Course Title: Typography
Course Number: ART-0210
Instructor: Todd M. LeMieux
tlemieux@wsc.ma.edu
(413) 572-5630
Course description: Typography is an upper-level graphic design
course focusing on type and how it is
used in graphic communications. The class will review the history of written
communication, experiment with
different type treatments and usage, learn about type
specification, copyfitting, editing and general
computer use related to typography.
Course objectives: To develop a solid understanding of the
aspects of type usage and aesthetics in
graphic design/communication. Knowledge of a variety of software tools for
working with type and images
for both print and web/multimedia applications on the Macintosh computer is
expected. Course will include
experimentation and problem solving with type in a variety of assignments.
Course conduct:
• Class will be taught in a studio atmosphere
to help students learn from each other as well as from the instructor. Projects
will be worked on both in class and out of class.
• Three absences are allowed per semester; a
student’s grade will be lowered 1/2 grade for
each additional absence. When a student is absent from class he or she is ex-pect-ed to obtain any missed class information from fellow
classmates, make-up
any missing
assignments or exercises, and turn them in the next class (or the scheduled due
date, whichever is sooner).
• Students are expected to spend as much time
as they need, throughout the entire se-mes-ter, using
the software (in the com-put-er lab or at home)
familiarizing themselves
with the hardware
and soft-ware they will be using to pro-duce their projects.
• Students are expected to be prepared for
class with any necessary supplies and works in progress. They should also clean
up their work area after each class.
Grading: Grading is
determined per project/test, on an in-di-vid-u-al
basis, understanding of terms and information
covered in class, class par-tic-i-pa-tion and
attendance.
Required Text(s):
Designing
with Type: The Essential Guide to Typography
by James
Craig
Course Assigments:
All assignments are posted in
the “Weekly Assignments and Activities” folder on the homepage. Students are required
to check the “Weekly Assignments” folder for course readings
and
assignments, read the assigned materials, and respond to questions/exercises by
the posted due dates. Successful completion of this online course requires
students to read all
assigned materials and participate in group discussions online (using the Bulletin Board Discussion forum).