Art 461 / History of Graphic Arts / Spring 2015
Instructor:
Shirin Raban
Email:
shirin@wingzdesign.com
Class Hours:
Friday
2:00 am - 4:45 pm
Sagebrush Hall
Room 105
Office Hours:
Friday
4:45 pm - 5:45 pm
Sagebrush Hall
Room 105
by appointment only.
Syllabus:
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course will cover a history of the development of print as a work of art and for communication from
the 15th century to the present. Attention will be given to the rise of graphic design and its impact in the
19th and 20th centuries.
COURSE STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES:
Understand and apply knowledge related to graphic art, typography and graphic design history.
1.
To understand important terms, issues and ideas of historical graphic art and
typographic artifacts.
2.
To develop written and oral skills for critical and reflective thinking of graphic art history
3.
To describe and illustrate the historical and/or cultural contexts in which specific graphic and
typographic art works are/were created and experienced.
To identify graphic art movements, and typographic styles and their influences on contemporary
graphic design and visual cultural.
4.
ART DEPARTMENT STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES:
1.
2.
3.
Broaden knowledge of ancient through contemporary art; develop an understanding of the
theoretical, cultural, and historical contexts of art.
Analyze, interpret and question traditional methodologies and preconceived notions of art
and art making.
Develop an appreciation and tolerance of diverse perspectives dealing with art, culture,
teaching and learning.
MISSION:
The CSUN Art Department is committed to teaching students to experience and value visual thinking and
creative problem solving in art, as well as recognize the concurrent importance of perception,
experimentation, innovation, and critical thinking. We encourage students to understand the history and
traditions of art with their relevance to social and community concerns as well as the art of different cultures.
Students are also encouraged to utilize and interact with the services, facilities and technologies offered
throughout the university as well as those provided by the Art Department.
REQUIRED TEXTBOOKS (2):
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Art 461 / History of Graphic Arts / Spring 2015
History of Graphic Design (4th or 5th Editions only) by Philip B. Meggs and Alston W. Purvis
From Gutenberg to Open Type: An Illustrated History of Type from the Earliest Letterforms to the Latest
Digital Fonts by Robin Todd
RECOMMENDED TEXTS (2):
A-Z of Type Designers by Neil Macmillan
Graphic Design: A History by Alain Weill
NOTE: You will need the required books in order to complete the assignments. So purchase them ASAP.
There are required writing assignments from both books. No assignments will be accepted late, so take this
into consideration when ordering books from online sources.
IN CLASS EXERCISES:

In Class exercises have no grade. They are mere activities for learning reinforcement and for building
conversation and community.
READINGS EVERY WEEK:

To help keep you stay current in your readings, a series of weekly Synopsis (short outline writing
assignments) will be required almost every week. These outlines are on the reading. Review link
for Synopsis EXAMPLE in Moodle at the end of Week 16.

Try to set a weekly pace. Do not fall behind. No late Synopsis will be accepted.
SYNOPSIS (total of 10):

Each synopsis is due on the Thursday evening of weeks indicated in schedule by midnight.

The synopses will be about the weekly reading assignments. There will be no reminder on these.
It is your responsibility to see what is due each week by checking the schedule.
3 CRITICAL REVIEWS:

A critical review is a two page paper on a researched topic and its visual presentation.

Please see critical review instructions at the end of week 16 on Moodle.

First Review is comprised of groups of two students presenting a type designer
comparison research.

Second Review is comprised of groups of three students presenting research on a graphic
designer who made innovative contributions to the 20 th or 21st century. Each group will discuss
visual examples of content, style and technique of the designs.

Third Review is comprised of a two page paper and a poster design.
ASSIGNMENT SUBMISSION:
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Art 461 / History of Graphic Arts / Spring 2015

All synopses must be submitted on Moodle before class.

You must turn in printed synopses with your name, date, name or book and chapter.

No email assignments will be accepted.

All written assignments must be in PDF format.

Critical Review Assignments must be uploaded on Moodle as PDF and turned in class as printed.

The third review poster and paper must be uploaded to Moodle and also printed and mounted on
black board for final presentation.

You may need to also submit a printed design if stated in class.
FINAL EXAM:

Final Exam will be online.

An online final examination will allow you a final means to demonstrate your understanding of the
assigned readings and material presented during the entire semester.

