Syllabus DSGD 99 Spring 2020

Introduction to Typography Mondays and Wednesdays

Section 2 (24770) 12:00PM-2:50PM
Professor Chang Kim Art 212
Syllabus Spring 2020
Mondays and Wednesdays
Section 2 (24770) 12:00PM-2:50PM
Professor Chang Kim ART 212

Instructor: DSGD 99 Introduction to Typography

Chang Kim
Professor
Allowed Declared Majors: Graphic Design, Art, Interior Design, Industrial Design,
Graphic Design
Fine Arts, Design
; Studies. This course is 3 semester units and graded.
Office Location It is not a Service Learning Course and no course lab fee is required.
San Jose State University
School of Art & Design Students must show proof of completed prerequisites (major form signed by a design
229 Art Building advisor, grade report, transcript, or an advisor memo) to the instructor by the second
408.924.4382 class meeting.
[email protected]
Prerequisites
Office Hours: Graphic Design majors: ANI 24 or ART 24, and DSGD 83
Mondays and Wednesdays Interior Design majors: DSIT 33, DSIT 10, and DSIT 83;
09:00 AM–10:00 AM
Industrial Design majors: completion of DSID 22 or completion of DSGD 83 and
concurrently enrolled in DSID 22
You are responsible for regularly checking
with the messaging system through
Students must show proof of completed prerequisites (major form signed by a design
email (or other communication system as
indicated by the instructor). advisor, grade report, transcript, or an advisor memo) to the instructor by the second
class meeting.

Faculty Web Page and Messaging System

Copies of the course materials such as the syllabus, major assignment handouts, etc.
may be found on my faculty web page or designated Facebook class group page which
will be notified later. You are responsible for regularly checking with my email notification
and other messaging system that are given.

Course Description
Study letter forms and understand fundamental typographic principles with an emphasis
on the vocabulary of typographic form and its relationship to message/purpose. This
course will include lectures, discussions, critiques, presentations and creative work.
Participation in discussion and critique is vital to the success of the class. Assignments
will include researching designed artifacts, reading from recommended books/web sites,
developing/creating typographical work, testing knowledge of elements of typography
and giving presentations..

Course Goals and Student Learning Objectives

This is a studio-intensive course. Students will develop typographic thinking by drawing
letter forms in class, working with word, text, and grid, researching type history and
specimen. The course also provides thorough investigation in the readability and legibility
of type, as well as effective typographic usages in daily life applications.

Critiques, work-in-progress discussions, and assigned project reviews form the basis for
group discussions within this class. You will be encouraged to develop evaluative skills,
and articulate them in the critique format. You will also be challenged to determine goals
and to make observations and decisions that result in concise, informative, and engaging
visual statements.

1
Syllabus Spring 2020
Mondays and Wednesdays
Section 2 (24770) 12:00PM-2:50PM
Professor Chang Kim ART 212

Course Contents
Upon successful completion of this course, you will, through experimentation, careful
analysis, and evaluation, establish a basis for visual problem solving utilizing the following
interrelated theories on typography.

• History of type and print

• Type terminology (Anatomy of type)
• Type measurement
• Type style, family, and classification
• Elements (dot, line, shape)
• Readability and legibility
• Space (Letter space, word space, line space, counter space, surrounding space)
• Volume (mass)
• Position and focal point (opposition)
• Contrast and Emphasis
• Harmony
• Balance (symmetry and asymmetry)
• Hierarchy and order (priority)
• Rhythm and Movement
• Division & Structure
• Color, Tone, and Texture
• Angle and Direction
• Scale & Weight
• Proportion
• Depth and layers
• The Grid: System and consistency
• Alignment and arrangement
• Efficiency and effectiveness of type usage
• Transition
• Repetition
• Transformation

Elements The major forces of composition

• Space: the area in which all elements act.
• Line: an energy or force that can divide, penetrate, enclose, or define space, line can
direct motion force, opposition, or shape.
• Solid: an unbroken area having definite shape.
• Mass: either a unit weight or the collective weight of a group of elements.
• Tone: shades of gray.
• Texture: interwoven pattern of light and dark tones.

