UCC/UGC/ECCC
Proposal for Course Change
Fall 2016
FAST TRACK (Select if this will be a fast track item. Refer to Fast Track Policy for
eligibility)
If the changes included in this proposal are significant, attach copies of original and proposed
syllabi in approved university format.
1. Course subject and number:
VC 329
2. Units:
See upper and lower division undergraduate course definitions.
3. College: Social and Behavioral Sciences
5. Current Student Learning Outcomes of the
course.
4. Academic Unit:
3
School of
Communication
Show the proposed changes in this column (if
applicable). Bold the proposed changes in this
column to differentiate from what is not
changing, and Bold with strikethrough what is
being deleted. (Resources & Examples for
Developing Course Learning Outcomes)


Explore composition, type (anatomy), kerning, history,
grid.
Application of design principles as they apply to
communication design:
o Hierarchy
o Focal point
o Movement
o Rhythm
o Visual semiotics
o Craft
o Unity






Effective Fall 2015
Explore composition, type (anatomy), kerning,
history, grid.
Application of design principles as they apply to
communication design:
o Hierarchy
o Focal point
o Movement
o Rhythm
o Visual semiotics
o Craft
o Unity
Students will demonstrate ability to utilize type
anatomy, classification, measures, leading, and
kerning through the production of exercises.
Students will apply abilities in font selection for
emotion through the design and development of
projects.
Students will demonstrate their capabilities in
typographic composition and alignment
produced in projects.
Students will identify best practices in type use
by participating in class critiques.


Students will explore and investigate a historical
perspective in typography in researching a
historical typeface/typographer.
Students will use verbal and written skills in
order to develop communication skills in critique
and presentation.
6. Current catalog display in this column
title, description and units. Cut and paste, in
its entirety, from the current on-line academic
catalog* http://catalog.nau.edu/Catalog/.
Show the proposed changes in this column
Bold the proposed changes in this column to
differentiate from what is not changing, and
Bold with strikethrough what is being deleted.
VC 329 TYPOGRAPHICS I (3)
Description: Studio course. Explores traditional
and conceptual typographic applications.
Focuses on letter, word, line, paragraph, and
type-image relationships. Computer-generated
type at the intermediate level. 1 hr. lecture, 6
hrs. lab. Letter grade only. Course fee required.
Units: 3
Prerequisite: VC 101, VC 251, and ART 135 with
grades of C or better
Co requisite: VC 331 and VC 351
VC 329 202 TYPOGRAPHICS I
TYPOGRAPHY I (3)
Description: Studio course. The introduction
to traditional and conceptual typographic
applications, with a focus on the study of
the basic letter forms, type families and
characteristics, history of type,
typographic contrast, hierarchy, and
grids. Students build typographic
vocabulary skills, typesetting and
typographic layout skills, and a basic
understanding of expressive typography
and conceptual thinking. Explores
traditional and conceptual typographic
applications. Focuses on letter, word,
line, paragraph, and type-image
relationships. Computer-generated type
at the intermediate level. 1 hr. lecture, 6
hrs. lab. Letter grade only. Course fee
required.
Units: 3
Prerequisite: VC 101, VC 251, and VC 181,
(ART 135, ART 150 with grades of C or better)
Co requisite: VC 201 331 and VC 351
*if there has been a previously approved UCC/UGC/ECCC change since the last catalog year, please copy the approved
text from the proposal form into this field.
7. Justification for course change.
In VC 202, Typography I, students acquire introductory knowledge of typography. Intermediate
skills reinforced from VC 102 will be technical/software skills. The introductory skills obtained
will allow students to be successful as they progress to VC 262. This course is more
appropriate at the sophomore level because the skills taught are closely aligned to
introductory and reinforcement levels of outcomes.
