Description:

This course will provide instruction in the basic principles of contemporary typographic design. Information concerning typography, from traditional letterpress through digital type design and typesetting, will be included. The course content will emphasize effective methods of communicating to a mass audience through the printed letter, word, line and page. Working knowledge of QuarkXpress and Adobe InDesign required. 6 hrs. lecture and studio/wk.

Associated Costs: These are additional (out-of-pocket) expense considerations that students should expect in addition to the course tuition, fees, and textbooks. $200 to $400.

Supplies: Refer to the instructor’s course syllabus for details about any supplies that may be required.

Textbook(s): For information see - http://bookstore.jccc.net

Course Fees: NONE

Course Objectives:

Upon successful completion of this course the student should be able to:

1. Describe the origins of type, major trends in type design, the changing technology of type and the changing application of type design.
2. Identify type classifications and type families.
3. Define and explain basic typographic principles and vocabulary as they relate to design.
4. Demonstrate proficiency in the use of comping, transfer type and digital type.
5. Select the appropriate traditional and/or digital tools and software applications necessary to satisfy established project specifications.
6. Select the appropriate arrangement for legibility and typestyle to convey a specific graphic communication message or theme.
7. In project assignments, effectively employ visual contrasts, the individual letter, word, lines on a page, type size, style, weight, texture, color, spacing, leading and arrangement.
8. Utilize the visual contrasts, optical relationships, and typographic grids and combinations with other graphic elements to satisfy established project standards.
9. Demonstrate problem-solving skills that include the identification of important information, generation of alternative solutions and selection of the appropriate course of completion.
10. Recognize and demonstrate productive attitudes and work habits in the studio.

Content Outline & Competencies:

I. History of Type
   A. Describe the origins of type.
   B. Trace the evolution of type design (major trends).
   C. Describe and illustrate changing technology of type.
   D. Describe the implications of design trends and technological
innovations.

II. Basic Type Technologies
   A. Define the common and unique terminology of each of the following
typographical processes:
      1. Traditional
      2. Photo typesetting
      3. Digital
   B. Compare and contrast the three typographical processes listed
above.
   C. Design a specific project using traditional press type.
   D. Design projects using digital software, specifically Quark XPress.

III. Layout Content
   A. Define the givens and the variables of the project.
   B. Research the project topic.
   C. Explore potential visual images for the project.
   D. Create the design concept.
   E. Compose the "thumbnails."
   F. Revise selected thumbnails to "roughs."
   G. Select and refine rough.
   H. Edit and produce final version [comprehensive(s)].

IV. Legibility and Arrangements
   A. Recognize and select the appropriate attributes of type fonts.
      1. Type size (text type and display type)
      2. Line length 
      3. Leading
      4. Kerning
   B. Recognize and select the appropriate arrangements of type.
      1. Justified
      2. Rag right
      3. Rag left
      4. Centered
      5. Non-horizontal (diagonal)
   C. Recognize and select the appropriate compositional placements of
type.
      1. Symmetrical
      2. Asymmetrical
   D. Recognize and select the appropriate visual coding of text.
      1. Paragraphs
      2. Indentations
      3. Margins
   E. Recognize and select the appropriate parameters of the compositional
page.
      1. Page size
      2. Material choice
      3. Color selection

V. Design With Type
   A. Describe the basic typographic elements, including:
      1. Texture
      2. Value
      3. Weight
      4. Color
      5. Size
   B. Select the appropriate visual relationships from the basic
typographical elements listed above.
   C. Describe the relational typographic elements, including:
      1. Legibility
      2. Spacing
      3. Leading
      4. Alignment
   D. For specific projects, incorporate various configurations as
described above based on the criteria of the projects given to best solve
the design problem.

VI. Nature of Type
   A. Select and employ the appropriate compositional tools for designing
a project including:
      1. Geometrical (mathematical)
         a. Grid structure
         b. The golden section
      2. Optical/Gestalt principle
         a. Proportion
         b. Contrast
         c. Relationship
      3. Organic forms and patterns from nature
   B. Apply the principles of integral design in creating a project,
including:
      1. Photo
      2. Illustration
      3. Graphic devices, including boarders, bullets, icons, buttons,
patterns, and background

VII. Attitudes and Work Habits
   A. Identify and develop positive attitudes toward tasks and fellow
employees appropriate for the workplace, including giving and accepting
criticism and praise.
   B. Identify and develop productive work habits, including attending to
detail, completing tasks, maintaining the work setting and recording
data.
   C. Identify and develop collaborative/teamwork skills, including
solving problems in groups, building consensus and responding to
supervision.

Methods of Evaluation of Competencies:

Evaluation of student mastery of course competencies will be accomplished using the following methods:

Minimum of four projects               50-75% of grade
One examination and one written report 10-25% of grade
Studio performance                     15-25% of grade
Total                                   100%

Grades for projects will be based on project objectives and competencies
evaluated in class critiques, evaluation forms and individual
conferences.

Studio performance grade is based on the student's attendance record,
degree of productivity, ability to work independently and level of
participation in class critiques. 

Grade scale: 
      4.0  = A 
      3.75 = A-    
      3.25 = B+
      3.0  = B
      2.75 = B-   
      2.25 = C+
      2.0  = C
      1.75 = C-
      1.25 = D+
      1.0  = D
below 1.0  = F

Semester Grade: total grade averaged to A, B, C, D or F.

Caveats:

1. Working knowledge of QuarkXpress and Adobe InDesign is required.

Disabilities:

If you are a student with a disability, and if you will be requesting accommodations, it is your responsibility to contact Access Services. Access Services will recommend any appropriate accommodations to your professor and his/her director. The professor and director will identify for you which accommodations will be arranged.

JCCC provides a range of services to allow persons with disabilities to participate in educational programs and activities. If you desire support services, contact the office of Access Services for Students With Disabilities (913) 469-8500, ext. 3521 or TDD (913) 469-3885. The Access Services office is located in the Success Center on the second floor of the Student Center.