DESIGN FOUNDATIONS 4 FOR GRAPHIC DESIGN
Instructors:
Sam Ladwig
Office: A&D 115C 
E-mail: sladwig@uco.edu
Phone: 405.301.3513
Office Hours via Slack: MT Noon-2:30pm
or by appointment
Tuesday and Thursday: 9-11:50am
DES 1053 / CRN 21825
Evans Hall, Room 007
Gia Rose
E-mail: grose1@uco.edu
Office: Library 315 C 
Office Hours via Slack:
Wednesday 11:30 am – 4:30 pm
or by appointment.
Tuesday and Thursday, 12:00 PM - 2:50 PM
DES 1053 / CRN 23905
Evans Hall, Room 007
Holly Shropshire
E-mail: hshropshire@uco.edu
Office Hours: 15 mins before and after class
Tuesday and Thursday: 6-8:50pm
DES 1053 / CRN 22450
Evans Hall, Room 007
Course Description
This course, designed to work in tandem with Design Foundations III, will continue to hone critical thinking, conceptual development, and craft in the 3-dimensional environment. Students will explore creativity within constraint though projects that require invention, innovative use of materials and teamwork. This course will culminate in a Freshman Portfolio Review. Prerequisite(s): DES 1023 and 1033. Enrollment open to design majors and minors only. Concurrent enrollment in DES 1043 is required. For interior design majors concurrent enrollment with DES 1412 is required.
Transformative Learning Statement
At the University of Central Oklahoma, we help students learn by providing transformative experiences so that they may become productive, creative, ethical and engaged citizens and leaders contributing to the intellectual, cultural, economic and social advancement of the communities they serve. In this course the transformative experiences include learning of discipline based knowledge (1), research, creative & scholarly activities (2), and health & wellness (3).
Learning Outcomes
A student who successfully completes this course will be able to:
- Use the library and other resources to gain technical expertise on a specific subject (2)
- Follow step-by-step instructions on how to construct a complex object (1)
- Use the photo studio lights, camera, and computer to photograph project artifacts (1)
- Frame and photograph objects in a way that uses the camera to create specific aesthetics (1)
- Use basic value (levels) and color correction (hue and saturation) tools in Photoshop (1)
- Set up a specified grid structure and place images using InDesign software.(1)
- Typeset captions and titles using specific fonts (typeface, weight, and scale) using InDesign (1)
- Deconstruct, analyze, modify, and reconstruct complex 3D objects (1)
- Use the design process to work toward a solution through a series of experiments (2)
- Temper frustration and work through difficult design and craft problems (3)
- Demonstrate strong craftsmanship using an Xacto knife, ruler, and paper products (1)
- Synthesize a design concept from external prompts (2)
- Typeset a headline, an intro (aka a deck or kicker), and body text using InDesign (1)
- Lay out a two page spread that includes a headline, an intro, body text, and a full bleed image using InDesign (2)
- Find and use stock imagery in a manner consistent with licensing restrictions of the image (1)
- Create meaning through the use of type, images and the relationship between them (2)
- Photograph a small object at a descriptive and yet dynamic angle (1)
- Use Photoshop to reduce value information from a photograph (1)
- Trace an object digitally using vector creation and editing tools (1)
- Research common and necessary information for simple product packaging (2)
- Typeset product information (2)
- Use existing packaging die-lines to lay out text and digital vector illustration  (1)
- Transfer (i.e. print) digital illustration to flat media with the 3-dimensional composition in mind (2)
- Assemble a simple product comprehensive (1)
- Demonstrate the safe use of materials and tools (3)
Evaluation
Your work will be evaluated according to the following criteria:
-Exploration: Was your research of the assignment thorough? Did you explore many potential solutions? Did you create goals, objectives and priorities for your design solution?
- Concept: Did the design have a strong, inventive, appropriate and identifiable concept/ idea? Was the solution creative and original?
- Composition: Was the piece well composed, such that the design was visually pleasing and used the elements included to best support the concept? Did the composition carry the message in such a way that the design enabled the message to sing out or did the composition get in the way of the message? Did the design display an appropriate hierarchy? Did all elements and the composition itself work to communicate the concept/message to the viewer?
