Algonquin College Graphic Design Program Computer Graphics Course Curriculum Algonquin College Graphic Design Program Computer Graphics Course Curriculum

Assessment

Each faculty member in the Graphic Design Program strives for clear, known, detailed and fair assessment. The information below is provided to show each and every student where their target goal is and how to attain it.

Topics

Our Grading System

Algonquin College’s grading system is based on letter grades. You’ll find a qualitative description as well as numerical equivalents of the letter grades below.

You need to maintain a GPA above 1.7, with no grades below C- to succeed in the program. There is information on calculating your grade point average here, on the College’s site.

If you’ve earned an A, or 85% and you find yourself wondering why you lost 15 points on an assignment, don’t think of it that way. Your work must have been superior, but not excellent. The difference between 85% and 89% becomes irrelevant, because the whole range earns you a grade of A. Focus on the letter, not the number.

Grade Designations

A: Excellent
Course learning requirements are met in a consistently outstanding manner.
B: Superior
Course learning requirements are met and exceed the requirements.
C: Satisfactory
Course learning requirements are met satisfactorily.
D: Marginal
Course learning requirements are met, but achieved at a marginal level. consistent, ongoing effort is required for continuing success in the program.
F: Unsatisfactory (Failure)
Course learning requirements are not met. No credit is awarded.

Numeric Values

Percent GradeLetter GradeNumeric Grade
90-100A+4.0
85-89A3.8
80-84A-3.6
77-79B+3.3
73-76B3.0
70-72B-2.7
67-69C+2.3
63-66C2.0
60-62C-1.7
57-59D+1.4
53-56D1.2
50-52D-1.0
0-49F0

Attendance

This is not a correspondence course. In order to earn points for in-class assignments, you must be present in class. If you have an un-excused absence, you can complete the assignment with the help of the online course material, but you will not earn points. I will, however, provide written feedback on your performance. If your absence is unavoidable, please communicate with me before the class to make me aware of it. I will have the option to excuse your absence and allow completion of the assignment outside of class.

 

Importance of File Naming

Attention to detail is crucial in the practice of Graphic Design. File naming is no exception. Naming files incorrectly can cause disastrous effects, like broken images on the web, print errors and missed deadlines. This is why we are so strict with this in the Computer Graphics courses.

Organizing, naming and submitting files adhering to precise instructions is an important skill in the practice of Graphic Design. As such, 20% of all assignment values is based on adhering to instructions. These instructions will be given verbally in class and/or online. If files are submitted in such a way that they are not usable to produce the final product, the student can earn a grade of zero on that assignment at the faculty’s discretion.

Submitting a File

When submitting a file, you need to name it according to a specific naming convention. Make sure you close your file before you re-name it in Finder. Use this convention: First Name, Last Name, Group Nº, Assignment Name.ai. So, name it like this example:

submission-file-naming
Only submit the zip file. You can delete the zip only after submission.

Once you have submitted your zip file, you can delete it. Keep the original file at least as long as your time in the program.

The following is incorrect:

submission-file-incorrect
Name your file before zip-compressing it.

When you re-name the zip file, it unzips un-named, which is not a good thing. Make sure to re-name the file, then zip-compress it.

Submitting a Folder

Follow the same process for submitting a folder. Name it First Name, Last Name, Group Nº, Assignment Name. So, name it like this example:

submission-folders

Once you have submitted your zip file, you can delete it. Keep the original folder at least as long as your time in the program.

The following is incorrect:

submission-folders-incorrect
Name your folder before zip-compressing it.

When you re-name the zip file, it unzips un-named, which is not a good thing. Make sure to re-name the folder, then zip-compress it.

Submitting a file or folder that is un-named will earn you a grade of zero. You can avoid this by naming the file/folder as directed before you zip-compress it.

Not complying with this will cause a needless loss of points. Pay close attention while submitting.

Confirm Your Brightspace Submission

It is your responsibility to confirm your Brightspace submissions have worked. You receive two confirmations from Brightspace.

Brightspace Confirmation
Make sure you see this confirmation on Brightspace.

When you submit your file, you’ll see the green text on Brighspace showing you the submission was uploaded sucessfully.

Email Confirmation
Keep the email message you receive after submission.

You will also receive an email confirmation at your college email address to confirm your submission. Keep this email as evidence the submission was done.

If your submissions are not received and you have no confirmation messages, they will not be graded.