IN THE FOLLOWING SECTION, COMPLETE ONLY WHAT IS CHANGING
Effective Fall 2015
CURRENT
Current combined lecture & lab components:
Lecture:
Lab:
Current grading option:
letter grade
pass/fail
or both
Current repeat for additional units:
Yes
No
Current repeat for additional units in same term:
Yes
No
Current repeat max number of units:
PROPOSED
Proposed combined lecture & lab components:
Lecture:
Lab:
Proposed grading option:
letter grade
pass/fail
or both
Proposed repeat for additional units:
Yes
No
Proposed repeat for additional units same term:
Yes
No
Proposed repeat max number of units:
Current Instruction Mode:
In person
Online
Hybrid
Proposed Instruction Mode:
In person
Online
Hybrid
8. Is this course in any plan (major, minor, or certificate) or sub plan (emphasis)? Yes
No
If yes, list and include evidence of notification to and/or response from each impacted academic unit
as necessary.
Visual Communication; B.F.A.
9. Is there a related plan or sub plan change proposal being submitted?
If no, explain.
Visual Communications; B.F.A.
Yes
No
Yes
No
11. Do you want to remove the Liberal Studies or Diversity designation?
If yes, select all that apply.
Liberal Studies
Diversity
Both
Yes
No
12. Is this course listed in the Course Equivalency Guide?
Yes
No
Answer 10-13 for UCC/ECCC only:
10. Is this course an approved Liberal Studies or Diversity course?
If yes, select all that apply.
Liberal Studies
Diversity
Both
FLAGSTAFF MOUNTAIN CAMPUS
Scott Galland
Reviewed by Curriculum Process Associate
11/16/2015
Date
Approvals:
Department Chair/Unit Head (if appropriate)
Date
Chair of college curriculum committee
Date
Effective Fall 2015
Dean of college
Date
For Committee use only:
UCC/UGC Approval
Date
EXTENDED CAMPUSES
Reviewed by Curriculum Process Associate
Date
Approvals:
Academic Unit Head
Date
Division Curriculum Committee (Yuma, Yavapai, or Personalized Learning)
Date
Division Administrator in Extended Campuses (Yuma, Yavapai, or Personalized
Learning)
Date
Faculty Chair of Extended Campuses Curriculum Committee (Yuma, Yavapai, or
Personalized Learning)
Date
UGC Approval (Graduate-Level Courses Only)
Date
Chief Academic Officer; Extended Campuses (or Designee)
Date
CURRENT VC 329 SYALLBUS:
COURSE SYLLABUS
Prerequisites
ART 135, VC 101, and VC 251 with a grade of a C or better. VC majors must take VC 329, VC 331,
and VC 351 simultaneously.
Course Description
This course provides a fundamental understanding of the history, structure, technology and
Effective Fall 2015
application to typography, the visualization of language. Assignments will address the functional and
experimental aspects of typography. Focus on letter, word, line, paragraph, and type-image
relationship. Students will explore the interaction of form and meaning in typographic design.
Students will be encouraged to think conceptually, learn to sketch and communicate ideas through
type. The class will contain one hour of lecture in combination of four hours of lab work.
Objectives/Outcomes
To explore composition, type (anatomy), kerning, history, working with the grid and the application of
the design principles as they apply to communication design with a focus on the following:
Hierarchy and Focal point, Movement, Rhythm and Proportional relationships, Dynamic composition
in 2-dimensional space, Introduction to visual semiotics, Process and craft, Metaphor and
Appropriation, Form reduction/elaboration/abstraction, Sequence, Unity and Variety, Idea
development/concepts/problem-solving
Visual & Verbal Vocabulary
Beginner knowledge of Adobe Illustrator and InDesign. Students will need to come to class prepared
to work. Productive workflows, organization of materials, discipline to meet deadlines, flexibility to
make post-crit changes. Students will learn typographic terminology and practice using them in
written and verbal presentation and critique.
Historical Context and Best Practices
Language is an essential tool for the design field. This semester will focus on the growth of student’s
capacity to communicate both visually and through speaking. For example, in critiques, feedback
needs to be constructive and effective; finding the best words to associate with perspectives.
