TYMPBC: Book design core module

Module Provider:

Typography

Number of credits:

30 [15 ECTS credits]

Level:

M

Terms in which taught:

Autumn, Spring and Summer

Module Convenor:

Professor PFJ Luna

Pre-requisites:

Co-requisites:

Modules excluded:

Module version for:

2007/8

Aims:
The module aims to explore book design as a negotiation between the author's text, the reader's requirements, and the practicalities of production, with particular focus on the period since 1890. It aims to introduce students to the changing role of the designer in the publishing industry by discussing practitioners and processes; to introduce methods of evaluation and consideration of the reader's requirements; to discuss developments in technology in the context of designing complex texts; and to study the design of different genres of book to explore underlying design concepts.

Assessable learning outcomes:
By the end of the module students should be able to:

Additional outcomes:
Students should also be able to communicate effectively in speech - in particular discussing concepts and procedures, and present coherent arguments, and in writing - in particular composing documents which investigate, analyse, and argue critically about relevant issues.
They should be able to undertake independent research, both using IT and by working with primary sources.

Outline content:
Lectures will broadly follow the chronology of the period, starting with the influence of the Private Press movement, and its influence on illustration, type and materials. Individual publishers, e.g. trade and university presses will provide case studies in which roles in the industry, decision-making about design, and the economics of the book will be addressed. Particular attention will be paid to the design of complex texts (Bibles, dictionaries, reference works) and this will lead to a discussion of the techniques of computerization used to compile and design these, and a focus on the roles of the designer as specifier and implementer of design. Children's books, and electronic and interactive books will also be considered. Resources from the RUL publishers' archives will provide material for individual sessions.
Related seminars will consider some of these topics, and also topics such as designing for reading and tools and techniques of evaluation.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
Five lectures per term, with up to 10 seminars per term. Students will present a paper in the seminars, based on a specific study. Each weekly seminar focuses on one aspect that is explored in depth, with the lecturer/demonstrator introducing the subject and then guiding the discussion within the group. Depending on the subject, students may be asked to perform some design-analytical tasks (e.g. issues with indexes or multilingual design). In other cases the lecturer/demonstrator may use an example to elucidate solving a design problem or clarifying a production procedure.
All sessions make use of visual aids. These may be slides or students are encouraged to explore both online and artefactual resources, and are provided with support for locating information online, and making use of the Department's working collections.
A number of visiting lecturers and demonstrators enrich the subjects covered and provide important feedback from the industry.

Contact hours:

Assessment:
Coursework
Two 4,000-word essays or equivalent submitted typically on the Tuesday of week 2 (full-time students) or week 5 (part-time students) and the Tuesday of week 9 of the Spring term.

Relative percentage of coursework
The two essays constitute 100 per cent of the coursework

Penalties for late submission
Penalties for late submission of coursework will follow University policy

Examinations
Not applicable