GDES 224–Typography

 


Courses Schedule Mass Media Department IMC/KLIF Webcams Briar Cliff University

Description
Objectives
Grading
Requirements
Attendance
Required Text


Supplies

Sketchbook
Fine Tip ball Point Pen (black)
Metal ruler
Xacto knife and blades
Colored pencils
Pearl and kneaded eraser
Spay Adhesive
Tracing Paper
Matboard, as needed
CD-RW


Schedule

November 29 introduction/sullabus
December 1 Chapter 1
December 3 project: hieroglyphics
December 6 Chapter 2
December 8 Chapter 3
December 10 project: t-shirt
December 13 Chapter 4
December 15 Chapter 5
December 17 quiz: chapters 1-5
project: one character
January 3 Chapter 6
January 5 Chapter 7
January 7 project: create a few characters
January 10 Chapter 8
January 12 Chapter 9
January 14 project: typographic "face"
January 17 Chapter 10
January 19 Chapter 11&12
January 21 project: personal symbol
January 24 Chapter 13
January 26 Chapter 14 &15
January 28 project: type specimen
January 31 Chapter 16
February 2 Chapter 17
February 4 project: typographic postcards
February 7 Chapter 18
February 9 Chapter 19
February 11 project: 2 page spread-historic figure
February 14 work day
February 16 work day
February 18 all projects due


 






 

Description

This course is an introduction to the history and principles of typography with concentration on typeface, text as form, and compositional fundamentals. Various course activities include reading, lecture, visual presentations, discussion (critiques of work in progress and finished work), and creative work. Students are required to participate in course lectures, discussions, design assignments, and course exams.

Objectives

  • Provide an overview of the expressive and aesthetic dimensions of
    typography.
  • Define elements of typography: systems of measurement and
    classifications
  • Explore the use of typography in design (contemporary and historical).
  • Apply the elements of design to diverse methods of composition and to solve design problems while working within specified limitations.
  • Define the principles of graphic design in terms of space, proportion, scale, size, shape, rhythm, repetition, sequence, movement, balance, volume, contrast, harmony, order and simplicity
  • Describe the functionality of a grid structure for composing text and
    graphics.
  • Explore basic computer operations and software as it relates to typography and page layout
  • Develop skills involved in verbal presentation of one’s work (discussion of design concepts, reasons for selection of particular styles)

Grading

You will need lab time outside the scheduled class time to complete your projects. Craft and presentation are important criteria for evaluation. The grade of "C" is considered the average for evaluations given in this course. If a submitted project meets the minimal stated requirements of the project -- for design/concept, preparatory work, and craft, -- a grade of "C" will be given. Work that exceeds basic expectations will earn higher points in the B range; work that is exceptional earns an A. Conversely, work that does not even minimally meet the criteria for a project will earn one of the failing grades for this course -- a C-, D range grade or F

Requirements for participation

Exams
midterm 100
final 100
quiz 50

Projects
9 projects 900

Attendance

Attendance is mandatory. Participation in class discussions, in-class assignments and labs, and student professionalism are also factored into your classroom grade. If you must miss a class, please notify me prior to class so arrangements can be made. Excessive absences (more than 3) will interfere with your ability to successfully complete this course in most cases. This course will involve a lot of time. Use lab time outside the scheduled class time to complete the lessons if you are having difficulties completing them during class. I am often in the lab during office hours, if you need additional assistance.

Required texts

A Typographic Workbook
Kate Clair
ISBN: 0-201-35367-9

The Non-Designers Type Book
Robin Williams
ISBN: 0-471-29237-0


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