Principles
• The basic interrelated theories on how to build and work with the elements.
• Relationship: the connecting force (harmony & proportion).
• Transition: an orderly progression from one element to another – implies the concepts of
direction, movement, or flow through space and time.

2
Syllabus Spring 2020
Mondays and Wednesdays
Section 2 (24770) 12:00PM-2:50PM
Professor Chang Kim ART 212

• Repetition: the reoccurring use of the same element or theme.

• Opposition: the attraction of extremes, used to stimulate excitement, and tension.
• Hierarchy: the order of dominance among the various elements within a composition.
• Position: the placement of elements in a specific area. Position demands an under-
standing of space as an organized total to which elements are applied according to the
various principles of design.

Design Attributes
• Qualities or characteristics inherent in any composition or art form.
• Balance: a distribution of one or more elements which visually equal each other.
Symmetrical balance is equal on both sides in weight and tone, while asymmetrical
balance may be unequal in position and intensity.
• Contrast: an abrupt shift.
• Rhythm: the moving force connecting the elements within a composition.

Learning Objectives & Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
LO 1 – Identify letter forms and anatomy;
LO 2 – Understand type terminology;
LO 3 – Identify type style (roman, regular, italic, bold, etc.);
LO 4 – Identify families of type;
LO 5 - Identify fonts, and character sets;
LO 6 - Develop typographic craft, care, and precision
LO 7 - Measure, and how to align type
LO 8 - “See” type, (e.g., legibility, and readability)
LO 9 - Recognize type for appropriateness, and purpose
LO 10 - Understand type as image.

Recommended Texts/Readings
Design Diaries: Creative Process in Graphic Design, Mark Adams, Lucienne Roberts,
Rebecca Wright, Laurence King Publishers, USA (ISBN: 185669688X)

Thinking with Type: A Critical Guide for Designers, Writers, Editors, & Students, Ellen
Lupton, Princeton Architectural Press, 2010 (ISBN-10: 1568989695)

The Elements of Typographic Style, Robert Bringhurst, Hartley and Marks Publishers,
2004 (ISBN-10: 0881792063)

The Complete Manual of Typography, James Felici, Adobe Press, 2002

(ISBN-10: 0321127307)

Stop Stealing Sheep & Find Out How Type Works, Erik Spiekermann, Adobe Press, 2002
(ISBN-10: 0201703394)

Typography: Macro + Micro Aesthetics (Fundamentals of typographic design)

Willi Kunz, Niggli, 2000, 2nd edition

3
Syllabus Spring 2020
Mondays and Wednesdays
Section 2 (24770) 12:00PM-2:50PM
Professor Chang Kim ART 212

Typographic Design: Form and Communication, Rob Carter, Ben Day, and Philip Meggs.,
Wiley (2nd edition.)

Typography: A Manual of Design, Emil Ruder, Hastings House

Recommended bookstore
William Stout Architectural Books: 804 Montgomery Street, San Francisco
(T) 415 391 6757

Library Resources
The San Jose State University Library supports student access to information with in-person
reference at the King Library Reference Desk and specialized support for Design online
at http://libguides.sjsu.edu/design//GraphicDesign.

Computer/Software and Material Requirements

• Laptop computer with software—Adobe Creative Suite 5 or 6 and type fonts
• Cutting mat approximately 18” x 24” (recommended)
• Digital camera (access)
• Felt-tip markers (basic set)
• Flash thumb drive
• blank recordable CD/DVD
• Ink-jet printer (11 x 17 recommended)
• Metal ruler
• Pencils: basic set, 2B, H, 2H etc.
• Tracing paper
• Oriental brush and black inks
• Push-pins
• Portable computer (required)
• Software (Adobe CS 5 or 6 required)
• Type fonts, software (required)
• “x-acto” knife
• Glue and spray adhesive with booth

Expenses (this is not a course fee):

The cost for semester supplies/materials will vary according to the individual.
However, typical estimated cost would be around $200 for covering materials and tools.

