| CODE | CST3251 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| TITLE | Introduction to Graphic Design | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| UM LEVEL | 03 - Years 2, 3, 4 in Modular Undergraduate Course | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| MQF LEVEL | 6 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ECTS CREDITS | 6 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| DEPARTMENT | Media and Communications | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| DESCRIPTION | Pre-requisite study-unit: A basic computer literacy Introduction Design for graphic production has been democratised with the advent of stylesheet programs for the personal computer. The main platform for desktop publishing remains the Apple Macintosh, which is the industry standard in this activity, and the study-unit itself will be run on Macintosh I-Macs, though the software used is cross-platform and lessons learnt and work given can (with modifications) be carried out in a Windows-based environment. This unit is a module in two parts. Part 1 of this study-unit gives a hands-on approach to the use of common programs (such as Microsoft Word) for DTP purposes, and goes on to give a grounding in Adobe Pagemaker as a representative of the more important stylesheet programs. Other programs common in graphic design will also be introduced. Part 2 is a graphics design taught study-unit (Graphics in Print) with a hands-on content, in the practical part working primarily with Adobe Photoshop and Macromedia Freehand. Part 1 (Desktop Publishing) (1) An introduction to the basics of Desktop Publishing - including typography, basic layout, design essentials, approaches to full-page composition; (2) A hands-on introduction to DTP programs, including word processing programs (Word for Windows/Word for the Macintosh); and style-sheet programs (Adobe PageMaker for Windows and the Macintosh). Also, a very brief introduction to graphic manipulation programs (Adobe Photoshop for Windows and the Macintosh) and graphic design programs (Freehand for Windows and the Macintosh). The second part of the study-unit (second semester: Graphics in Print), is an introduction to graphic design and the software needed for it. 1. Introduction to the subject a. An introduction to the concepts of pre-press; b. creating artwork for printing - design and techncial considerations (file formats, resolution, etc.) 2. Basics of layout a. The dynamic or freestyle method; b. Concepts of design; c. Computer created illustration; d. image manipulation; e. publication production 3. Using Word for Windows and Macintosh to create simple desktop documents, working with: a. text; b. tables; c. graphics; d. text and picture boxes; e. screening; f. columns (etc.) 4. Using a graphics manipulation program (Adobe Photoshop) to prepare self-generated images, or images from other sources manipulated to fit the needs of a publication. 5. Using Pagemaker (for Windows and Macintosh): a. setting up the page; b. basic commands (such as, i. importing text; ii. Text manipulation - flow, rotation, etc.; iii. graphics insertion - wrap and flow; iv. lining, boxing and screening; v. finishing); c. the use of the mouse/keyboard; d. designing pages in full composition (such as i. the book page; ii. the magazine page; iii. the newspaper page; iv. Others); e. utilities and shortcuts 6. Other areas in desktop publishing: a. colour management; b. a short introduction to some other applications related to the subject i. scanning; ii. the use of other programs related to the area. Part 2 (Graphics in Print) 1. The theoretical background deals with picture perception, rudimentary basics of graphics representation theory, graphic file formats, concepts behind the use of visuals within the printed page (colour/black and white/spot colour distinction noted), theory of graphic design and concepts pertaining to basic design of layout for different publications. 2. The applied part of the unit concerns the use of scanning software, and programs such as, for ex. Adobe PHOTOSHOP, Macromedia FREEHAND, Adobe ILLUSTRATOR, etc., often also as inserted in other software like Adobe PAGEMAKER. The students will be asked to attempt designs for logos, logotypes, book covers, posters, magazine page desgin, etc. Reading List Bibliography note: Books on desktop publishing and the technical aspects of graphic design age quickly. In the main, the following list provides a background to the general subject, rather than giving actual instruction in the programs used (with the exception of a few listed books). Other, more up to date books, will be recommended throughout the study-unit. Part 1 - Bann, D. (1997). The New Print Production Handbook. London: Little, Brown & Company. - Shamms Mortier, R., Wallace, R., et al. (1997). Pagemaker 6.5 Complete. Indianapolis: Hayden. - Siebert, L., & Ballard, L. (1992). Making a Good Layout. Cincinnati: North Light Books. Part 2 - Arntson, A.E. (1998). Graphic Design Basics (3rd Ed.). Forth Worth: Harcourt Brace College Publishers. - Cheatham, F. R., Cheatham, J. H., & Owens, S. H. (1987). Design concepts and applications (2nd Ed.). London: Prentice Hall. - Cohen, L.S., & Wendling, T. (1995).Professional Studio Techniques Design Essentials, 2nd edition. California: Adobe Press. - Heller, S. & Chwast, S. (1988). Graphic Style: From Victorian to Post-Modern. London: Thames & Hudson. - Heller, S. & Pomeroy, K. (1997). Design Literacy: Understanding Graphic Design. New York: Allworth Press. - Hollis, R. (1994). Graphic Design: A concise history. London: Thames and Hudson. - Kay, D.C., & Levine, J.R. (1992). Graphics File Formats. New York: Windcrest/McGraw-Hill. - Korger, H. (1992). Handbook of Type and Lettering. New York: Design Press. - Oakshott, G. (1994). Complete Guide to Desktop Publishing. London: Future Business Books. - O'Quinn, D., & LeClair, M. (1996). Digital Prepress Complete. Indiana: Haydn Books. - Pettersson, R. (1989). Visuals for Information. New Jersey: Educational Technology Publications. - Pipes, A. (1997). Production for Graphic Designers (2nd Ed.). Woodstock: The Overlook Press. - Shushan, R, & Wright, D. (1994). Desktop Publishing by Design. Washington: Microsoft Press. - Silver, G. A. (1981). Graphic layout and design. New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold Company. - Swann, A. (1990). Layout Source Book. Oxford: Phaidon Press. - Swann, A. (1997). The New Graphic Design School. New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold Company. - Swann, A. (1990). How to understand and use Design and Layout. Ohio: North Light Books |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
| STUDY-UNIT TYPE | Lecture | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| METHOD OF ASSESSMENT |
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
| LECTURER/S | Gorg Mallia |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
The University makes every effort to ensure that the published Courses Plans, Programmes of Study and Study-Unit information are complete and up-to-date at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to make changes in case errors are detected after publication.
The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints. Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice. It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2025/6. It may be subject to change in subsequent years. |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||