TOURO COLLEGE COURSE SYLLABUS
NEW YORK SCHOOL OF CAREER AND APPLIED STUDIES
DEPARTMENT:
COURSE TITLE:
COURSE NUMBER:
PREREQUISITES:
CREDIT HOURS:
DEVELOPER:
LAST UPDATE:
Department of Academic Computing
History of Graphic Design
GHS 111
None
3
Professor Susan De Castro
January, 2004
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Historical overview of graphic design using publications, reference material, audio and visual
media as well as field trips to museums and places pertinent to course content. Through historic
example, this lecture format course provides a thorough visual and conceptual background of
visual communication in graphic design. The handling of word and image has a diverse and
fascinating history. This class provides an overview to that investigation. In addition to the
lectures, research projects will be assigned.
COURSE/DEPARTMENTAL OBJECTIVES
Investigate and discuss media and methods used in graphic design
Review the development of letterforms and alphabets
Learn the chronology of visual communications development in graphic design
Explore the effects of graphic design on industry
Understand the evolution of technology in relation to graphic styles and production
COURSE/INSTITUTIONAL OBJECTIVES
1. To further professional and pre-professional career interests of students in the field of
Desktop and Web Publishing;
2. To develop critical reading and listening skills;
3. To develop students’ critical reasoning skills;
4. To develop students’ abilities to solve problems and interpret data;
5. To prepare students to communicate clearly and effectively in written form;
6. To prepare students to communicate clearly and effectively in spoken form;
7. To foster students’ abilities to access and evaluate information objectively and effectively;
8. To introduce students to skills needed to function effectively in a technological society;
COURSE CONTENT
Week 1: LECTURE TOPIC: Early Methods of Communication
First discoveries of visual communication and ancient writing, cuneiform, Course requirements,
texts, & projects will be discussed.
Required Reading: Meggs text, pp. 4-10, Jean text, pp. 11-24.
Recommended Reading: The Story of Writing, Introduction, pp. 7-17
Week 2: LECTURE TOPIC: Graphic Communication in the Mediterranean
The Rosetta Stone, Hieroglyphs, symbolism in Egyptian culture
Required Reading: Meggs text, pp. 11-19, Jean text, pp. 25-50.
Recommended Reading: The Story of Writing, pp. 21-35
Writing Assignment: Symbolism in Egyptian culture. Due: Week 4
Week 3: LECTURE TOPIC: Graphic Communication in Asia
Chinese Calligraphy, pictographs, writing instruments, first printing techniques
Required Reading: Meggs text, pp. 20-28, Jean text, pp. 45-50.
Recommended Reading: A Short History of the Printed Word, pp. 5-11
Week 4: LECTURE TOPIC: The Birth of Alphabets
Evolution of alphabets; Phoenician, Hebrew, Greek, Latin & Roman
Required Reading: Meggs text, pp. 29-39, Jean text, pp. 51-72.
Recommended Reading: A Short History of the Printed Word, pp. 22-42
Graphic Project I: Design Analysis of an Alphabet: Due: Week 6
Week 5: LECTURE TOPIC: Medieval Manuscripts
Design elements in manuscripts; religious influences on graphic communication
Required Reading: Meggs text, pp. 40-56, Jean text, pp. 73-92 .
Required Trip : Morgan Library: Manuscript Collection
Writing Assignment: Report on Morgan Library Manuscripts Due: Week 7
Graphic Project II: Design Analysis of Manuscript Letterforms: Due: Week 7
Week 6: LECTURE TOPIC: Birth of Typography
Johann Gutenberg, the invention of printing and moveable type
Required Reading: Meggs text, pp. 60-72, Jean text, pp. 93-97.
Week 7: LECTURE TOPIC: The Renaissance Period
Early printing methods; type design of the Renaissance Period, Garamond
2
Required Reading: Meggs text, pp. 90-113, Jean text, pp. 98-108.
Critique of Projects
Week 8: Midterm Exam
Week 9: LECTURE TOPIC: Type Design of the 1700’s
European type designers, Caslon, Baskerville, Bodoni
Required Reading: Meggs text, pp. 114-128, Jean text, pp. 110-150.
Graphic Project III Design Analysis of a Typeface: Due Week 11
Week 10: LECTURE TOPIC: The Industrial Revolution, Invention of Photography.
Impact of industry on visual communication, first photographic techniques
Required Reading: Meggs text, pp. 132-153.
Required Museum Visit: Institute of Contemporary Photography
Research paper: Graphic Design After 1700-Due Week 15
Week 11: LECTURE TOPIC: Art Nouveau, Art Deco, Art of the Poster
Poster design in Europe, graphic to design in advertising
Assignment: Meggs text, pp. 190-217, material provided by Professor
Week 12: LECTURE TOPIC: Twentieth Century Graphic Design
The Avant Garde, the Bauhaus, modern movements
Required Reading: Meggs text, pp. 312-410, material provided by Professor.
