Spring 2025 Course Syllabus
Course: MRKG-1472 (Section: 1H, CRN: 11178)
Graphics for Marketing 		LSCPA Logo Image
Instructor Information
Instructor Danielle Nicholson
Email nicholsondm@lamarpa.edu
Phone (409) 681-4312
Office Press Building - Room: 105C
Office Hours

Mondays, 12:45 pm - 2:45 pm

Tuesdays, 9:30 - 11 am; 12:15 - 12:45 pm

Wednesdays, 12:45 pm - 2:45 pm

Thursdays, 9:30 - 11 am; 12:15 - 12:45 pm

Fridays, 12:45 pm - 2:45 pm
Additional Contact Information You may call or text my cell phone, however please note that you will need to leave a voicemail: (682) 556-1050
Course Information
Description This course will challenge students to create digital images and videos for marketing. Introduction to graphic design principles and technology. Provide practice at content creation.
Required Textbooks Textbook Purchasing Statement: A student attending Lamar State College Port Arthur is not under any obligation to purchase a textbook from the college-affiliated bookstore. The same textbook may also be available from an independent retailer, including an online retailer.

Textbook Purchasing Statement: A student attending Lamar State College Port Arthur is not under any obligation to purchase a textbook from the college-affiliated bookstore. The same textbook may also be available from an independent retailer, including an online retailer.
 
No required textbooks. Videos, readings will be assigned throughout the semester. 
Additional Materials/Resources Additional readings, videos, etc. will be available in Blackboard. You will also be using various tutorials provided by Canva through the Canva website. 
Corequisites/Prerequisites None
Learning Outcomes

Apply graphic design principles in a digital environment using appropriate tools.
Program Student Learning Outcomes
  • Explore current trends, emerging technologies, and future applications of social media and digital communications.
  • Communicate effectively with intended audiences using social media and digital communications.
  • Apply social media solutions using current best practices.
  • Apply effective problem-solving techniques in social media and digital communications marketing.
Lecture Topics Outline
  • Understanding and Utilizing Canva to Create High-Quality Marketing Graphics
  • Principles of Graphic Design, Color, and Typography in Marketing
  • Photo and Video Composition, Document Design in Marketing
  • Mood Boards and Branding 
  • Graphics for Social Media Platforms
  • Short Form Video - Brief Overview
  • The Personal Brand 
  • Finding Inspiration
Major Assignments Schedule
  • Week 1 - Introductions and Course Expectations
  • Week 2 - Graphic Design Fundamentals 
  • Week 3 - Principles of Color and Canva Introduction 
  • Week 4 - Fonts and Typography, Canva Training
  • Week 5 - Photo and Video Composition, Editing in Canva
  • Week 6 - Document and Resume Design
  • Week 7 - Branding 
  • Week 8 - Mood Boards
  • Week 9 - Short Form Video 
  • Week 10 - The Personal Brand
  • Week 11 - Finding Inspiration
  • Week 12 - Putting it All Together 
  • Week 13 - Refining Your Project
  • Week 14 - Final Project Progress Reports and Meetings 
  • Week 15 - Project Presentations in Class; Final Projects Due
Final Exam Date April 29, 2025 - 11:00 AM   Through  April 29, 2025 - 12:15 PM
Grading Scale
100-90 points = A
80-89 points = B 
70-79 points = C 
60-69 points = D 
Below 59 points = F 
Extra credit option 1 = 10 points
Extra credit option 2 = 10 points
 
Determination of
Final Grade
Your final grade is calculated as follows – 
  • Final Project = 50%
  • Class Attendance and Participation = 25% 
  • Weekly Assignments = 25% 
  • Extra Credit = Referral program (enroll a new student for Fall 2025) = 10 points
  • Extra Credit = Provide a testimonial video promoting the program for future students = 10 points 
Students may monitor their grades via Blackboard.
Course Policies
Instructor Policies
  • Late work is not acceptable and is allowed only with instructor approval. Approval will be on a *very limited* case by case basis. 
  • Academic dishonesty will result in a zero on any assignment (first offense); a second offense will result in failure of the class.
  • Students must attend and present their final project on April 29 to receive credit. 
  • The best way to contact me is by sending me an email at nicholsondm@lamarpa.edu. You may also call or text my cell phone, (682) 556-1050, but note that you must leave a voicemail and I will get back to you. 
  • Office hours are below. If you would like to meet with me, please schedule a time in advance so that we can both be prepared as needed. 