-Craft and Presentation: Was your design/project well crafted? Were you able to pitch your design work clearly and succinctly visually and orally?
-Professionalism: Were you on-time and exhibit active participation during full class periods on remote days and face-to-face days? Did you bring the proper materials to work in class or remotely? Did you use time in class effectively and meet all interim deadlines? Did you put the appropriate amount of time into the project? Did you ask for help or clarification when necessary? Did you provide and apply constructive criticism regularly?
FOUNDATIONS and the culture of design
These courses are intense. They are designed to set you up for successful completion of the design program which is competitive and performance-based. Take advantage of the time to work in class, to get feedback on your work AS YOU’RE DOING IT, so that you have the opportunity to change course if your design is not working. My goal is not to be your jailer, but to guide you through the design process BEFORE the final project is due and it’s too late to make changes. Merely completing a project is absolutely not a guarantee of a passing grade! We are concerned about your success. If you need help ask for it early, don’t wait until the end of the project! You may also visit Sam Ladwig, Foundations Director, with any questions or concerns you may have (sladwig@uco.edu or 405-301-3513).
Keys to success:
Attend class regularly and on time. Meet deadlines. Take thorough notes. Participate in class discussions and critiques. Show a strong sense of concept and design. Do your absolute best on each project and push yourself to do even better on the next project. Strive to be perfect in both concept and craft. Do more than is asked. NEVER settle for good enough! Be inventive! Think! Experiment! Bring a positive, enthusiastic, open mental attitude! Take advantage of this opportunity to be responsible for your own education!
Road to failure: 
Don’t come to class. Don’t complete the projects to the absolute best of your ability. Disrupt class often with snide and personal insults directed at students’ work or at them personally. Don’t participate in-class critiques. Decide you want to drop the class but don’t fill out or file the appropriate paperwork by the correct deadline. Panic about your grade at the end of the semester. Don’t ask questions when you have questions and need clarification. Decide you’re not responsible for your own education and expect me to somehow pour the information and necessary practice into your brain.
Work habits: 
These classes require lots of work outside class! As a conservative estimate, you should plan to spend 2 hours outside of class for every one hour in class.
Class participation:
You are expected to take an active part in this class. Come prepared to discuss the strengths and weaknesses of your classmates’ work as well as your own. You are expected to offer, as well as accept, constructive criticism. The ability to effectively articulate and explain your ideas and design decisions is a critical skill that you must develop. Treat your classmates professionally at all times.
We will have a critique almost every class period, and when I am not lecturing/critiquing you are expected to be working in class. This allows you the benefit of real-time feedback from both your peers and your instructor. Take advantage of your class time; the constant interchange of ideas usually leads to better, stronger design solutions.
Submissions 
Projects are due at the start of class on the assigned due date. Projects turned in after that will not be accepted (even one minute late!!). This means you will earn a failing grade on that project. If you will be unavailable on a due date, make arrangements to turn in projects early.
Grades:
You will eventually be hired based on your portfolio which creative directors will review and compare to other designers they’ve seen before hiring someone. Your ability to set yourself apart in concept and execution will determine your success in this field both academically and in the professional world.
Grades will be an assessment of how completely you have explored an idea, researched the project, the success of the design in solving the assigned problem, uniqueness, CRAFT, and presentation. All projects are important, so no project is weighted more than the next. Check the project statement at the beginning of each project AND at the tight rough phase to insure that you don’t lose points for not following project guidelines.
Grading scale:
A+100    A  95    A- 90   
B+ 89     B  85    B- 80
C+ 79     C  75    C- 70
D+ 69     D  65   D- 60
F 59 and below
Note: You must hit the break-over point on your own. For example, 89.9 is not 90 and will not be rounded up or down. It is what it is.
Attendance and Tardiness
Attendance is REQUIRED FOR ALL CLASS MEETINGS. Remember, that every absence is a missed opportunity to learn from the instructor and your peers. However life can create circumstances that make perfect attendance impossible. If you cannot be in attendance you must let your instructor know as soon as you do. Communicating with your instructor well in advance of any project due date is especially critical.
After a third absence points will be deducted from your final grade (5 points from your final grade for the fourth absence, another 5 for the fifth, and so on).