Week 13: LECTURE TOPIC: Twentieth Century Graphic Design
Design for print and advertising, computer revolution in graphic design
Required Reading: Meggs text, pp. 312-410, material provided by Professor.
Week 14: LECTURE TOPIC: Graphic Design in the New Millennium
World Wide Web; new trends in design
Week 15: Final Exam: all papers and projects due for critique
HARDWARE/SOFTWARE/MATERIALS REQUIREMENTS:
Students should have access to Internet for research
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
Completion of all class projects
Completion of all homework projects
Assigned readings
Required field trips
3
Midterm and final exams
Students are expected to keep up with all assignments and classwork. Attendance will be
monitored; students who miss classes should get required material from instructor. Research
papers are extremely important to show student progress; therefore, the student must take all
assignments seriously and abide by deadlines and completion requirements. Grades will be based
on research papers, finished projects and the successful completion of classroom and outside
assignments.
GRADING GUIDELINES
Grades will be based primarily on exams and projects, but will also reflect successful completion
of exercises and assignments, attendance and class participation. Completed projects will be
graded using the following criteria: comprehension of the material, ability to do research, and an
understanding of class lectures and readings. Each project deadline must be respected. All
projects must be turned in as hard copy at the end of the semester.
Exams and Projects = 40% of grade
Exercises and Assignments = 30% of grade
Student Attendance and Participation = 30% of grade
METHODOLOGY
This is a lecture course; therefore, the instructor should be prepared with material to enhance the
course, such as handouts, periodicals, slides, illustrations, and reference books. Field trips to
museums, galleries, and other related locations are recommended. Other AV materials are
recommended such as videos and use of websites and scanned images. Students should be
encouraged to do outside research and use the public libraries as supplemental sources.
COURSE TEXT(S)
Title:
Author:
Pub. Date:
Publisher:
ISBN #:
History of Graphic Design
Philip B. Meggs
1998
Wiley, John, and Sons
0-4712-9198-6
Title:
Author:
Pub. Date:
Publisher:
ISBN #:
Writing, The Story of Alphabets and Scripts
Georges Jean
1992
Abrams Publishers
0-8109-2893-0
4
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Title:
Author:
Pub. Date:
Publisher:
ISBN #:
The Story of Writing
Andrew Robinson
1999
Thames and Hudson Ltd. London
0500281564
Title:
Author:
Pub. Date:
Publisher:
ISBN #:
Graphic Design, A Concise History
Richard Hollis
2002
Thames and Hudson Ltd. London
0500203474
Title:
Author:
Pub. Date:
Publisher:
ISBN #:
The Russian Avant-Garde Book, 1910—1934
Margit Rowell
2002
New York, Museum of Modern Art
0870700073
RELATED WEB SITES
Beginnings of Visual Communication, Evolution of Type:
http://www.culture.fr/culture/arcnat/lascaux/en/
http://www.mediumbold.com/04_thinking/type/origins/index.html
http://www.encyclopedia.com/html/t1/type.asp
History of Paper:
http://www.paperonline.org/history/history_frame.html
History of Alphabets:
http://webperso.iut.univ-paris8.fr/~rosmord/Intro/Intro.html
http://www.imultimedia.pt/museuvirtpress/ing/alfa.html
http://members.aol.com/egyptnew/hiero.html
http://www.imultimedia.pt/museuvirtpress/ing/alfa.html
Invention of Moveable Type (Gutenberg)
http://www.gutenberg.de/english/
5
http://communication.ucsd.edu/bjones/Books/printech.html
http://www.digitalcentury.com/encyclo/update/print.html
ENTRANCE COMPETENCIES
Ability to read and write in English
Ability to do research through use of the Internet
Ability to do research through outside sources such as libraries
COURSE EXPECTATIONS
Students are expected to:
Keep up with all reading assignments
Participate in class discussions
Attend all field trips
Complete all assignments and homework in a timely manner.
EXIT COMPETENCIES
Students will exit this course with a firm understanding of the historical factors of graphic
design, which include:
the study of the evolution of alphabets
the development of printing
the influence of two-dimensional design on advertising and the media
the digital age and its references to graphic design history
6
TOURO COLLEGE COURSE OUTLINE
NEW YORK SCHOOL OF CAREER AND APPLIED STUDIES
DEPARTMENT:
COURSE TITLE:
COURSE NUMBER:
PREREQUISITES:
CREDIT HOURS:
SEMESTER :
Department of Academic Computing
History of Graphic Design
GHS 111
None
3
[Click & type/Double-click to paste SEMESTER.]
