MACO 322

Computers for Mass Communication

Spring 2005

Dr. Rick Duet

Office: 101-A Talbot

Phone: 448-4228

Email: rick.duet@nicholls.edu

 

 

 

1. Computers For Mass Communication. 3-0-3.

Emphasis on desktop publishing. Production of publications with a personal computer and laser printer using word processing, media graphics and interactive layout.

2. Course Prerequisites

None.

 

3. Course Objectives

a. Students will learn basic operation of computer and networks

Skills learned include

•start up and shut down computer system and peripherals

•identify and use icons, windows, menus

•start application and create a document

•name, save, retrieve, revise a document

•use printing options

•insert and eject floppy disk and CD•ROM

•initialize, name/rename floppy and hard disks

•copy document from hard disk to floppy disk and vice versa

•create and name/rename sub directories/folders

•save, open, place documents inside sub directories/folders

•open and work with more than one application at a time

•set up computer system and connect peripheral devices

•protect and care for floppy disks

•make backup copies of key applications and documents

•use of self help resources

•use a file server over a network

•share files with others on a network

•Internet research

•use NSU email system

•use databases for researching and evaluating information

 

b. Students will learn to use QuarkXPress, FreeHand, Word, and Internet Explorer.

 

c. Students will learn design and typography elements and techniques as they apply to the field of mass communication.

Students will achieve these goals by study and practice of the design and computer techniques. They will generate actual publications including such things as a logo design, letterhead, flyer, newsletter, and a newspaper front page.

 

4. Materials and Textbooks

1. Text – QuarkXPress for Dummies

2. Two Zip disks (100MB) or two USB Flash drives.

 

5. Class meetings, Attendance, Class Policies

1. You are allowed 3 absences by the University. Any absence beyond that will affect your grade.

2. Class participation in discussions is mandatory and graded.

3. You are encouraged to take notes, and to get notes from a fellow student when absent.

4. Makeups for exams are given at the next class period the student is present. Late projects are due at the next class meeting the student attends.

5. Smoking, Eating, Drinking, and Chewing of anything are not allowed in class AT ANY TIME.

6. Students must complete all the work (i.e., tests, projects, presentations, papers, productions, writing assignments, etc.) required to receive a passing grade for this course. Completion of all the work required does not guarantee a passing grade. Failure to complete any required work will result in a grade of "F" for the course.

7. A portfolio is required of every Mass Communication student. The student's portfolio will be presented in the capstone course of the student's emphasis. Further details on the portfolio requirements may be found in the MACO Student Handbook or from any MACO professor. All work in all MACO courses should be corrected and archived on disk and in hard copy for possible inclusion in the student's portfolio.

***If you have a documented disability that requires assistance, you will need to register with the Office of Disability Services for coordination of your academic accommodations. The Office of Disability Services is located in Peltier Hall, Room 100-A. The phone number is (985) 448-4430 (TDD 449-7002)

 

 

6. Procedure for Conducting Class

1. Lecture/demonstration

2. Assignment

3. Evaluation

***Discussion and taking of notes suggested

 

 

7. Grading Policy

All Grades carry equal weight:

Grading scale is:

A=100-90

B=89-80

C=79-70

D=69-60

F=59 or below

* Any assignment late for deadline will be docked 1 point per minute

up to 10 points.

 

8. Tests and Evaluation

1. There will be a Mid-Term and Final Exam.

2. Students will receive individual grades for desktop publishing assignments.

3. Each assignment will be returned to the instructor, corrected, before the student receives his/her grades for that assignment. Failure to do so will result in the grade being lowered by 5 points. 4. Students should use these corrected publications to begin building a portfolio of their work.

5. There will be an oral critique in class following each assignment.

* Plagiarism and other forms of dishonesty will be dealt with severely, the minimum penalty being an F in the course.

 

9. Outline of the Course

 

Week 1 Macintosh Basics /G3 Tour and Demo

Week 2 Macintosh Basics/Computer Overview

Week 3 Macintosh Basics/Computer

Week 4 Overview Design Principles & Basic Page Design

Week 5 Principles of Typography

Week 6 Flyer Design

Week 7 Flyer Execution Due

Week 8 Mid-term Examination/Flyer Critiques

Week 9 Newsletter Design

Week 10 Informational Graphics Design

Week 11 Newsletter Designs Due/Critiques

Week 12 Newspaper Design

Week 13 Newspaper Design

Week 14 Newspaper Designs Due

Week 15 PowerPoint Overview/Tutorial

Week 16 PowerPoint Design/Presentations

Final Exam/Project

 

10. Bibliography

Graphics

Conover, Theodore E. Graphic Communications Today. St. Paul, MN: West Publishing Co., 1985.

Stevens, Roger T. Graphics Programming in C. Redwood City, CA: M & T Books, 1988.

Turnbull, Arthur T. The Graphics of Communication: Typography, Layout, Design, Production. New York, NY: Holt, Rinehart, and Winston, 1980.

White, Jan. Graphic Design for the Electronic Age. New York, NY: Xerox Press Books, 1988.

 

Layout and Design

Hurlburt, Allen. Layout: The Design of the Printed Page. New York, NY: Watson-Guptill Publications, 1977.

Lattimore, Dan and John Windhauser, The Editorial Process. Denver: Morton Publishing Co., 1986.

Pattison, Polly. How to Design a Nameplate: A Guide for Art Directors and Editors. Chicago, IL: L. Ragan Communications, 1982.

White, Jan V. Mastering Graphics: Design and Production Made Easy. New York, NY: R. R. Bowker, 1983.

 

Newsletters

Arth, Marvin. The Newsletter Editors Desk Book. Shawnee Mission, KS: Parkway Press, 1984.

Beach, Mark. Editing Your Newsletter: A Guide to Writing, Design, and Production. Portland, OR Coast to Coast Books, 1980.

Goss, Frederick D. Success in Newsletter Publishing: A Practical Guide. Washington, D.C.: Newsletter Association, 1988.

Schuh, Colleen. Newsletters: Designing and Producing Them. Madison, WI: University of Wisconsin Extension, 1978.

Wales, LaRae. Practical Guide to Newsletter Editing and Design. Ames, IA: Iowa State University Press, 1976.

 

Typography

Baxter, John. Macintosh Desktop Typography. Sunnyvale, CA: Baxter Group, 1986.

Carter, Rob. American Typography Today. New York, NY: Van Nostrand Reinhold, 1989.

Gottschall, Edward M. Typographic Communications Today. Cambridge, MA: MlT Press, 1989.

Meggs, Philip B. Type and Image: The Language of Graphic Design. New York, NY: Van Nostrand Reinhold, 1989.