CISG 106 Typography and Letterforms

Students will learn to communicate effectively using type. By studying the history, the components of letterforms and classifications of type, students will create designs using type readably, directly, and with visual balance and coordination. Students will apply typographical terms, rules, and conventions to hands-on projects that emulate real-world design situations.

Credits

3 Credits

CISG 106Typography and Letterforms

Please note: This is not a course syllabus. A course syllabus is unique to a particular section of a course by instructor. This curriculum guide provides general information about a course.

I. General Information

Department

Information Technology

II. Course Specification

Course Type

Program Requirement

Credit Hours Narrative

3 Credits

Grading Method

Letter grade

Repeatable

N

III. Catalog Course Description

Students will learn to communicate effectively using type. By studying the history, the components of letterforms and classifications of type, students will create designs using type readably, directly, and with visual balance and coordination. Students will apply typographical terms, rules, and conventions to hands-on projects that emulate real-world design situations.

IV. Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, a student will be able to:

• Define type and typography, as well as other terms relevant to typography and design;
• Discuss important historical events that have impacted today’s typographical conventions;
• Identify, classify, distinguish and analyze different typefaces;
• Manipulate the size, spacing and placement of type to enhance the printed message;
• Select and mix typefaces appropriate to the target message and audience;
• Apply appropriate design conventions to practical design situations;
• Identify current resources and trends relating to electronic publishing and design.
• Develop an aesthetic and critical eye capable of distinguishing good design from poor design

V. Topical Outline (Course Content)

Outcome: To recognize, understand, and define typography and typographic terminology, elements of design, principles of design, and the effects of design. Assessment: Students will be tested on assigned readings as shown in the course schedule as a means of assessing whether they have understood the basic concepts presented in the readings. Outcome: To understand how to apply principles of typography with the elements of design and principles of design to produce the effects of design in various media to communicate, inform, entertain, promote, or direct, as taught in the lectures and presented in the text. Assessment: Students will use Adobe InDesign to design the following pieces using principles and concepts taught in the course of the semester: Personal name sign; Unusual "needed" sign; Wedding or senior announcement Showcard advertising a local organization/event; Article with pull quotes; Final project: business system—including business card, stationery, envelope, poster, menu, newspaper ad

VI. Delivery Methodologies

Required Text

Williams, Robin (2008). The Non-designer’s Design & Type Book: Design and Typographic Principles for the Visual Novice, DeluxeEdition. Berkeley, California: Peachpit Press. ISBN 978-0-321-53405-7

Required Materials

Notebook Pocket-size steno notebook Binder USB flash drive or external hard drive Pica ruler Adobe CC subscription