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 CMP 115 ~ Introduction to Desktop Publishing

 

Course Title:  Introduction to Desktop Publishing 

Course Number:  CMP 115                   Prerequisite(s):  CMP 105

Total Hours:  54            Lecture:  54                 Lab:                 Shop:  

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Credits:  4            Required:  X                 Elective:  X       

Credit by Exam Available?  No

Alternative Learning Opportunities (check one or more)

    X    Does Not Apply               Independent Study                      Off-Campus Experience

Prepared by:  Randall R. Schmitz                                          Date:   January 15, 2004

  Catalog Course Description 

Implements personal computers, laser and color inkjet printers, flatbed scanners and a variety of layout, drawing and clipart software to produce professional looking documents.  Students use desktop publishing to produce newsletters, announcements, business forms, advertisements and a variety of other printed materials.

  Course Goals (Expected Outcomes)  

Introduction to Desktop Publishing incorporates the use of a microcomputer-based system to produce publication materials--typeset or near-typeset quality text and graphics on a page.  In addition, operating system, word processing, graphics, and page assembly software is used to complete a process known as page layout design.  Having the latest equipment and software and knowing how to run the computer, however is not enough to communicate effectively.  The desktop publisher must also organize and arrange information with clarity and impact, in a way that is both functional and attractive.

Introduction to Desktop Publishing is intended for computers users with little or no design background to develop the skills necessary to create attractive, effective printed materials, such as newsletters, advertisements, brochures, manuals, and other documents.

Students will study basic principles of layout and design and will be able to describe and define the elements necessary for creating publications in an organized, pleasing, and effecting manner.

Students will become familiar with a variety of software that is necessary to complete effective communication using a desktop publishing system.  This software will include operating system, word processing, graphics, and page-assembly programs.

  Course Objectives Outline (Competencies)  

Course Introduction and Overview

Software Overview

Classroom in a Book (Lessons 1-6)

  • Locating files and fonts

  • Restoring default settings

  • Starting PageMaker

  • Assembling and producing various publications

  • Assembling a custom template

  • Assembling a master page

  • Building and printing a PageMaker booklet

  • Working with styles

  • Working with plug-ins

  • Using the story editor

The Non-Designer's Design Book (Lesson 1-9)

  • Design Principles

    • The four basic principles

    • Summary of Proximity

    • Summary of Alignment

    • Summary of Repetition

    • Summary of Contrast

  • Designing with Type

    • Type

    • Categories of Type

    • Type Contrasts

Classroom in a Book (Lessons 7-10)

  • Placing images

  • Working with color

  • Inline graphics

  • Rules

  • Graphic file formats

  • Placing and linking a graphic

  • Managing links

  • Commercial printing

  • Creating a book, index entries, and TOC

  • Comparing HTML and PDF

  • Hyperlinks

  • Color for the web

  • Exporting to Adobe PDF

  • Exporting to HTML

The Non-Designer's Design Book (Lesson 10)

  • The process

  • Exercises

  Specific Instructional Materials, References & Text List  

Classroom in a Book, Adobe Systems, Incorporated, 2002.
The Non-Designer’s Design Book, Robin Williams, Peachpit Press, 1994.

  Outcomes Assessment and Grading Procedures  

Lesson assignments & quizzes are worth a total of three hundred seventy points. In addition, there will be ten reading quizzes worth ten points each, and a semester project worth one hundred points. Every assignment submitted for grade, must be computer generated in order to receive credit.

Objective and comprehensive mid-term and final exams will be given. Each test is worth 100 points and will be given at the scheduled time only.

Satisfactory completion of this course requires consistent classroom attendance and active participation. Time outside of class may be necessary, but certainly should not replace classroom time.

The last day for withdrawing/dropping classes with a partial refund is Tuesday, September 24; the last day to drop classes without penalty for failing (no refund) is Tuesday, October 22.

Grading  

 

90 - 100 A

80 -  89

 B

70 -  79

C

Classroom Policy

If an instructor is absent from class, the class is not cancelled. In this course, continue working on the current chapter assignment or reading. If it happens to be a test day, continue studying for the test or working on projects.

There is a policy of no food or drinks in any classroom or lab area in this building.

Disability-related information is deemed medical information under Title V of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and is considered confidential. If you have a documented disability and wish to discuss academic accommodations, please make an appointment with me as soon as possible or contact our Advising & Support Center Director, Diane Batchelor, at (406) 247-3020 or in Room A036.

Students rights and responsibilities, as well as the Code of Conduct are outlined in the Montana State University- Billings Student Handbook 2001-2002. Students should be familiar with the rights and responsibilities of students in the Academic Community.

Only in extreme cases are children allowed in classroom or laboratory facilities, and then only with approval of the instructor prior to class.

Use of cellular phones, pagers, CD players, radios, and similar devices is prohibited in the classroom and laboratory facilities and may negatively affect student's final grade.

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