    • Mondays, 12:45 pm - 2:45 pm
    • Tuesdays, 9:30 - 11 am; 12:15 - 12:45 pm
    • Wednesdays, 12:45 pm - 2:45 pm
    • Thursdays, 9:30 - 11 am; 12:15 - 12:45 pm
    • Fridays, 12:45 pm - 2:45 pm
  • Additional times are available by appointment. You may email, text, or call me to make an appointment. 
I highly recommend you to contact me and share your thoughts and ideas about your projects and what you are learning in class. If you foresee any barriers to completing your assignments, please raise these concerns early with me so that we can find a suitable solution if possible.
Attendance Policy

To be successful in this course, students must not only attend, but also participate and complete all assignments and projects to receive credit. Attendance and class participation is 25% of the total grade, which means that students must attend and participate each class day. Participation means asking questions in class, responding to questions, offering ideas, etc. 

If you are more than ten minutes late to class, you will receive, at maximum, 50% of the attendance and participation grade for the day. If you have a planned absence, please contact me directly to discuss. The more time in advance we have to make arrangements for an unavoidable absence, the more likely I will be able to accommodate you. 

 
Additional Information

This is a class that combines lectures with hands-on learning. You will learn foundational concepts in lecture and assigned readings and videos, and you will put those concepts into practice by taking tutorials, experimenting with Canva, and asking for feedback. You will submit all your assignments through Blackboard. 

The final project is due in class on April 29. You must turn in your final project and present your final project in class that day to receive credit.
Institutional Policies
MyLSCPA Be sure to check your campus email and Course Homepage using MyLSCPA campus web portal. You can also access your grades, transcripts, academic advisors, degree progress, and other services through MyLSCPA.
Academic Honesty Academic honesty is expected from all students, and dishonesty in any form will not be tolerated. Please consult the LSCPA policies (Academic Dishonesty section in the Student Handbook) for consequences of academic dishonesty.
ADA Considerations The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the Disability Services Coordinator, Room 117, in the Student Sucess Center. The phone number is (409) 984-6241.
COVID 19 Information The Lamar State College Port Arthur (LSCPA) Student Code of Conduct COVID 19 Policy requires students who have been diagnosed with COVID 19 to report their condition directly to their local health department. Students should also contact their course faculty to report their quarantine status. In addition, this policy requires all students to wear face coverings when directly exposed to COVID 19 in compliance with the criteria included in the policy. For more information please refer to the COVID 19 link on the LSCPA website.
Facility Policies No food or tobacco products are allowed in the classroom. Only students enrolled in the course are allowed in the classroom, except by special instructor permission. Use of electronic devices is prohibited.
HB 2504 This syllabus is part of LSCPA's efforts to comply with Texas House Bill 2504.
Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse and Neglect As per Texas law and LSCPA policy, all LSCPA employees, including faculty, are required to report allegations or disclosures of child abuse or neglect to the designated authorities, which may include a local or state law enforcement agency or the Texas Department of Family Protective Services. For more information about mandatory reporting requirements, see LSCPA's Policy and Procedure Manual.
Title IX and Sexual Misconduct LSCPA is committed to establishing and maintaining an environment that is free from all forms of sex discrimination, including sexual harassment, sexual violence, and other forms of sexual misconduct. All LSCPA employees, including faculty, have the responsibility to report disclosures of sexual misconduct, including sexual harassment, sexual assault (including rape and acquaintance rape), domestic violence, dating violence, relationship violence, or stalking, to LSCPA's Title IX Coordinator, whose role is to coordinate the college's response to sexual misconduct. For more information about Title IX protections, faculty reporting responsibilities, options for confidential reporting, and the resources available for support visit LSCPA's Title IX website.
Clery Act Crime Reporting For more information about the Clery Act and crime reporting, see the Annual Security & Fire Safety Report and the Campus Security website.
Grievance / Complaint / Concern If you have a grievance, complaint, or concern about this course that has not been resolved through discussion with the Instructor, please consult the Department Chair.
Department Information
Business and Industrial Technology
Chair:Sheila Guillot
Email:guillsr@lamarpa.edu
Phone:(409) 984-6381