Graphic

Design

Instructor: Mr. Chris Landinguin, M.E.T.
Room #: 222
Email: clandinguin@sgmhs.org
Extension: x105
Course Description:

A primary goal of Mission High School Graphic Design (Yearbook) is to teach students
clear communication skills with an understanding of writing for particular purposes and
audiences. Students who elect to participate in journalism classes study journalistic ethics,
journalistic writing, design, photography, as well as business and advertising skills. Students
interested and talented enough to contribute to the production of a school publication recognize
that this participation is a privilege and not a right. As members of the yearbook staff, we are
given a large responsibilityto produce a yearbook that it is truly representative of our Catholic
school community and a reflection of our school mission, focusing on the education of the
hearts and minds of all Mission High School students. In order to produce the school yearbook,
learning to use computers as tools for word processing, layout, advertising, design, desktop
publishing, telecommunications, and record keeping is essential. Students also recognize the
need to develop the oral and written communication skills necessary to coordinate with all
members of the school and the community at large. Students should especially understand and
appreciate the basic function of the Mission yearbook and its place in the history and social
context of our school. Because we, as a staff, recognize that the yearbook is a permanent visual
record of Mission High School, we pledge to place a high commitment on excellence and a
priority on accuracy in the production of all aspects of the Mission yearbook.
Course Objectives/Learning Outcomes:

Students will learn the basics of graphic design

Students will learn how do create professional layouts for a school publication
Students will be able to develop and create graphic design projects on the
computer
Students will be able to use Adobe Photoshop and Adobe InDesign to create
graphic design layouts.

Students
Students
Students
Students

will
will
will
will

take them driven photojournalist photography.

know how to use a Macintosh G5 computer
learn how to work as a team
learn to meet deadlines

Required Materials:

a). Blue or black pen and pencil

b). Notebook
c). Flash Drive
Optional supplies:
Digital camera
MAC Book Pro (optional)
Needed programs or Apps: Schoology, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe InDesign (if you
own your own MAC computer)
Required Text: 2013-2014 Mission Yearbook Staff Manual (available for download
from the school website)

Grading:
Grade breakdown will be as follows:
a. Classwork and homework: 20%
b. Final Exam/Final Project/Deadlines: 20%
c. Layouts: 20%
d. Participation: 10%
e. Projects: 20%
f. Tests/Quizzes: 10%
Students must meet all deadlines and make all corrections as specified by the editors and Mr. L.
All layouts will be graded based on design, copy, photos, and making corrections if necessary.
Each layout will be graded at least two times. If staff members do not make corrections to
copy, they will receive a fail on their second submission of that layout. Layouts that do not meet
their deadlines will also receive a fail. Students may be asked to come before school, break,
lunch and after school to complete a deadline. Editors are asked to complete all proofs before
the proof deadline.
Grading Scale
A
B
C
D
F

100.00-89.50
89.49-79.50
79.49-69.50
69.49-59.50
59.49 and below

Classroom Policies/Behavior Guidelines:

GENERAL EXPECTATIONS:
1. Come to class prepared to work. Do not expect to use this class as a study
hall or a social period. You may only complete homework during class if you
have completed all of your yearbook assignments, and your work log for the
week will reflect this information. Cell phones or other devices will be taken away if the are out
without permission.
2. Students will be seated and ready to begin class when the bell rings. Tardiness
will not be tolerated.
3. Use care when working on any of the computers in the classroom. Students
will be assigned specific computers to use. You will be expected to keep that
computer and the area around that computer clean. Detentions will be given
for failure to follow this rule.
4. Put away all materials and straighten desks and chairs before you leave class.
Other classes use this work space and should not have to clean up after us.
5. Do not expect to be given a hall pass to complete yearbook assignments unless
it is an emergency. I expect you to do interviews and take photos outside of
class time.
6. In the event of an absence, all work (homework, tests, and quizzes) must be
made up in a timely manner. If you miss one day of school, you should be able
to make up the work before the next class meeting. If you miss a test or quiz,
you will be expected to take it during the next scheduled X-period unless you
speak to me about other arrangements in advance. Missing work (class work,
homework, tests, or quizzes) will be recorded as a 0 in my grade book.
LETS HAVE A GREAT YEAR!
Parent/Student Agreement Page:
(Graphic Design) Staff Contract
You have chosen to be one of the members of the yearbook staff. Because of this, you take upon
yourself
many new responsibilities. Please read the following carefully. Sign the contract and have one of
your parents sign the contract as well.
I understand that:
1. Being on yearbook staff is like having a part-time job. I must produce quality work ON TIME in order
to get a good grade. Deadlines that are not met can cost the school hundreds or even thousands of
dollars in late fees/fines. Not meeting deadlines also causes extra work for the yearbook advisor,
editors, and other staff members.
2. I am expected to budget my time in order to meet my deadlines. However, I understand that
occasionally I may be required to work on the yearbook after school, on Saturdays, and/or on holidays.
3. If I am absent on a deadline day, I will call the school in the morning and if possible, send my work to
school.
4. Being on yearbook staff means being part of a team. What I do my actions, speech, and
attitude
significantly affects the other staff members. I agree to treat other staff members with respect
and courtesy, and to contribute positively and productively in all aspects of my work/behavior.
5. When working on the computers, I will not
a. Introduce any foreign or potentially infected disks or flash drives into the system.
b. Tamper with control panels or disk names.

c. Use the Internet, computers, or printers for personal work.

d. Leave a mess in the production room.
e. Take care of the computer as if it were my own.
6. If I check out one of the digital cameras or computer owned by the Communications Department, I
will take good care of it and make sure it is secure at all times. I will be held responsible for
replacing the camera or computer if anything happens to it while it is in my possession.
7. While out of class for yearbook assignments, I will act appropriately and responsibly at all times. I
am expected to abide by all normal school rules and expectations anytime I am involved in yearbook
related activities on or off campus.

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Parent/Student Agreement Page:
I have read and understood the basic requirements, guidelines, and grading system for the course.
Student name (printed)_________________________________________________
Student Signature: __________________________________________ Date: ______________
We/I understand the responsibilities our/my child is accepting as part of the yearbook staff
and agree to support him/her and the program.
Parent Signature: ___________________________________________ Date: ______________