CLASS INFORMATION
CLASS CODE:
[Put in FULL CLASS CODE - ex. MCO 140 BB]
SCHEDULE:
[Put in DAY & TIME class meets:- ex. Tues. 9-12 AM]
LOCATION:
[Put in SITE & ROOM of class - ex. Ave. J Campus, Rm 301 ]
FINAL EXAM DATE:
[Put in DATE & TIME of final exam - ex. Jan. 23, 2003 - 9-12 AM ]
INSTRUCTOR CONTACT INFORMATION
Instructor Name:
[Put in INSTRUCTOR NAME]
Email Address:
[Put in INSTRUCTOR email.]
Contact Phone:
[Put in INSTRUCTOR contact/dept phone here.]
Office Location/Hours:
[Put in INSTRUCTOR office hours.]
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Historical overview of graphic design using publications, reference material, audio and visual
media as well as field trips to museums and places pertinent to course content. Through historic
example, this lecture format course provides a thorough visual and conceptual background of
visual communication in graphic design. The handling of word and image has a diverse and
fascinating history. This class provides an overview to that investigation. In addition to the
lectures, research projects will be assigned.
COURSE/DEPARTMENTAL OBJECTIVES
Investigate and discuss media and methods used in graphic design
Review the development of letterforms and alphabets
Learn the chronology of visual communications development in graphic design
Explore the effects of graphic design on industry
1
Understand the evolution of technology in relation to graphic styles and production
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
Completion of all class projects
Completion of all homework projects
Assigned readings
Required field trips
Midterm and final exams
Students are expected to keep up with all assignments and classwork. Attendance will be
monitored; students who miss classes should get required material from instructor. Research
papers are extremely important to show student progress; therefore, the student must take all
assignments seriously and abide by deadlines and completion requirements. Grades will be based
on research papers, finished projects and the successful completion of classroom and outside
assignments.
GRADING GUIDELINES
Grades will be based primarily on exams and projects, but will also reflect successful completion
of exercises and assignments, attendance and class participation. Completed projects will be
graded using the following criteria: comprehension of the material, ability to do research, and an
understanding of class lectures and readings. Each project deadline must be respected. All
projects must be turned in as hard copy at the end of the semester.
Exams and Projects = 40% of grade
Exercises and Assignments = 30% of grade
Student Attendance and Participation = 30% of grade
COURSE TEXT(S)
Title:
Author:
Pub. Date:
Publisher:
ISBN #:
History of Graphic Design
Philip B. Meggs
1998
Wiley, John, and Sons
0-4712-9198-6
Title:
Author:
Pub. Date:
Writing, The Story of Alphabets and Scripts
Georges Jean
1992
2
Publisher:
ISBN #:
Abrams Publishers
0-8109-2893-0
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Title:
Author:
Pub. Date:
Publisher:
ISBN #:
The Story of Writing
Andrew Robinson
1999
Thames and Hudson Ltd. London
0500281564
Title:
Author:
Pub. Date:
Publisher:
ISBN #:
Graphic Design, A Concise History
Richard Hollis
2002
Thames and Hudson Ltd. London
0500203474
Title:
Author:
Pub. Date:
Publisher:
ISBN #:
The Russian Avant-Garde Book, 1910—1934
Margit Rowell
2002
New York, Museum of Modern Art
0870700073
RELATED WEB SITES
Beginnings of Visual Communication, Evolution of Type:
http://www.culture.fr/culture/arcnat/lascaux/en/
http://www.mediumbold.com/04_thinking/type/origins/index.html
http://www.encyclopedia.com/html/t1/type.asp
History of Paper:
http://www.paperonline.org/history/history_frame.html
History of Alphabets:
http://webperso.iut.univ-paris8.fr/~rosmord/Intro/Intro.html
http://www.imultimedia.pt/museuvirtpress/ing/alfa.html
http://members.aol.com/egyptnew/hiero.html
http://www.imultimedia.pt/museuvirtpress/ing/alfa.html
3
Invention of Moveable Type (Gutenberg)
http://www.gutenberg.de/english/
http://communication.ucsd.edu/bjones/Books/printech.html
http://www.digitalcentury.com/encyclo/update/print.html
COURSE CONTENT
Week 1: LECTURE TOPIC: Early Methods of Communication
First discoveries of visual communication and ancient writing, cuneiform, Course requirements,
texts, & projects will be discussed.
Required Reading: Meggs text, pp. 4-10, Jean text, pp. 11-24.
Recommended Reading: The Story of Writing, Introduction, pp. 7-17
Week 2: LECTURE TOPIC: Graphic Communication in the Mediterranean
The Rosetta Stone, Hieroglyphs, symbolism in Egyptian culture
Required Reading: Meggs text, pp. 11-19, Jean text, pp. 25-50.