The exam must be taken in one sitting within the timed 3 hour slot. The 3 hours are consecutive
and once you log into the exam, the clock will time for only 180 minutes.
NOTE: The exam is online so it will be open for taking on any day from
Wednesday May 13 till Tuesday May 19.
DISCUSSION PARTICIPATION:

Since learning is best accomplished in an active state, your participation is required.

“Participation” means becoming involved in weekly class discussions . Weekly topics and
questions for debate are posted on the class moodle. You will be graded on how in depth your
responses to the discussion questions are.
LATE ASSIGNMENT PENALTIES

All Synopses must be turned in on time. Late synopses are not accepted and will receive a 0.

Late Critical Reviews or Poster design will receive one letter grade off of deserving grade.
ASSESSMENT AND EVALUATION:
There is a total of 1000 points for the entire class:
Assessment project
+25
points
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Art 461 / History of Graphic Arts / Spring 2015
Attendance
15 sessions x 10 = 150 points
Synopses
10 sections x 40 = 400 points
Critical Review 1
= 100 points
Critical Review 2
= 100 points
Critical Review 3
= 100 points
Final Exam
= 100 points
--------------------------------------------------------1000 points total
GRADING RUBRIC FOR DESIGN ASSIGNMENTS
+50
points
Extra credit SAGA events
+50
points
PAPERS AND SYNOPSES ARE GRADED
BASED ON Effective verbal and written skills
such as neatness, correct grammar and
spelling, clear communication
DESIGN assignments are:
5 criteria x 10 points each = 50 points each
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Extra credit print portfolio
Effort and attitude
Concept Originality
Aesthetic Decisions
Appropriateness to context
Craftsmanship + Presentation
Item: 10=A+ 9=A- 8=B- 7=CTotal: 50=A+ 45=A- 40=B- 35=CGRADING SCALE OUT OF 100%:
A
A-
B+
B
B-
C+
C
C-
D+
D
F
100-94
93-90
89-87
86-84
83-80
79-77
76-74
73-70
69-67
66-60
59-0
NOTE: Four Absences result in an F.
EXTRA CREDIT:

There will be extra credit opportunities throughout the semester. These extra credit opportunities are
for the student to attend special CSUN events held through SAGA or other entities, or outside events
such as a gallery, lecture, or event related to graphic design. Events will be throughout the
Los Angeles area and/or within the university.

Extra credit will be given to student once proof of attendance through a photograph of student at event
is uploaded and submitted through moodle.

No writing will be required.

Extra credit criteria are listed on Moodle.
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Art 461 / History of Graphic Arts / Spring 2015

Students must take the extra credit opportunities as they become available. All extra credit activities
are to be assigned by instructor.

Extra credit opportunities will not be given at the end of the semester. NO exceptions.

Attending an event for extra credit is a way for the student to insure extra units to his/her final grade.
CLASSROOM COURTESY:
1.
Be on time
2.
Do not leave class early
3.
Be respectful: to teacher and classmates always turn off cell phones: Do not answer your phone
in class or walk out of the class to answer your phone. Please turn your phone off and store it in
your bag.
4.
Focus on lectures and discussions while in class: DO NOT work on other projects in class.
5.
Laptops are encouraged so that students can follow along. Work from other classes is
forbidden.
6.
Help others: If someone is struggling help them. We are a community of learners.
7.
Be a participant and keep up with your readings and assignments: If you are on task then the
lectures and discussions will assist you in participation.
INSTRUCTION PROCESS:

Lectures will be at 2 pm sharp. Do not be late!

Lectures and/or media presentations in the classroom or online will be explaining theory, practice
and terminology related to the history of graphic design and typography.
ATTENDANCE AND PARTICIPATION:

Four Tardies result in an Absence.

Four Absences result in an F.

Attendance is mandatory. Lectures, directions, and any other class discussions will not be
repeated. If you have missed a class session, you should always contact your fellow students or
the instructor about what was missed before returning to class. Do not miss lectures as you will
be marked down if you go over your accepted absences.
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Art 461 / History of Graphic Arts / Spring 2015

Reasons for absences must be in writing (with a doctor’s signed note or other official paperwork,
such as jury duty). Students are responsible for contacting instructor regarding absences,
expected late arrivals to class or need to leave class early; no contact with instructor is interpreted
as unexcused.

During the first 15 minutes of the class, the instructor will take attendance. If you are not present at
this time, you will be marked as absent. Please notify the instructor if you were late or not present
during role call. If you are late for more than an hour, you will be marked absent.
THE FOLLOWING ARE EXAMPLES OF (BUT NOT LIMITED TO) NON-VIABLE EXCUSES:

Not finding a parking space.

