Course Syllabus
Below is a syllabus template that includes WSU's required syllabus elements. Please complete all items highlighted in yellow.
Title of Course [Illustration Beyond Boundaries: Concept Design and Character Development]
Prefix and Number [337]
Semester and Year [tbd]
Number of Credit Hours [3]
Prerequisites [DTC 101 Introduction to Digital Technology and Culture, DTC 201 Methods for Digital Technologies]
Course Details
Day and Time: [tbd]
Meeting Location: [tbd]
Instructor Contact Information
Instructor Name: [tbd]
Instructor Contact Information: [office location, phone, email] [tbd]
Instructor Office Hours: [click here for best practices] [tbd]
TA Name: [tbd]
TA Contact Information: [office location, phone, email]: [tbd]
TA Office Hours: [click here for best practices] [tbd]
Course Description
This course explores the expansive potential of illustration, examining its applications beyond traditional boundaries. Students will analyze how illustration thrives in branding and business contexts, gaining insight into its marketable aspects. The course emphasizes developing an individual illustrative language through focused exploration of concept design and character development.
Students will engage in brainstorming techniques to craft compelling characters and narratives, with attention to editorial interpretation and its role in visual storytelling. The sketching process will be a central tool for conceptualizing ideas, refining compositions, and creating visually impactful designs.
Through critical thinking and creative problem-solving, students will cultivate innovative approaches that blend personal expression with professional marketability. Emphasis will be placed on critique, research, and conceptual thinking to help students develop a distinctive visual style. By the end of the course, students will be equipped to translate their creative vision into effective imagery for both personal projects and professional applications.
Course Materials
Books: [None]
Other Materials: [sketchbook $5-$10 (ex. composition notebook), all Adobe Design Software is free for DTC major students]
Fees: [None]
|
Course Learning Outcomes (students will be able to:) |
Activities Supporting the Learning Outcomes | Assessment of the Learning Outcomes |
|---|---|---|
| Employ design principles in the creation of various forms of digital media and technology. | The successful achievement of this learning outcome will be supported through structured activities centered on creative production, allowing students to demonstrate the skills they have independently practiced, and the knowledge acquired throughout the semester. Regular discussions, critiques, and conversations with peers and the instructor will provide ongoing guidance, helping students refine their projects and develop a clearer direction as they progress. | Students will be evaluated based on the project they submit at the end of the semester. Assessment will focus on the technical proficiency demonstrated through the quality of the project and the effectiveness of their presentation skills. |
| Explore, analyze, and critique the ways digital media and technology function in multiple cultural contexts using diverse methodologies and perspectives. | The successful attainment of this learning outcome will be facilitated through structured activities emphasizing research and archival practices. Students will engage in daily sketchbook exercises, independently documenting their readings, discoveries, and practices as a form of ongoing archival work. Progress will be evaluated through monthly checkpoints, where students will report and reflect on their study and research efforts, ensuring consistent development and engagement with the course material. | Student progress will be assessed through monthly checkpoints, during which they will report on and reflect upon their study and research efforts. These evaluations will ensure consistent development, active engagement with the course material, and alignment with the learning objectives throughout the semester. |
| Communicate effectively, to diverse audiences, how and why digital media make meaning. |
The successful achievement of this learning outcome will be supported through a variety of structured activities. Students will begin by developing a strong foundation in professional terminologies related to concept design, character development, editorial design, and illustration through engaging lectures, readings, and discussions. |
Students will be evaluated on their ability to apply the knowledge gained from class activities by demonstrating refined communication skills, effectively practicing pitches, and presenting their ideas in a professional manner. Assessment will take place through in-class discussions, critiques, and research presentations, emphasizing both the clarity of their ideas and the quality of their delivery. |
Course Schedule
[Please note that a WSU semester is 15 weeks + Thanksgiving/Spring Break. The schedule below does not include the break.]
|
Dates |
Lesson Topic |
Assignment |
Assessment |
|
Week 1 |
Sketching as a Thinking Tool: Iteration and Experimentation
|
Start on your sketchbook practice independently. |
1. Syllabus day. 2. Explain Sketchbook Practice: what’s expected from students and why it is important. 3. Discuss on the reading materials to understand and be able to define the important terminologies. |
|
Week 2 |
The Foundations of concept design: from idea to illustration
|
1. Continue working on your sketchbook practice. 2. Start brainstorming ideas for your project.
|
In class discussion and lecture: in-depth case study on successful businesses that focus on strong concept design.
|
|
Week 3 |
1. Talk about research presentation. 2. Character Design as Visual Language: Shape, Form, and Personality
|
Work on checkpoint 1due next week. |
Lecture and discussion on character design as visual language. |
|
Week 4 |
Checkpoint share 1.
