GRAPHIC COMMUNICATIONS – COMMERCIAL ARTS I

10TH, 11TH & 12TH GRADES

SEPTEMBER 1999

CHRISTOPER HOLT

 

 

INTRODUCTION

 

We believe that an educationally trained and responsible citizenry is essential to a democratic way of life. A vocational/technical education should be made available to all students of Burlington City High School. Each student should be helped to utilize their personal resources in achieving their goals for future employment in the working world.

 

We believe that the vocational/technical curriculum should be in concert with the industrial and occupational needs of the community as well as the goals of the student. The curriculum should be continuously evaluated and updated, meeting the needs of the working world, reflecting the most up-to-date methods and procedures, and providing the kinds of equipment used in today's and the future's employment market

We believe that the vocational/technical programs should provide a variety of experiences within each program that would enable each student to gain a broad exposure to their chosen specialized field.

 

We believe that we should provide the student with proper guidance and assistance to become fully aware of their importance to becoming positive contributing members of society and the importance of others around them as they prepare for their life's vocation of choice.

We believe that the vocational/technical schools throughout New Jersey are partners in the educational process and should cooperate to their fullest extent in order to meet the needs of the vocational/technical students throughout the State of New Jersey.

 

 

GENERAL OBJECTIVES AND GOALS OF THE COURSE

Ø      To provide students with opportunities to develop vocational/technical basic skills in Graphic Communications compatible with their aptitudes an aspirations.

Ø      To provide a variety of vocational/technical experiences in Graphic Communications that will enable the student to gain job-entry skills and a broad exposure to their specialized field of interest in

Ø      Graphic Communications.

Ø      To provide the student with the kinds of experiences that will motivate continuous learning and adaptation to change in the Graphic Communications field.

Ø      To provide the student with guidance and assistance in developing and realizing their goals in Graphic Communications.

Ø      To provide the student with the opportunities to develop basic skills in Graphic Communications in the areas of decision making, problem solving, critical thinking, obtaining information and effectively communicating in Graphic Communications.

Ø      To provide a system of evaluation whereas the student is fairly judged on performance, written and oral tests and overall observation and whereas he/she can gain in stature through working with his/her peers.

Ø      To constantly and continuously update the total curriculum using the latest technical knowledge

Ø      available and to update equipment to keep up with the industry.

Ø      To provide the student with constant awareness of health and safety standards that are prevalent in the industry as well as the class/shop.

Ø      To provide communication between the segments of industry in the surrounding communities so we can bridge the gap between the high school vocational/technical school curriculum and the demands of the employment market surrounding the community.

 

CROSS-CONTENT WORKPLACE READINESS SKILLS

This course provides as mandated by (lie State of New Jersey, Department of Education

 

Ø      Career planning and workplace readiness skills

Ø      Use of information, technology, and other tools  Q>^

Ø      Critical thinking, decision making, and problem solving

Ø      Self-management

Ø      Safety principles

 

 

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Graphic Communications is open to 10th, 11th and 12th graders. Students will learn to operate Macintosh computers, desktop publishing software, scanners, digital cameras and direct to plate/press technology. They will develop the skills utilized in today's computer oriented printing industry. In addition to the technology of the present and future they will also be instructed in the traditional methodologies of the graphic communications industry: Working with offset presses, darkroom equipment, screen printing presses and post-press production. Students will produce computer graphics, advertising layouts, digitally enhanced photographs, memo pads, stationary, business cards, textile designs and greeting cards.

 

 

MAJOR GOALS

To develop a degree of skill in using several of the techniques and methods currently being used and practiced in the graphic communications industry.

 

 

PRIMARY OBJECTIVES

Ø      Upon satisfactory completion of this course of study the student will be able to:

Ø      Define the broad areas of the graphic communications field and industry.

Ø      Illustrate basic concepts of layout and design as related to the graphic communications field.

Ø      Identify the various methods of photo conversion and be able to describe their aspects.

Ø      Be able to define the various image carrier devices and describe the methods of transfer.