Students will learn about industry standards for using type, and how typography arrived to its current
state through historical progression.
Required Text
Thinking with Type; Lupton; Princeton Press
Attendance
Each student is expected to participate in the educational experience through an exchange of ideas
with the instructor and peers. Therefore, attendance is mandatory for in-person class days. Students
are excused for three missed classes per semester. Following the first 3 missed per semester, the
grade will go down one full letter grade for each additional absence. More than 5 unexcused
absences during the semester will result in a failing grade, regardless of work completed. Students
are required to stay for the full class meeting. If a student has a personal problem of any kind that
requires an absence more than three times, the student must discuss this with the instructor.
Work is due on the set day, regardless. If a student foresees an absence, speak with the instructor
beforehand to arrange for submission of materials.
Grading
Grades will be based on the completion of assignments, the execution of the design objectives and
the documentation in process notebooks. Projects are due at the beginning of class. Each student will
be allowed one late project (up to one week), which will be marked down one full letter grade.
Effective Fall 2015
Students will be expected to come prepared to each class period with the appropriate assignments,
text books and equipment to work in class. All assignments are due at the beginning of class. Each
student is responsible for completing his or her work by the due date. Students should have several
copies of their data files and print them frequently to determine that they are working properly. Print
final projects well in advance of the due date. This will ensure that students will not receive a penalty
for late work should the printing facilities are unavailable the night before the due date. Any technical
problems should be brought to the attention of the instructor well before the due date so that they
may assist with these problems before they become a problem. Broken printers, lost files and data
that won't print are not reasons for missing a deadline and students will receive a late grade if these
situations occur the night before your due date. Plan ahead to avoid any unnecessary penalties.
Exercise 1: 50 pts.
Exercise 2: 50 pts.
Exercise 3: 50 pts.
Project 1: 200 pts.
Project 2: 250 pts.
Project 3: 250 pts.
Quiz: 50 pts.
Class/Critique Participation: 100 pts.
PROPOSED VC 202 SYLLABUS
COURSE SYLLABUS
General Information
 Name of college and department: SBS, School of Communication, Visual
Communication
 Course prefix, number, and title: VC 202 Typography I
 Semester in which course will be offered: Fall
 Clock hours, credit hours: 3 credits
 Instructor’s name: John Gialanella
 Office address: School of Communication, room 311
 John.Gialanella@nau.edu, ph: 928-523-7315
 Office hours: Mondays and Wednesdays at…
Course prerequisites
VC 181, (ART 135 and ART 150 with grades greater than or equal to C), co-requisite: VC 201
Course description
Studio course. The introduction to traditional and conceptual typographic applications, with a focus on
the study of the basic letter forms, type families and characteristics, history of type, typographic
contrast, hierarchy, and grids. Students build typographic vocabulary skills, typesetting and
typographic layout skills, and a basic understanding of expressive typography and conceptual
thinking. Letter grade only. Course fee required.
Student Learning Expectations/Outcomes for this Course
- Students will demonstrate ability to utilize type anatomy, classification, measures, leading, and
kerning through the production of exercises.
- Students will apply abilities in font selection for emotion through the design and development of
projects.
Effective Fall 2015
-
Students will demonstrate their capabilities in typographic composition and alignment produced in
projects.
Students will identify best practices in type use by participating in class critiques.
Students will explore and investigate a historical perspective in typography in researching a
historical typeface/typographer.
Students will use verbal and written skills in order to develop communication skills in critique and
presentation.
Course structure/approach
• Exercises reinforcing typographic principles and rules: letterform dissection/description, composition
and typesetting.
• Historical typeface presentations: research, history, and presentation skills.
• Project/s building upon introductory exercises.
• Critique: presentation and analytical skills.
This course will combine lectures, presentations and demonstrations with exercises to introduce
typographic principles and build confidence in utilizing type with software in both print and digital
applications. Exercises will help students with ability to use type in projects, following typographic
rules and principles as well as developing the ability to communicate visually.
