GA1313 - Introduction to Desktop Publishing

Credit points:	03
Year:	2009
Student Contribution Band:	Band 1
Administered by:	Communication Design

This subject is designed to provide a foundation level introduction to desktop publishing. It will be of benefit to anyone who may need to produce professional looking printed documents for any purpose. Topics covered include: hardware and software; technical terms and production processes; planning a DTP workflow; layout and design principles; grids and document design; type and digital typography; scanning and image preparation; effectively combining text and graphics; utilising portable and digital document formats, storing and transporting large files and troubleshooting problems.

Learning Outcomes

• select and utilise appropriate hardware and software to suit a range of publishing requirements;
• select, specify and use type to suit design objectives;
• utilise a range of design and layout techniques to enhance the appearance and readability of published documents;
• scan, edit and manipulate images for use in an electronic publishing environment and produce PDF files for electronic distribution;
• proof and correct work prior to commitment to print process and troubleshoot and resolve a range of basic technical and design related problems.

Graduate Qualities

• The ability to think critically, to analyse and evaluate claims, evidence and arguments;
• The ability to adapt knowledge to new situations;
• The ability to define and to solve problems in at least one discipline area;
• The ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences;
• The ability to select and use appropriate IT tools;
• The ability to access and employ online technologies effectively;
• The ability to use and interpret different media;
• The ability to use a variety of media and methods to retrieve, analyse, evaluate, organise and present information.

Availabilities
Cairns, Internal, Study Period 1
Census Date 27-Mar-2009
Coord/Lect:	Mr Russell Milledge.
Contact hours:	13 hours lectures - 1 hour lecture/week 13 hours tutorials - 2 hours workshops/week; workshops commence Week 1 13 hours practicals
Assessment:	quizzes or tests (20%); four practical assignments (80%) (80%).
Special Assessment Requirements:	In order to establish the authenticity of work submitted for assessment, attendance at practical classes is compulsory. Rolls are kept and work submitted by students with an attendance of less than 80% will not be eligible for assessment unless prior approval has been obtained in writing from the lecturer.

Note: Minor variations might occur due to the continuous Subject quality improvement process, and in case of minor variation(s) in assessment details, the Subject Outline represents the latest official information.