Ø      Recognize finishing and bindery methods.

Ø      Review the production of selected raw materials used in the graphic communications industry.

Ø      Skillfully solve problems relating to the methods used in graphic reproduction.

Ø      Create a computer based layout using digital input technology.

Ø      Output a digital based printing job and choose a specific image carrying device to meet the requirements of the substrate.

Ø      Value and appreciate the contribution graphic communications has made to civilization and as a career alternative.

 

 

ACTIVITIES

Activities are based on the equipment and technology currently in place at BCHS. The course has been designed to maximize the use of every available resource.

 

Orientation to the technical area and the course of study.

Ø      Introduction to the course of study and the shop/class.

Ø      Safety in the shop/class.

Ø      Safety tour of the shop/class.

Ø      Safety tests in the various areas of the shop/class.

Ø      Areas of graphic communications - the structure - our operation.

Ø      Graphic communications defined:

v     Civilization builder

v     Communication media

v     Forms of technology

v     Language

v     Education

v     Big industry and the private entrepreneur print shops

v     Finances and monetary gains

v     Employment opportunities today and the future

v     j) The student and the graphic communications industry

 

Legal restrictions on copying.

Ø      Understanding the basics of the copyright laws.

Ø      Becoming aware of the extreme severity of all types of counterfeiting.

Ø      Miscellaneous documents that are illegal to reproduce.

 

Raw materials used in the industry.

Ø      Paper

v     How is it made

v     Different grades

v     How it is measured and sold

v     How to order paper for a specific job

Ø      Ink

v     Different types of ink and their purpose

v     How are they are made and what is in them

v     Specialized inks for different types of presses

v     What to look for in ink

 

Design and layout

Ø      Fonts and typefaces

Ø      Design principals

Ø      Layout procedures

 

Photo-conversion.

Ø      General information on photo conversion.

Ø      Theory of process photography.

Ø      Basic operation of process cameras.

Ø      Commercial cameras and their usage.

Ø      Continuous tones, halftones and duotones.

Ø      Film processing and negatives: tray and automatic.

Ø      Proper methods of handling photographic materials.

Ø      Chemicals usage in the darkroom

 

Image Carriers.

Ø      Prepping the mechanicals for transferring to carriers.

Ø      Offset lithographic image carriers.

v     Electrostatic image carriers

v     Polyester image carriers

v     Metal plate image carriers

v     Digital image carriers

Ø      Screen printing carriers.

v     Direct photo emulsions

v     Hand cut stencils

v     Digital image carriers

Ø      Chemical safety and shelf life.

 

 

Image to substrate transfer.

Ø      Different methods that are used to transfer image to substrate.

v     Lithography (offset)

v     Screen (stencil)

Ø      Press selection options.

Ø      Trouble shooting.

Ø      Press cleanup, maintenance and repair.

 

Finishing and bindery procedures and equipment.

Ø      Finishing operations

Ø      Paper cutter

Ø      Folding

Ø      Scoring

Ø      Perforating

Ø      Collating

Ø      Drills

Ø      Wire stitching, spiral and comb binders, padding presses

Ø      Jogging

 

 

CLASS EVALUATION

Ø      Class work       65%

Ø      Tests    15%

Ø      Homework       10%

Ø      Participation in class critiques    10%

 

 

BASIS OF MARKING

Students shall demonstrate his/her ability to manually operate the equipment and define its function in the graphic communications industry. Student will also be responsible for recognizing and explaining the importance of the design principles, typography, color theory and market research methodologies.

 

Project critiques are a vital area of input and feedback. Students must be able to accept constructive criticism from their peers as well as being able to explain the reasoning for their observations.

 

 

TEACHING METHODS

Ø      Class Instruction

Ø      Demonstrations

Ø      Visual Aids

Ø      Manipulative Skills

Ø      Trade Methods

Ø      Computer Interaction

 

INSTRUCTIONAL AIDS

Ø      Macintosh Computers

Ø      Textbooks

Ø      Reference books

Ø      Video tapes Periodicals Field trips