Textbook and required materials
 Reading materials provided in through the Bblearn shell.
Technology:
 External Hard Drive (for storage of in-progress motion projects and video files).
 Second back up method or device for your work.
 Flash drive.
Recommended optional materials/references (attach reading list)
N/A
Course outline
The goal of the class is to introduce students to using typography in the design and visual
communication process. The class will introduce type through a series of lectures, presentations and
in-class exercises, and will progress towards working with type on larger-scale projects. Typography I
will provide students with a working foundation to progress through the Visual Communication
program.

In-person class meetings: Instructor and peer feedback, progress reviews, critiques, lectures,
discussions, and students’ presentations. Class time will also be used to work on projects.

Online component: Delivery of projects, grading, rubric-related feedback, and other online
activities will take place through Bblearn.

Technical Instruction: Delivered through Lynda.com video tutorials and instructor presentation.

Lab time: This is a studio course, therefore it is estimated that students will spend several
hours weekly outside of class time, working on projects.
o Room 114 is available for students at posted hours.
o The School’s Open lab is open at posted hours.
Effective Fall 2015
Assessment of Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the course, students will:
 have a fundamental knowledge of typographic terminology and typographic principles.
 be able to demonstrate their ability to design utilizing type and design principles.
 have a historical understanding of typography.
 be able to demonstrate technical ability using typography in various design software.
 possess basic verbal communication skills utilized in design.
 In-class exercises (4 exercises worth 50pts each)
 Project 1 – Type Poster (200pts)
 Project 2 – Advocacy Campaign (250pts)
 Project 3 – Magazine spreads (250pts
 Research Presentation (100pts)
Methods of Assessment
Student learning outcomes will be assessed based on the understanding of course material,
typographic principles, as well as the quality of the exercises and projects created during the course.
Students will also be introduced to typographic and design professionalism, learning about industry
best-practices, design process and time management.
Timeline for Assessment
Students will be assessed regularly throughout the semester, both through peer-to-peer critique and
from the instructor. Assessment will be provided both in-class individually and through group critique,
as well as digitally through on-line feedback from the instructor.
Grading System
Grades are assigned on a point system, with specific rubrics for each assignment, with projects
receiving one or more grades, according to the scale as follows:
 90-100 % = A range (Excellent, professional quality)
 80-89.9 % = B range (Good, Above Average)
 70-79.9 % = C range (Average, Competent with some major concept and/or execution issues)
 60-69.9 % = D range (Below Average, poor concept and/or execution)
 0-59.9 % = F (Fail does not meet minimum standards)
Students will be graded based on:
 Timeliness of work completed; prepared for critiques and final submissions.
 Process and documentation of work.
 Creativity with thoughtful and technically sound design solutions.
 Presentation and critique.
o Formal presentations of work during class meetings and critiques, clearly describing the
project, design decisions and answering questions from the instructor and the class.
 Skill as it applies to design and type principle execution.
 Participation and effort.
Course policy
 Retests/makeup tests
Project resubmissions won’t be accepted, make up tests and retests either.
Deadlines: All project deadlines must be met without exception. Work delivered up to 1 day
after the deadline will drop a full letter grade. Work delivered between one day and a week of
delay will have two letter grades deducted. The work won’t be accepted with more than a week
Effective Fall 2015
of delay. Online projects are due at 11:59 pm. Printed projects or projects for presentation are
due at the beginning of class.

Attendance
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. Try to form an alliance with a fellow student, so that you can trade notes and
information in case of absence. Each student is expected to participate in the educational
experience through an exchange of ideas with the instructor and peers. Therefore, students
are expected to come to class prepared to work, with materials and supplies, and work
productively in class for all scheduled studio time. Leaving early without an excuse may be
recorded as an absence. Late, unprepared arrivals to class may be counted as absences. The
following absence policy is applicable to the total number of in-person missed classes in the
semester:



0 to 3 absences = final grade is unaffected.
4 absences = final grade drops a letter grade.
5 or more absences = final grade is “F”.


