DSGN 4861 A01: Design + Publications < Youngstown State University

DSGN 4861 - Design + Publications

Fall 2026 Syllabus, Section A01, CRN 43810,
Credit hours: 3

Course Meeting Times

Instructor

Amy Copeland

Email: adcopeland01@ysu.edu

Instructor Image

Public Instructor Information

Instructor Title: Assistant Professor

Instructor Professional Qualifications:

MFA in Visual Communication Design, Kent State University
MS in User Experience Design, Kent State University
BS in Graphic Design, University of Cincinnati

Instructor Office Phone: 330-941-1866
Office Hours: Tuesday 10-12 pm, Wednesday 11-1 pm, Thursday 10-12 pm. All office hours are held remotely via Microsoft Teams. Schedule an appointment at least 24 hours in advance via email.
Preferred Contact Method: email
Communication Expectations:
I typically respond to emails and calls within 24-48 hours. Please note that I check my emails on a limited basis after 7 p.m. (EST) and on weekends. If you email in the evening, do not expect a response until the following day. If you email over the weekend, please expect a response on Monday.
How to Refer to me: Amy or Professor Copeland

Private Instructor Information

Course Description

4861. Design + Publications. The use of type and visual elements in publication formats including newspaper design, newsletters, magazines, annual reports, book design and specialty publications. Prereq.: C or better in DSGN 3762 or permission of instructor. 3 s.h.

Course Readings

Group	Title	Author	ISBN
Optional	No course readings	N/A	N/A

No readings

The course readings are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances, research developments, current events, and/or to ensure better learning.

Additional Course Materials

Course Learning Outcomes/Objectives/Goals

How to Succeed in This Course

Attendance Expectations

Late Work Submission Policy

Additional Course Expectations

Artificial Intelligence Policy Statement

Assignments/Assessments

Grading and Grading Scale

University Policies

Schedule of Topics and Assignments

Week of	Reading(s)	Proposed Topic	Due/To Prepare for Class
8/24	N/A	Introduce Project 1: Annual Report	8/25 Tuesday: Video Discussion / Annual Report Design 8/26 Wednesday: Project 1 Narrative, Mood Board & Sketches Due 8/28 Friday: Project 1 Visual Review 1: Cover & back cover designs (group discussion)
8/31	N/A	Work on Project 1, Annual Report	9/1Tuesday: Project 1 Visual Review 2: 50% of design complete 9/3 Thursday: Video Discussion: Designing charts and graphs 9/4 Friday: Project 1 Progress Critique: 80-100% of design complete (group discussion)
9/7	N/A	Complete Project 1 / Introduce Project 2: Magazine Design	9/9 Wednesday: Project 1 DUE 9/9 Wednesday: Video Discussion / Designing a magazine (group discussion) 9/10 Thursday: Project 2 Visual Review 1: Magazine Cover Sketches
9/14	N/A	Work on Project 2, Magazine Design	9/14 Monday: Project 2 Visual Review 2: Cover initial layouts (group discussion) 9/17 Thursday: Project 2 Visual Review 3: Feature opener sketches 9/18 Friday: Video Discussion / Famous Magazines & Their Designers
9/21	N/A	Work on Project 2, Magazine Design	9/21 Monday: Project 2 Visual Review 4: Feature spread design 9/23 Wednesday: Video Discussion / Editorial Design 9/24 Thursday: Project 2 Progress Critique: Cover and feature design (complete)
9/28	N/A	Complete Project 2 / Introduce Project 3: Museum Exhibition Brochure	9/29 Tuesday: Project 3 Visual Review: Exhibition Idea and Sketches Due 9/30 Wednesday: Project 2 DUE / Video Discussion: Designing for Museums 10/1 Thursday: Project 3 Visual Review: Initial Designs Due (group discussion)
10/5	N/A	Complete Project 3, Museum Exhibition Brochure	10/5 Monday: Project 3 Progress Critique (group discussion) 10/7 Wednesday: Video Discussion / Publication Design 10/9 Friday: Project 3 DUE

The course schedule, policies, procedures, and assignments in this course are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances, by mutual agreement, and/or to ensure better learning.

DSGN 4861 A01: Design + Publications