COMPUTER AND INFORMATION SYSTEMS DEPARTMENT
INFS 2412 Desktop Publishing
Mon/Wed/Fri 11:00 am – 11:50 am
INSTRUCTOR
INFORMATION
INSTRUCTOR: Linda J. Kavanaugh, Ph.D. OFFICE: Moon, Student Center 452
E-MAIL: kavanaugh@rmu.edu PHONE: (412) 269-3887
OFFICE HOURS: Noon - 2:00 on Fridays
Noon – 2:00 on Mondays (after September 12)
By appointment
COURSE INFORMATION
COURSE MATERIAL:
1. Text: Microsoft Publisher 2003 by Shelly, Cashman, and Starks, 2004
Adobe PageMaker 7.0 by Kevin Proot, Course Technology, 2003
Several disks are also needed (or room on H drive on file server)
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
INFS 2412 Desktop Publishing provides the students with various tools for creating presentation graphics and professional-looking documents. Most organizations consider information as a vital resource. In order for information to be read and acted upon, it must be visually attractive and well designed. Today, the economies of desktop publishing and presentation graphics make it a widespread application in the business world.
Prerequisites: Software proficiency in word processing
PRIMARY GOAL:
The primary goal of INFS 2412 Desktop Publishing is to provide the student with the concepts of the desktop publishing industry. Also, students will gain the knowledge to create well designed, quality documents utilizing the components of a desktop publishing system – microcomputer, software, and a laser printer.
OBJECTIVES:
Topic 1: Understanding Desktop Publishing Process
Describe and explain in systems term the hardware and software components of a desktop publishing system
Evaluate design elements for the appropriate use of focus, balance, proportion, contrast, directional flow, consistency, color, and page layout
Topic 2: Preparing Internal Documents
Produce internal business documents such as memos, letterheads, business cards, and agendas with a variety of typefaces, type styles, type sizes, and special symbols
Topic 3: Creating Promotional Documents
Create documents such as flyers and announcements using Words’ Table and Borders toolbar, Picture toolbar, Drawing toolbar, and WordArt
Topic 4: Creating Brochures
Create brochures using a variety of page layouts and design techniques
Topic 5: Creating Basic Elements of Newsletters
Create newsletters using designs based on desktop publishing concepts
Define and create design elements such as masthead, sidebar, pull quote, caption, and color and incorporate them into newsletters
Topic 6: The PageMaker Environment
Understand the components of the PageMaker screen
Start/open a publication
Describe the tools of the Toolbox
Topic 7: Working with Text
Import text into a publication
Move, copy, and delete text
Work with text blocks, frames, text tool
Use the Control palette
Topic 8: Working with Graphics
Use the drawing tools
Distinguish between the types of graphic images used in PageMaker
Work with text and graphics
Apply special effects to graphics
Topic 9: Using Master Pages, Templates, and Styles
Explain how master pages differ from publication pages
Create a publication from a template
Replace text in a story
Format text with styles
Topic 10: Design Concepts
Recognize components that enhance or detract from page layout
Differentiate between serif, sans serif, decorative, and dingbat fonts
Describe the impact of font choice on a publication’s readability
Understand how color elements affect design
Understand the principles of graphic placement
Information Technology Requirements:
The following software packages are utilized in this course:
1. Microsoft Publisher 2003
2. Adobe PageMaker for Windows 7.0
As a course prerequisite, students are expected to be proficient in word processing and presentation software packages. Your instructor maintains a faculty Web page. E-mail communication is available between the student and the instructor. Students may be required to use electronic library resources for class assignments.
COURSE STRUCTURE:
The methods used in Desktop Publishing may include, but are not limited to:
1. Lecture and classroom discussion
2. Readings, in addition to the textbook, such as journals, periodicals, and manuals
3. Instructor-provided handout materials
4. Desktop Publishing Projects
At times, the instructor may make use of a computer projector and/or presentation software in a classroom lecture.
STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES
READING ASSIGNMENTS:
The student is responsible for doing all the respective reading assignments prior to the scheduled lectures.
WRITTEN ASSIGNMENTS:
The student is responsible for completing all assignments within the allotted periods of time as outlined by the instructor. Written assignment due dates will be established either in the syllabus or provided to the students when relevant lectures are completed. Written assignments must be done in a professional format.
Important notes:
1. The student is responsible to back up his/her valuable diskette files appropriately
2. Significant time outside of class is necessary to work on the various components of the written assignments.
FOLLOW‑UP:
IIf If a student does not fully understand a lecture subject or assignment and would like further explanation; the student is responsible to raise the topic(s) for discussion in class. If further explanation is required on an individual basis, the student is encouraged to see the instructor during office hours or make an appointment.
AATTENDANCE:
AAttendance Attendance will be taken at the beginning of each class period. The CIS Department’s 25% Absence Policy will be enforced; that is, if a student misses 25% or more of the allotted semester classes, he/she will automatically receive a letter grade of F. The student is responsible for keeping a record of missed classes. Should a student arrive late for class, it is the student’s responsibility to contact the instructor upon his/her arrival to insure that the student has not been marked absent. Further, each class that you miss will both indirectly and directly affect your grade. Indirectly by missing concepts not contained in the text; and, directly by having points deducted from your average scores.
EVALUATION CRITERIA:
Your final grade will be calculated using weighted percentages, with each of the following categories contributing, as listed:
Exam 1 25%
Final Exam 25%
Desktop Publishing Assignments 50%
100%
Your final grade will be calculated as follows:
GRADING SCALE:
93-100 A
90-92 A-
87-89 B+
83-86 B
80-84 B-
77-79 C+
70-76 C
60-69 D
Below 60 F
Please note: Dated assignments must be submitted on time; points, depending on the type of assignment, will be deducted each class period an assignment is late.
Please note: No exams can be made up unless arrangements have been made prior to the exam.
PLAGIARISM: Students are expected to do their own work. Plagiarism is defined as using someone else’s work, ideas, or words without giving the author credit for using them. Students who commit blatant acts of plagiarism will fail the course.
STUDENTS REQUESTING ACCOMMODATIONS:
Students who may be eligible to receive learning
support or physical accommodations must contact the Center for Student Success
at 412-262-8349 to schedule an appointment with a counselor and to learn more
about accommodation procedures. To receive accommodations in this course,
arrangements must be made through the Center for Student Success.
CHANGES IN SYLLABUS
Fall2003/Spring2004
Switched to Microsoft Publisher 2002 to keep up to date with industry.
Added more student-driven assignments (rather than from me).
Fall2004
Upgraded to Adobe PageMaker 7.0 from 6.5 to keep up with industry standards.
Fall 2005
Upgraded to Microsoft Publisher 2003 to keep up with industry standards