Syllabus is in Dropbox, in HANDOUTS. The Syllabus is also on Blackboard.

COMD1127 Type and Media 

Course Information

Course Number: COMD1127

Course Title: Type and Media

Course Description: Foundation course in typography with emphasis on using type for a multiple of industry related applications ranging from print to interactive. Students are introduced to principles of type design and terminology including: variations of type structure, anatomy, font usage, grid, leading, kerning, tracking and alignment

Credits / Hours: 1 cl hr, 5 lab hrs, 3 cr

Section Number: D035

Pre/Co-requisites: CUNY proficiency in reading, writing and mathematics or concurrent enrollment in ENG 092R, ESOL 022R or 032R; ENG 092W, ESOL 021W, or ESOL 031W; MAT 0630 or MAT 0650 as required

Class Meetings

Online Space(s) are not applicable this semester.

Faculty Information

Professor: Beth Tondreau

Office Hours/Information: Immediately after class in Pearl 116

Contact Information

  • Email: mtondreau@citytech.cuny.edu
  • Phone: 646.623.8672

Course Objectives
Instructional Outcomes /Assessments

For the successful completion of this course, students should be able to:Evaluation methods and criteria:
Define and describe five families of type and their visual characteristics (Old Style, Transitional, Modern, Egyptian, San Serif). Define and describe other categories of type families such as display and novelty fontsStudents will demonstrate competency through written test and selection of typefaces for assignments
Define and describe critical components of type anatomy (baseline, meanline, capline, serifs, ascender, descenders, counters, others).Students will demonstrate competency through written test and selection of typefaces for assignments.
Describe variations of type structure (bold, italic, condensed, extended).Students will demonstrate competency through written test and selection of typefaces for assignments.
Utilize typographic grid components (trim size, margins, columns, gutter) and assemble a grid using specific software.Students will demonstrate competency through written test and preparations of class projects using InDesign.
Utilize variation in type alignment (FL/RR, FR/RL, Centered, Justified, Force Justified).Students will demonstrate competency through written test and performance of assignment dealing with this topic.
Understand and utilize terminology and procedures for Adobe InDesign in order to comprehension basic and correct usage complete assignments and participate in class of computer graphics such throughout the discussions.Students will demonstrate comprehension basic and correct usage of computer graphics such throughout the course in class participation and on written assignments.
Create and edit elements of a document according to specifications by using Adobe InDesign.Students will demonstrate practical skills in to preparing page layouts.

General Education Outcomes

General Education Outcome covered:How the outcome is covered:
Thinking Critically
The student will demonstrate the ability to evaluate evidence and apply reasoning to make valid inferences.		Students will develop their critical thinking by participating in class critiques, applying standards learned in class to their own work and that of classmates.
Social Interaction
The student will demonstrate an understanding of professional ethics.		Students will learn about professional ethics through discussion in class.
Lifelong Learning
The student will demonstrate an awareness of resources for continued lifelong learning.		Students will be directed towards resources and techniques of research they can use as references throughout their careers.
Information Literacy      
• The student will demonstrate the ability to find proper resources.
• The student will demonstrate the ability to formulate relevant queries.		Students will develop familiarity with professional resources and be expected to learn from them in a relevant fashion.

Teaching/Learning Methods

  • Lectures
  • Readings
  • Demonstrations
  • Assignments
  • Discussions
  • Tests

Technology Requirements

Schedule

See a detailed schedule on the Schedule page.

Grading Policy

30% — Main projects and their presentations
40% — Assignments -homework
30% — Class Activities/Discussions/Participation
The detailed grading policy can be found on the Grading Policy page. See page 4 of Syllabus. (Note: the Syllabus is also on Blackboard.)

Class Etiquette & Netiquette

  • As this is an online course it is important that students establish weekly virtual participation.
  • All assignments need to be submitted on time as they are part of the class sessions.
  • Proper attire, dress as for physical classes.
  • Adjust your posture, sit up as straight and pay attention.

Attendance/Participation

Attendance is taken and is important to success in this class. Both absences and arrival more than 15 minutes after the start of class will be marked. If excessive, the instructor will alert the student that he or she may be in danger of not meeting the course objectives and participation expectations, which could lead to a lower grade.

Academic Integrity Policy

Students and all others who work with information, ideas, texts, images, music, inventions and other intellectual property owe their audience and sources accuracy and honesty in using, crediting and citation of sources. As a community of intellectual and professional workers, the college recognizes its responsibility for providing instruction in information literacy and academic integrity, offering models of good practice, and responding vigilantly and appropriately to infractions of academic integrity. Accordingly, academic dishonesty is prohibited in The City University of New York and is punishable by penalties, including failing grades, suspension and expulsion. More information about the College’s policy on Academic Integrity may be found in the College Catalog. 

Course Activities

  • Projects – 3-4 main projects supported by homework assignments
  • Homework Assignments – Inserted in the the class pages on site.
  • Type Challenges – Design assignments and discussions completed with time constraints during class or as specified.
  • Type Talk Discussions – Discussion, comments, critiques, opinions on type throughout the semester
  • Name That Type Discussions – Students will comment in live class discussions
  • Found Alphabet Typography Discussions – Weekly image posts of  alphabet letters,numbers 1-9 ,0  and comments Final  Due  last class Upload a compiled PDF
  • Type Scavenger Hunt Activities – Students will look for various typographic topics principles, techniques, post image
  • Type Hero – Students will create a 5 minute presentation to an assigned designer

Course Projects

Course Resources

Materials /Supplies

  • Computer with internet access and Adobe CC.
  • Cloud storage and Flash drive (any storage for your files)
  • Sketchbook for notes, ideas, process / pencils
  • Approximately $40 misc expenses (cloud, printing, art materials, etc)

Student Work Samples

Instructor reserves the right to keep reproductions of student work samples to feature on their professional website, as part of their teaching portfolio, and to illustrate points for future classes.

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