SYLLABUS: Interpretive Graphics

TAFOYA | Special Projects | NWC COURSE SYLLABUS

Art 2479 Special Projects
Instructor: Renee Claire Tafoya

SPECIAL PROJECTS: Interpretive Graphics

Designed to inform and educate, interpretive graphics provide the emotional and intellectual dimension to what is usually a visual experience: visiting a museum or a historical site or an environmental feature. The class will take a team approach to plan, write, and design several “real-world” interpretive projects. Classes will include lecture, demonstration, and practice, with several field trips. Emphasis is on research, collaboration, planning, making presentations, and incorporating professional feedback. Students will be required to turn in work logs or journals regarding the experience. This is an advanced class for design and art students who desire real-world application of their craft. Prerequisite: Student must complete application and interview for admission. Successful completion of at least 30 credit hours.

Course Outline

Unit 1: The Museum Exhibit: writing and design for the visitor

Unit 2: Wayside Signs: writing and design for the visitor

Unit 3: The Beartooth Nature Center: understanding our client

Unit 4: Client and designer relationship

Unit 5: Developing an effective Message

Unit 6: Budgets and contracts

Unit 7: Site planning

Unit 8: Photography and illustration

Unit 9: Color, Layout, and Typography

Unit 10: Structures and materials

Unit 11: Manufacturing and Installation

Expected Course Outcomes

The student will use skills and understanding acquired in studio art, graphic design, humanities, natural science, graphic arts, and history.
The student will produce a substantial project incorporating professional feedback and multiple points of view.
The student will employ the process, terminology, and technology of graphic design.
The student will conduct research and interviews to investigate audience and client needs.
The student will identify accessibility issues for visually impaired, mobility impaired, and learning impaired visitors.
The student will research and produce written works which are appropriate for educational graphic panels.
The student will integrate illustration, layout, and writing/editing to produce interpretive signage that is both engaging and educational.
The student will evaluate and recommend the most effective artwork from the group for presentation to the client.
The student will demonstrate effective presentation techniques: oral presentations with visual materials will be given to a number of interested persons.
The student will demonstrate a mature attitude, will work as an active team member, and will assume responsibility for meeting deadlines and appointments.
The student will assess his/her own contribution to a group project.

Required Text and Supplies:

Signs, Trails, and Wayside Exhibits: Connecting People and Places by Suzanne Trapp, Michael Gross, and Ron Zimmerman.

Attendance

Only one unexcused absence is allowed. More than one absence will affect your team, therefore the instructor may deduct a full grade if you are absent more than one time. If you know you will have to miss a class or will be unable to meet a deadline because of a schedule conflict, you must make arrangements with your instructor beforehand. Attendance is taken at the beginning of every class. You will loose one point for every absence - excused or not.

Grades

Each unit will contain a lecture, demonstration, and discussion. We will be working together to produce a large body of related work -- the Special Project. The Project will be broken into a series of steps, each step has a schedule. You will be graded at the completion of each step based on the following:

Students with Special Needs

Students who qualify for specific accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act should inform the instructor within the first week of class to ensure that their needs are met in a timely manner. It is the student's responsibility to inform the instructor of her/his needs and to provide the necessary documentation to the Student Success Center before any classroom accommodation can be made. To contact the Director of the Student Success Center, call 754-6135 or stop by the Center located in the basement of Colter Hall.