Typography Design (ARTC 2317)

Typographic Design (ARTC 2317)

Course Syllabus

An introduction to typography, its place in design history, changing styles, typographic anatomy, font readability,

function, aesthetics, and production.

ARTC - 2317

6202-18484

Alief Campus

Spring 2020– Tuesdays & Thursday 2 - 3:50 pm

Instructor: Ms. Pen Morrison

Instructor Contact Information: [email protected] THROUGH CANVAS ONLY, PLEASE.

Conference time: I will be available before class most weeks, or by appointment.

Please feel free to contact me concerning any questions or concerns. I want you to succeed!

 

Course Description

An introduction to typography, its place in design history, changing styles, typographic anatomy, font readability, function, aesthetics, and production.

 

Total Course Hours

Credit and Lecture - 96.00; External Hours: 48 hours

Note: One hour of classroom instruction equates to a minimum of 1.5 hours of out-of-class student work for each week. External hours of student work may include assignments, projects, research, reading the textbook, and/or field trips. Example: 2 lecture, 4 lab hours

 

Lecture 2hrs x 16 weeks = 32 hrs

Lab hours 4hrs x 16 weeks = 64 hrs

External Hours 3hrs x 16 weeks = 48 hrs

TOTAL hours = 144 hours

 

Prerequisites Required

Must have passed ARTC 1325, ARTC 1302, & ARTC 1353

 

Course Goal

Students who successfully complete this course will have a firm technical understanding of typographic terms, styles and families; identify prominent font families and best usages; have the ability to evaluate typography and to find appropriate, readable, esthecially pleasing solutions; and the have the ability to specify type in a variety of usages with confidence.

 

Student Learning Outcomes

 

The student will be:

 

1. Knowledgeable of typographic history, terms and styles

 

2. Able to use the knowledge of fonts in composition and design for readability

 

3. Skilled in selecting appropriate fonts for applications, logos and logotypes

 

4. Skilled in finding solutions for readability and esthetics

 

5. Knowledgeable of the typographic vocabulary

 

6. Skilled in displaying work and showing and discussing process

 

7. Develop a portfolio of work that demonstrates proficiency in skills for employment

 

8. Present a portfolio of work that demonstrates proficiency in skills for employment.

 

9. Present work for critical discussion

 

Instructional Methods

I want you to “see” as a designer. Your chosen path of being a visual designer gives you a big responsibility– to look, to see, to evaluate, and in turn make good design decisions. You are now in charge of making the world easier to navigate through images and information. Once you “see” design all around us every day, you cannot “unsee”. This process will make you a better designer, a better communicator.We will learn from the handouts in the class, but those are just a starting point. I hope you will learn to love fonts as much as I do, and bring your own vision into class every day. I will be bringing in real world examples of typography, and you are welcome to share examples too. My teaching method is collaborative, and our classroom discussions will grow and expand as far as you, my student, grows.As my student it is your responsibility to read the textbook, submit assignments by or before the due dates, study for the quizzes, participate in classroom activities, attend class, practice, use your sketchbook and of course, have fun!

 

We will learn the chapters in the textbook, but it is just a starting point. I hope you will learn to love fonts as much as I do, and bring your own vision into class every day. I will be bringing in real world examples of typography, and you are welcome to share examples too. My teaching method is collaborative, and our classroom discussions will grow and expand as far as you, my student, grows.

 

As my student it is your responsibility to read the textbook, submit assignments by or before the due dates, study for the quizzes, participate in classroom activities, attend class, practice, use your sketchbook and of course, have fun!

 

Student Assignments and Assessment

The assignments given to you in this class have been designed to help you better understand typography. They are designed to help you “think outside the box”, an over used phrase that is nonetheless essential to become a superior designer.

 

Each assignment you do in class as well as homework will be graded based on the following criteria. NOTE: Some of these items may change from assignment to assignment. These criteria are in place so you know exactly what I am looking for in each assignment. I want to you to be successful in my class.

 

Means of Assessment:

 

Completion of assignments, exhibiting the ability to accurately and creatively complete the assignments involving the techniques demonstrated in class, in the written handouts, and the assigned readings.

 

Turning assignments in on time in the manner stated by the instructor.

 

Attempts to push the assignments further then what is required will increase the chances for a higher grade.

 

Class attendance and participation in class critiques and presentations.

