Web Typography

Typography 3 Course Overview

Typography 3 is a course in typographic theory and practice… for the web. Through readings, lectures and projects/critiques, you will be introduced to various theoretical approaches to the typographic page, as well as various approaches to using typography to design for the web. You will also learn current technological standards.

This course emphasizes the importance of connotation, content, audience and purpose, as well as research. The course work for this class includes the following:

  • readings provided in class on the history of typography and type theory, with an accompanying design project.
  •  completing a series of introductory web typography lessons
  •  researching and designing a web site (with a writing component)
  •  producing the web site
  • designing and producing your own homepage that highlights the work done in this class

The course work for this class is intensive. You are preparing for advanced study in your field. Be prepared to work hard. To read, think, write, sketch, discuss, and revise.

Learning Outcomes

In Typography III, you will:

  • research: gather (information on possible artists / designers / typographic issues to focus on), evaluate (whether content is appropriate for project), analyze (readings, examples to use in your site), explore (possible solutions to the web structure/design)
  • craft demonstrations: practice basic html/css skills before building final web project.
  • explaining graphic design history / context for our projects: read and discuss essays related to history of typography and typographic theories. Write how chosen artists / designers / typographic issues may or may not be aligned with one of the readings.
  • vocabulary list to be learned: identify or explain the following terms: traditional, modern, post-modern, HTML, CSS, tag, class, ID, div, stylesheet, padding, margin, web safe fonts vs web fonts, site map, wire frame, mobile first.
  • design formats that will be addressed: design and produce web pages, a web site.
  • software to be used: use InDesign (creating mockup of web pages); use a Text Editor for HTML/CSS.

Schedule

A detailed schedule will be handed out with each project. But as we start the semester, I expect we will use the semester in the following way:

First 7 weeks: readings, type theory design project, research, writing, web exercises Weeks 7–14: designing and building final project

 

Final Exam

Tues/Thurs morning class: Tues, December 15, 8:30 – 11:00 in lab. Tues/Thurs afternoon class: Friday, December 11, 12:00 – 2:30 in lab. Tues/Thurs late class: Tues, December 15, 3:30 – 6:00 in lab.

Grading

All project grades are based on process, presentation, attention to detail, and ability to discuss and critique your projects as well as your colleagues’. In addition, advanced projects are graded on identifying and communicating an idea through written and visual elements. Grading sheets will be handed out with each assignment so you know what will be evaluated in the final project.

A = Excellent (+)

Skill is performed to very high standard of proficiency for this level of the program. Very few problems in a range evaluated items, often no problems.

B = Very Good (✓)

Achieved a high level of proficiency for skill. Multiple problems in a section of evaluated items (e.g., typographic details, color, images) and/or one or two problems in multiple (but not most) sections. Work clearly exceeds “competency.”

C = Good/Competent (ok)

Skill is demonstrated without being exceptional. Multiple problems in more than one sec- tion of evaluated items, and/or one or two problems in most sections. Students could be thought of as competent in respect to this skill.

D = Poor/Unacceptable (–)

Skill is demonstrated to a poor or unacceptable level. Multiple problems in majority of sections of evaluated items.

F= Fail(0)

Skill is absent or performed to a very low level. Multiple problems in almost all or in all sections of evaluated items.

Final grades are the total of all project, process, and participation grades. Research and Reading Assignments (presentation, postcard): 10%

Web exercises: 40%

Final web project: 30%

Process and Participation: 20%

 

From the Provost

Incompletes

Incompletes may be given only in exceptional circumstances, at the instructor’s discretion and at the student’s request made no more than 48 hours after the final examination or last class. The student must be passing at the time of the request or must be sufficiently close to passing for the instructor to believe that upon completion of the work the student will pass the course. If the work is not completed within a year of the recording of the grade of I, the grade will become an F(I).

Academic Integrity

All UMass Dartmouth students are expected to maintain high standards of academic integrity and scholarly practice. The University does not tolerate academic dishonesty of any variety, whether as a result of a failure to understand required academic and scholarly procedure or as an act of intentional dishonesty.

A student found responsible of academic dishonesty is subject to severe disciplinary action which may include dismissal from the University. See umassd.edu/studenthandbook/academicregs/ ethicalstandards.cfm for the full policy.

Academic Support Services

Are available, including services for learning and physically disabled students Contact the Center for Access and Success in LAR016.