You are here to learn as much as you can. You are here to develop professional habits. You are here to become the best person you can be. This means being present in mind and spirit, but it also means that you do not risk your health or the health of others. No one can make this decision for you, so do not take it lightly. The continuing presence of the COVID-19 virus and variants is unique, so cases of illness, exposure, or quarantine that push you beyond the three absences mentioned above will be handled on a case-by-case basis.
Professionalism
Professionalism is assessed as a major part of your final grade. Professionalism includes:
- On-time and active participation during full class periods on remote days
- On-time and active participation during full class periods on face-to-face days
- Time Management: used time in class effectively and met all interim deadlines
- Preparedness: Bringing/having the proper materials to work in class or remotely.
- Level of Effort: put the appropriate amount of time into the project
- Engaged: asked for help or clarification when necessary
- Feedback (to others): provided constructive criticism to others regularly
- Feedback (from others): considered constructive criticism from others
Remember, the classrooms are practice fields as you prepare to enter the design arena, and all these professional behaviors will translate favorably in any workplace.
Guidelines And Policy For Remote Classroom Instruction
The guidelines referring to remote classroom instructions are posted here in case such an arrangement becomes necessary during the semester.
To facilitate learning, promote professionalism, and enhance student participation, the School of Design is implementing the following guidelines for Remote classroom instruction. These guidelines support student, peer, and faculty expectations to provide a safe environment while maintaining UCO’s high teaching and learning standards during the COVID pandemic.The schedule for remote instruction will be identified in a supplement that accompanies your class syllabus. Remote days are established for student, faculty, and staff safety to clean and minimize possible COVID exposure throughout the semester.
Policy
It is the student’s responsibility to inform the instructor of any issues regarding remote classroom instruction. Students should address concerns to the instructor at the beginning of the semester, and if problems occur throughout the course. Students may email the instructor regarding any issues or concerns about the remote classroom.
Student conduct expectations are the same as if you were at the school and are addressed in the Code of Student Conduct 2020-2021. https://www.uco.edu/offices/student-conduct/files/codeofconduct-webfile.pdf
Expect a private conversation with the professor and/or a referral to the Office of Student Conduct with repeated failure to follow expectations and university protocols.
Technology Requirements
Students must have a device and needed accessories that allow them to see and hear the instructor and class peers. Slack, Zoom, WebX, and other software identified by the instructor will be used regularly throughout the semester.
Conduct Guidelines
- Students are to engage with class peers and the instructor as if you were in a face-to-face classroom.
- Recording the class is prohibited.
- For safety, students will be removed from the remote classroom if the student is driving.
- Other non-related classroom activities that distract the student and your classmates are unprofessional and inappropriate.
- Wear appropriate attire as if you were in a face-to-face class.
- Ask questions in a manner recommended by your professor (e.g., “raise your hand,” use the chat feature, interject verbally).
- Interact with the professor and peers during all activities, including in breakout rooms, in a timely manner.
- Demonstrate academic professionalism in your actions, attire, language, and effort.
Communication
- Make sure your face is visible and well lit for the class’s duration unless permission is given otherwise; discuss appropriate exceptions with your professor.
- Participate live! No recording of the course is permissible.
- Keep your mic muted until you speak to reduce distracting ambient noise.
- Students should take additional precautions to communicate privately with the instructor about any personal matters that may affect their remote performance. Students may hear or read confidential communications intended for the instructor if private meetings aren’t made.
- Arrive in class a few minutes early to set up your virtual platform and enter the waiting room early.
- Set up your screen name with your first and last name; only those whose names are recognized in the waiting room will be admitted.
Space And Privacy
- Students should join the remote classroom in a safe space, without distractions, and limit non-course related multi-tasking. It’s encouraged that students find an area where a wall can be used as a backdrop or use virtual backgrounds during class times. (The instructor will walk through how to use virtual backgrounds at the beginning of the course if necessary.)
- When at all possible, maintain class privacy. Join the class in a location where others cannot see or hear class communications.
- The lack of classroom privacy may inhibit others from participating. Information, discussion, and activity in the remote classroom are private to the class and should not be shared.
- If you are in a public area, use headphones to diminish ambient noise and prevent broadcasting class discussion and content at your location.
