Typography Syllabus for 2025-2026
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Instructor Information

Course Information

AI Statement

Collusion is defined as “the unauthorized collaboration with another person or by any other means, including artificial intelligence (AI) and computer translators, in preparing work for fulfillment of course requirements.” Using AI like (ChatGPT or Google Gemini) to create a document is considered colluding. The use of Generative Artificial Intelligence on specific assignments is at the discretion of the instructor.

Title IX and Sexual Misconduct Reporting

Amarillo College prohibits discrimination and harassment based on sex, including sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking, under Title IX and Texas Education Code §51.253–255. Faculty and staff are mandatory reporters and must share any related concerns with the Title IX Coordinator at titleix@actx.edu. Reports and additional information are available at https://www.actx.edu/hr/title-ixtitle-ix. Confidential counseling and advocacy services are available through the Counseling Center and Advocacy & Resource Center.

Recording Policy

Disability Statement

If you have a disability (learning, mental, physical) that affects your ability to participate effectively and have access to any program or service at Amarillo College please contact Disability Services at (806) 345-5639 . Our offices are located in the Enrollment Center, Suite 700. More information may be found at www.actx.edu/disability.
Disability Services facilitates access to all programs and services according to the ADA, Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, as well as other federal and state laws.

Amarillo College Web Accessibility Policy Statement

Amarillo College is committed to providing equal access to all programs and services, including all working, learning, and service environments that affect equal access for persons with disabilities. This commitment to provide equal access and opportunity for persons with disabilities is in compliance with federal and state law. Amarillo College also strives to provide Electronic and Information Resources (EIR) that are accessible to all authorized users.

If you find you are unable to access material in an accessible format please contact the Disability Services Office at (806) 345-5639 . This office will work in conjunction with other campus resources to address and accommodate your issue in a timely manner.

Statement for Mental Health and Advocacy & Resource Center:

As a student you may experience a range of issues that can cause barriers to learning, such as strained relationships, increased anxiety, alcohol/drug problems, feeling down, difficulty concentrating and/or lack of motivation. These mental health concerns or stressful events may lead to diminished academic performance or reduce a student's ability to participate in daily activities. Amarillo College offers services to assist you with addressing these and other concerns you may be experiencing. If you or someone you know are suffering from any of the aforementioned conditions, you can learn more about the broad range of confidential mental health services available on campus by calling the AC Counseling Center at 806-371-5900. The AC Counseling Center website is https://www.actx.edu/counseling/ . Also, if you are in need of social services (affordable housing, utilities, transportation, food, clothing, childcare, medical/dental/vision, legal), please call the AC Advocacy & Resource Center at 806-371-5439. The AC Advocacy & Resource Center website is https://www.actx.edu/arc

Amarillo College Tutoring for Success Policy:

Tutoring for Success applies to any student whose overall performance in the course falls below 75%. The instructor will create the task in the Student Engagement Portal (Watermark) to direct the student to the appropriate tutoring service, which may be faculty- or SI-led, discipline-specific, and/or general. The tutoring service assigned, the due date for when the tutoring must be completed, and the amount of tutoring required are at the discretion of the instructor. Additionally, the task will alert the student’s success team. Students who do not fulfill the assigned tutoring task may be subject to program- and course-specific penalties that could result in a grade reduction and/or in not being allowed to progress in the course until the tutoring requirement has been satisfied.

Administrative Drop Policy

Students who do not attend class on or prior to the census date will be administratively dropped. Effective Fall, 2016

Student Withdrawal Procedures

Students who wish to withdraw from a course must complete all steps indicated on the Academic Withdrawal Request form by the course withdrawal deadline.

NOTE: Students who are attending Texas institutions of higher education, for the first time fall 2007 and later, may not withdraw from more than six courses during their academic career. This withdrawal limitation does not include dual credit or developmental classes (Senate Bill 1231 Rule 4.10.) For more information on Drop and Withdrawal Policies, please visit the Registrar's Office Web site.

Privacy Statement

The Amarillo College Privacy Policy is found at https://www.actx.edu/-amarillo-college-privacy-notice , and applies to all Amarillo College students.  If you have questions about this privacy statement or you believe that your personal information has been released without your consent, send email to humanresources@actx.edu .

Course

ARTC-1327-002 Typography

Prerequisites

Prerequisite: ARTC 1325

Course Description

A study of letterforms and typographic concepts as elements of graphic communication. Emphasis on developing a current, practical typographic knowledge based on industry standards.

Student Resources Student Resources Website

Department Expectations

Occupational License Disclaimer

Notice to Students enrolled in an educational program for preparation of issuance of certain occupational licenses:

Students enrolled in an educational program in preparation for obtaining certain occupational licenses are potentially ineligible for such license if the student has been convicted of an offense. For further information, please contact:

Melodie Graves
Justice Involved Advocate
Student Service Center 117
mgraves24@actx.edu
806-371-5995
Make appointment at https://melodiegraves.youcanbook.me

You can also contact the Legal Clinic, or the faculty member in charge of the educational program that you seek to enroll in. The further information you will receive will include notification to you of your right to request a criminal history evaluation letter from the licensing authority in order to clarify your particular situation.

