Course Title: Research visual communication history and theory
Part B: Course Detail
Teaching Period: Term2 2018
Course Code: COMM7341C
Course Title: Research visual communication history and theory
School: 320T Architecture & Urban Design
Campus: Brunswick Campus
Program: C5359 - Diploma of Graphic Design
Course Contact: Alistair Briggs
Course Contact Phone: +61 9925 9446
Course Contact Email: alistair.briggs@rmit.edu.au
Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff
Dale Nason
dale.nason@rmit.edu.au
Nominal Hours: 55
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
While undertaking this course you will research visual communication history and theory and apply that research to your own professional practice. Visual communication professionals inform and enrich their practice through their understanding of history and theory. This study will provide context, inspiration and reference for your design solutions. History and theory may relate to a particular period of time, a particular aspect of visual communication, or be broader in nature.
National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria
National Element Code & Title: |
CUAGRD501 Research visual communication history and theory |
Element: |
1 Select focus for research |
Performance Criteria: |
1.1 Select a focus for visual communication research based on specific needs and perspectives 1.2 Challenge own assumptions and preconceptions about the research process and potential information sources 1.3 Select relevant historical and contemporary sources for investigation |
Element: |
2 Conduct critical analysis |
Performance Criteria: |
2.1 Identify and investigate issues and ideas in the development of visual communication 2.2 Evaluate ways in which meanings, messages and information are communicated in both a historical and contemporary content 2.3 Seek out and compare the critical views of others in chosen area of inquiry 2.4 Allow the process of analysis to take exploration of issues in new and potentially unintended directions |
Element: |
3 Present ideas about visual communication history and theory |
Performance Criteria: |
3.1 Develop substantiated opinions and ideas about visual communication history and theory 3.2 Make informed contributions to professional discussions of visual communication practice as a result of research 3.3 Present ideas in writing with clarity and accuracy |
Element: |
4 Develop own practice from research |
Performance Criteria: |
4.1 Determine potential for integration of research findings into own work 4.2 Relate visual communication history and theory to business practice considerations 4.3 Recognise connections and associations between history, theory and contemporary practice 4.4 Develop relevant ideas about how research impacts on own professional practice and its future direction |
Learning Outcomes
Details of Learning Activities
Learning activities will take place in a studio and computer laboratory 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 will 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
This course, COMM7341C - Research visual communication history and theory - is delivered face-to-face in combination with COMM5974C - Make a Presentation. The combined timeline is presented here as a complete reference to the combined session delivery. The courses are clustered on Canvas under the title: HISTORY, THEORY & PRESENTATION.
Additionally 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. There will be a number of prescribed tasks and projects (see Assessment Tasks below).
Week |
Topics & Activities | Feedback & Assessment | Learning Elements COMM7341C |
Learning Elements COMM5974C |
Week 1 |
O'Week Timetable | |||
Week 2 |
Assignment #1 Project Brief: delivered |
1 - 4 | 1 | |
Week 3 |
Project Development: First ideas workshop | 1 - 4 | 1 | |
Week 4 |
Feedback: Critical discourse & concept generation | Feedback | 1 - 4 | 1 |
Week 5 |
Project Development: Concept development and graphic design production. Presentation development. |
1 - 4 | 1 - 2 | |
Week 6 |
Assignment #1 Presentation: Poster design concept & rationale. |
Assignment #1 Presentation Peer Feedback |
1 - 4 | 1 - 2 |
Week 7 |
Project Development: Individual tuition & production | 1 - 4 | ||
Week 8 |
Assignment #1 |
Assignment #1 Submission |
1 - 4 | 1 |
Week 9 |
Assignment #1 Display of poster outcomes. Review of presentation with critical feedback relevant to Assignment #2 presentation. Assignment #2 Presentation development. Research task due. |
Display & Critical Review Research task due - feedback |
1 - 4 | 1 - 3 |
Week 10 |
Assignment #2 Presentation: Designer booklet subject & rationale |
Assignment #2 Presentation Peer Feedback |
1 - 4 | 1 - 3 |
BREAK | NO SESSIONS - Break duration 2 weeks | |||
Week 11 | Project Development - individual tuition |
1 - 4 | 1 - 2 | |
Week 12 | Project Development: Test print and mock-up Present Book Version #1 to small group review. | Feedback | 1 - 4 | 1 - 3 |
Week 13 | Project Development: Layout development, content finalization | 1 - 4 | 1 | |
Week 14 | Project Development: Print & Book construction towards final outcomes | 1 - 4 | 1 | |
Week 15 | Project Submission: Outcomes due by end of session. Photographic documentation | Assignment #2 DUE | 1 - 4 | 1 - 2 |
Week 16 | Project Presentation: Display of book outcomes and discussion | Display & Review | 1 - 4 | 1 - 3 |
Learning Resources
Prescribed Texts
References
Other Resources
Prescribed Texts
There are no compulsory prescribed texts in this course. This course has recommended books listed under ‘References’
You are advised to look at the Learning Hub at myRMIT site for ongoing updated information. A range of learning resources and references are provided throughout the year.
You will require a personal storage device and tools as outlined in tool kit list.
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 to the library resources.
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. The University Library has extensive resources for 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 exercises and written reports. The assessment tasks are:
Projects
An assessment charter summarises your responsibilities as an RMIT student as well as those of your teachers.
Assessment Tasks
Assessment tasks (Projects) in this clustered unit provide opportunity to achieve competency in all required assessment criteria. Feedback throughout the course may be written, verbal or a combination of both.
This course has 2 Graded Assignments, both of which must be completed/submitted.
Each comprises:
- a Presentation during development of the subject, concept & design rationale
- a Design outcome that satisfies all requirements of the Assignment
You are required to demonstrate all assessment criteria to a satisfactory standard to achieve competency.
When competency is determined, a graded outcome will be assessed.
Both Assessment Tasks are equally weighted (50%) in regards to the final graded outcome.
Assignments
Project 1: Poster.
Poster design (with real-world competition entry where possible).
DUE: Week 8
Project 2: Booklet.
Present your research of a designer identity in the form of a book.
DUE: Week 15
Grades which apply to courses delivered in accordance with competency-based assessment, but which also use graded assessment are:
CHD Competent with High Distinction
CDI Competent with Distinction
CC Competent with Credit
CAG Competency Achieved - Graded
NYC Not Yet Competent
DNS Did Not Submit for Assessment
Assessment Matrix
The assessment matrix demonstrates alignment of assessment tasks with the relevant Unit of Competency. These are 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 Progress
Monitoring academic progress is an important enabling and proactive strategy to assist you to achieve your learning potential. Student progress policy
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 eSubmission process
Special Consideration Policy, Late Submission & Extensions
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. Pick the following link for details on applying for Special consideration
Reasonable adjustment is available and may be applied through the Special Consideration process. Any student seeking an extension, should aim at doing so a minimum of 2 days before the deadline. Work submitted late and without an extension at any point will incur late penalties in accordance with university policy. If you require an extension you must complete an extension form with evidence supporting your application and hand this to your instructor. Further links Application for extension of time
On Time Submission and Impact of Late Submission
On time submission is an important factor in your assessment. Employability skills are embedded in all courses and these include Planning & Organising and Self-management. For this reason, late work impacts on your overall grade for each assessment task.
The following adjustments for late submission will be made: Work submitted late will be assessed for competency only. Submissions are only permitted during the period that the competency is scheduled.
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
Course Overview: Access Course Overview