Employment obligations.

Needed to work on another class.

Dog ate my homework!

Someone is getting married.

Planned a vacation to Hawaii (or elsewhere)

Weather: it’s too hot, too color, or it rained.

Was printing my project.
VIABLE EXCUSE EXAMPLES:
Receipt from clinic visit, note from doctor with signature and date, receipt for car service w/date and time,
any other type of signed documentation regarding time, date and unavoidable reason for absence.
ALL CELL PHONES MUST BE OFF OR SILENT DURING CLASS!
Text messaging is included in undesirable phone activities. No internet browsing, video-gaming, textmessaging, working on homework or projects for other classes. If you have an emergency and need to
access your messages or place a call during class, please inform instructor in advance.
NO FACEBOOK, TWITTER, OR ONLINE CHATTING!
If you are spotted doing any of the above, you will be asked to close your laptop or turn off your mobile
device. Even if you are using the device for note taking. No acceptations. If you continually do so, you will be
asked to sit closer to instructor for constant monitoring.
CODE OF STUDENT CONDUCT:
Information may be viewed online at: http://www.csun.edu/a&r/soc/studentconduct.html
Essential to the mission of CSUN is a commitment to the principles of academic integrity and
ethical behavior.
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Art 461 / History of Graphic Arts / Spring 2015
Because the integrity of the academic enterprise of an institution of higher education requires honesty
in scholarship and research, academic honesty is required at CSUN Adherence to the Academic
Honesty Policy reflects the commitment of our community to the value of learning and our core principle
of social responsibility.
DEFINITIONS OF ACADEMIC HONESTY:
CHEATING is the act or attempted act of deception by which a student seeks to misrepresent that he/she
has mastered information on an academic exercise that he/she has not mastered.
FABRICATION is the use of invented information or the falsification of research or other findings in an
academic exercise.
FACILITATING ACADEMIC DISHONESTY is intentionally or knowingly helping or attempting to help
another commit an act of academic dishonesty.
PLAGIARISM is the submission of another’s work as one’s own, without adequate attribution. When a
student submits work for credit that includes the words, ideas or data of others, the source of the information
must be acknowledged through complete, accurate, and specific references, and, if verbatim statements are
included, through quotation marks or indentation as appropriate.
WRITING CENTER
Students having difficulty with writing assignments are encouraged to contact the Writing Center at:
http://www.csun.edu/lrc/writing.html
FIELD TRIP POLICIES
There are no scheduled field trips for this course. However, if one does come up, you will be notified way in
advance and besides being required to sign 1) an Informed Consent Form and 2) a Vehicle Authorization
Form, students must also include their name on 3) a list of those attending the field trip. They may also be
required to sign a Guest Confidentiality Form from the particular business to be visited.
There will be opportunities for extra credit that may take you to various parts of the Los Angeles or Orange
Country areas. It is up to you whether you go to the various locations for extra credit or not.
STUDENTS WITH LEARNING DISABILITIES
If you have a learning disability or feel that you may have a learning disability, it is suggested that you
contact the Center on Disabilities (codss@csun.edu; 818-677-2684). You may be encouraged to register in
order to be eligible for accommodations.
Semester Schedule:
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Art 461 / History of Graphic Arts / Spring 2015
NOTE: Changes in content or activities may occur at instructor’s discretion based on class and project
needs, scheduling or other circumstances. SUCH CHANGES WILL NOT AFFECT COURSE POLICIES.
NOTE: There is a written synopsis due each week from Week 2 – Week
WEEK 1 – FRIDAY JANUARY 23
Introductions + Course Overview
Lecture: What is Graphic Design?
WEEK 2 – FRIDAY JANUARY 30
Synopsis 1 is due.
Gutenberg to Open Type Chapter 1. (Before Printing)
Megg’s Chapers 4, 5, 6. (Illuminated Manuscripts, Printing Comes to Europe, The German Illustrated Book)
Lecture: Evolution of typography form Manuscripts to Modernity