 

Grading Criteria:

 

Class participation & Classroom exercises • 30%

(Please note that you will not be able to make up classroom exercises, so it is important to come to class.)

 

Work at home/ projects • 30%

 

Quizzes • 15%

 

Web enhanced Participation • 5%

 

Final Exam • 5%

 

Final project • 15%

Project Rubric:

 

Following the assignment instructions • 25%

 

Font aesthetics – appropriateness & variety • 20%

 

Readability • 20%

 

Composition • 20%

 

Discussion of your project – 5%

 

Thinking outside the box & extra effort • 5%

 

Making a pdf properly • 5%

 

Total 100 points

 

More than one variation • 10% extra credit per project

 

Is it a portfolio piece? • 10% extra credit per project

 

PLEASE NOTE: Since this is a 16 week, hands on, (required practice) intensive course. As you learn new concepts and application, you will apply the knowledge to your Final Project.

The course grades are based on the following. Details will be given each week in class, and online.

NOTE: I, as the instructor, reserve the right to change the schedule, assignments, projects, grading weights, and dates as deemed necessary.

 

Grading Scale

A = 100 – 90……………………………4 points per semester hour

B = 89 – 80………………………..……3 points per semester hour

C = 79 – 70…………………………..…2 points per semester hour

D = 69 – 60…………………………..…1 points per semester hour

F = 59 and below………………………0 points per semester hourIP (in progress).………………………..0 points per semester hour

W (withdrawn) …………………………0 points per semester hour

I (incomplete).………………………….0 points per semester hour

AUG (audit).……………………………0 points per semester hour

IP (In Progress) is given only in certain developmental courses. The student must re-enroll to receive credit. COM (Completed) is given in non-credit and continuing education courses. To compute grade point average (GPA), divide the total grade points by the total number of semester hours attempted. The grades “IP,” “COM” and “I” do not affect GPA.

 

Core Curriculum Objectives (CCOs)

Student requirements to ensure success

 

Complete and comprehend the objectives and technologies involved in all graded assignments.

 

Demonstrate the ability to apply creative thinking and problem solving to all class projects and assignments.

 

Complete all reading assignments pertaining to the subject matter of the course.

 

Attend class regularly, missing no more than 12.5% of instruction (in this semester, that means 4 days of classes)

 

Arrive at class promptly and be prepared with necessary materials, storage media, assignments, and anything else required.

 

Exhibit safe and courteous lab habits.

 

Develop and share knowledge and information with fellow students.

 

Participate in keeping labs clean and organized; shutting down computers when finished; abiding by lab rules; showing respect for instructors, fellow students and lab assistants.

 

Participate in class discussions and critiques.

 

Participate in online discussions, topics, articles, web sites, and post online.

 

Have a HPL library card to access Lynda.com

 

Demonstrate the ability to communicate in a clear, coherent manner.

 

Turn in all assignment on time and in the manner required by the instructor.

 

Demonstrate the ability to use computer–based technology and software applications as it applies to given class, and to make good pdf files.

 

Understand and be proficient in computer file management, including saving and retrieving files.

 

When possible, demonstrate the ability to use and understand both Macintosh and Window operating systems.

 

Demonstrate knowledge and the ability to use applicable peripherals and storage devices.

 

Develop a portfolio that illustrates concepts, techniques, and programs used in solving class assignments, including a written statement describing project concepts and processes.

 

Demonstrate ability and creativity in using computer-based technology in communicating, solving problems and acquiring information.

 

Accept responsibility for personal understanding of course requirements and degree plan.

 

Check your HCC student email regularly for class updates and/or notifications from the instructor.

 

Course Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of ARTC 2317, the student will be able to:

1. Define typography and graphic design terminology and how type fits into design history.

2. Apply the design process using graphic design principles, theories and devices

3. Demonstrate the use of InDesign typographic skills, including font choice, size, column width, leading, kerning, readability, and appropriateness.

4. Produce and present projects with well thought out typographic choices suitable for your portfolio.

 

Academic Honesty

Academic irregularities cannot be tolerated. See the HCCS Student Handbook for details. Cheating is not that hard to define and as college students, you should have a firm idea about the definition of cheating.

