Study-Unit Description

Study-Unit Description


CODE DGA2005

 
TITLE Editorial Design

 
UM LEVEL 02 - Years 2, 3 in Modular Undergraduate Course

 
MQF LEVEL 5

 
ECTS CREDITS 4

 
DEPARTMENT Digital Arts

 
DESCRIPTION This study-unit builds upon the elements and principles of graphic design introduced in ‘Text and Image’ with particular emphasis on grids, hierarchy, navigation, rhythm and sequence. Despite being purely practical in its essence, students are requested to explore underlying theories of perception (such as Gestalt theory), current printing practices (pre-press and print technologies) and the future of print (e-books and digital publications). Dichotomies such as content and form, and legibility and expression are constantly challenged through experimentation in page layout, format and finishing treatments. The unit also exposes the students to a variety of key design projects of historical and cultural importance. The appreciation and critique of contemporary editorial practices is constantly nurtured through in-class discussions and presentations. Students also gain first-hand, practical knowledge of the print and publishing industry, which are an asset for future careers in the creative field. Lectures and tutorials are supplemented by key provocateurs from the industry and visits to local publishing houses, paper suppliers and design agencies.

Study-unit Aims:

- Introduce the students to the printing industry;
- Engage with the key players in the publishing industry;
- Give student the required skills in page layout and multi-page narratives;
- Provide an opportunity for experimentation with text and image.

Learning Outcomes:

1. Knowledge & Understanding:

By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to:
- Analyse and critique editorial design;
- Effectively balance legibility and expression in design;
- Incorporate historical, cultural and technological considerations in one’s practice;
- Understand the production and/or print processes involved.

2. Skills:

By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to:
- Master page layout techniques for enhanced visual communication;
- Produce effective and creative solutions to set briefs.

Reading List

- Ambrose, G., Harris, P. (2012) Basics Design 01: Format (Second Edition). Ava Publishing.
- Ambrose, G., Harris, P. (2011) Basics Design 02: Layout (Second Edition). Ava Publishing.
- Ambrose, G., Harris, P. (2005) Basics Design 03: Typography. Ava Publishing.
- Ambrose, G., Harris, P. (2005) Basics Design 04: Image. Ava Publishing.
- Ambrose, G., Harris, P. (2005) Basics Design 05: Colour. Ava Publishing.
- Ambrose, G., Harris, P. (2006) Basics Design 06: Print & Finish. Ava Publishing.
- Ambrose, G., Harris, P. (2012) Basics Design 07: Grids (Second Edition). Ava Publishing.
- Bann, D. (2007) The All New Print Production Handbook. Watson-Guptill.
- Beckmann, T., Morlok, F. (2009) extra: Encyclopaedia of Experimental Print Finishing. Birkhäuser Architecture.
- Carter, R., Day, B., Meggs, P.B. (2011) Typographic Design –Form and Communication. John Wiley & Sons.
- Fawcett-Tang, R. (2008) Experimental Formats 2: Books, Brochures, Catalogs (v. 2). RotoVision.
- Muller-Brockmann, J. (2008) Grid Systems in Graphic Design: A Handbook for Graphic Artists, Typographers, and Exhibition Designers. Niggli Verlag.
- Pipes, A. (2001) Production for Graphic Designers. New York, Overlook.
- Poulin, R. (2011) The Language of Graphic Design: An Illustrated Handbook for Understanding Fundamental Design Principles. Rockport.
- Rothstein, J. (2007) Designing Magazines. Allworth Press.

Other journal articles related to the topic will be made available on the study-unit e-Learning website.

 
STUDY-UNIT TYPE Lectures, Studio Practice & Tutorials

 
METHOD OF ASSESSMENT
Assessment Component/s Assessment Due Sept. Asst Session Weighting
Assignment SEM1 Yes 80%
Sketchbook SEM1 Yes 20%

 
LECTURER/S Malcolm Bonello

 

 
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 2023/4. It may be subject to change in subsequent years.

https://www.um.edu.mt/course/studyunit