Course printing allowance:

Students may access the graphic design program’s in-house printing facility during the
class session’s open lab hours, all users must respect print lab policy’s, as well as wireless
printing procedures; the printing allowance includes course related materials only,
50 Black and White (8.5 x 11) or (11 x 17) and 30 color (8.5 x 11) or (11 x 17) prints.

Administrative Policies:
This course is an essential component of your curriculum at SJSU. We have a good
amount of work to complete this term, so in order professionally and effectively deliver the
curriculum it is necessary to establish some ground rules. Students are expected to read
this syllabus thoroughly and to observe all of the regulations laid out below.
4
Syllabus Spring 2020
Mondays and Wednesdays
Section 2 (24770) 12:00PM-2:50PM
Professor Chang Kim ART 212

Classroom Protocol:
We are involved in a mutually beneficial communal learning experience, one that
requires full attention and respectful behavior toward all members of the class. In order
to maximize the learning experience, students are requested to observe the following
etiquette guidelines:

• Students must take every step necessary to minimize distractions during class.
• Students are expected to arrive on time and to remain in class until the class is over, or
excused. If you have a prior engagement that requires you leave before the end of
class, please inform the instructor before class and take pains not to disturb other
students when you leave.
• Announcements, handouts, and assignments are issued at the beginning of class. All
critiques begin 15 minutes after official class start time; no work is to be added to the
wall after a critique begins. It is your responsibility to inform yourself of any announce-
ments or requirements that you miss due to late arrivals. Please do not interrupt class to
ask about these. Remain after class if you have questions.
• Electronic devices not directly pertaining to your participation in this class must be
turned off and put away before class starts. This means you may not place or receive
calls, messages, play games, check e-mails, surf the web, pop into Facebook, Twitter,
and any other similar applications.
• Laptops are to be used for course related purposes only during the session.
• Please do not eat during class.
• Socializing during lectures or when other students are presenting material for the benefit
of the class is counterproductive and inconsiderate.
• No spray-mount adhesives spraying in the class.
• Do not use tabletops as a cutting surface.

It is expected that there will be 2~3 hours of homework for each hour of class.

Dropping and Adding:

Students are responsible for understanding the policies and procedures about add/drop,
grade forgiveness, etc. Refer to the current semester’s Catalog Policies section at http://
info.sjsu.edu/static/catalog/policies.html. Add/drop deadlines can be found on the current
academic calendar web page located at http://www.sjsu.edu/academic_programs/
calendars/academic_calendar/. The Late Drop Policy is available at http://www.sjsu.edu/
aars/policies/latedrops/policy/. Students should be aware of the current deadlines
and penalties for dropping classes. Information about the latest changes and news is
available at the Advising Hub at http://www.sjsu.edu/advising/.

Grading Policy:
The project and course performance will be evaluated according to the following
components Each project (2 or more) will be graded upon completion and assigned
a letter grade according to the University policy—A through F. An incomplete will be
granted to students with documented extenuating circumstances e.g. debilitating illness,
family emergency etc. Bases for the grading are below:

