Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon

Hello, and thank you for your interest in History of Graphic Design! 

This class explores how visual communication has shaped—and been shaped by—human history, from the earliest pictographs and writing systems to modern and digital design. With an emphasis on the Modern era, this fully online, asynchronous course examines changes in style, technology, and visual language while considering the cultural, political, social, and economic contexts in which design is produced.

Through readings, discussions, visual analysis, and research, students will learn to think critically about the relationship between form, meaning, and historical moment, and to apply this understanding to the visual culture they encounter every day.

Because the course has no scheduled Zoom meetings, students are expected to manage their time independently and engage consistently with the material, making curiosity, organization, and self-motivation key to success.

Here are some basics of how the class will work:

• This is an 11-week, online-only (no Zoom) class (review the types of classes at PCC by clicking here).
  • It is essential to log in to the D2L class during Week 1 of the term, as there is a quiz due Wednesday of Week 1.
    • You will also need to complete all of the Week 1 activities to stay enrolled in the course. 
  • The class is divided into weekly modules that begin on Monday. Within the weekly modules, you will be provided with readings and lectures along with reoccurring weekly assignments:
    • The weekly quizzes will be due Fridays.
    • The discussion posts have (2) parts, an initial post that is due Fridays, with peer responses due Sundays.
  • We will have (3) "big ticket" assignments:
    • Midterm 
    • Final
    • Research Project 

Required Textbook:

Your computer:

To participate in PCC Online classes, students are expected to be familiar with computers and the Internet. Students are responsible for their own software and computer equipment maintenance and setup.

• Please visit the TECH PANTHER TRACKS before you take any Remote or Online Classes!
• Access to a modern computer system with a supported operating system (OS) installed. Tablets and/or phones are not ideal for online courses. 
• An internet browser is installed on your computer that is preferred by D2L (Chrome or Firefox).
  • Download one of the recommended browsers.

Other software requirements:

• Google Apps (Linked to your PCC Gmail Account)
  • We will be using Google Slides for some of our assignments.
• Screenshots
• D2L
  

Note on the PULSE App:

• The PULSE app is good for notifications, but be advised to fully engage with the course, you will need to access D2L from a desktop WEB BROWSER.

Resources for Student Preparedness:

• PCC's Online Learning Page: 
  • This is a great landing page that provides information on how online classes work, tips for online success, and where to find help/resources. 
    
    
• PCC's Online Start Guide for Students: 
  • I am hoping that most of you have completed the Online Start Guide -- if not, and you are feeling stressed out about online classes, this is a good place to go to get a foundation in Online Learning at PCC.
    
    
• PCC Panther Tracks:
  • The Student Affairs team has been hard at work revamping the Panther Tracks, the online guide for students at PCC! There are so many valuable resources and links provided in the Panther Tracks that can really help with overall academic success! 
• Technology Assistance!
  • Need help with technology? Getting internet, a device, or how to use Drive or D2L? This is where you can meet with a DIGITAL NAVIGATOR to get you up to snuff for the new term! Digital navigators are available for 1-on-1 assistance at each campus. You can learn more here.