Computer-Aided Design Training Program

1. International Higher School of Practical Psychology CONTENT, STRUCTURE AND ORGANIZATION OF THE STUDY PROGRAM Department of Computer-Aided Design RĪGA 2011/12

2. Training Directions The basic direction of this professional trainingis computer-aided design Sub-directions: • Print product design • Internet page design • Interior design • Exhibition design • Visual production adjustments

3. Structure of the Study Program Academic part Qualification exam – 2 ac; Bachelor’s work – 10 ac. General educational courses 20 ac Specialization courses: basic theory 24 ac Professional part Professional specialization courses 72 ac; Free choice courses 6 ac; Practice 26 ac; Final Testing

4. Study and Professional Practice Include: • IInformation search practice is the first practice, which is intended for necessary information search, analysis and processing of techniques for various study aspects • Visual arts practice – outdoors practice provides students with an opportunity to acquire various techniques of object image presentation (drawing, painting, taking photographs). In order to maximize the riches of color and texture, the School organizes practice in different seasons. After that students organize an exhibition of their works. • Practice of exhibition organization focuses on introduction of students to event (exhibition, students’ evening, concert, competition etc) organization and advertising principles at work. • Professional practice is connected to a practical designer’s professional activities. These are a specific client’s commissions which have to be implemented into real life. This is achieved through two scenarios: • In groups or individually, students complete commissions under isntructors’ supervision at the School • Students, as interns, work at companies with which the School has student internship agreements (from year III) • Qualification work is a test which „certifies” students’ professional competence in the chosen discipline

5. Organization of Higher Education Program • The study program is designed for full-time 4 year period of time (8 study semesters) and part-time 5 year period of time (10 study semesters). • Full-time study load is 40 hours per week. • Full-time study classroom vs independent work ratio is 50% - 50%. • Part-time study classroom vs independent work ratio is 25% - 75%.

6. Changes in the Higher Education Study Program at a Relevant Self-Assessment Period • Implementing the program, the focus of self-assessment is on integration of study subjects • on introduction of systematic monthly control • Students are strongly encouraged to work independently with special literature. • Students are also encouraged to attend exhibitions and various arts events.

7. Control of Students’ Study Work Each weak: Attendance (indicated on separate sheets, work is analyzed) Each month: Follow students’ academic progress (knowledge acquisition) (pedagogical work assessments are indicated in tables) Completion of independent work, acquisition of knowledge, acquired during this independent work (results are indicated in tables) At the end of a semester: Results of examinations are written down in examination sheets, which are registered in a special journal. Information about the dynamics of students’ progress (a table is filled in). At the end of a year: Students submit reports on the work, completed over the year (Portfolio in a CD format).

8. Feedback • Students are distributed questionnaires. The results are analyzed, discussed and made public. • Students actively participate in meetings with the academic staff during which issues related to studies and teaching are discussed.

9. Qualifications and Quality Assuranceof the Academic Staff • Analysis of descriptions of taught courses. Expected outcomes: comparisons of knowledge, skills and competences with the requirements of the Standards and Main Directions. • Further Education planning. • Research and professional work record (publications, conferences, exhibitions, seminars).