Description:

This course is a continuation of Layout Design. Emphasis will be on typographic solutions that explore verbal/visual messages. Projects include designs for publication, such as posters, brochures, packaging and graphic campaigns. Typography as a functional and experimental medium will be stressed. Design problem-solving for a diverse range of specifications, including audience, client needs and budget constraints, are included. Traditional and digital tools will be incorporated to produce comprehensives. This course is typically offered in the fall semester only. Working knowledge of Macromedia Dreamweaver is 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 and synthesize the history of type design in project solutions.
2. Delineate between the developmental stages of the design process and the application of these stages.
3. Use the elements of layout design as well as the fundamentals of effective layout composition.
4. Create visual typographic solutions that communicate a message through legibility as well as inherent expressive qualities capable of communicating subtleties of thought and feeling.
5. Demonstrate the use of elements in a layout to communicate a message to a defined audience.
6. Demonstrate problem solving skills that include the identification of important information, generation of alternative solutions and selection of the appropriate course of completion.
7. Demonstrate the ability to be an effective member of a team through team problem-solving activities.
8. Read proofreader's marks, perform basic copyfitting and copy markup to be typeset, and generate digital typesetting.
9. Select the appropriate traditional and/or digital tools and software applications necessary to satisfy established project specifications.
10. Demonstrate the use of tools, materials and equipment necessary to produce finished layouts, both by traditional and digital means.
11. Utilize methods of how professionals gain new knowledge.
12. Define and explain typographic design principles and vocabulary as they relate to composing elements on the page.
13. Recognize and demonstrate productive attitudes and work habits in the studio.

Content Outline & Competencies:

I. History of Type
   A. Identify and distinguish between twentieth century type designers.
   B. Trace the evolution of twentieth century type design (major
trends).

II. Typographic Design Considerations
   A. Analyze the nature of type and demonstrate how to design with type
to express an idea.
   B. Employ the principles of legibility to convey a particular idea or
expression.
   C. Explore and utilize various typographic elements.
   D. Select and manipulate relational typographic elements in design
projects.

III. Layout Content
   A. Demonstrate creative conceptualization and problem solving skills.
      1. Define the givens and the variables of the project.
      2. Research the project topic.
      3. Explore potential visual images for the project.
      4. Create the design concept.
      5. Compose the "thumbnails."
      6. Revise selected thumbnails to "roughs."
      7. Select and refine rough.
      8. Edit and produce finial version [comprehensive(s)].
   B. Employ various graphic communication modes in creative projects.
   C. Develop techniques to determine audience response to project
designs.

IV. Applied Grid Systems
   A. Apply the principles and elements for designing advertising layout
formats.
   B. Apply the principles and elements for designing editorial layout
formats.
   C. Explain and accommodate the differences and design grids for paper
and/or the illuminated screen. 

V. Applied Typography
   A. Employ traditional and digital type production systems including:
      1. Type measurements systems using points and picas
      2. Traditional and digital body copy indication    
      3. Copy mark-up/character counting and copy fitting
   B. Interpret the use of type as a design element.
      1. Type as a graphic element
      2.    Type as a pattern or background
      3.    Type as picture element
      4. Type as textural or three dimensional element

VI. Layout Elements
   A. Identify design and production considerations.
      1. Explain traditional tools and materials.
      2. Relate traditional design and materials to digital tools and
materials
      3. Explain and employ digital tools and materials.
   B. Define and select appropriate states of finish.
   C. Select the appropriate function of a layout element and determine
its usage.

VII. Research and Resource for Graphic Designers and Professional
Vocabulary
   A. Establish an "artist's morgue" for idea and pictorial photo
reference.
   B. Employ various resource materials for development of a visual/verbal
vocabulary.
   C. Establish concepts from research and use them with the creative
problem solving processes.
   D. Establish methods for controlling production/cost limitations.

VIII. 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/or 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 Macromedia Dreamweaver 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.