Attendance to critiques and progress reviews are mandatory.
No eating or drinking in class. Turn off cell phones. At the end of class, please clean your
working area.
Class Outline or Tentative Schedule
Week 1
Class 1 / 8.31: Syllabus, Introduction to Typography, Exercise 1
Class 2 / 9.02: Lecture/Tutorial – Using type in Illustrator
Week 2
Class 3 / 9.07: Labor Day - No Class
Class 4 / 9.09: Lecture/Tutorial – Using type in InDesign, Exercise 1 due
Week 3
Class 5 / 9.14: Lecture – Type Anatomy, Exercise 2
Class 6 / 9.16: In-class exercise – Type Anatomy
Week 4
Class 7 / 9.21: Exercise 2 due, Exercise 3
Class 8 / 9.23: Lecture – Typographic Classifications
Week 5
Class 9 / 9.28: In-class exercise – Typographic Classifications
Class 10 / 9.30: Exercise 3 due, Project 1
Week 6
Class 11 / 10.05: Lecture/In-class exercise – Kerning
Class 12 / 10.07: Project 1 sketches, critique, in-class help
Week 7
Class 13 / 10.12: Lecture – Type rules
Class 14 / 10.14: Project 1 roughs, critique, in-class help
Week 8
Class 15 / 10.19: Project 1 comps, critique, in-class help
Class 16 / 10.21: Research introduction
Week 9
Class 17 / 10.26: Midterm Evaluations - Terminology Quiz
Effective Fall 2015
Class 18 / 10.28: Project 1 due, Project 2
Week 10
Class 19 / 11.02: Project 2 sketches, critique, in-class help
Class 20 / 11.04: workday
Week 11
Class 21 / 11.09: Project 2 roughs, critique, in-class help
Class 22 / 11.11 In-class exercise
Week 12
Class 23 / 11.16: Project 2 comps, critique, in-class help
Class 24 / 11.18: Demo day
Week 13
Class 25 / 11.23 Project 2 due, Project 3
Class 26 / 11.25: No Class
Week 14
Class 27 / 11.30: Project 3 roughs, critique, in-class help
Class 28 / 12.02: Research Presentations
Week 15
Class 29 / 12.07: Project 3 comps, critique, in-class help
Class 30 / 12.09: Research Presentations
Week 16
Final Class / Monday, 12.14: 10:00am – 12:00pm / Project 3 Presentations
Statement on academic integrity
The School of Communication endorses the highest standards of professional conduct and ethics in
all participants. Therefore, any form of dishonesty, cheating, deception or plagiarism, (claiming the
ideas of another person as one's own) are not acceptable. Violations of academic integrity will be
reported to the Associate Dean of the College of Social & Behavioral Sciences and will result in
penalties ranging from zero credit for the assignment to an F in the class, depending upon the
severity of the offense and whether a prior record of academic dishonesty exists.
NORTHERN ARIZONA UNIVERSITY
POLICY STATEMENTS FOR COURSE SYLLABI
SAFE ENVIRONMENT POLICY
NAU’s Safe Working and Learning Environment Policy prohibits sexual harassment and assault, and
discrimination and harassment on the basis of sex, race, color, age, national origin, religion, sexual
orientation, gender, gender identity, disability, or veteran status by anyone at this university. Retaliation
of any kind as a result of making a complaint under the policy or participating in an investigation is also
prohibited. The Director of the Equity and Access Office (EAO) serves as the university’s compliance
officer for affirmative action, civil rights, and Title IX, and is the ADA/504 Coordinator. EAO also assists
with religious accommodations. You may obtain a copy of this policy from the college dean’s office or
from NAU’s Equity and Access Office website nau.edu/diversity/. If you have questions or concerns
about this policy, it is important that you contact the departmental chair, dean’s office, the Office of
Student Life (928-523-5181), or NAU’s Equity and Access Office (928) 523-3312 (voice), (928) 5239977 (fax), (928) 523-1006 (TTD) or equityandaccess@nau.edu.
STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES
If you have a documented disability, you can arrange for accommodations by contacting Disability
Resources (DR) at 523-8773 (voice) or 523-6906 (TTY), dr@nau.edu (e-mail) or 928-523-8747 (fax).
Students needing academic accommodations are required to register with DR and provide required
Effective Fall 2015
disability related documentation. Although you may request an accommodation at any time, in order for
DR to best meet your individual needs, you are urged to register and submit necessary documentation
(www.nau.edu/dr) 8 weeks prior to the time you wish to receive accommodations. DR is strongly
committed to the needs of student with disabilities and the promotion of Universal Design. Concerns or
questions related to the accessibility of programs and facilities at NAU may be brought to the attention
of DR or the Office of Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity (523-3312).
ACADEMIC CONTACT HOUR POLICY
Based on the Arizona Board of Regents Academic Contact Hour Policy (ABOR Handbook, 2-224), for
every unit of credit, a student should expect, on average, to do a minimum of three hours of work per
week, including but not limited to class time, preparation, homework, studying.
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY
Integrity is expected of every member of the NAU community in all academic undertakings. Integrity
entails a firm adherence to a set of values, and the values most essential to an academic community
are grounded in honesty with respect to all intellectual efforts of oneself and others. Academic
integrity is expected not only in formal coursework situations, but in all University relationships and
interactions connected to the educational process, including the use of University resources. An NAU
student’s submission of work is an implicit declaration that the work is the student’s own. All outside
assistance should be acknowledged, and the student’s academic contribution truthfully reported at all
times. In addition, NAU students have a right to expect academic integrity from each of their peers.
Individual students and faculty members are responsible for identifying potential violations of the
university’s academic integrity policy. Instances of potential violations are adjudicated using the
process found in the university Academic Integrity Policy.
RESEARCH INTEGRITY
The Responsible Conduct of Research policy is intended to ensure that NAU personnel including NAU
students engaged in research are adequately trained in the basic principles of ethics in research.
Additionally, this policy assists NAU in meeting the RCR training and compliance requirements of the
National Science Foundation (NSF)-The America COMPETES Act (Creating Opportunities to
Meaningfully Promote Excellence in Technology, Education and Science); 42 U.S.C 18620-1, Section
7009, and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) policy on the instruction of the RCR (NOT-OD-10-019;
“Update on the Requirement for Instruction in the Responsible Conduct of Research”). For more
information on the policy and the training activities required for personnel and students conducting
research, at NAU, visit: http://nau.edu/Research/Compliance/Research-Integrity/
SENSITIVE COURSE MATERIALS
University education aims to expand student understanding and awareness. Thus, it necessarily
involves engagement with a wide range of information, ideas, and creative representations. In the
course of college studies, students can expect to encounter—and critically appraise—materials that
may differ from and perhaps challenge familiar understandings, ideas, and beliefs. Students are
encouraged to discuss these matters with faculty.
CLASSROOM DISRUPTION POLICY
Membership in the academic community places a special obligation on all participants to preserve an
atmosphere conducive to a safe and positive learning environment. Part of that obligation implies the
responsibility of each member of the NAU community to maintain an environment in which the
behavior of any individual is not disruptive. Instructors have the authority and the responsibility to
Effective Fall 2015
manage their classes in accordance with University regulations. Instructors have the right and
obligation to confront disruptive behavior thereby promoting and enforcing standards of behavior
necessary for maintaining an atmosphere conducive to teaching and learning. Instructors are
responsible for establishing, communicating, and enforcing reasonable expectations and rules of
classroom behavior. These expectations are to be communicated to students in the syllabus and in
class discussions and activities at the outset of the course. Each student is responsible for behaving
in a manner that supports a positive learning environment and that does not interrupt nor disrupt the
delivery of education by instructors or receipt of education by students, within or outside a class. The
complete classroom disruption policy is in Appendices of NAU’s Student Handbook.
August 25, 2015
Effective Fall 2015