Intro to Typography
GRD 140
Office - Stevenson Center Room 1139
Office Phone - (231) 777-0239
Credit Hours: 3
Contact Hours: 6
Catalog Description: Introduction and study of history, vocabulary, and principles of typography. Basic type identification, styles, and measurement will be discussed and practiced. The primary purpose of type as a means of communication combining readability and legibility will be reinforced. Design elements and principles will be presented in relation to designing with type.
PREREQUISITES: None
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
1. Students will be able to explain the origin of written language and typefaces.
2. Students will be able to recognize and use the vocabulary of typography.
3. Students will be able to distinguish individual type character, shape and form.
4. Students will be able to recognize five historic type families, identify their historical classification and approximate date of design. Students will practice using these classifications as a standard to judge all typefaces.
5. Students will be able to identify the legibility of character form and shape and
readability of text.
6. Students will be introduced to the grid as a method of organization. Students will practice utilizing a grid to develop designs with type.
7. Students will coordinate knowledge of type and typefaces with the elements and principles of design. Students will practice applying type design to accomplish functions such as conveying messages, establishing moods, and attracting attention.
ASSESSMENT: Students will complete an in-class exercise for each new concept demonstrating their level of skill. A graded homework assignment will follow, reinforcing the new concept.
TEACHING METHODs: Lectures, handouts, class discussions, demonstrations, and practice in-class exercises will accompany each concept introduced. Group activities will be employed at the concepting and creative idea formulation sections.
ATTENDANCE POLICY: The student is expected to be at all class meetings. In the event of an absence, all work missed is the responsibility of the student. The student will be allowed three (3) absences during a 15 week semester and one (1) absence during a 7 1/2 week term. Grades will be lowered one full letter grade with each additional absence. No excused absences will be allowed except for a summons to jury duty, in which case, a note from the court clerk will serve as the student’s excuse. Students whose lack of attendance impedes the learning process will be withdrawn from the class.
COST TO THE STUDENT BEYOND TEXTBOOK AND LAB FEE:
Extra storage device – thumb drive or CDR
TEXT: Typographic Design in the Digital Studio by David Amdur
REFERENCES:
Making a Good Layout; Lori Siebert & Lisa Ballard
Graphic Design Solutions, Robin Landa
OTHER RESOURCES:
Biggs, John R. An Approach to Type. London: Blandford Press, 1949.
Ernst, Sandra. The ABC's of Typography. New York: Art Direction Book Company, 1977.
Meggs, Philip. A History of Graphic Design. New York: John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 1998.
Siebert, Lori and Lisa Ballard. Making a Good Layout. Cincinnati: F& W Publications, Inc., 1992.
NOTE: Instructor reserves the right to modify the syllabus if necessary during the semester.