BOROUGH OF MANHATTAN COMMUNITY COLLEGE
The City University of New York
Department of Media Arts and Technology
Title of Course: MMA 235 – Visual Communication and Design
Section: 1000
Semester: Spring 2025
Class Day & Time: Thursdays, 10AM-1:40PM
Classroom: Fiterman room 1006
Class Modality: In Person
Class Website Link -> https://openlab.bmcc.cuny.edu/mma235-spring2025/
Instructor Information: Prof. Ryan Seslow
Office Hours: Before class or by appointment
Email: rseslow@bmcc.cuny.edu
Course Description:
This class builds upon principles and skills learned in Foundations of Digital Design (MMA 100). Students will apply the principles underlying effective visual communication to increasingly complex design problems. Projects may include poster design, symbols and logos, editorial design, information design, visual identity and branding and other design systems. Critical analysis of design problems and the creative design process will be emphasized. Students will complete reading and writing assignments in addition to problems in visual communications and design.
Credits: 3
Prerequisites: MMA/ART 100
Basic Skills: (ENG 88 or ESL 94) and ACR 94
|
Course Student Learning Outcomes |
Measurements (means of assessment for student learning outcomes listed in first column) |
|
1. Create 3 highly developed and refined pieces for your design portfolio |
Possible Portfolio Projects:
|
|
2. Apply a deeper knowledge of Adobe Illustrator, and how to use Illustrator with Photoshop and InDesign. Remember which program to use for what and when. |
• quizzes |
|
3. Analyze examples of visual communication design from professional industry. |
• journal/sketch book |
|
4. Describe and discuss visual communication design work created in the classroom. |
• project presentations |
|
5. Evaluate visual communication design work created in the classroom. |
• peer critiques with graded participation evaluations |
Below are the college’s general education learning outcomes, the outcomes that are checked in the left-hand column indicate goals that will be covered and assessed in this course. (Check at least one.)
|
General Education Learning Outcomes |
Measurements (means of assessment for student learning outcomes listed in first column) |
|
|
Communication Skills- Students will be able to write, read, |
||
|
Quantitative Reasoning: Students will be able to use |
||
|
Scientific Reasoning- Students will be able to apply the |
||
|
Social and Behavioral Science- Students will be apply the |
||
|
Arts & Humanities- Students will be able to develop |
||
|
Information & Technology Literacy- Students will be able to |
Designing personal portfolio projects. |
|
|
Values- Students will be able to make informed choices based |
|
Recommended Text: (NOT Mandatory) Students may use the online companion, but it is not as complete as the book. Graphic Design: The New Basics Paperback: Author: Ellen Lupton, Jennifer Cole Phillips |
|
|
Supplies: |
Google drive (the shared class link will be placed on our Brightspace page, a high capacity USB drive (look for at least 4 gigs) You may also use a large capacity portable hard-drive for this class. Optional Materials: Sketchbook for project ideas – approx. 8.5” x 11” (Minimum size 5”x7”)
A good art supply store: |
|
Grades |
The final grade will consist of exercises, assignments, the final sketch/notebook, final portfolio, attendance and class participation. You are encouraged to meet with me during classtime to discuss your progress. To get a final grade of A in this course, you must: 1) follow instructions, 2) complete all of your work on time, 3) prove that you can use the computer as instructed in class, 4) produce well designed, creative, original solutions to assignments – appropriate to this class level (or better), and 5) demonstrate a professional demeanor and have outstanding participation. A grade of A/A- is given for outstanding work that exceeds requirements and demonstrates deep and independent thinking beyond the assignment or course material. Students with excessive absence cannot earn this grade because they’ll have missed the participation points. A grade of B+, B, B- is given for good work that completely fulfills all of the requirements of the assignment, or of the course, in a conscientious and dedicated manner. A grade of C+, C, C- is a passing but unsatisfactory grade. A grade of D+, D, D- indicates that work does not rise to the level expected of a serious student. A grade of F is given for work that does not fulfill the requirements of the assignment or of the course. |
RESOURCES
Tutoring
For MMP and MMA tutoring, please visit BMCC’s tutoring schedule: http://www.bmcc.cuny.edu/lrc/schedule.jsp
|
Use of Technology |
The computer component is organized around Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop CC with emphasis on Adobe Illustrator. |
|
Evaluation and |
It is the individual student’s responsibility to be informed of the assignments by watching the course website. Grades will be calculated based on: timely submission, efforts and results of assignments.
|
We are going to cover an extensive amount of material in this class. Please participate in every class.
Please ALWAYS prioritize your health and safety – if you are not feeling well do not commute to class – most of the instructional aspects of class will be recorded and provided via our class website and work is ALWAYS submitted to our shared google drive folder.
Hand in assignments (and parts of assignments) on time, even if it is not completed to your satisfaction.