- Manage and protect your space during class whenever possible.
Things to Consider
- The instructor may overlook private chat during remote learning during instruction.
- Consider sharing your cell phone number with a peer in class so that you can text and have the student let the professor know you are awaiting admission if you get disconnected or arrive late.
- Please note the session password and Zoom link; you will need it to join from your instructor and do not share with others outside the class.
Benefits Of Following The Guidelines
- You’ll feel like you’ve attended class.
- You’ll get to see and speak with your classmates, as they will with you.
- You’ll be able to focus on class discussions relevant to projects or lecture.
- You’ll learn more and potentially end up with a higher grade in the class.
- The more you participate, the better your chances of earning a higher grade and provide the opportunity to cultivate relationships as if you were in a face-to-face class.
Resources
- How to Zoom – Zoom’s YouTube Playlist (including how to create a virtual background): https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLKpRxBfeD1kEM_I1lId3N_Xl77fKDzSXe
- Long-term Webcam, Laptop, and Hot Spot Check-Out: https://uco.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_2fXhpVEQe6YfSFn
- School of Design: 405-974-5200
Digital Media Use:
We realize that this time is fraught with anxiety and frustration. There will be a temptation to vent and complain via online/applications/class platforms that may feel private but aren’t.
Please keep in mind that all digital communications regardless of the application/platform have the potential to become part of the public record.
The hazard is that once a digital communication is sent you have no control over who sees it or how it maybe used. This can sometimes happen without your knowledge or consent simply because things can be screen captured and shared by others. Worst case scenario is that it may be viewed by potential employers, faculty, and/or others.
Per UCO: There is no right of privacy in this system.
School closings or late starts:
In the case of school closing projects will be due at the start of our next regularly scheduled class meeting. In the event of a University declared late start: if the school opens during class time projects are due at the start of the following class period. Example: school opens at 9:45 a.m. so projects for the 9:00 class will be due 9:00 a.m. the following class period. Presentations will be waived, but the work is still due.
Supplies:
Students will purchase materials base on project specifications. 
Where to buy supplies
Local retailers that carry art and design supplies include Hobby Lobby, Michael’s, Office Depot, and Porch School Supply (located at 5200 North Santa Fe Avenue, Oklahoma City). Supplies can also be purchased online from DickBlick.com
Critique week
All Foundations students will participate in Critique Week at the end of the semester. Students will be responsible for creating a portfolio of their Foundations work for the Foundations 4 class. This means that each student is responsible for collecting all work promptly when it has been graded and neatly storing the work and grade sheets so that they can be easily accessed in the spring. Please see the pdf on Critique Week provided by your instructor for all information on Critique Week.
Online information
The Department maintains its own website at UCODesign.com to show student work. You may find it inspirational to visit the site periodically. You should also check the Department of Design Facebook Group for events and other relevant info.
The following addresses are for some of the UCO full-time faculty who are teaching or who have taught foundations courses. Important information can be found at these sites that will be of interest to students throughout the semester.
Unclaimed work 
Student work will be held until the last day of the semester (Friday of finals week). All work NOT picked up by this deadline will be THROWN AWAY.
Other policies:
No food in the classroom, drinks are acceptable but not on presentation days. Cell phones off and stowed. Do not use spray adhesive in this room or anywhere in the building!
Academic policies
All students are responsible for understanding University and Department academic policies and information. For a complete list of these procedures, please refer to the following web pages:
University syllabus supplement
Department of design syllabus addendum
Regent’s statement on course workload and homework - OSRHE II-2-34:
It is expected that a full-time college student will spend a minimum amount of time each week in class attendance and study out of class approaching a 40-hour workweek. A person employed on a full-time basis should not simultaneously expect to maintain a full-time academic schedule. At the undergraduate level, this means that for each hour in class, a student is expected to spend at least two hours doing homework. For a two credit-hour class, a student is expected to spend four (4) hours per week doing homework.
ADA statement:
The University of Central Oklahoma complies with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the American with Disabilities Act of 1990. Students with disabilities who need special accommodations must make their requests by contacting Disability Support Services, at 974-2516. The DSS Office is located in the Nigh University Center, Room 309. Students should also notify the instructor of special accommodation needs by the end of the first week of class.