This course syllabus outlines a Visual Dynamics I course that is a core, 4-credit course taken in the first year of a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Design program. The course explores fundamental elements and principles of two-dimensional design through a series of 10 studio projects over 11 weeks, aimed at developing technical skills. Students will be evaluated based 90% on in-class assignments and 10% on participation in critiques. The course is taught through lectures, demonstrations, exercises and critiques.

1. Course Syllabus
1. Program of Study: Bachelor of Arts Program(Communication Design)
Faculty/Institute/College: Mahidol University International College
2. Course Code: ICCD 110
Course Title: Visual Dynamics I
3.Number of Credits: 4 (0-8-4) (Lecture-Lab-Self study)
4.Prerequisite(s): None
5.Type of Course: Core Course
6.Trimester/Academic Year: Trimester I / Year 1
7.Conditions: Enrollment cap : 18 students
8.Course Description:
A problem solving course that explores the fundamental elements and principles of two-
dimensional design, and that broadens the beginner student understanding of composition
in terms of concept, methods and materials. Development and improvement of technical
and media skills.
9.Course Objectives:
After successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
9.1 Invent within the perimeters of the problem assigned.
9.2 Compose with an understanding of the elements and principles of design, their
properties, inherent possibilities, and how they communicate content.
9.3 Research a variety of contemporary and historical influences and incorporate
them into their own work.
9.4 Use design terminology effectively while communicating visual ideas in discussion,
critical analysis, and critiques.
9.5 Competently handle media and techniques important to upper level courses and
design careers.
9.6 Present two-dimensional work professionally.
10.Course Outline
Week Topics Studio Instructor

2. Hours
1 Introduction to the course. Presentation and demonstration 8 Konstanz
focusing on line quality. Student practice leading into a
studio project. Presentation of visual movement and balance.
2 Continuation of student work on linequality assignment. 8 Konstanz
Critique of line quality assignment. Presentation of figure-
ground relationships. Newassignment focusing on figure-
ground.
3 Mid-process critique of figure-ground assignment. 8 Konstanz
Continuation of student work on figure-ground assignment.
4 Critique of figure-ground assignment. Introduction of visual 8 Konstanz
tension in relation to value.Student practice (sketches of visual
tension and value scale).
5 Value scale due. Continuation of student work on value and 8 Konstanz
visual tension assignment. Process critique at the end of the
class.
6 Critique of value and visual tension assignment. Presentation 8 Konstanz
and discussion of dynamic
vs. static composition. Student practice.
7 Mid-process critique of dynamic vs. static assignment. 8 Konstanz
Continuation of student work on assignment.
8 Introduction of pattern and anomaly. Student practice 8 Konstanz
(research on cultural and cross-cultural influences).
9 Student presentations of research. Student practice mid- 8 Konstanz
process critique.
10 Continuation of student work on pattern and anomaly 8 Konstanz
assignment.
11 Final Critique of Pattern and anomaly assignment. 8 Konstanz
88 Total
11.Teaching Methods
11.1 Lecture
11.2 Demonstration
11.3 In-class Exercises
11.4 Self-Study
11.5 Critiques
12.Teaching Media
12.1 Presentation of Images
12.2 Handouts
13.Measurement and Evaluation of Student Achievement
Students will demonstrate their ability to:

3. 13.1 Invent within the perimeters of the problem assigned.
13.2 Compose with an understanding of the elements and principles of design, their
properties, inherent possibilities, and how they communicate content.
13.3 Research a variety of contemporary and historical influences and incorporate
them into their own work.
13.4 Use design terminology effectively while communicating visual ideas in discussion,
critical analysis, and critiques.
13.5 Competently handle media and techniques important to upper level courses and
design careers.
13.6 Present two-dimensional work professionally.
Student achievement will be evaluated by means of:
In-Class Assignments 90%
Participation (including use of class time and critique) 10%
Total 100%
Student achievement will be graded according to College and University standard using
the symbols A, B+, B, C+, C, D+, D and F.
14.Course Evaluation
14.1 Students’ achievement as indicated in number 13 above.
14.2 Students’ satisfaction towards teaching and learning of the course using
questionnaires.
15.References
Arnheim, R. (2004). Visual Thinking. Berkeley, California: University of California
Press.
Martinez, B. and Block, J. (1994). Visual Forces: An Introduction to
Design. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Prentice-Hall.
Wong, W. (1972). Principles of Two-Dimensional Design. Indianapolis, Indiana: Wiley.
16.Instructor
Lect. Dale Konstanz
Mahidol University International College
17.Course Coordinator
Lect. Dale Konstanz
Mahidol University International College
Email: icdale@mahidol.ac.th
18. Course Policies

4. Attendance
It is imperative that you attend every class session. Roll will be taken each session. You are
required to stay for the entire class. If you leave class early, you will be marked absent. If you
have a valid reason for missing a class, such as an illness or death in the family, you can submit
a formal written letter in English, to be excused. The instructor has the right to accept or deny
excuses. Even if you have a formal written excuse, missing class with indirectly negatively affect
your grade. If you miss 4 classes, you will fail the course.
Punctuality
Arrive to class on time, as arriving late is disruptive to your classmates and to the instructor,
and it slows down the pace of the class. If you arrive after the instructor takes roll call, you will be
marked late. If you are late 3 times, it will be considered one absence. If you arrive 15 minutes
late or more after roll call, you will be marked absent for the day.
Breaks
You will be given one 15 minute break each class. The break will be announced by the
instructor. You are expected to return to class ON TIME after the break. The instructor may take
attendance after break, and if you are late, it will count as one late arrival (see above). If you
return to class later than 15 minutes after the end of break, you will be marked absent for the day.
Work time
You are expected to use class time wisely. Unless there is a class discussion, critique, or
conversation with the instructor, there is to be minimal talking during the class. Turn off your
mobile phone or turn it to silent mode.
Critiques
It is necessary to learn how to be critical of your own and other’s work, and you will need
to be able to accept criticism well. Regular critiques will be held, both formal and informal, in
class. We will critique during mid-process and at the end of each project. You are expected to
be involved throughout the process. If you don’t submit your work for critique, you will be marked
absent. Being involved in the discussions during critique will positively affect your participation
grade.
Materials
Most materials will be provided, however you may be asked to supply some of your own
materials. It is your responsibility to clean up your materials and work area at the end of
each class.