We always have a scheduled break during class-time.
Keep all of your computer files for this class. A final digital and hardcopy portfolio of your semester’s work is required at the end of the semester, and you will find a portfolio is required in many areas of life (job interviews, etc.) so you are building that NOW! And back up, back up, back up your work! Use a computer, a drive, AND the cloud to store final works.
WEEKLY BREAKDOWN (SUBJECT TO CHANGE)
WEEK 1:
•Topics: Course Introduction & review of the course / Syllabus. Student Introductions. Review of our class website / resources / Brightspace, structure + best practices for turning in work. Introduction to Project 1!
What is Visual Communication? (Recap from MMA 100) Principles of Design: Point, Line and Plane + Rhythm and Balance + Figure/Ground.
•Lab: Re-Introduction to Adobe login / photoshop – Illustrator: workspace refresher
WEEK 2:
•Topics: Design Idea: Form. Discuss Project 1: Illustration Poster Design
•Lab: Learning exercises in class using Illustrator.
Review Types of Files, Types of Output, Color Modes
•Homework: Continue working on the poster (Project 1)
WEEK 3:
•Topics: Design Idea: Space & measurement.
Look at types of Illustration. Discuss workflows in Illustrator.
•Lab: Typography tools, plus the pen and the pencil in Illustrator. Working to create your ideas for project 1 which should include customized type and original drawings / illustration.
•Homework: Continue working on the poster (Project 1)
WEEK 4:
•Topics: Space and Form, Subverting expectations, Ambiguous space, Positive Negative Space.
•Lab: Discussion of Project 2 (Logo & Symbols): – Lessons in Photoshop – how to use it and Illustrator together. How to turn in work (create outlines of text and how to flatten a PDF)
•Homework: The poster (Project 1) is due. Your work must be submitted via google drive as a native file .ai and as a flattened .pdf – Gather inspiration for project #2
WEEK 5:
•Topics: : Project 2: Continues
Lab: Adobe Photoshop Tools and Techniques Continued, Layering, Masking, Basic Photoshop Retouching.
WEEK 6:
•Topics: Design Idea: Color Theory and Psychology (Controlling the viewer’s eye, Proportion, Movement. Viewing StyleTile homework and discuss thumbnail sketching on paper + digitally for logos. Continue work on Project #2
•Lab: practice between sketchbook, photoshop and Illustrator Artboard. SAVE ALL PROCESS.
WEEK 7:
•Topics: Design Idea: Working with Photography, and Scanning. Project #2 is due – Project #3 Discussion – (Editorial layout) begins
Lab: Adobe Photoshop Tools and Techniques: Working with Channels, Halftone Screens, Tracing in Illustrator vs. Photoshop.
WEEK 8:
•Topics: Design Idea: being a professional designer. Industry examples and exposure.
•Lab: Portfolio Piece Production – workshop Project 3 tips and tricks.
WEEK 9:
•Workshop for Project 3 continues – alternative applications and creating manual filters / aesthetics
Design Work: Intro to graph tools more in depth. New topics: Explore complex communication design problems (information visualization)
WEEK 10:
Project 4 (infographic) begins – Discussion and examples
•Lab: Portfolio – Project 4 workshop
WEEK 11:
•Topics: What is Marketing Collateral? Project 4 workshop
•Lab: What is Marketing Collateral? Project 4 workshop continues –
(Project 5 – this is an extra credit project that is optional – full discussion)
WEEK 12:
•Topics: Continue to integrate handmade art, Adobe InDesign, Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop to suit your needs.
•Lab: Creating marketing materials: ex: Business card, Logo, multipage document. How to Preflight your documents, working with a printer, working with printer’s templates – Project 4 continues
WEEK 13:
•Topics: Wrapping it up. How to package and output our semesters worth of projects as a portfolio (online and/or in print).
Review final critique questions and concerns.
•Lab: Final Portfolio Project workshop. Final portfolio creation
WEEK 14:
Final Portfolio Project work session
WEEK 15: December 15th – final presentations – TBD
Portfolio Projects:
Portfolio is a word with many meanings – in this context, it refers to the activity of collecting and presenting your best, most original, creative work. A variety of professional fields require a portfolio from an applicant to gain entry to work opportunities and further educational pursuits. Gathering a portfolio is an essential endeavor if you are an MEA Major, and at various stages on your route to graduation at BMCC there will be opportunities to present this collection to peers, faculty and industry. The projects marked with the tag Portfolio have been carefully chosen by your faculty as an item the MEA department feels should be put into a student’s portfolio collection. Students are always encouraged to include personal or freelance projects they are proud of. Save this collection in raw or native format at high resolution in a secure digital location because portfolio pieces should be revised later as you build new aesthetic and technical skills. What holds together a portfolio is not as important as what is inside it. Maintaining a directory of work, you can access to build a website, update a YouTube or Vimeo Channel, Instagram profile, or printed book will make this lifelong process less stressful. When a school or employer asks to ‘see your portfolio’ you’ll be ready!
