Syllabus

Course Description

Typography is the core of graphic design. We are familiar with the use of written language to exchange ideas and convey meaning. The practice of typography is to give this language visual form, material, and distribution.

In this course, we will learn the fundamentals of type by investigating typefaces, type scale, leading, kerning, grids, guides, composition, space, color, motion, and more. As we get introduced to graphic design as discipline and practice, we will recognize its entanglements with structures of oppression and critically push against normative ideas of neutrality, universality, and tradition.

We will work iteratively and continuously build upon our work, every week, in order to develop conceptual ideas, a strong understanding of typographic rules, and playful ways to address constraints. For three studio projects, students will be given parameters with which to learn tools, historical and contemporary references, and a vocabulary with which to discuss typography. In addition, we will build technical and practical skills towards a fluency in setting and manipulating type within print and digital environments.

Learning Outcomes

By the completion of this course, students will be able to:

• understand typography as a tool of communication and expression
• learn key typographic terminology
• work with type at both small and large scales
• become well-acquainted with a robust list of key typefaces
• differentiate between different typographic conventions across print and screen-based platforms
• demonstrate an understanding of graphic principles and techniques
• become familiar with historical and contemporary designers
• understand the many roles graphic designers play in culture and industry
• set and manipulate type in a variety of scenarios, by hand and using software

Tools

• a computer
• a reliable internet connection
• Adobe Creative Suite
• access to printers and paper
• access to Google Docs and Sheets
• are.na for reading responses and resources
• Zoom for video calls (if needed)
• a blank notebook/journal + pencil/pen

Class Time

Classes will be composed of project critiques, group conversations, reading discussions, in-class exercises and demos, presentations, working sessions, and lectures.

Submitting Work

In addition to final printed work, you will be expected to submit digital sketches through Google Drive for every part of each class project and in-class exercises. Make a habit of saving your weekly work to the corresponding week’s class folder. Process files can be PDF, JPG/images, or Google Slides.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging

As students, artists, writers, designers, and educators, we must acknowledge the lineages of white supremacy, racial discrimination, and other forms of systemic oppression that exist within our society in the U.S. and abroad. The class is committed to creating a more inclusive, equitable, and anti-racist community by continuing to expand its curriculum to address issues of white supremacy, racial discrimination, and other forms of systemic oppression.

We come to the classroom from a variety of backgrounds and cultures. It is important to be respectful and empathetic towards others, be open to criticism, and engage in new ways of learning. On the first day of class, we will write a group agreement that outlines our collective classroom standards for the course. We will be responsible for upholding the agreement throughout the semester.

Land acknowledgement: We are gathered on the unceded land of the Lenape peoples. We acknowledge the long and complex history that has brought us to occupy this land, and we seek to evaluate the ongoing effects of colonialism and our participation in that process. We honor the Lenape community and other Indigenous peoples of this land before us, today, and the generations to come. We also acknowledge that Rutgers University, like New Jersey and the United States as a nation, was founded upon the exclusions and erasures of Indigenous peoples.

Technology Use

Computers and other devices may be used to access course materials, complete in-class exercises and projects, and take notes only. Do not let screens create a barrier from participating in class. Be respectful: silence cell phones, set messages to “Do Not Disturb,” and abstain from checking email or social media.

Grading, Attendance, and more

See the full class syllabus here.

Credit

Thank you to Mindy Seu and Sophie Auger for the generous advice in the planning of this course. Thank you also to Julian Bittiner, Yeju Choi, Ramon Tejada, and Sasha Portis, whose syllabi I looked at quite a bit while writing this one. Thanks to Ashley D’Arcy for proofreading help. Special thanks to Peggy Xue for being the class TA!