Module Identifier MG20510  
Module Title DESIGN AND PRINT AND ELECTRONIC MEDIA  
Academic Year 2007/2008  
Co-ordinator Mr Robert K Meyrick  
Semester Intended for use in future years  
Next year offered N/A  
Next semester offered N/A  
Other staff Mr Neil A Holland  
Pre-Requisite MG10120  
Co-Requisite MG20410 , MG20110  
Course delivery Lecture   x 7  
  Seminars / Tutorials   x 3 / 2  
  Practical   4 x 2 hours  
Assessment
Assessment TypeAssessment Length/DetailsProportion
Semester Assessment  100%

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:
1. evaluate the relationship between typography and its use to create clear and legible artefact labels, information boards, web pages, and texts, and consider the audience for whom each is intended
2. have an understanding of the creative potential of type and an awareness of its limitations
3. appreciate the practical and historical application of typography
4. produce a design brief
5. produce a range of museum texts, to professional standards, such as one might expect to use in an exhibition or museum display
6. be aware of the limitations and creative potential of print and electronic information
7. understand the technology of print production and demonstrate a sure handling of the technical terminology


Brief description

Words are seen first as a piece of graphic before they are read and comprehended. To improve standards of display, interpretation and access to information, this practical and theoretical course introduces the materials used and techniques employed in typography and design in the museum environment. The module will take a closer look at the origins of the letterforms to examine how their shape, size and individual characteristics can affect the words they spell. It examines the stages in the design and preparation of typography in the museum environment, as students write, design, print, and manufacture artefact labels, information boards, leaflets, flyers, and an education trail. The nature of museum displays, the functions of the curator, education officer, typographer and designer are considered to study ways in which designers employ a range of graphic media, preparing designs with an understanding of the method of reproduction. Under supervision, students experiment and investigate the potential of typography in various contexts, both as a means of expression and conveyor of information, displaying an engagement with image and process

Aims

1. undertake commissions to produce typographic layouts for print and electronic media following prescribed guidelines
2. promote the sensitive and appropriate use of type faces in design, and advocate the natural order of unjustified blocks of text
3. analyse the relationship between print / electronic process and statement
4. encourage students to pay close inspection to the smallest details of type, legibility and the overall effect of the design
5. develop personal ideas and refine technical proficiency
6. encourage students to work creatively, within a conceptual framework, and learn to articulate their ideas in a reasoned and critical manner

Content

Transferable skills

1 Independent project work
Design Brief
Portfolio
Commissions

2 IT and information handling

Word Processing Software
Desk Top Publishing
Image Manipulation
Scanning

3 Use and analysis of numerical information

Typographic Measurement Systems
Design and Measurement Calculations for Print

4 Writing in an academic context

Production of Artefact Labels and Text Boards

5 Oral discussion and presentation

Seminars
Group crits
Tutorial Discussion
Presentation

6 Careers need awareness

The module is specifically for students considering a career in museums, art gallery administration, public art organisations, freelance curators and exhibition organisers, and in private galleries.

7 Self-management

Commissions
Assignments

8 Group activity

Seminar Discussion
Workshop and Practicals

Reading Lists

Books
James Sutton and Alan Bartram (1990) Typefaces for Books British Library, London
John R Briggs (1954) The Use of Type: The Practice of Typography Blandford Press, London
Museums Association Museum Practice `Display?, Issue 2, Vol. 1, July 1996, `Interpretation?, Issue 5, Vol. 2, No.2, 1997, `AV & Multimedia?, Issue 9, Vol. 3, No.3, 1998
Oliver Simon (1946) Introduction to Typography Faber and Faber, London
Roger Pring (1999) www.type : effective typographic design for the world wide web Weidenfeld & Nicholson, London

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 5