first year course for:

DES 102: Typography II

This course builds upon a basic understanding of type anatomy and composition to explore the greater role of typography in design. Students analyze the details of typefaces and methods of using hierarchy for visual communication. Typography techniques are applied to projects including visual identity, poster design, and packaging.

Research and writing about typography in design is essential to each assignment, including discussions and critiques. Students will use discussions to study and practice the art of typography. Critique will uncover strengths and weaknesses in typography work and methods of addressing these in future design projects.

Credits: 3
Course Length: 15 weeks
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Course Instructor(s):

Sessions digital illustration and design instructor Andrew Shalat
Andrew Shalat is an author, designer/illustrator, educator, and Mac expert.
Course content developed by Brian Slawson.
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Course Schedule:

Students are expected to complete an assignment (exercise, discussion, or critique) each week throughout the semester. Discussions and critiques are moderated by instructors during the course, with final participation grades assigned at the end of the semester.

Grading Policy:

Grades are based on the faculty evaluation of assignments that include practical exercises, discussions, and critiques. In each course, 80% of a student’s overall grade is based on the evaluation of exercises, and 20% on participation in discussions and critiques.

Course work is assessed using an A - F grading system, where A = Excellent, B = Good, C = Satisfactory, D = Marginal, F = Failing. To pass each course, Sessions degree program students must achieve an overall course average of 70 or higher.

A+ 97-100C+77-79
A93-96C73-76
A-90-92C-70-72
B+87-89D65-69
B83-86F64 or less
B-80-82  

Requirements:

To take this course you'll need:
  • Computer with Internet connection (56 Kbps modem or faster).
  • Adobe Illustrator or equivalent vector-based drawing program, or Adobe InDesign or equivalent page layout program.
  • Basic experience in typography, graphic design, and the software packages needed for this course.
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Program Objectives:

First year students will be expected to develop the technical, creative/visual, and communication skills for professional design practice. Students will analyze project briefs, research and develop solutions to design problems, and demonstrate an ability to design for different types of clients and audiences. Students will develop control over the fundamental elements of design and the tools used to create design work. Students must exhibit a critical awareness of strengths and weaknesses in their own work through exercises, peer discussions, and critiques.

Course Objectives:

Students learn how to:
  • Develop an understanding of the important role of typography in design, including the formal elements that typographers consider important.
  • Design a new hybrid typeface and publicize it on an announcement card.
  • Correct kerning, special characters, ligatures, and other typographical details in a print layout.
  • Lay out a text article, making specific typographical corrections to the text.
  • Develop an understanding of three expressive aspects of type design: letterform, layout, and color.
  • Use type expressively by designing two posters based on different musical styles.
  • Develop an understanding of ways in which typography can symbolize the identity of a group or organization.
  • Develop a visual identity for a city or town using typography.
  • Develop an understanding of applications for 3D effects, motion graphics, and interactivity in typography.
  • Research and design a subcultural package design for a popcorn box.
  • Develop an understanding of experimental typography and the interaction between type and other cultural artifacts.
  • Develop or redesign a currency, integrating type, image, and graphics.
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student work
Poster design by student Miriam Walsh