Just to be clear, here are a few simple definitions:

Cheating is: Plagiarism which means using someone’s work or someone’s ideas and representing them to be your own. That “someone” may be another student, a friend, a relative, a book author, an author of material on a web site, etc. Do not take material from anywhere without giving proper credit or reference. In other words, do not copy from an Internet source and paste it into your essay answer space. Cheating is: Collusion, which means the unauthorized collaboration with another person in preparing written work offered for credit when you represent that work to be your own.

 

Instructor’s Requirements

 

Provide the information needed explaining how student grades are to be derived

 

Facilitate an effective learning environment through class activities, discussions, and lectures

 

Description of any special projects or assignments

 

Inform students of policies such as attendance, withdrawal, tardiness and make up

 

Provide the course outline and class calendar which will include a description of any special projects or assignments

 

Arrange to meet with individual students before and after class as required

 

Assignment due dates and late work

All assignments are to be submitted to the appropriate assignment folder in Canvas in the appropriate folder or printed out for class by or before the posted due date and time. All homework that is turned in is timed stamped as being early or late. I will not accept anything handed in on flash drive, emailed, or shared via the cloud. The classroom is like the real world. If you turn your work in on time and completed properly you get paid. If you miss your deadline, don’t do the assignment, or only partially complete it, you will not get paid.

 

If you have an issue, or foresee a complication during the semester come talk to me. If you do not understand an assignment, talk or email me. If you turn in something and say you did not understand but did not contact me, then your grade will suffer. I want all of you to be very successful in this class, and in the real world!

 

With that in mind the following rules will apply to all assignments:

 

All assignments/projects are due on the day noted unless otherwise announced via Canvas. Assignments may be completed at home or lab.

 

You must access Canvas site regularly during the semester. Class material and assignments will be updated often.

 

Handouts and other details discussed in class will be posted for all assignments & projects. Be sure to follow the requirements of each project.

 

Late Assignment Policy

Any assignment turned late will lose 25% each day it is not turned in. (For example, if the deadline is 9:30 AM and you turn it in 9:40 AM and your final graded scored is 100% your assignment will automatically lose 25% off reducing it to 75%. An additional 25% will be deducted each day it is not turned in.) Please reference chart below

0-24 hours late = -25% off final graded score

24-48 hours late = -50% off final graded score

48-72 hours late = -75% off final graded score

72-96 hours late = -100% off final graded score

Any missed quizzes and that have to be made up are an automatic 15% off.

 

Extra Credit

You have many chances to earn extra credit (going to a museum, research paper, etc.) during the semester. There are also extra credit on every quiz, and opportunities in your assignments.

 

Absences

Please do not be late, and please come to class. 15 minutes late = 1 tardy.

Three tardies = 1 absence. Please note that if you miss one day’s class, that is TWO absences.

4 absences = one (1) letter grade drop on your final grade in the class.

If you do miss class, you are fully responsible for coming to me (and check the module) about making up any quizzes , otherwise you will get a 0 .

NOTE: YOU MUST BE PRESENT THE LAST DAY OF CLASS TO PRESENT YOUR FINAL PROJECT. IF YOU ARE NOT PRESENT YOU WILL RECEIVE A ZERO ON THE FINAL PROJECT, EVEN IF YOU TURN IT IN ON TIME TO EO2.

 

Following is a tentative outline of our 12-week class discussion topics and assignments for the semester. Please note that the schedule is subject to changes. You will be informed of any changes. Updated information will be posted online on our Canvas home page.

Weekly Schedule:

Week 1: Introductions, History 

• Syllabus/expectations

• Introductions (who are you? Who am I?)

• Library cards and Lynda.com

• Observations of typography in our world

• Textbook not required- all work will reference pdfs in modules.

• History of Typopgraphy

• Lecture: Type anatomy,size, scale, classification, fonts & families

• Assignment 1: Bring in examples of type, good and bad– digging deeper on why some fonts work and some do not as it relates to the images, document, and purpose.

 

Week 2: Anatomy, Drawing Characters & Learning Type Classifications

Week 3: Continued Typographic Studies

Week 4: Anatomy Poster Project, Learning to Mix Typefaces

Week 5 & 6: Infographics

Week 7: Grids, the Ultimate Typographic Tool

Week 8 & 9: Grids continue, Magazine Spread

Week 10 & 11: Designing Good Covers

Week 12: Having fun making Tables of Contents

Week 13 - 16: Little Book of Type Final Project in addition to other projects to be announced.