Hours

(3 sem hrs; 2 lec, 4 lab)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

No Textbook Required

Thinking with Type by Ellen Lupton is an excellent book, and while not mandatory, it is highly recommended.  You can also find much of the book’s content here: www.thinkingwithtype.com

Supplies

• Epson P900 SureColor P900 Ink Cartridge (you will be assigned one to purchase from the AC Book Store). This printer uses 10 different inks. (Purchasing through the AC bookstore funds may come out of your FAFSA or Scholarship account.)

• You may purchase online at https://epson.com/i/C11CH37201
  Purchasing directly online, funds will NOT come out of your FAFSA or
  Scholarship account.

• Notebook and sketchbook

• Pencils, erasers, markers, or colored pencils for sketches and roughs

• 2GB minimum Flash drive or external hard drive for saving computer files

• Ruler (18” would be best)

• X-acto knife with #11 blades

• Students will be required to print and mount projects throughout the semester. Plan to spend $5-10 average on each major project that is turned in. Some projects will require nothing, while others will require more.

Student Performance

• Exercises: Using smaller exercises to introduce newer, complex typographic techniques, such as deconstructing typefaces, hand lettering, grid systems and illustrative type—techniques that will be used for larger projects.
• Process: A process book will be kept to introduce students to and become comfortable with, the overall design process, from brainstorming and sketching to delivery of a final product.
• Research: Historical typographer research—students will explore contemporary theory and trends in typography and present their findings to the class.
• Projects: Utilizing refined skills obtained from exercises, as well as new knowledge from lectures and presentations, students will be completing three larger-scale projects using type as logo (word mark), type and word in motion (GIF or stop motion), and experimental type, creating an original typeface or deconstructing an existing.
• Verbal Communication: Student participation in project presentations and in-process critiques will be conducted frequently, offering the opportunity to gain confidence and comfort in discussing their concepts utilizing typographic and design language.
• Students will begin to practice experimentation with typography through the creation of projects.
• Students will develop deeper skills in utilizing complex grid systems in the design of their process book, projects, and exercises.
• Students will be introduced to implementing typography for web and digital platforms through the creation of exercises and projects.
• Students will receive an introduction to motion design processes and using type in motion in the design of projects.

This course will combine lectures, presentations and demonstrations with exercises to introduce advanced typographic concepts and build upon type and design principles. Students will be encouraged to expand their creativity and explore unique solutions to the new exercises and projects, with an enhanced emphasis on the ability to think conceptually about design problems.

Additional Course Description:

We will learn the importance of a deadline, cover time management, give and receive peer-to-peer critiques, and work in groups to further understand the limits, setbacks, and advantages of working in a team setting. You will learn some of the basic terminology and better understand the process behind creating good and bad designs. We will discuss the social impact Graphic Design has on our everyday lives.

AI Statement:

Collusion is defined as “the unauthorized collaboration with another person or by any other means, including artificial intelligence (AI) and computer translators, in preparing work for fulfillment of course requirements.” Using AI like (ChatGPT or Google Gemini) to create a document is considered colluding. The use of Generative Artificial Intelligence on specific assignments is at the discretion of the instructor.

Students Rights and Responsibilities

Log in using the AC Connect Portal

In order to receive your AC Connect Email, you must log in through AC Connect at https://acconnect.actx.edu .

If you are an active staff or faculty member according to Human Resources, use "Exchange". All other students, use "AC Connect (Google) Email".

Expected Student Behavior

• No eating or drinking in the lab.

• Communication devices will be required to be kept inside your purse, bag, or pocket.

• Cell phones and other communication devices must be turned to silent. (May be used for 2FA apps for logging in, and work session time to listen to music only)

• No texting during lecture, critique, or classroom instruction.

• No social networking of any kind during class time.

• Students are required to come to class prepared with all supplies.

• Students are expected to be respectful to each other and all faculty.

• Critiques are to be constructive and professional.
  CRUELTY WILL NOT BE TOLERATED.

• Good attendance and strong communication about absences if they are necessary. 

• Ask for help if and when you need it! 

• If you choose to wear a mask, it must be worn over your mouth AND nose at all times while you are in class.

• Wipe down your workspace before you leave. (We will all need to work together to ensure a safe and clean learning space.)

• If and when you are distance learning, prompt attendance is still required in order to receive class content. 

• Minimize distractions while attending tech-supported classes.

• Meet your deadlines!  Extensions are subject to approval. Proof of illness may be required. 

• Plagiarism of any kind will not be tolerated and will be reported. You will receive a zero for the project in question.

PLAGIARISM:

The student understands that plagiarism will not be tolerated in this class.  Plagiarism is defined by the Amarillo College Student Handbook as: “...the appropriating, buying, receiving as a gift, or obtaining by any means another’s work and the unacknowledged submission or incorporation of it in one’s own written work.” This also includes copying Internet or written sources in any course assignment discussions or projects without citing the source, as well as copying another student’s work for this course.  If a student is found plagiarizing any material in the course, it will result in a grade of "0" for that assignment, discussion, or project, and can result in disciplinary action and expulsion of the student from the course. 

