Typography Syllabus for 2022-2023
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Course

ARTC-1327-001 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 ResourcesStudent 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

1. RECOMMENDED READING

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

Supplies

REQUIRED MATERIALS

• Notebook and sketchbook

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

• Flash drive or external hard-drive for saving computer files

• Supplies

• Ruler (18” would be best)

• X-acto knife with #11 blades

• Student 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

1. COURSE FORMAT

   The following tools will be implemented to maximize class time and resources. A preliminary schedule has been determined but is subject to change.

   Demonstrations:
   Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, XD, and After Effects software

   Critiques:
   There will be individual one-on-one critiques, small group critiques, and formal presentations. Participation is crucial and part of the student’s overall grade.

   Projects:
   1. LECTURESERIESPOSTER
   2. TYPOGRAPHICSPECIMENSERIES
   3. INSTAGRAM+TYPOGRAPHY

Exercises:
There will be work exercises, some in class and some to take home. Participation in those exercises will be part of your overall grade.

Students Rights and Responsibilities

Student 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

COURSE STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES:

Students in Typography, will be introduced to intermediate typographic principles, as well as the process of utilizing grid systems and experimentation with type, including using motion:

• Students will build upon typographic principles as these will be reinforced in both exercises and projects.

• Students will illustrate their ability to use typography to convey emotion through the production of projects.

• 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.

  COURSE STRUCTURE/APPROACH

• 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.

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.

Grading Criteria

GRADING   

1. Check BBL for due dates as well as project instructions and 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 delivering 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 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.

Points Breakdown:

250 pts: Exercises & Quizzes
250 pts: Project 1
250 pts: Project 2
250 pts: Project 3
100 pts: Participation/Attendance

1100 pts: TOTAL

Grading Rational (based on a possible total of 1000 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

ATTENDANCE POLICY

Attendance for all classes including lectures, critiques and work sessions is mandatory. Students are expected to come to class prepared to work, with materials and supplies, and work productively in class for all scheduled studio time. Attendance will be taken during the first five minutes of class. If you arrive late, make sure you speak to the instructor at the end of the class to get a “tardy”, otherwise an absence will be recorded. Leaving early without an excuse may be recorded as an absence.

Excused absence:
An excused absence is usually characterized by an unforeseen life or death situation (one’s own or immediate family), or a personal sickness. Excused status will be determined by the instructor. However, a doctor’s note brought to the following class will guarantee excused status, as well as institutional excuses. Please DO NOT show up to class sick. Stay home and get well when you’re feeling unwell. There will be
the option to meet with me remotely via Zoom to keep up with class material.

Impact:
All students are required to notify the instructor in case of any absences prior to any missed classes.

Any unexcused absences will impact your grade:
3 unexcused absences will result in ONE letter grade lower.
5 unexcused absences will result in a FAILING GRADE.
3 unexcused late arrivals or early departures equals ONE absence.

Calendar

Additional Information

COMPUTER PROBLEMS

Please consult the Student Technology Center directly

COMPUTER LAB USAGE

Student files should not be stored on any of the computers. YOU WILL LOSE YOUR WORK IF YOU SAVE ANY FILES ON YOUR WORKSTATION’S HARD-DRIVE. Bring a flash drive or external hard-drive to class for storing and saving your work. You are responsible for your files and any lost work will not be excused.