 

EGLS3

The EGLS3 (Evaluation for Greater Learning Student Survey System) will be available for most courses near the end of the term until finals start. This brief survey will give invaluable information to your faculty about their teaching. Results are anonymous and will be available to faculty and division chairs after the end of the term. EGLS3 surveys are only available for the Fall and Spring semesters. EGLS3 surveys are not offered during the Summer semester due to logistical constraints.

http://www.hccs.edu/resources-for/current-students/egls3-evaluate-your-professors/

HCC Policies

Here’s the link to the HCC Student Handbook

http://www.hccs.edu/resources-for/currentstudents/

student-handbook/ In it you will find information about the following:

Campus Carry Link

Here’s the link to the HCC information about Campus Carry:

http://www.hccs.edu/departments/police/campus-carry/

HCC Email Policy

When communicating via email, HCC requires students to communicate only through the HCC email system to protect your privacy. If you have not activated your HCC student email account, you can go to HCC Eagle ID and activate it now. You may also use Canvas Inbox to communicate.

Housing and Food Assistance for Students

Any student who faces challenges securing their foods or housing and believes this may affect their performance in the course is urged to contact the Dean of Students at their college for support. Furthermore, please notify the professor if you are comfortable in doing so. This will enable HCC to provide any resources that HCC may possess.

Tutoring

Houston Community College is committed to your success, so we offer free face-to-face and online tutoring to our students. Face-to-face tutoring takes place at our comprehensive Learning Centers, which can be found at our campuses. Faculty tutors, peer tutors, and lab aides are available to help with English, Math, Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Accounting, Spanish, ESOL and much more. We can help you stay on track with your coursework, understand assignments, and improve your study skills. You don’t need an appointment and there is no charge for use of our services.

Libraries

The HCC Library System consists of 9 libraries and 6 Electronic Resource Centers (ERCs) that are inviting places to study and collaborate on projects. Librarians are available both at the libraries and online to show you how to locate and use the resources you need. The libraries maintain a large selection of electronic resources as well as collections of books, magazines, newspapers, and audiovisual materials. The portal to all libraries’ resources and services is the HCCS library web page at http://library.hccs.edu.

Supplementary Instruction

Supplemental Instruction is an academic enrichment and support program that uses peerassisted study sessions to improve student retention and success in historically difficult courses. Peer Support is provided by students who have already succeeded in completion of the specified course, and who earned a grade of A or B. Find details at

http://www.hccs.edu/resources-for/current-students/supplemental-instruction/.

 

Office of Institutional Equity

Use the link below to access the HCC Office of Institutional Equity, Inclusion, and Engagement (http://www.hccs.edu/departments/institutional-equity/)

Disability Services

HCC strives to make all learning experiences as accessible as possible. If you anticipate or experience academic barriers based on your disability (including mental health, chronic or temporary medical conditions), please meet with a campus Abilities Counselor as soon as possible in order to establish reasonable accommodations. Reasonable accommodations are established through an interactive process between you, your instructor(s) and Ability

Services. It is the policy and practice of HCC to create inclusive and accessible learning environments consistent with federal and state law. For more information, please go to

http://www.hccs.edu/support-services/disability-services/

Title IX

Houston Community College is committed to cultivating an environment free from inappropriate conduct of a sexual or gender-based nature including sex discrimination, sexual assault, sexual harassment, and sexual violence. Sex discrimination includes all forms of sexual and gender-based misconduct and violates an individual’s fundamental rights and personal dignity. Title IX prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex-including pregnancy and parental status in educational programs and activities. If you require an accommodation due to pregnancy please contact an Abilities Services Counselor. The Director of EEO/Compliance is designated as the Title IX Coordinator and Section 504 Coordinator. All inquiries

concerning HCC policies, compliance with applicable laws, statutes, and regulations (such as Title VI, Title IX, and Section 504), and complaints may be directed to:

David Cross, Director EEO/Compliance

Office of Institutional Equity & Diversity

3100 Main, 713) 718-8271

Houston, TX 77266-7517 or [email protected]

http://www.hccs.edu/departments/institutional-equity/title-ix-know-your-rights/

Department Chair Contact Information

Department Chair: Andre Hermann

Houston Community College, West loop Campus (139B), 5601 West Loop South Houston, TX 77081

Office: 713-718-7894 l Fax: 713-661-0085, [email protected]