5
Syllabus Spring 2020
Mondays and Wednesdays
Section 2 (24770) 12:00PM-2:50PM
Professor Chang Kim ART 212

Semester grade will be weighted • Problem solving skills

according to the following percentages: Planning, organizing, research and content gathering (message development), analysis,
sketching and content integration.
Proportion of e ach grading segment
70% Exercises (1 through 14) • Formgiving skills
5% Quiz Design exploration, development, and refinement. The synthesis of the elements,
10 % Project 1 principles, and attributes of form into an effective, evocative product. The verbal/visual
15% Project 2 investigation of form and function.
100% Total
• Presentation skills
Grading S cale The skill, dexterity, and attention to detail exhibited in presentation. The quality of line and
A+ 95% and above form necessary for effective visual communication.
A 94% - 9 2%
A- 91% - 90% • Participation and Preparation
B+ 89% - 85% Producing appropriate solutions to all required phases of development on projects both in
B 84% - 82% quality and quantity. Engaged in class critiques and activities.
B- 81% - 80%
C+ 79% - 75% Grading Scale:
C 74% - 72% • A-, A, A+ = Excellence (3.7–4.0)
C- 71% - 70% Student consistently delivers creative and high quality work and demonstrates the ability
D+ 69% - 65% to explore a wide range of alternative options as well as the ability to make intelligent
D 64% - 62% and informed decisions on the final solution. Student is able to refine final solutions
D- 61% - 60% to instructor feedback. Student shows the ability to communicate ideas clearly and
F below 60% completely, both visually and verbally. Well-crafted and informed arguments support any
and all design decisions. All projects are complete and on time. Student demonstrates
a strong, engaged effort in work and in class. Student maintains at all times a positive
attitude and commitment towards the profession, classmates, the instructor and their own
development. Student participates in all regularly scheduled classes. Overall, student
meets and exceeds the requirements of the course.

• B-, B, B+ = Very good work (2.7–3.6)

Student demonstrates an above average effort in all areas. Work is complete and
demonstrates no craft or technical problem areas. Student shows the ability to
communicate decent rationale for design decisions and demonstrates improvement in all
areas of professional development as a designer. Student maintains a positive attitude
and involvement in all coursework and class activities.

• C-, C, C+ = Adequate, average work (1.7–2.6)

Student produces the minimum work required at an average quality level and provides
basic explanations for design decisions. Student demonstrates a basic understanding of
the principles presented in class and may have some craft and technical problem areas.
Student demonstrates average participation in all regularly scheduled classes.

• D-, D, D+ = Poor work and lack of effort (0.7–1.6)

Student produces the minimum work required at below average quality and demonstrates
little understanding of the principles

6
Syllabus Spring 2020
Mondays and Wednesdays
Section 2 (24770) 12:00PM-2:50PM
Professor Chang Kim ART 212

• F = Failure to meet the course requirements (0.0–0.6)

Student demonstrates a lack of understanding of the basic principles discussed in class
and is unable to convey creative and craft and technical ability as required. Student has
little or no involvement in class discussions, repeatedly misses deadlines or critiques, and
demonstrates little commitment to learning and their own development. Student shows
little participation and/or is consistently late for class.

Important Notes about Grading All assignment are graded, therefore you should do your
best on them or your course grade will be adversely affected.
It is very important to complete all of them because:
• Each develops a skill necessary for successful completion of assignments
• Missing a portion of these assignments can lower your course grade substantially

Deadlines:
On the regularly scheduled Final Exam day and time is when you will submit the last
project. No extensions will be given except in cases of documented emergencies,
serious illness. If such a circumstance should arise, please contact the instructor as early
as possible and be ready to provide documentation.

Late Assignments:
It is essential that you keep up with the course work and submit all assignments in
a timely manner. Assignments will lose a full letter grade for each day late. Graded
assignments more than 3 days late will not be accepted. In such cases, a grade of zero
credit will be entered.

Extra Credit:
Out of general fairness to all students, there will be no opportunities for extra credit
assignments given in this class.

University Policies:
Academic Integrity
Your commitment as a student to learning is evidenced by your enrollment at San Jose
State University. The University’s Academic Integrity policy, located at http://www.sjsu.
edu/senate/S07-2.htm, requires you to be honest in all your academic course work.
Faculty members are required to report all infractions to the office of Student Conduct and
Ethical Development. The Student Conduct and Ethical Development website is available
at http://www.sa.sjsu.edu/judicial_affairs/index.html.

Instances of academic dishonesty will not be tolerated. Cheating on exams or plagiarism

(presenting the work of another as your own, or the use of another person’s ideas
without giving proper credit) will result in a failing grade and sanctions by the University.
For this class, all assignments are to be completed by the individual student unless
otherwise specified. If you would like to include your assignment or any material you have
submitted, or plan to submit for another class, please note that SJSU’s Academic Policy
S07-2 requires approval of instructors.

