UNIVERSITY of EDUCATION, WINNEBA department of GRAPHiC DESIGN 4 years course outline
GRAPHIC DESIGN UNIT B. A. GRAPHIC DESIGN
RATIONALE : Graphic design is extremely popular among students at the shs level. As a result there is a large turn-out of shs graphic design graduate every year. However,apart from the communication design department at knust, there is no institution in ghana that runs a b.a. Graphic design programme. Many of these shs graduates who have the requisite qualification and are interested in a b. A. Graphic design programme are unable to secure admission since knust does not have the capacity to admit all of them. There is the need to provide an avenue for such candidates to study graphic design not only because they have the capability and are interensted but also at the level { i.e B.A> } they wish to. Graphic design has the potential to provide job-oriented skills for the social, political and economic development of the nation. The unit aims to provide opportunity for the study of an internationally recognized b. A. Level programme in theory and practice of graphic design; as well as provide opportunity for producing a sustained body of creative graphic design design work, and to develop appropriate research skills.
OBJECTIVES : The programme objectives are to assist students to : Demonstrate knowledge and understading of graphic design research methods through studio practice, library skills, information technology, and museum/gallery study. Consider those creative, perceptual, conceptual, and practical structures which inform current graphic design practice. Organizing creative knowledge, practical skills and research abilities into a suitable working framework. Evaluate and consider own practice within a critical context. Research and develop ideas for graphic design work, and produce artwork that show critical awareness and commensurate technical skills. Duration of programme. The duration of the programme is four (4) years.
Entry Requirements : direct candidates must posses The general minimum requiremets for degree programmes in the university of education, winneba. At least a grade c6 in graphic design at the wassce level ( or equivalent ) ; and passes in two (2) other visaul arts subjects.e ( b ) mature candidates must pass A General Aptitude Test A subject area test both administered by the University REQUIREMENT FOR GRADUATION TO QUALIFY FOR gradaution, a student must have attended all lectures, tutorials, seminars, studio practical sessions prescrbed by the university. a student must have also done an internship for a period prescibribed by the university as well as conductrd an end-of-programme research project. in addition, student must have made a minimum of 120 and maximum of 144 credits in the four-year period.
JOB OPPORTUNITIES Graduates can pursue careers in areas such as : advertising web designing corporate identity and brand designing printing animation design production book design and production illustration
1 st year 1. GRD 111 ILLUSTRATION (DRY MEDIA) 2. GRD 112 CONSTRUCTED LETTERING 3. GRD 113 DIRECT, RELIEF, STENCIL AND SCREEN PRINTING METHODS 4. GRD 114 GRAPHIC DESIGN AND IDEA DEVELOPMENT 5. GRD 115 HISTORY OF DESIGN 6. GRD 116 PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICE OF DESIGN EDUCATION 7. GPD 111 COMMUNICATION and study SKILLS st 1semester nd 1. GRD 121 ILLUSTRATION (WET MEDIA) 2. GRD 122 LETTERING II (BRUSH LETTERING AND CALLIGRAPHY) 3. GRD 123 PRINT-MAKING (STENCIL & SCREEN PRINTING METHODS) 4. GRD 124 Symbol Creation 5. GRD 125 COMPUTER-GENERATED GRAPHIC DESIGN 6. GRD 126 PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICE OF DESIGN EDUCATION II 7. gpd african studies 2semester
1 st semester
GRD 111 ILLUSTRATION (DRY MEDIA) Course description : Development of expressive skills using dry media for communication. The focus is on characteristics of selected dry media such as pencils,crayons, pastels etc. Historical and other theoretical information on dry media and illustration will be discussed. Objectives Identify dry media and explain their characteristics. Demonstrate skills in the use of dry media for graphic expression
GRD 112 Constructed Lettering Course description : Application of lettering in solving visual communicaction problems. Emphasis will be on construction of serif and sans serif type styles and their derivations. Main topics Tools, materials and terminologies. Drawn / constructed lettering based on trajan roman capitals. The wide, straight-letters ( construction & painting) The wide generously curved letters ( construction & painting ) The narrow letters (construction & painting ) Letters using a three-quarter suare width ( construction & painting ) Forming words with letters and spacing. Application of knowledge gained so far to create other typefaces.