Speed Design Project: Groups of two students brainstorm on what to include in a greeting card design
based on the style of Illuminated Manuscripts. Each student takes the time to hand draw their own.
WEEK 3 – FRIDAY FEBRUARY 6
Synopsis 2 is due.
Gutenberg to Open Type Chapters 2, 3. (The Renaissance, The Enlightenment)
Megg’s Chapers 7, 8. (Renaissance Graphic Design, An Epoch of Typographic Genius)
Lecture: Renaissance and Globalization
Discussion: Oppression, war, rivalry, economics and creative expression
Video: Printing Processes
WEEK 4 – FRIDAY FEBRUARY 13
Synopsis 3 is due.
Gutenberg to Open Type Chapter 4. (The Machine Age)
Megg’s Chapers 9, 10. (Graphic Design and the Industrial Revolution, The Arts and Crafts Movement
and Its Heritage)
Lecture: William Morris + the Arts and Crafts Movement
Video: Letterpress
WEEK 5 – FRIDAY FEBRUARY 270
Critical Review 1 is Due.
Groups of two students present type designer comparison research.
WEEK 6 – FRIDAY FEBRUARY 27
Synopsis 4 is due.
Megg’s Chapers 11, 12. (Art Nouveau, The Genesis of Twentieth-Century Design)
Lecture: Art Nouveau + Mucha, Goudy and Klimt
Speed Design Project: Groups of two students brainstorm on what to include in an advertisement based on
the style of Art Nouveau design movement. Each student takes the time to hand draw their own.
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Art 461 / History of Graphic Arts / Spring 2015
WEEK 7 – FRIDAY MARCH 6
Synopsis 5 is due.
Gutenberg to Open Type Chapter 5. (Introduction to Early Modernism)
Megg’s Chapers 13, 14. (The Influence of Modern Art, Pictorial Modernism)
Lecture: Filippo Marinetti + Dada Typography
Speed Design Project: Groups of two students work together to clip text out of magazines and newspapers
to create a message based on the style of Dada design movement.
WEEK 8 – FRIDAY MARCH 13
Synopsis 6 is due.
Megg’s Chapers 15, 16, 18. (A New Language of Form, The Bauhaus, The International Typographic Style)
Lecture: History of Book Cover + Poster Design
Video: Bauhaus
Speed Design Project: Groups of two students brainstorm on what to include in a poster for a new mayoral
candidate who proposes to solve the traffic problem in LA, based on the style of Russian Constructivist
Design movement. Each student takes the time to hand draw their own.
WEEK 9 – FRIDAY MARCH 20
Synopsis 7 is due.
Gutenberg to Open Type Chapter 6. (After the Second World War)
Megg’s Chapers 17, 19. (The Modern Movement in America, The New York School)
Lecture: History of Advertising
Discussion: 21st century advertising concepts and theories
WEEK 10 – FRIDAY MARCH 27
Synopsis 8 is due.
Gutenberg to Open Type Chapter 7. (The Postmodern Era)
Megg’s Chapers 20, 21. (Corporate Identity and Visual Systems, The Conceptual Image)
Lecture: Post WWII Designers and Design Movements
Discussion: IDEO and Design Thinking
WEEK 11 – FRIDAY APRIL 3
Critical Review 2 is Due.
Groups of three students present research on a graphic designer who made innovative contributions to the
20th or 21st century. Each group will discuss visual examples of content, style and technique of the designs.
WEEK 12 – FRIDAY APRIL 10
School Closed for Spring Break
WEEK 13 – FRIDAY APRIL 17
Synopsis 9 is due.
Megg’s Chaper 23. (National Visions within a Global Dialogue)
Lecture: International typographic fusions
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Art 461 / History of Graphic Arts / Spring 2015
Video: Typography in Amsterdam
WEEK 14 – FRIDAY APRIL 24
Synopsis 10 is due.
Gutenberg to Open Type Chapters 8, 9. (Digital Type Foundries, A Brief Introduction to Type Recognition
and Classification)
Megg’s Chaper 24. (The Digital Revolution)
Lecture: Entertainment Cover Design from vinyl records, to CDs, DVDs and digital media
Video: Margo Chase
Discussion: Entertainment Design vs. Political Design
WEEK 15 – FRIDAY MAY 1
Critical Review 3 is Due. This is a two page paper and a poster design. Please see instructions on Moodle.
Design must be uploaded to Moodle and also printed and mounted on black board for final presentation.
Poster Critique.
WEEK 16 – FRIDAY MAY 8
Poster Critique Continued.
FINAL EXAM – MAY 15
NOTE: The exam is online so it will be open for taking on any day from
Wednesday May 13 till Tuesday May 19.
The exam must be taken in one sitting within the timed 3 hour slot. The 3 hours are consecutive and once
you log into the exam, the clock will time for only 180 minutes.
Enjoy your break.

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