7
Syllabus Spring 2020
Mondays and Wednesdays
Section 2 (24770) 12:00PM-2:50PM
Professor Chang Kim ART 212

Campus Policy in Compliance with the American Disabilities Act:

If you need course adaptations or accommodations because of a disability, or if you need
to make special arrangements in case the building must be evacuated, please make an
appointment with me as soon as possible, or see me during office hours. Presidential
Directive 97-03 requires that students with disabilities requesting accommodations must
register with the Disability Resource Center (DRC) at http://www.drc.sjsu.edu/ to establish
a record of their disability.

Student Technology Resources:

Computer labs for student use are available in the Academic Success Center located on
the 1st floor of Clark Hall and on the 2nd floor of the Student Union. Additional computers
are also available in the Martin Luther King Library. A wide variety of audio-visual
equipment is available for student checkout from Media Services located in IRC 112.
These items include digital and VHS camcorders, VHS and Beta video players, 16 mm,
slide, overhead, DVD, CD, and audiotape players, sound systems, wireless microphones,
projection screens and monitors.

Student affairs:
The Division of Student Affairs provides a wide variety of services – career development,
health and wellness, campus life, leadership development, cross cultural experiences,
disability resources, psychological counseling, student housing, recreation, and co-
curricular events. If you are interested in learning more about the departments and
opportunities and services, please visit http://www.sjsu.edu/studentaffairs/

Campus Emergency and Other Aid:

Emergency call: Call to the police office at 911 or pick up a Blue light phones. Escort
Service: 4-2222. “Individuals with disabilities may contact the Disability Resource center
on campus, 924-6000, Administration building 110, for a variety of formats such as Braille,
large print, sign interpreters, assistive listening devices, audio tape, and accommodations
for physical.

Learning Assistance Resource Center:

The Learning Assistance Resource Center (LARC) is located in Room 600 in the Student
Services Center. It is designed to assist students in the development of their full academic
potential and to inspire them to become independent learners. The Center's tutors are
trained and nationally certified by the College Reading and Learning Association (CRLA).
They provide content-based tutoring in many lower division courses (some upper division)
as well as writing and study skills assistance. Small group, individual, and drop-in tutoring
are available. Please visit the LARC website for more information at http://www.sjsu.edu/
larc/.

SJSU Writing Center:

The SJSU Writing Center is located in Room 126 in Clark Hall. It is staffed by professional
instructors and upper-division or graduate-level writing specialists from each of the seven
SJSU colleges. Our writing specialists have met a rigorous GPA requirement, and they
are well trained to assist all students at all levels within all disciplines to become better

8
Syllabus Spring 2020
Mondays and Wednesdays
Section 2 (24770) 12:00PM-2:50PM
Professor Chang Kim ART 212

writers. The Writing Center website is located at http://www.sjsu.edu/writingcenter/about/

staff/.

Peer Mentor Center:

The Peer Mentor Center is located on the 1st floor of Clark Hall in the Academic Success
Center. The Peer Mentor Center is staffed with Peer Mentors who excel in helping
students manage university life, tackling problems that range from academic challenges
to interpersonal struggles. On the road to graduation, Peer Mentors are navigators,
offering “roadside assistance” to peers who feel a bit lost or simply need help mapping
out the locations of campus resources. Peer Mentor services are free and available on
a drop –in basis, no reservation required. The Peer Mentor Center website is located at
http://www.sjsu.edu/muse/peermentor/

Campus Emergency Numbers:

Police 911
Escort Service 4-2222

9
Revised Schedule Spring 2020
Mondays and Wednesdays
Section 2 (24770) 12:00PM-2:50PM
Professor Chang Kim ART 212

Course Schedule & Time line

This schedule is used as a guideline and subject to change with fair notice.