|
1. Checkpoint 1 due. 2. Strat working on your research presentation. |
Share your ideas, findings, and what you’ve been practicing or reading.
|
|
Week 5 |
Workshop(s)
|
1. Continue working on your sketchbook practice. 2. Work on checkpoint 2. 3.Be prepared to present your research presentation next week. |
Guest lecturer(s) (either on zoom or in person) About character design. |
|
Week 6 |
Research presentation week.
|
Submit your presentation slides in pdf file. |
Research presentation needs to showcase the in-depth case study of successful concept design project that focus on visual storytelling. The research subject needs to relate to student’s personal interest and project. |
|
Week 7 |
Checkpoint share 2.
|
Checkpoint 2 due. |
Share your ideas, findings, and what you’ve been practicing or reading. |
|
Week 8 |
Editorial Illustration & Conceptual Thinking: Telling Stories Visually
|
|
In class discussion and lecture: in-depth case study on successful businesses that focus on intimate story and identity. |
|
Week 9 |
Talk about project and final presentation. |
1. Make progress on your project. 2. Be prepared to share your checkpoint 3 next week. |
Discuss on final project and presentation format. |
|
Week 10 |
Checkpoint share 3.
|
Checkpoint 3 due |
Share your ideas, findings, and what you’ve been practicing or reading. |
|
Week 11 |
Narrative-Driven Illustration: Building Worlds Through Design
|
1. Make progress on your project. |
|
|
Week 12 |
Studio week.
|
1. Work on your checkpoint 4. Be prepared to share on week 13. 2. Make progress on your project. |
Students gear up and put more time on the production with quality. |
|
Week 13 |
Checkpoint share 4.
|
Checkpoint 4 due |
Share your ideas, findings, and what you’ve been practicing or reading. |
|
Week 14 |
Studio week.
|
Finalize your project and presentation. |
Students gear up and put more time on the production with quality. |
|
Week 15 |
Final presentation week. |
Project due |
The independent project and presentation will be evaluated.
|
Expectations for Student Effort
Students should anticipate dedicating at least two hours each day outside of class to coursework. This time may involve completing assignments, conducting research, archiving or gathering inspiration, reading, or engaging in activities to enhance their skills.
Grading [add more lines if necessary]
|
Type of Assignment (tests, papers, etc) |
Points |
Percent of Overall Grade |
|
[4 Monthly Checkpoints] |
[25 points each] |
[40% total/10% each] |
|
[Research presentation] |
[50 points] |
[25%] |
|
[Project] |
[100 points] |
[35%] |
Grading Schema
|
Grade |
Percent |
Grade |
Percent |
|
A |
[94-100] |
C |
[74-76] |
|
A- |
[90-93] |
C- |
[70-73] |
|
B+ |
[87-89] |
D+ |
[65-69] |
|
B |
[84-86] |
D |
[60-64] |
|
B- |
[80-83] |
F |
[0-59] |
|
C+ |
[77-79] |
|
|
[Provide information about how grades will be rounded (eg, if 89% earns a B+ and 90% earns an A-, what grade is given to a student with an 89.5?]
Attendance and Make-Up Policy
Everyday attendance is not mandatory in DTC 337; however, students are expected to make all reasonable efforts to attend important class meetings. However, in the event a student is unable to attend a class, it is the responsibility of the student to inform the instructor as soon as possible, explain the reason for the absence (and provide documentation, if appropriate) to get excused.
This class includes two types of meetings: studio days and non-studio days. Attendance on studio days is optional, but students are expected to make progress on their work independently. Attendance is mandatory on non-studio days, which include lectures, discussions, critiques, and presentations. Students are responsible for keeping track of the course schedule to ensure they attend required sessions. Failure to attend mandatory meetings may result in a reduction of one letter grade.
Your final grade for the course is based on the performance evaluation criteria listed as well as your attendance, punctuality, and class conduct. A grade of Incomplete (I) will be considered only for medical reasons or other serious reasons beyond your control. Last-minute service bureau problems or loss of files because you did not back them up are not legitimate reasons for an incomplete grade.
Academic Integrity Statement
You are responsible for reading WSU's Academic Integrity Policy, which is based on Washington State law. If you cheat in your work in this class you will:
- Will immediately receive F.
-Be reported to the Center for Community Standards
-Have the right to appeal my decision
-Not be able to drop the course of withdraw from the course until the appeals process is finished
If you have any questions about what you can and cannot do in this course, ask me.
If you want to ask for a change in my decision about academic integrity, use the form at the Center for Community Standards website. You must submit this request within 21 calendar days of the decision.