design solutions  4.1-4.3, 5.1-5.3
  Annual Report production - Refine design solutions 4.1-4.3, 5.1-5.3
12

Annual Report production - Finalise design solutions
Feedback from peers

4.1-4.3, 5.1-5.3, 6.1-6.2, , 7.1-7.4
  Submission / Summative Task 2: Annual Report 3.1-3.2, 6.1-6.2
13 Summative Task 3: Direct mail package 1.1 - 1.3, 2.1-2.6
  Direct mail package production - Develop design solution 1.1 - 1.3, 2.1-2.6
14 Direct mail package production - Develop design solution 4.1-4.3, 5.1-5.3
  Direct mail package production - Refine design solutions 4.1-4.3, 5.1-5.3, 6.1-6.2
15 Direct mail package production - Finalise design solutions
Feedback from peers
 6.1-6.2, 7.1-7.4
 

Submission / Summative Task 3: Direct mail package

 6.1-6.2

Please note: While your teacher will cover all the material in this schedule, the weekly order is subject to change depending on class needs and availability of speakers and resources.


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts

None required.


References

Ellen Lupton, 2011, Graphic Design Thinking: Beyond Brainstorming, Prinston Architectural Press

Debbie Millman, 2008, The essential principles of graphic design, Cinncinnati, Ohio : How Books

Timothy Samara, 2007, Design Elements: A graphic Style Manual, Rockport Publishers


Other Resources

You are advised to look at the course myRMIT site (Blackboard) and also for Google Docs and Google Groups via your student Google Account for ongoing updated information. A range of learning resources and references are provided throughout the year. Additional information relating to this will be provided on an ongoing basis. A digital resource folder resides on network server. Further information regarding access to this is available in the ‘Computer Survival Kit’ provided during orientation.

You will require a personal storage device and tools as outlined in tool kit list.

Amongst the library’s electronic resources is the ability to access Lynda.com for online tutorials and lessons. You may be given these tutorials (and other resources) to supplement your classroom learning.

RMIT will provide you with resources and tools for learning in this course through our online systems and access to specialised facilities and relevant software. You will also have access of the library resources.
resources.

The University Library has extensive resources for Graphic Design students. The Library has produced a subject guide that includes quality online and print resources for your studies http://rmit.libguides.com/graphicartanddesign

The Library provides guides on academic referencing http://www.rmit.edu.au/library/referencing and subject specialist help via your Liaison Librarian http://www.rmit.edu.au/library/librarians/dsc


Overview of Assessment

Assessment is on-going throughout the course. Assessment tasks will require you demonstrate the application of knowledge and skills through practical projects and/or written tasks. Assessment tasks are:

  • Design Project 1 
  • Design Project 2 
  • Design Project 3 


Assessment Tasks

Tasks in this course are either formative or summative. Feedback throughout the course may be written, verbal or a combination of both.

Formative tasks provide the basis for ongoing feedback and can be considered essential building blocks for the more substantial summative assessment tasks and you should engage in all formative tasks.

This course has two Summative Tasks, all of which must be completed. Each task has an allocated percentage of the total grade. You are required to demonstrate all learning outcomes to a satisfactory standard.

Formative Assessment tasks:
During this course you will undertake a range of formative assessment tasks including:

  • Design constraints exercises
  • Client analysis
  • Audience analysis
  • Explorative drawing exercises
  • Moodboard development
  • Thumbnail and compositional production
  • Creating visual elements
  • Client presentation

Summative assessment task 1:
Corporate identity – Due week 6

Summative assessment task 2:
Annual report – Due week 12

Summative Assessment Task 3:
Direct mail package - Due week 15

Grades which apply to courses delivered in accordance with competency-based assessment, but which also use graded assessment
CHD – Competent with High Distinction
CDI – Competent with Distinction
CC – Competent with Credit
CAG – Competency Achieved - Graded
NYC – Not Yet Competent
DNS – Did Not Sit


Assessment Matrix

An assessment matrix demonstrating alignment of assessment tasks with the relevant Unit of Competency is available from the course contact person (stated above).

Other Information

Attendance

The major aspect of your learning experience involves studio based exercises, demonstration and production. It is strongly advised that you attend all sessions in order to engage in the required learning activities, ensuring the maximum opportunity for success.

Feedback

You will receive verbal and written feedback by teacher on your work. This feedback also includes suggestions on how you can proceed to the next stage of developing your projects. Student feedback at RMIT (unresolved)

Student Progress

Monitoring academic progress is an important enabling and proactive strategy to assist you to achieve your learning potential. Student progress policy (unresolved)

Special consideration Policy (Late Submission)

All assessment tasks are required to be completed to a satisfactory level. If you are unable to complete any piece of assessment by the due date, you will need to apply for an extension. Special consideration

Submissions

When submitting work for assessment you are required to complete a declaration of authorship. This must be done for every summative assessment task. This statement acknowledges that you are aware of the plagiarism implications. For non-digital submission use the printed form provided. For digital online submission please use e-Submission process.Information regarding the e-Submission process

Academic Integrity and Plagiarism

RMIT University has a strict policy on plagiarism and academic integrity. Please refer to the website for more information on this policy go to Academic Integrity. Academic Integrity (unresolved)
 

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