SCHEME OF SYLLABUS FOR GRAPHIC DESIGN
CBSE CLASSES XI AND XII

INTRODUCTION

Graphic design is the creative planning and execution of visual communication. One learns to create a combination of shapes and forms, words and images, in order to reproduce them in some flat medium (two dimensional - paper, cardboard, cloth, plastic, video, computer, or projection screen, on poster, billboard, or other signage) or in a three-dimensional form (fabricated or manufactured) in order to convey information to a targeted audience. All graphic design has a purpose or function. Usually its purpose is commercial to explain aesthetically something -- to express, inform, and influence the thoughts and actions of its audience.

This subject introduces the student to art intended to communicate information and advertising. The focus is on studying and using layout and design concepts used in the graphic design field. The students will employ both analog media (drawing with pencil and paper, etc.) and digital media -- using up-to-date computer tools (graphics hardware and software - for drawing, painting, layout, typography, scanning, and photography).

1. Creating Art: Students know and apply the arts, disciplines, techniques and processes to communicate in original or interpretive work.

2. Art in Context: Students demonstrate how elements of time and place influence the visual characteristics, content, purpose and message of works of art.

3. Art as Inquiry: Students demonstrate how the arts reveal universal concepts and themes. Students reflect upon and assess the characteristics and merits of their work and the work of others.

Graphic Design at senior secondary stage is an elective subject. Although there are no prerequisite qualifications for the subject the students should demonstrate basic skill and interest in the fields of art and design to opt this subject.

RATIONALE 
Design is the process of selection where visual elements such as point, line, shape, volume, tone, texture, color, form, format, space, and structure are used by students to express their ideas. Visual sensitivity and working knowledge of design elements would be developed by solving a series of problems and employing a variety of media and materials. The curricular area aims at enabling the students to develop their mental faculties of observation, imagination, and creation and develop skills and sensitivity towards the use of visual elements for an effective visual communication. 

Design is an activity of problem solving for the well being of society and individuals. Today, in the world of information and communication every one has to communicate and get communicated by different groups of people through a wide variety of communication systems.  

Graphic designs course have great potential in providing creative solutions to communication of complex phenomena of print media such as books, magazines and newspaper, known as pictographic depictions or concept visualization. It can be traditionally applied in typography, cartooning (social, political and educational), and designing poster, book-covers, letter heads, news papers, brochure, logo, textile prints, or even jewelries. Since the advent of personal computers and design software, graphic design is being utilized in electronic media-often referred to as interactive design which has unlimited applications in advertisements. The students can later become graphic designers working in print production (newsletters, posters, brochures, etc). Graphic designers combine text and images to communicate a message: sell a product or service, inform, or entertain.  

   The Graphic Design curriculum focuses on creating intelligent and powerful visual communication. Students build a strong foundation for a graphic design career by learning design techniques, visual thinking, concept development, colour, composition, and typography, through case studies and hands-on exercises. During the study, assignments will incorporate problem solving projects that relate to visual communication. The course includes introduction to computer as a tool to create, modify and present the visual messages. 

By opting Graphic Design as one of the Elective subjects at Senior Secondary level, the  students will have various options to pursue their advanced studies in Graphic Design or the  knowledge may be integrated with related curricular/professional areas for their career.    

COURSE OBJECTIVES 

By studying Graphic Design students will have a wider horizon in the field of art and will :-

• Demonstrate artistic growth by executing a variety of images/ text as images, traditional and contemporary techniques that so lve complex design problems using creative thinking and analytical skills.
• Develop and demonstrate their understanding and skillful use of the elements and principles of visual design (1. conceptual element, 2. visual element, 3. relational element & 4. practical or functional element.)
• Gain skill to use the digital tools as a powerful means of communication for creation, modification & presentation.
• Study the works of contemporary artists, designers as well as the masters in the field and discuss and enrich their vocabulary of design.
• Learn ways to apply aesthetic sensibilities into their works and explore ways to balance between formal theories with practical applications.

CORE CONTENT GOALS FOR GRAPHIC DESIGN

   The students will learn:

• The history of graphic design.
• What a layout is and how to create an effective one.
• About lettering/fonts and their implications.
• What a logo is and how to create one.
• The basics of two dimensional design including the elements and principles of art.
• About color theory and its implications in Graphic Design.
• How to use art criticism effectively.
• About Graphic Design as a career.
• To improve their design skills and techniques using a variety of tools.

In this class, students will design and create a variety of projects, both by hand and by using computer graphic design programs. They will maintain good studio organization and use of tools as expected by the teacher. They are expected to maintain facilities in an appropriate working condition.