Recommended Reading: The Story of Writing, pp. 21-35
Writing Assignment: Symbolism in Egyptian culture. Due: Week 4
Week 3: LECTURE TOPIC: Graphic Communication in Asia
Chinese Calligraphy, pictographs, writing instruments, first printing techniques
Required Reading: Meggs text, pp. 20-28, Jean text, pp. 45-50.
Recommended Reading: A Short History of the Printed Word, pp. 5-11
Week 4: LECTURE TOPIC: The Birth of Alphabets
Evolution of alphabets; Phoenician, Hebrew, Greek, Latin & Roman
Required Reading: Meggs text, pp. 29-39, Jean text, pp. 51-72.
Recommended Reading: A Short History of the Printed Word, pp. 22-42
Graphic Project I: Design Analysis of an Alphabet: Due: Week 6
Week 5: LECTURE TOPIC: Medieval Manuscripts
Design elements in manuscripts; religious influences on graphic communication
Required Reading: Meggs text, pp. 40-56, Jean text, pp. 73-92 .
Required Trip : Morgan Library: Manuscript Collection
Writing Assignment: Report on Morgan Library Manuscripts Due: Week 7
Graphic Project II: Design Analysis of Manuscript Letterforms: Due: Week 7
Week 6: LECTURE TOPIC: Birth of Typography
Johann Gutenberg, the invention of printing and moveable type
Required Reading: Meggs text, pp. 60-72, Jean text, pp. 93-97.
Week 7: LECTURE TOPIC: The Renaissance Period
Early printing methods; type design of the Renaissance Period, Garamond
4
Required Reading: Meggs text, pp. 90-113, Jean text, pp. 98-108.
Critique of Projects
Week 8: Midterm Exam
Week 9: LECTURE TOPIC: Type Design of the 1700’s
European type designers, Caslon, Baskerville, Bodoni
Required Reading: Meggs text, pp. 114-128, Jean text, pp. 110-150.
Graphic Project III Design Analysis of a Typeface: Due Week 11
Week 10: LECTURE TOPIC: The Industrial Revolution, Invention of Photography.
Impact of industry on visual communication, first photographic techniques
Required Reading: Meggs text, pp. 132-153.
Required Museum Visit: Institute of Contemporary Photography
Research paper: Graphic Design After 1700-Due Week 15
Week 11: LECTURE TOPIC: Art Nouveau, Art Deco, Art of the Poster
Poster design in Europe, graphic to design in advertising
Assignment: Meggs text, pp. 190-217, material provided by Professor.
Week 12: LECTURE TOPIC: Twentieth Century Graphic Design
The Avant Garde, the Bauhaus, modern movements
Required Reading: Meggs text, pp. 312-410, material provided by Professor.
Week 13: LECTURE TOPIC: Twentieth Century Graphic Design
Design for print and advertising, computer revolution in graphic design
Required Reading: Meggs text, pp. 312-410, material provided by Professor.
Week 14: LECTURE TOPIC: Graphic Design in the New Millennium
World Wide Web; new trends in design
Week 15: Final Exam: all papers and projects due for critique
ATTENDANCE & MAKE-UP POLICIES
Students are expected to maintain good attendance throughout the course. Three absences will
automatically lower the student grade by one point and each additional absence will lower the
grade by an additional point. Lack of attendance may result in a failing grade. Instructors should
contact students who miss more than two classes. (Special arrangements must be requested in
writing and approved in signature by the professor.) Make up dates must be arranged by the
student with the professor. Projects and homework must be turned in no later than one week after
the assigned completion date, otherwise grade will be lowered or no credit will be given for the
assignments. Students who miss classes must get necessary material from instructor.
5
HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENTS
Writing Assignment: Symbolism in Egyptian culture
Writing Assignment: Report on Morgan Library Manuscripts
Writing Assignment: Graphic Design After 1700
Writing Assignment: Field Trip to Museum
Writing Assignment: Final Research Paper on History of Graphic Design
Graphic Project I: Design Analysis of an Alphabet
Graphic Project II: Design Analysis of Manuscript Letterforms
Graphic Project III Design Analysis of a Typeface
ENTRANCE COMPETENCIES
Ability to read and write in English
Ability to do research through use of the Internet
Ability to do research through outside sources such as libraries
COURSE EXPECTATIONS
Students are expected to:
Keep up with all reading assignments
Participate in class discussions
Attend all field trips
Complete all assignments and homework in a timely manner.
EXIT COMPETENCIES
Students will exit this course with a firm understanding of the historical factors of graphic
design, which include:
the study of the evolution of alphabets
the development of printing
6
the influence of two-dimensional design on advertising and the media
the digital age and its references to graphic design history
7