Week 1 01/27 MON Course Introduction and administrative paperwork

Lecture: 'history of type and typography' and Course reference websites

01/29 WED Lecture and tutorial: 'type terminology (anatomy of type), type style, type family, type
classification, characters, setting, and measurement'
Exercise 1: Type montage by using magazine cut out letters

Week 2 02/03 MON Lecture and tutorial: 'type classification and characters structure'
Exercise 2A: Type anatomy and structure analysis: part 1 (serif type)
Exercise 2B: Lettering: part 1 (serif type)

02/05 WED Exercise 3A: Type anatomy and structure analysis: part 2 (sans serif type)
Exercise 3B: Lettering: part 2 (sans serif type)

Week 3 02/10 MON Exercise 4A: Type anatomy and structure analysis: part 3 (display type)
Exercise 4B: Lettering: part 3 (display type and calligraphy)

02/12 WED Exercise 4A: Type anatomy and structure analysis: part 4 (calligraphy)
Exercise 4B: Lettering: part 3 (calligraphy)

Week 4 02/17 MON Lecture and tutorial: 'discovering the visual illusion of typography'
02/19 WED Exercise 5: found types (photography+typography) part 1

Week 5 02/24 MON Lecture and tutorial: 'discovering the personality of typography'
02/26 WED Exercise 6: found types (photography+typography) part 2

Week 6 03/02 MON Lecture and tutorial: 'contrast, harmony, balance, transition, and layers'
03/04 WED Exercise 7: typographic composition by contrast principles and gestalt principles
(Scale, weight, proportion, angle, color, tone, texture, and figure and ground: 8 panels)

Week 7 03/09 MON Exercise 8: typographic composition (Gestalt and spatial expression.)
03/11 WED Lecture and tutorial 'hierarchy (priority), space (kerning, word spacing, leading,
counter, depth, and surrounding space)' and readability vs legibility

Week 8 03/16 MON Exercise 9: the 3 panels (1. line & shape, 2. type only, 3. combination of all elements)
03/18 WED Lecture and tutorial: 'visual transformation'

Week 9 03/23 MON Exercise 10: creating typographic mood of contents

Lecture and tutorial: 'balance (asymmetry), rhythm, tension, focal point, and flow'

03/25 WED Exercise 11: composing and organizing information

Lecture and tutorial ' the grid (part 1): efficient arrangement system'

10
Revised Schedule Spring 2020
Mondays and Wednesdays
Section 2 (24770) 12:00PM-2:50PM
Professor Chang Kim ART 212

Week 10 03/30 MON Spring break

04/01 WED Spring break

Week 11 04/06 MON Exercise 12: configuring Indesign pagination and paragraph styles (part 1)
Lecture and tutorial ' the grid (part 2): multi-column and rows and book structure'

04/08 WED Exercise 13: configuring Indesign pagination and paragraph styles (part 2)
Midterm Review and quiz (individual conference and discussion)

Week 12 04/13 MON Lecture and tutorial ' the grid (part 2): multi-column and rows and book structure'
Exercise 14: configuring Indesign master page and paragraph styles (part 3)

04/15 WED Project 1: type & image

Phase 1: Discovery, analysis research, concept development
Content gathering, project definition, strategy, content integration, and exploration.

Week 13 04/20 MON Phase 2: Implementation and refinement (group critique & lecture)
Design development and exploration

04/22 WED Phase 3: Finalization of the design and presentation

Revising and alternating design focusing on details and production specification

Week 14 04/27 MON Project 2: grid system and publication design

Phase 1: Discovery and analysis research
Content gathering, project definition, strategy and recommendations.

04/29 WED Phase 2: Concept development and design (group critique & lecture)
Sketching and content integration, exploration, development.

Week 15 05/04 MON Phase 3: Implementation and refinement (individual critique & lecture)
Design development and exploration.

05/06 WED Phase 4: Finalization of the design and presentation

Revising and alternating design focusing on details and production specification

Week 16 05/11 MON Portfolio archive book

Semester-end final presentation and digital data submission

11