Credit Points: 15
Study Time: 150 Hours

This unit is designed to introduce you to the basic concepts and principles of Graphic Design and disciplines within the subject, underpinned by relevant historical and contemporary key issues and themes (Introduction to Concepts and Contexts in Visual Culture). It will give you an understanding of problem solving methodologies: interpreting research to create ideas and to successfully communicate effective messages.

Outline Syllabus
An indicative guide to the content covered in this unit. 

Assignments will give you the opportunity to combine theoretical knowledge with practical work in order to formulate and communicate visual solutions either individually or within a team. You will be encouraged to develop and apply the appropriate technical competences and craftsmanship required to convey convincing and creative ideas.

• The use of images to convey meaning; foregrounding, framing, composition, abstraction, montage, and rhetoric.
• Communication through typography within a historical and contemporary framework: typefaces and their classification, emphasis and analysis of text, expressive typography.
• Basic design principles: composition, colour, and aesthetics.
• Exploring and experimenting with a range of ideas using a variety of media.

Method of Delivery
Studio-based studies supported by study notes, critiques, lectures, seminars, tutorials and demonstrations.

Aims

A1 To acquire a basic understanding of theoretical concepts and principles within a broad context of Graphic Design disciplines.
A2 To develop effective communication of ideas through exploration and experimentation, either individually or through teamwork.
A3 To acquire the appropriate technical competences and craft skills in order to produce effective design solutions.

Learning Outcomes
On completion of this unit you will be able to:

LO1 Demonstrate a broad knowledge of Graphic Design principles through practical application.
LO2 Generate creative solutions through exploring and experimenting with a range of ideas either individually or within a team.
LO3 Develop an appropriate level of technical competences and craft skills in order to produce effective design solutions.

Reference Material

Key Texts are items which course tutors identify as essential reading.

Key Texts
Barnard, M. (2005). Graphic Design as Communication. London: Routledge
Millman, D. (2008). The Essential Principles of Graphic Design. Mies: RotoVision.

Electronic Key Texts
Electronic Key Texts, which are prefixed with a #-symbol are important extracts from books or journal articles that may be accessed from any desktop or laptop computer on or off-site, viewed by multiple users simultaneously and are available from the University College's Blackboard webpage.

# Lupton, E. and Cole Phillips, J. (2008). Graphic Design: The New Basics. New York: Princeton Architectural Press. pp. 10-11.
# Newmark, Q. (2007). What is Graphic Design? Switzerland: Rotovision. pp. 6-60.

Recommended Texts
Recommended Texts may be useful for further reading.

Ambrose, G. and Harris, P. (2005). Layout. Lausanne: AVA.
Baines, P. & Haslam, A. (2002). Type & typography. London: Laurence King Publishing Bierut
M., Drenttel, W., and Heller, S. (2007). Looking Closer: Bk 5: Critical Writing on Graphic Design. New York: Allworth Press
Fletcher, A. (2001). The Art of Looking Sideways. London: Phaidon
McLuhan, E., and Kuhns, W. (2004). Anthology: Marshal McLuhan - The Book of Probes. California: Gingko Press
Pipes, A. (2004). Foundations of Art and Design. London: Laurence King Publishing
Twemlow, A. (2006). What is Graphic Design For? Switzerland: RotoVision.

Magazines & Journals
Baseline // Creative Review // Eye Magazine // Graphik // Typo // Upper and Lower Case