Course Syllabus

+ Overview

This course introduces the skills, methods, and theories involved in typography as a mode of visual expression within visual communication design. You will primarily focus your efforts on developing and demonstrating your understanding of the role that typography plays in the visual expression (articulation and communication) of ideas.

You will be introduced to basic vocabulary, best practices, and concepts related to the professional application of typographic elements within visual communication design. You will be required to think critically about visual expression and how we attempt to construct meaning as visual communication designers. You will enhance your understanding by working primarily with typography to create form and explore the shifting relationship between form and message.

YOU ARE NOT EXPECTED TO BUY ANY BOOKS FOR THIS COURSE. INSTEAD OF BEING ASKED TO PURCHASE NEW BOOKS FOR THIS COURSE, YOU WILL BE EXPECTED TO PRINT DESIGN WORK FOR CERTAIN ASSIGNMENTS. 

 

+ Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this course, students will:

  • Demonstrate a strong working knowledge of professional typographic vocabulary and best practices within typography—identifying, understanding, and applying appropriate utilization of spacing systems, hierarchical systems, and visual organization systems. 
  • Demonstrate relevant form-making in response to communication problems and contexts—applying knowledge of typographic history and technique with clear discernment for concept meaning and message
  • Demonstrate playful, meaningful, and appropriate exploration—the ability to use an iterative design process that is highly divergent and voluminous. 
  • Apply the design process, strengthening the consideration of typography as both a technical skill, visual communication media, and aesthetic form. 
  • Engage in meaningful dialogue, actively listen, and contribute to the exchange of ideas.

 

+ Communication 

Canvas will be kept as up-to-date and detailed as possible regarding class activities and assignments. Email us, amdatta@iu.edu or aganci@iu.edu if you have any questions or concerns, or if you would like to schedule a meeting (We generally respond within 24-48 hours).

 

+ Course Expectations 

We will be investigating not only the elements of design, but also structure, hierarchy, formats, and contexts. As visual communication designers, we should all have respect for and an interest in history, natural and social sciences, and current events.

Be intentionally curious about your world; observe how typography and imagery contribute to the environment around you, in both positive and negative ways. When you react to something, ask what is it you are responding to. The actual words? The way it looks? The location where you’re encountering the message? What drives your interpretation? Begin to document what you observe and maintain a record that provides evidence of your curiosity about the role of typography within our visual culture.

 

+ Engagement Policy 

The feedback given and received during these meetings plays a significant role in your education—these experiences cannot be substituted or replicated in any other way. Your engagement policy will decide your final grade for this semester (and, by extension, your quality of work). As you walk into my class, we want you to enjoy design, actively and passionately take part in the following way - 

+ Attend class meetings on time, both in-person and online

+ Create materials to show them on time for crits and discussions

+ Make things thoughtfully, intentionally, and with intensity

+ Meet all deadlines to hand in work and process

+ Actively participate in critiques and discussions both in-person and online. 

+ RESEARCH, RESEARCH, RESEARCH AND ASK QUESTIONS about BOTH your and your classmate's work.

+ Care about yourself & your work, your classmates, this class, and this profession. 

 

+ Assessment, final assessment, and reflection

Additionally, you will have chances to reflect on how you are doing after each project. I will ask you to respond to a reflection and meet with me for short meeting if needed. At the Week 16 review, we will determine a letter grade together (student and faculty) based on 1) the percentage of skills you mastered 2) your reflection, and 3) your engagement in the class (handing things in on time, participation in critique, discussion, classroom culture, etc.)  

A 100–94%

A– 93–90%

B+ 87–89%

B 83–86%

B– 80–82%

C+ 77–79%

C 73–76%

C– 70–72%

D+ 67–69%

D 63–66%

D– 60–62%

F below 60%

 

+ Readings