BMCC Policies
Class Participation
Participation in the academic activity of each course is a significant component of the learning process and plays a major role in determining overall student academic achievement. Academic activities may include, but are not limited to, attending class, submitting assignments, engaging in in-class or online activities, taking exams, and/or participating in group work. Each instructor has the right to establish their own class participation policy, and it is each student’s responsibility to be familiar with and follow the participation policies for each course.
BMCC Policy on Plagiarism and Academic Integrity Statement
Plagiarism is the presentation of someone else’s ideas, words or artistic, scientific, or technical work as one’s own creation. Using the idea or work of another is permissible only when the original author is identified. Paraphrasing and summarizing, as well as direct quotations, require citations to the original source. Plagiarism may be intentional or unintentional. Lack of dishonest intent does not necessarily absolve a student of responsibility for plagiarism. Students who are unsure how and when to provide documentation are advised to consult with their instructors. The library has guides designed to help students to appropriately identify a cited work. The full policy can be found on BMCC’s Web site, www.bmcc.cuny.edu. For further information on integrity and behavior, please consult the college bulletin (also available online).
Gender Inclusivity
BMCC community members have the right to use and be referred to according to their preferred name, title, and/or personal pronouns. Everyone also has the right to use all spaces according to their self-identification, including restrooms and locker rooms. To learn more about how to change your preferred name and affirm your gender identity at CUNY (including requesting a new ID card and/or email address), go here: https://www.bmcc.cuny.edu/student-affairs/lgbtq/
Anyone who has experienced harassment related to gender or sexual identification, who needs assistance, or who wishes to file a complaint, can contact the Office of Compliance and Diversity: https://www.bmcc.cuny.edu/about-bmcc/compliance-diversity/
Free BMCC Student Support Services
BMCC is committed to the health and well‐being of all students. It is common for everyone to seek assistance at some point in their life, and there are free and confidential services on campus that can help.
Advocacy and Resource Center (ARC)
https://www.bmcc.cuny.edu/student-affairs/arc/ room S230, 212‐220‐8195, arc@bmcc.cuny.edu. If you are having problems with food or housing insecurity, finances, health insurance or anything else that might get in the way of your studies at BMCC, contact the Advocacy and Resource Center (formerly Single Stop) for assistance. Please contact us at arc@bmcc.cuny.edu, call 212-220-8195, or come by the office at room S230. You may also contact the Office of Student Affairs, S350, 212‐220‐8130, studentaffairs@bmcc.cuny.edu, for assistance.
Counseling Center
www.bmcc.cuny.edu/counseling, room S343, 212‐220‐8140, counselingcenter@bmcc.cuny.edu. Counselors assist students in addressing psychological and adjustment issues (i.e., depression, anxiety, and relationships) and can help with stress, time management and more. This is a free and confidential resource available to all BMCC students. We offer in-person, zoom and phone appointments. Appointments can be made by calling or filling out the form on the homepage.
Learning Resource Center: Tutoring and Other Academic Support
https://www.bmcc.cuny.edu/students/lrc/, room S510 (LRC, Writing Center, ESL Lab, Reading Lab), S534 (Math Lab), and F511, 212-220-1383.
Participation in out-of-class academic support services contributes to the learning process and reinforces in-class learning. Students who attend tutoring have a higher pass rate in courses than students who do not attend tutoring. LRC services include in-person and online tutoring for most courses, and special supplemental instruction (SI) sessions for some select course sections. They also provide assistance with classroom technology. The LRC has academic coaches who help students improve their study skills.
Office of Accessibility
www.bmcc.cuny.edu/accessibility, room N360 (accessible entrance: 77 Harrison Street), 212-220-8180, accessibility@bmcc.cuny.edu.
Students who need academic accommodations in connection with a disability must initiate the request with BMCC’s Office of Accessibility (OA). Students need to register with the Office of Accessibility in order to officially disclose their disability status to the College and to determine eligibility for appropriate reasonable accommodations (including any prior IEPs or 504s). Please contact the OA at the start of the semester (or as soon as possible) to coordinate any accommodation request/s: www.bmcc.cuny.edu/accessibility
Office of Compliance and Diversity
https://www.bmcc.cuny.edu/about-bmcc/compliance-diversity, room S701, 212-220-1236.
BMCC is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive learning environment free of unlawful discrimination/harassment, including sexual harassment, where all students are treated fairly. For information about BMCC’s policies and resources, or to request additional assistance in this area, please visit or call the office, or email olevy@bmcc.cuny.edu, or twade@bmcc.cuny.edu. If you need immediate assistance, please contact BMCC Public safety at 212-220-8080.
