Course Description

Students explore various methods of preparing professional portfolios, as well as the packaging and marketing of their portfolio works in preparation for further education and/or job interviews related to their career goals in visual communications. Along with the portfolio, each student prepares a resume, digital portfolio, and considers other self-promotional pieces to complete his/her portfolio package. The emphasis of this course is that each student compiles a professional looking and complete portfolio package based on his/her occupational and educational goals. Group 2 course.

Credit Hours

3

Contact Hours

4

Recitation Hours

4

Required Prerequisites

VCA 200, VCA 220

General Education Outcomes supported by this course

Communications - Direct, Critical Thinking - Direct

Course Learning Outcomes

Knowledge:

• Describe design methodologies related to graphic design and advertising.
• Identify graphic design and information architecture elements used in portfolio development.
• Describe portfolio styles and functions.
• Relate portfolio requirements to their field.

Application:

• Complete projects from start to finish.
• Solve design challenges in an Apple Certified Mac Lab.
• Explore design trends with projects that strengthen portfolios.

Integration:

• Integrate industry theory and progressive practice into portfolio production and presentation.
• Present portfolios to industry professionals.
• Use global industry standards in project development.

Human Dimension:

• Resolve process of work through critiques and communication with others.
• Use the content in this course to inform and help the VCA Advisory Board to see the impact of design-thinking.

Caring - Civic Learning:

• Explain how design can be used to influence or persuade others with their chosen field.

Learning How to Learn:

• Frame useful questions for developing technical skills.
• Synthesize constructive feedback during critiques and discussions.