REFLECTIONS 2010-2011 Syllabus

 

LS Blätter  |  L9
LS@slchemyandlore.com OR blatterl@pcsb.org
727.538.7410 

Course Goals

The objective of this course is to work from existing copies of REFLECTIONS to generate and articulate as a class an editorial and production philosophy, set goals and deadlines, define student roles in the various stages of lit mag production and dissemination, articulate and revise when necessary guidelines for submission as well as revise the previous submission form, evaluate submissions, raise funds, and learn the technologies and programs required to create a final version of REFLECTIONS in pdf using InDesign and Photoshop.  We may also want to consider creating a web version of the literary magazine—we shall see.  The theme for this year’s literary magazine is “Issues of Conformity.”  Part of our job will be to solicit submissions from the school that deal with conformity in various ways. 

Academic Objectives & Outcomes

  • Design Theory
    • Negative space / Positive space
    • Type, image, message
    • Principles of design
      • Balance
      • Rhythm
      • Proportion
      • Dominance
      • Unity
  • Software
    • Photoshop
    • In-Design
    • MovieMaker
  • Typography
    • Fonts
    • Leading
    • Pica
    • Points
  • Layout
  • Copyediting and Production
    • Proofreading
    • Desktop Publishing
  • Advertising
  • Fundraising
  • Teamwork
  • Bureaucratic Permissions

 

Required Texts & Readings
Previous editions of REFLECTIONS
Various articles (handouts or online)

Grades
Time and effort are the basic requirements of any sort of production whether it be a household chore or athletic training or the focus and practice required to master any intellectual endeavor.  As such, your presence in this class will count a great portion of your grade book grade.  If you are not here, you cannot be said to be honing your skills as well as participating in the team effort of putting forth the literary magazine.
You will keep a record of the time you spend in (and out) of class on each aspect of literary magazine production.  Part of this record will be evident based upon forum usage.  General areas include: design, editorial, proofreading, advertising, and class discussion.  This list is not exhaustive, but it offers a general idea of how you will spend your time on any given day.  Timeliness will also be a factor in your final grade.  Late work may not be accepted and therefore may receive a zero grade.  Each person will need to commit to at least one aspect of the literary magazine development.

Student Expectations

  • Basic rules of decorum apply.  We will address any issues that arise on an as-needed basis.
  • Be ready with assignments and discussion points when the bell rings.
  • Exercise diplomacy; we’re not all going to agree, so disagree in a way that you don’t burn any bridges. 
  • Follow through with responsibilities.  Don’t take on more than you can handle.
  • Manage your time such that deadlines are met ON TIME.

Deadlines

  • MAJOR
    • REFLECTIONS ready to go to print by Spring Break.
  • MINOR
    • Submission form revision by 1 September 2009
    • First commercial by 8 September 2009
  • These lists will become more comprehensive over the course of the year.

Miscellany

  • Please use the forums to communicate.  The forums offer a place to hold an open discussion with classmates as well as an archive of our progress during the year.  ALL students are required to register for the forums (aka boards) as well as USE them.  www.alchemyandlore.com  ß Memorize this.