GRD 113 PRINT MAKING Course Description The course will introduce students to the nature and practice of print making. They will be able to define appropriate printing terminology and explain the printing process Course Objectives By the end of this course students will be able to : Name and identify direct and relief printing methods Use these methods as vehicle for graphic communication Explain the impact of prints through report/practice COURSE CONTENT Relevant theoretical information on direct and relief printing methods Setting of objects or items for printing Composition in printing
GRD 114 GRAPHIC DESIGN AND IDEA DEVELOPMENT Course decription The course aims at making students understand the concept of graphic design. It will focus on the creation of an atmosphere that encourages enquiry, active exploration of thiughts and imagination and the release of creative talent towards the generation of graphic design images and ideas for effective visual communication. Course objective Students will be able to : Scan the environment and make connections with design experiences Fomulate solutions with applications of elements and priciples of design Hone their skills of observation and aquire a basic understanding of the ele ments and priciples of design through the use of drawing as a way of generating, developing and presenting thoughts and ideas.
GRD 115 HISTORY OF DESIGN Course description The course conducts a history survey of design. It discusses important developments, major movements and styles that have influenced design. It places emphasis on those developments, movements stlyes that have particular relevance and connection to graphic design and visual communication ideas. It also focuses on development of appropriate terminology And vocabulary for criticism and evaluation in design. Specific objectives At the end of the course, the student will Discern the history behind the development of graphic design. Explore different symbols that represent spoken words. Identify and assess symbols that are used for visual communication Develop skills needed to be employed in visual communication design
GRD 116 priciples and practice of graphic design education COURSE DESCRIPTION The course discusses the methodologies, and processes, among others, for teaching graphic design in ways that are appropriate for basic and secondary levels of education. The course also exposes students to theoretical components of graphic design as they relate to pedagogy and scholasticism. It provides conseptual insight into the state of graphic design pedagogy with the aim of preparing students to take an influential role i the variety of disciplines that constitute contemporary graphic design education and practice. Course objectives By the completion of this course, students will be inspired and motivated to appreciated relevant pedagogical issues in design education both as learners and probable instructors.
GPD 111 COMMUNICATION SKILLS course description Communication is a two-way process. In this course we will suggest how you can improve your ability to obtain the infomation you need and secondly how you can better communicate your knowledge to others - in the first instance your tutors and examiners, and then your own students. course objective by the end of the course you should : Have Applied Ideas On Study Skills To Your Own Learning. Have Improved Your Reading Skills Be Able To Write Competent Essays. Be Able To Document Your Written Work Cope With Examinations Without Anxiety And Stress course content Where and how to study Time management Note taking and note making Learning in groups Using libraries Learning from television, video and radio
2 semester nd
GRD 121 Wet Media Illustration GRD121 ILLUSTRATION (WET MEDIA) course description Development of expressive skills using wet media for graphic communication. Focus is on the characteristics of selected wet madia, namely : poster colour, water colour, pen and ink and gouache. Tachniques to be studied include : pen and wash, watercolour wash and flat colour rewwndition. objectives : identify types of wet media for illustration describe the basic characteristics of selected wet media. demonstrate an understanding of rendering techniques of some selected wet media for illustration
GRD122 BRUSH LETTERING AND CALLIGRAPHY course description The course explores the application of lettering in solving visual communication problems. The focus will be on acquisition and application of brush lettering and pen lettering skills.
GRD123 PRINT-MAKING (STENCIL & SCREEN PRINTING METHODS) COURSE DECRIPTION This course focuses on stencil and screen printing as reproduction methods in graphic design. COURSE OBJECTIVE It is intended for students to explore various approaches to stenciling and screen printing and their application for effective graphic communication. MAJOR TOPICS Print making - techniques History of screen printing Printing tools ( paper, wood, pins, mesh, lacquer etc ) Printing materials ( fabric, ink ) Screen printing methods Printing procsses Printing effects Graphics designer &screen printing
GRD 124 SYMBOL CREATION This course involves application of graphic design principles in developing creative skills to generate strong visual concepts to solve communication problems in symbol creation. students will execute highly finished design projects using manual and electronic means. Specific topics : Idea development Symbol defined Creativity in art Creative methods Type and form of symbols: name only name/logo initial letter(s) pictorial name associative allusive abstract Characteristics of a good symbol Symbol creation process Objectives: students offering this course will be able to: apply graphic principles in developing creative skills. generate strong visual concepts to create symbols. produce symbols using manual and electronic means
GRD125 COMPUTER-GENERATED GRAPHIC DESIGN Use of computer to generate images appropriate for various graphic design projects by relying on draw software : a current version of one of the following draw software will be studied for the purpose. Corel Draw Adobe illustrator Macromedia FreeHand
GRD 126 priciples and practice of graphic design education II COURSE DESCRIPTION The course discusses the methodologies, and processes, among others, for teaching graphic design in ways that are appropriate for basic and secondary levels of education. The course also exposes students to theoretical components of graphic design as they relate to pedagogy and scholasticism. It provides conseptual insight into the state of graphic design pedagogy with the aim of preparing students to take an influential role i the variety of disciplines that constitute contemporary graphic design education and practice. Course objectives By the completion of this course, students will be inspired and motivated to appreciated relevant pedagogical issues in design education both as learners and probable instructors.
