CAPP 310—Desktop Publishing       
Mannheim Campus
Mannheim Campus
W. A. Hume

TEXTS:    The PC is Not a Typewriter by Robin Williams 
                   The Non-Designer’s Design Book by Robin Williams
                   Microsoft Publisher 98 by Design by Luisa Simone

DESCRIPTION:  This course is an introduction to concepts and methods of desktop publishing. Highlights include the design and layout of a publication, the integration of computer graphics, the drafting and editing of  publications, and methods of interfacing with high-level printing equipment to produce final documents.

LEARNING: Self-motivation, discipline, and creativity will need to be exercised to accomplish the type of work required. At times this class may operate more like a hands-on workshop and at other times more like a lecture setting. Lecture, demonstration, hands-on activities/assignments, evaluations, and student presentations of portfolio documents are some of the ways we will learn.

This course will assist in all of the following criteria:

• Understanding Microsoft Windows. 

• Learning basic features of Microsoft Publisher. 

• Creating, importing, manipulate graphics. 

• Applying basic design principles and typography. 

• Utilizing learned information to produce publications.

• Developing a personal desktop publishing (DTP) portfolio.

 SPECIFIC COURSE OBJECTIVES:
Upon successful completion of the course, students should be able to do the following:

1. Apply the basics of page assembly including page setup, text functions, and graphic functions.
2. Apply the basic principles of design to the production of documents.
3. Explain the factors involved in regard to typography including characteristics of type and type specifications.
4. Describe the different types of graphic files and the factors involved in modifying them and wrapping text around them.
5. Create templates and style sheets.

6. Produce various documents containing text and graphics including newsletters, flyers, and brochures.

Attendance:Class participation is essential to a passing grade. Meeting appointments and commitments is part of being a professional. Without attending class, you cannot perform your job as a student involved in planning, drafting, discussing samples, or practicing strategies. I do understand that emergencies may arise. You must call before you will miss class; otherwise your absence will be considered unexcused. Three unexcused absences will result in a lowering of your course grade by one full letter. Every absence after three unexcused absences will result in a lowering of 5 percent of your overall grade.

Cheating will not be tolerated. You are expected to do your own work. If a project you have turned in for this class has been previously posted on the Internet, received from a student in a previous class, or taken from any other individual, you may forfeit your ability to complete the course. Similar responses may be expected for copying exam questions or using “cheat sheets.”

GRADING WILL BE FIGURED ON THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA:

 Click mailbox to e-mail instructor W.A. Hume

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Disclaimer: Information contained in this syllabus, to the best of the knowledge of the instructor, was considered correct and complete when distributed for use at the beginning of the semester.  However, this syllabus should not be considered a contract between the University of Maryland and any student.  The instructor reserves the right, acting within the policies and procedures of UMUC, to make changes in course content or instructional technique without prior notice or obligation.