MACA 1340 - Typography

Credit Hours: 4.00

Prerequisites: MACA 1200, MACA 1320, and MACA 1055

(formerly MACA 1310)

This course presents an introduction to typography. Topics include type evolution, attributes of type, and type family classification. The course explores creative use of type with regard to legibility and readability in design layouts utilizing grids and type in a digital environment.

Billable Contact Hours: 6

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OUTCOMES AND OBJECTIVES
Outcome 1: Upon completion of this course, students will be able to identify history of typography.

Objectives:

Learn the history of typography.
Explain the importance of and development of type.
Relate advancements of type during different time periods.

Outcome 2: Upon completion of this course, students will be able to identify the physical attributes of type.

Objectives:

Define physical qualities.
Identify structural elements.
Identify type measurements.
Define type terminology.

Outcome 3: Upon completion of this course, students will be able to employ a strategy used in classifying type.

Objectives:

Use appropriate typefaces.
Use appropriate fonts.
Use appropriate type styles.
Use appropriate type family.
Use appropriate modification tools to ensure greatest results.

Outcome 4: Upon completion of this course, students will be able to make use of a grid across multiple designs.

Objectives:

Create a grid.
Evaluate alternative designs to solve proximity issues.
Evaluate alternative grid layouts to solve balance problems.
Evaluate size and shape considerations to solve visual problems.

COMMON DEGREE OUTCOMES (CDO)
• Communication: The graduate can communicate effectively for the intended purpose and audience.
• Critical Thinking: The graduate can make informed decisions after analyzing information or evidence related to the issue.
• Global Literacy: The graduate can analyze human behavior or experiences through cultural, social, political, or economic perspectives.
• Information Literacy: The graduate can responsibly use information gathered from a variety of formats in order to complete a task.
• Quantitative Reasoning: The graduate can apply quantitative methods or evidence to solve problems or make judgments.
• Scientific Literacy: The graduate can produce or interpret scientific information presented in a variety of formats.

CDO marked YES apply to this course:
Communication: YES
Critical Thinking: YES
Global Literacy: YES
Information Literacy: YES
COURSE CONTENT OUTLINE

Type history
Type attributes
Type classification
Kerning and tracking type
Type readability/legibility
Use of a Grid in page layout
Page layout design considerations
Digital type
Mid-Semester Evaluation
Major assignment - expressive type design
Major assignment - expressive type layout
Major assignment - expressive type style layout
Major assignment - expressive type portrait
Major assignment - historic type layout

Primary Faculty
Mellebrand, Kristine
Secondary Faculty
Bush, Mary
Associate Dean
Thero, Laura
Dean
Hutchison, Donald

Official Course Syllabus - Macomb Community College, 14500 E 12 Mile Road, Warren, MI 48088