Stage Design ( optional )
3rd semester
GRD 231 ILLUSTRATION (CARTOONING) Course Objectives Students will be able to : - Acquire basic theoritical and practical skills in illustrations,cartooning and animation. - Do comparative studies of styles of selected artists, in illustration, cartooning and aniamation. - Design various thutoons, thumbnail sketches. - Execute cartoons, illustrations and animations (projects). Course Desciption This course will help students to develop cartooning skills, and learn when to employ cartooning as an effective medium for providing education and commentary. the course will also have a digital component which will expand to cover aniamtion
GRD232 Brush Lettering and Calligraphy II GRD 232 Brush lettering and calligraphy II Advance work in brush lettering and calligraphy. Appropriate application of brush lettering and calligraphy skills learnt earlier to execute projects to a professional level. Projects will be executed using both manual and digital approaches in the case of calligraphy [Pre-requisite: Brush Lettering & calligraphy I see semester 2).
GRD 233 INTRODUCTION TO INDUSTRIAL PRINTING PROCESSES Introduction to industrial printing processes and equipment: Industrial printing terms and measurement: Press procedures: Printing machines and methods of operation: technological changes that have affected the printing industry.
GRD 234 PACKAGE DESIGN COURSE OBJECTIVES Application of graphic design principles in developing creative skills to generate strong visual concepts to solve visual communication problems in package design. Students will execute highly finished graphic design projects using manual and electronic means.
GRD 235 DESIGN COMMENTARY AND CRITICISM The course reviews existing concepts and theories of design criticism. It also focuses on the development of appropriate terminology and vocabulary for criticism and evaluation in design, particularly Graphic Design. The course encourages development of the ability of the student to discuss Graphic Design from a broad base including historical, sociological, ethical, cultural and environmental contexts.
GRD 236 Computer Generated Graphic Design (Photo Editing Software) Deepening of knowledge of using computers to generate appropriate images for various graphic design projects relying on image-editing software such as - Adobe Photoshop - Adobe Deluxe - Microsoft Picture It.
th 4semester
GRD241 ADVERTISING ILLUSTRATION GRD 241 Illustration for Advertisement The course will focus on the development of the image to serve the purpose of attracting attention to the product and emphasizing the desirable qualities of the product.
GRD 242 Brush lettering and calligraphy COURSE DESCRIPTION The course discusses the impact of the alphabet on the printing and publishing industry. It covers the study of typefaces, their design,classification,and function. COURSE OBJECTIVE Upon completion of this course students will be able to : Trace the development of letters from early symbols to alphabet. Discuss the classification and functions of typeface and its impact on the printing and publishing industry. Identify important type style and families. Develop individual typography.
GRD 243 BASICS OF INDUSTRIAL GRAPHIC REPRODUCTION The course will focus on the basic theories of industrial graphic reproduction: principles underlying industrial printing processes: study and investigation of hybrid printing systems and their application.
GRD 244 COMMUNICATION DESIGN IV [POSTER DESIGN] This course involves application of graphic design principles in developing creative skills to generate strong visual concepts to solve visual communication problems in poster design. Student will execute highly finished graphic design projects using manual and electronic means.
GRD 245 SEMINAR IN GRAPHIC DESIGN I The course involves: - Discussion and presentation of research papers on outstanding local graphic designers (past and contemporary). - Discussion and presentation of papers on outstanding foreign graphic designers (past and contemporary)
GRD 246 COMPUTER GENERATED GRAPHIC DESIGN II (Page Layout Software) Further study of the use of computers to facilitate graphic communication by relying on industry standards layout software such as - Quark Xpress - Page Maker - Indesign
3rd year 5th SEMESTER GRD 351 Information and Technical illustration GRD 352 Typography and Book Design GRD 353 Industrial Colour Reproduction GRD 354 Studio Research I GRD 355 Seminar in Graphic Design II GRD 356 Computer Generated Graphic Design (Desktop Publishing) GRD 357 Entrepreneurship 6th SEMESTER GRD 361 Photography GRD 362 Creative Approaches to lettering GRD 363 Printing Press Management GRD 364 Studio Research II GRD 366 Computer Generated Graphic Design (Web Design) EDP 351 Research Methods
5th semester
INFORMATION AND TECHNICAL ILLUSTRATION GRD 351 The course will involve the study of orthographic drawings, and exploded drawings to explain the relationship of parts; proper construction and appropriate use of tables, charts, and graphs among others.
