New and Updated Course Descriptions

AAD 105 - Typography

3 Credits

This studio course offers an in-depth exploration of typography as a foundational element of graphic design. Students will investigate the evolution of typographic form and practice—from early inscriptions and manuscripts to modern digital applications—gaining an understanding of how social, political, and economic forces have shaped the use and meaning of type throughout history. Through hands-on projects, students will explore the interplay between type and image in visual communication, using typography as a central design tool. The course emphasizes both historical awareness and practical application, preparing students to make informed, culturally grounded typographic decisions in their design work.

MCC General Education: MCC-AH - Arts and Humanities (MAH), MCC-TL - Technological Literacy (MTL)

Course Learning Outcomes
1.Apply techniques for integrating type and imagery in visual communication, exploring the relationship between typography, image composition, and message clarity.
2.Develop proficiency in using contemporary hardware, software, and peripherals to create typographic designs, focusing on tools that enhance the creation, manipulation, and presentation of type.
3.Apply design and technical terminology accurately in the context of typography, demonstrating clear understanding of typographic principles, font selection, and layout techniques.
4.Demonstrate understanding of the historical evolution of typography through an exploration of social, political, and economic factors that have shaped typographic practices and design trends.
5.Analyze the cultural influences on typography, identifying how various cultural movements and global contexts have impacted typographic design.
6.Articulate the role of culture and economics in shaping typographic design, discussing how societal shifts and economic factors have influenced typefaces, typographic trends, and design choices in different periods.
7.Create a portfolio documenting the typographic work produced throughout each phase of the design process, showcasing the evolution of type choices, layouts, and design decisions in various projects.

Course Offered Fall, Spring