ART 490
GRAPHIC DESIGN PRACTICUM
ART 490. Graphic Design Practicum
Prerequisites: Art 380 and/or permission of a department committee, senior standing, and a 2.75 overall average (15).
A one-semester, full-time apprenticeship in one or more professional graphic design settings, such as an advertising, printing, or design firm. Individual arrangement and supervision (2-D).
Through individual arrangement the graphic design student observes, participates and studies in actual on-the-job situations within a professional situation. Experiences include the application of skills and knowledge acquired in previous courses, the execution of planned and spontaneous assignments, observations, relevant scholarly work and a close overview of the field itself.
Art 490 is arranged by the student, supervising faculty member, and one or more co-operating agencies. It enables the student to obtain first-hand information, practical knowledge of the graphic design profession by working there on a daily basis. While the course always conforms to the regular university calendar, each student's experience is unique in terms of daily scheduling, assignments, location(s) cooperating artists or supervisors, etc.
Increasing technologies and methodologies within the graphic design profession and academia demand competence and experience on the part of the student prior to seeking a career in art. Therefore, the overall objective of this course is to provide a context for the student to experience the graphic design profession on a daily basis. It also enables the student to demonstrate his/her own artistic abilities, work habits and attitude. In addition, the course prepares Radford graduates to compete effectively with other art students for professional careers or further study in the discipline.
The experimental nature of this course precludes an exact description of student outcomes. Nevertheless, upon completion of this course all students will achieve the following two goals:
1. The student will apply knowledge of the graphic design profession learned from previous courses. Any of the following may take place.
a. Advertising for restaurants, hospitals, publications, and manufacturers.
b. Design for restaurants, hospitals, banks, schools, etc.
c. Illustrations for various publications, newsletters, magazines, etc.2. The student will also display an understanding and therefore act in the role of professional graphic artist.
Any of the following areas are appropriate:
1. Working with clients as a resource and art facilitator.
2. Working with colleagues as a partner on a professional team.
3. Working with printers as a liaison.
4. Working within accepted marketing, legal, and business practices.
Assessment takes several forms. In addition to full-time attendance, the student is required to keep a journal with daily entries. These record visual and verbal experiences at each location. The content may also include jobs worked, observations, explanations, live examples or proofs, nomenclature, comprehension of methods of processes, etc.
An in-depth research paper, scholarly in nature and form is also required. Using Radford and other facilities, the paper normally augments the nature of the internship - advertising, public relations, printing, etc.
A self-evaluation form covering design, craftsmanship and professionalism is required from the student. A similar evaluation form is submitted by the cooperating agency.
Weekly meetings, discussions and periodic portfolio reviews are required in addition to the daily internship.
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DATE ACTION APPROVED BY
March 25, 2005 Reviewed by Steve Arbury, Chair