COPYRIGHT NOTICE: 

Students must be aware and responsible for the Copyright Notice for the course: The materials on this course website are only for the use of students enrolled in this course for the purposes associated with this course and may not be retained or further disseminated.

DROPPING, WITHDRAWING, AND NON-CREDIT STATUS:

The student is responsible for dropping courses, withdrawing from college by the last day to drop a course, changing to non-credit status, etc., if the need arises. See the Amarillo College master calendar on the AC website and our course calendar for the date of the last day to drop a course.  The instructor will not drop any student after the last day to drop a course. (this may change) To drop a course, you must receive written approval from your instructor. Call ASK AC (806-371-5000) for more information on how to drop a course if you have any further questions.

Administrative Drop Policy:

Students who do not attend class on or prior to the census date will be administratively dropped. Effective Fall, 2016

Student Withdrawal Procedures:

Students who wish to withdraw from a course must complete all steps indicated on the Academic Withdrawal Request form by the course withdrawal deadline.

NOTE: Students who are attending Texas institutions of higher education for the first time, fall 2007 and later, may not withdraw from more than six courses during their academic career. This withdrawal limitation does not include dual credit or developmental classes (Senate Bill 1231 Rule 4.10.) For more information on Drop and Withdrawal Policies, please visit the Registrar's Office Web site.

Grading Criteria

1. Check Blackboard for due dates as well as project instructions and the posted schedule. Due dates will also be announced in class.

2. Grades will be based on the completion of assignments, the execution of the design objectives, and the delivery of each process step on the assigned due dates. For every time a process step is missing on the assigned due date, 5 points will be deducted of the final score. Save all variations and process steps of your projects, as you will be asked to submit them with your final projects.  

3. If you are unhappy with your final grade on a project, you can rework and resubmit the design part within 7 days of the assignment’s return. Points deducted because the project was late, lack of craftsmanship, or missed process steps cannot be earned back. This does not apply to the final project, as there is no time for any resubmissions after finals week.

4. Exercises and projects turned in one week late (7 days from the original due date), half the total assignment points deducted from the grade earned for completed work exercise or project.

5. Exercises and projects turned in after 10 days late (10 days from the original due date) will not be graded.

6. Each student will be offered one project extension of one week. This extension is only offered once per student when the student notifies the instructor no later than three days before the original due date. Notification must be made via BlackBoard email or in-person.

7. A final grade of a letter grade “D” is not offered in this course.

8. During our peer critiques, if your work is not submitted and printed by the start of class, you will be deducted points for being late. Please don’t have us waiting on you to print, plan ahead.

Points Breakdown:

250 Points: Exercises &  Quizzes

250 Points: Project 1

250 Points: Project 2

250 Points: Project 3

100 Points: Participation/Attendance

1,100 Points: TOTAL

Grade Scale: (% of possible points)

A: 90-100%

B: 80-89%

C: 68-79%

F: 0-67%

Grading Rational (based on a possible total of 1,100 pts for the course). Be aware that it may be necessary to change the total points available for the course or individual assignment values, but grading scale will remain the same.

Attendance

Students will be allowed 2 unexcused absences without penalty. After the second unexcused absence, 1 letter grade will be deducted from the total class grade for each additional absence. 6 absences will result in automatic failure of the course. A breakdown of penalties for absence is presented below:

• Up to 2 Absences: No penalty

• 3 Absences: Loss of 1 letter grade

• 4 Absences: Loss of 2 letter grades

• 5 Absences: Loss of 3 letter grades

• 6 Absences: Failure of the course

Any exceptions to the above policy will be made at the discretion of the instructor. For an absence to be excused, the instructor may require appropriate documentation of the reason for the absence.

Late arrival of more than 30 minutes or early departure of more than 30 minutes will be counted as an absence. On days designated as Work Days or for individual consultation, leaving without first checking in with the instructor will result in an absence.

TARDINESS

• 3 tardies = no penalty
• 4 or more tardies = 1 point removed from final Activity grade per tardy after 3.

INSTRUCTOR RESERVES THE RIGHT TO DISALLOW LATE ENTRANCE INTO THE CLASSROOM.

In such cases, grades for Attendance, Activity, Quizzes, and Exercises for that day will be lost. You may sign in no earlier than 15 minutes before the start of class and no later than 30 minutes after class has begun. Any earlier or later may result in an absence.

• Students will be responsible for swiping their badge at the door for attendance. (Attendance is registered through Blackboard by swiping your badge at the door. If you do not have your badge, you may use the Ellucian app on your mobile device to scan it.

• The instructor is not responsible for the student's failure to sign in with the badge or the Ellucian app.

• Failure by the student to sign in using their badge or the Ellucian app will result in an absence. 

• Any student caught swiping another student's badge will be reported for dishonest conduct, and all parties involved may be subject to academic disciplinary action pending investigation.

• Students may request a review of their attendance record with the instructor outside of class time.

Calendar

Additional Information

The instructor reserves the right to change and update the information in this syllabus. Students are required to be familiar with the information within this syllabus. Due dates and changes will also be posted on BBL.