North Country Community College
Desktop Publishing
Course Outline



COURSE NUMBER: CIS 200

COURSE TITLE: Desktop Publishing

CREDIT HOURS: Three (3)

CONTACT HOURS: Forty-five (45)

PREREQUISITE: Completion of any 3 credit CIS course or equivalent experience.


CATALOG DESCRIPTION:

An advanced application of computer concepts using graphics and layout will be explored. Utilizing the latest available software, the student will produce effective layouts using basic elements of design, typography, and graphics to generate professional quality publications.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

Upon completion of this course, the student should be able to:


1. Incorporate elements of design to produce publications which are effective and
display creativity.

2. Manipulate style sheets and templates in the production of documents.

3. Generate hard copy using appropriate printing techniques, as well as creating electronic PDF versions.

4. Import text and graphics from other applications.

5. Work on an independent or group project to create an integrated set of publications.

COURSE CONTENT:

A. Course Introductions
1. Basic elements
a. Definition of Desktop Publishing
b. Overview of software
c. Capabilities of software
2. System configuration and requirements
3. Printer requirements

B. Design and Layout
1. Elements of Design
a. Apply good design elements
b. Techniques for Ïlayout appealÓ
2. Typography and printing
3. Graphics
a. Design of graphics and charts

1. Illustration integration

4. Color models

C. Publications
1. Informational
2. Periodical
3. Promotional

1. Web pages (PDF)
2. Stationery
3. Specialty



EVALUATION:

Completion of student assignments in the project area of the texts (30%)
Completion of special projects (35%)
Extra Projects (5%)
Completion of a mid-term (10%)
Completion of an integrated final project (20%)

Class attendance, participation, and meeting announced deadlines for homework assignments are also factors affecting the final grade.


TEXTBOOKS:

Shelly, Gary; Cashman, Thomas; and Starks, Joy; Microsoft Publisher 2007, Complete Concepts and Techniques, Course Technology, 2008

Botello, Chris; Adobe Indesign CS2 Revealed Deluxe Education Edition, 2008, ISBN-13: 978-1-4188-4349-6


SPECIAL COURSE REQUIREMENTS:

A. Enrollment Limit: 18

B. Classroom and Scheduling Restrictions: Computer Lab

C. Equipment and Instructional Supplies:
1. Presentation medium such as Altiris Vision
2. Installation of at least one desktop publishing software package on each lab computer

1. Color printer
2. Scanner
3. Optical character recognition (OCR) software


D. Other Special Requirements or Restrictions:
1. Each student must acquire a flash memory drive of at least 1 gig.

CONDUCT:

Any acts of classroom disruption beyond the normal rights of students to question and discuss with instructors the educational process relative to subject content, will not be tolerated, in accordance with the Code of Conduct, Statement of Individual Rights and Responsibilities.


ATTENDANCE:


Students are expected to attend all classes. Absence does not excuse a student from responsibility for class work or assignments missed. Valid reasons for absence may include illness, family emergency, or other situation approved in advance by the instructor. When a class absence is unavoidable, please contact the instructor in a timely manner (in advance when possible), so arrangements can be made for completing missed work. If you miss a test without having it cleared with your instructor, it will count as a zero.

Additionally, students who do not attend the course for an extended period of time should officially withdraw or drop from the course. Students who drop the course within the drop period will not receive a grade. Students who withdraw from the course prior to the end of the withdrawal period will receive a W. Any student who has had excessive absences missing 20% or more of class meetings will be dropped from the course and assigned a grade of F.

Students who require a lengthy absence from school due to illness, family emergencies, or other situations should contact each of their instructors and the Dean of Student Affairs prior to making a decision concerning their NCCC education.

Finally, clear communication is a key to your academic and professional success. I am available at any time to help you when there is a problem. Please make every effort to communicate about absences, or any other crucial classroom issue.


LECTURE AND LAB:


Students will be treated as, and are expected to perform as, professionals. Students are expected to be prepared for each class and to actively participate in class. This means reviewing material before class and bringing books, paper, assigned handouts, pens, flash memory drive, etc.

Participation during presentations is crucial for your success and the success of your colleagues. It is expected that computer use and ÏchatÓ will not occur during presentations and our topic discussions. The lectures/presentations will be short and focused. Ample time will be given for directed computer use so students can master necessary skills.

The inappropriate use or abuse of cameras, the computers and software will not be tolerated. Inappropriate camera/computer/software use will result in loss of access privileges and potential dismissal from the course with a failing grade. Students may be loaned cameras at the discretion of the instructor; the contract will be signed and it must be observed. Failure to return equipment in proper order and in a timely fashion will result in dismissal from the course with a failing grade.

Students will abide by the NCCC acceptable use computer policy.


HOMEWORK:


Homework will be assigned and is due as posted on the web page, or as stated during class lectures or labs. Assignments will not be accepted late without prior approval of the instructor.


CHEATING:


A student may not use or copy (by any means) anotherÌs work (or portions of it) and represent it as his/her own. Any such instance related to homework, in-class assignments, and tests constitutes cheating and will be handled as a violation of the schoolÌs Code of Conduct.



I reserve the right to amend this syllabus for the benefit of course members.