Course Number and Title:
VSC 251 Portfolio Workshop
Prerequisites
Prerequisite: VSC 115, VSC 160, VSC 165, and VSC 210 (VSC 262 or concurrent)
Course Credits and Hours
3 credit(s)
2 lecture hours/week
3 lab hours/week
Course Description
This capstone course covers self-promotion and management techniques for the visual communications professional. Students develop materials designed to get the attention of potential clients or employers and culminates with a formal printed and web portfolio. Emphasis is placed on showcasing the student's individual talents along with scheduling, pricing, ethical guidelines, and media specification through a series of promotional projects.
Core Course Performance Objectives (CCPOs)
- Discuss the visual communications industry. (CCC 1; PGC 3, 4, 5, 6)
- Use software programs that are fundamental to advertisement and graphic design, multimedia and web design, or photo imaging. (CCC 2, 5; PGC 2, 3, 4, 6)
- Create a formal portfolio. (CCC 1; PGC 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
- Discuss the student’s own work in the context of a portfolio interview or presentation. (CCC 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6; PGC 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
- Create a formal creative résumé. (CCC 1; PGC 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
- Create and present a finished and presentable portfolio that reflects creativity and proficiency in the chosen field of visual communications. (CCC 1; PGC 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
- Create a self or corporate identity package and billing forms for freelance work. (CCC 1, 2, 4, 5, 6; PGC 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
- Use copyright protection procedures for student’s own work. (CCC 1, 2, 3, 4, 5; PGC 6)
- Initiate a job search plan. (CCC 1, 2, 4, 5, 6; PGC 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
- Create self-promotional work for use in job canvassing. (CCC 1, 2, 4, 5; PGC 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
See Core Curriculum Competencies and Program Graduate Competencies at the end of the syllabus. CCPOs are linked to every competency they develop.
Measurable Performance Objectives (MPOs)
Upon completion of this course, the student will:
- Discuss the visual communications industry.
- Discuss industry trends.
- Identify industry leading individuals and agencies.
- Identify industry trade organizations and publications.
- Discuss what constitutes a project.
- Distinguish between project work and functional work.
- Discuss visual communication projects and project management.
- Use software programs that are fundamental to advertisement and graphic design, multimedia and web design, or photo imaging.
- Prepare a campaign (design, photography, web, and/or video) for a non-profit agency to promote an event or cause.
- Discuss basic concepts of project scheduling and processes.
- Create a formal portfolio.
- Prepare all current and past work for presentation in the portfolio.
- Discuss the student’s own work in the context of a portfolio interview or presentation.
- Select, prioritize, and organize existing work to prepare for presentation.
- Schedule and deliver a formal presentation of student’s own portfolio to potential clients.
- Create a formal creative résumé.
- Modify student’s own traditional résumé into a visual creative résumé showcasing the student’s own talents.
- Use a formal creative résumé as a presentation piece to a potential employer.
- Create and present a finished and presentable portfolio that reflects creativity and proficiency in the chosen field of visual communications.
- Create a web-based version of the portfolio.
- Create a final printed portfolio that is suitable for exhibition.
- Create a self or corporate identity package and billing forms for freelance work.
- Use industry ethical standards as outlined by the Graphic Artists Guild.
- Create a simple contract for freelance work.
- Create personal identity package for promotional purposes.
- Develop an hourly rate for freelance work.
- Use copyright protection procedures for student’s own work.
- Discuss and apply an artist’s legal rights and the foundations of copyright law as they relate to graphic and visual artists.
- Initiate a job search plan.
- Create a job search and canvassing plan.
- Create self-promotional work for use in job canvassing.
- Create a viable introductory communication featuring original design or artwork.
- Prepare a visual campaign of communication, visual résumés, and leave pieces of his/her own work for presentation to a potential client or employer.
- Design and produce a functional record keeping, scheduling, cost accounting, and billing system for a small company in his/her area of specialization.
Evaluation Criteria/Policies
The grade will be determined using the Delaware Tech grading system:
| 90-100 |
= |
A |
| 80-89 |
= |
B |
| 70-79 |
= |
C |
| 0-69 |
= |
F |
Students should refer to the
Catalog/Student Handbook for information on the Academic Standing Policy, the Academic Integrity Policy, Student Rights and Responsibilities, and other policies relevant to their academic progress.
Final Course Grade
Calculated using the following weighted average
Evaluation Measure | Percentage of final grade |
Formative Assessments |
Prep Assignments | 5% |
Formative Project Assessments -Assignments | 15% |
Summative Assessments |
Identity Package | 50% |
Final Capstone/Summative Project (Printed and Web Portfolio) | 30% |
TOTAL | 100% |
Program Graduate Competencies (PGCs are the competencies every graduate will develop specific to his or her major)
VSCAASVSC
- Integrate the principles and elements of design into cohesive problem-solving techniques for visual communication assignments.
- Create or evaluate and select illustrative, photographic, layout, video, and/or web-based solutions for use in effectively evoking digital/web-based solutions for multiple devices.
- Critique design solutions and develop strategies for strengthening their conceptual and technical effectiveness.
- Structure a problem-solving strategy for delivery of the client's message to his market, making efficient use of current design, production, and delivery technologies.
- Synthesize components of design industry solutions into cohesive presentations that are technically and conceptually effective.
- Integrate professional, ethical, and legal standards into business practice.
Core Curriculum Competencies (CCCs are the competencies every graduate will develop)
- Apply clear and effective communication skills.
- Use critical thinking to solve problems.
- Collaborate to achieve a common goal.
- Demonstrate professional and ethical conduct.
- Use information literacy for effective vocational and/or academic research.
- Apply quantitative reasoning and/or scientific inquiry to solve practical problems.
Students in Need of Accommodations Due to a Disability
We value all individuals and provide an inclusive environment that fosters equity and student success. The College is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities. Students are encouraged to schedule an appointment with the campus Disabilities Support Counselor to request an accommodation needed due to a disability. The College's policy on accommodations for persons with disabilities can be found in the College's Guide to Requesting Academic Accommodations and/or Auxiliary Aids Students may also access the Guide and contact information for Disabilities Support Counselors through the Student Resources web page under Disabilities Support Services, or visit the campus Advising Center.