TYPOGRAPHY & BOOK DESIGN GRD 352 The course will focus on application of typographic knowledge acquired to do a project in book design. Concentration will be on fundamentals of typography and particularly on how typography and visual arrangement create and support content. The project will involve cover design, title page design and body text design. The project will also cover finishing techniques including binding. (Prerequisite: typography see semester 4).
INDUSTRIAL COLOUR REPRODUCTION Description GRD 353 This course deals with the art of colour print making. It is an introductory course, which focuses on the industrial technologies behind colour reproduction in the industry, the science of colour and the application of science and technology in the industrial processes and materials. It gives students the awareness, knowledge and skills for professional colour management in the printing industry. Course objectives By the end of the course, students will be able to: Understand the theory of colour, i.e. the basic science of colour Apply the colour theory in the reprographics and the printing industry Appreciate the physics of colour reproduction, imagery and tones and masking Demonstrate the comprehension of the photography, separation and management of colour. Understand the digital colour printing i.e. concept, imaging and proofing Coverage The following areas will be covered (as much as possible) in the course Introduction to the theory of colour Halftone dots, colour masking, separations and UCR and GCR Photography behind colour productions, scanning and manipulations Digital printing, electronic outputs (reprographics) and modern technology Application of digital colour to print making processes A field visit to a commercial reproduction facility
STUDIO RESEARCH I GRD 354 A studio-based course which provides the opportunity for student to pursue a self-proposed and self direction research in graphic design. Students adopts a professional approach by working through the design process in graphic design.
SEMINAR IN GRAPHIC DESIGN II GRD 355 The course involves the discussion and presentation of research papers on the graphic design enterprise. Emphasis will be on production theories, systems and problems; estimation and pricing concepts; and market research. Basic chemical concepts necessary for an understanding of the properties and behaviour of materials/media such as inks and substrates, and how they affect the outcome of graphic design work will also be discussed. Course objectives The goals of the courses are to expose student to The printing industry Working environment Identifying problems Suggestive ideas
COMPUTER GENERATED GRAPHIC DESIGN (DESKTOP PUBLISHING) GRD 356 The course will involve the application of knowledge gained from digital, typographic and communication design studies learnt in previous semesters for effective desktop publishing.
ENTREPRENEURSHIP GRD 357 The course provides entrepreneurial skills for students to venture into business after graduation. Focus will be on forms of business ownership; the establishment of personal businesses; basic marketable business plan preparation. Development of SMEs, investment, financial and other forms of management; quality control, advertising and public relations, patent laws, customer care, taxation and such important matters for business starters will be discussed. The course will also involve visits to industries and interaction with industrialists.
6th semester
RESEARCH METHODS EDP 351Gr General University Requirement. Course description as prescribed by the University.
ILLUSTRATION VI (Photography) GRD 361 Students will be exposed to aesthetic and technical issues that relate to photography. The course will encourage exploration of photography as a medium of expression and illustration. Student will also be exposed to the basic processes of black and white photography as well as examination of the computers as a tool of photographic investigation. Studies in animation done in previous semester will be extended, using photographic images at this point. Course objectives At the end of this course, students will be able to: Appreciate the development of photography Identify the most important part of the camera Know the basic principles of the shutter, lens and the aperture of a single lens reflex (SLR) camera. Take photographs using both analog and digital SLR cameras Experiment with the basic principles of black and white photography Use the computer as a tool for photographic investi gation. Course content History and development of photography Functions of the lens, shutter and the aperture / diaphragm Focusing using the view finder Loading and unloading of SLR and digital cameras Exposure control and depth of field Black and white film development Development processes Printing from a negative Printing processes Contact printing Making enlargements Presenting prints Photographic application on the computer
LETTERING VI [TYPOGRAPHY & BOOKWORK] GRD 362D Creative Approaches to lettering The course will concentrate on the use of lettering and typography to create in ways that may not conform to conventional typographic rules but which nevertheless leads to readable, interesting and innovating results. Focus will be on encouraging experimentation and innovation in lettering.
PRINT-MAKING VI [PRINTING PRESS MANAGEMENT] GRD 363D The course will involve a discussion of company objectives, policy and organizational structure: press layout and infrastructure: equipment maintenance systems: supervisory management: planning and control: problems in printing operations: tone and colour analysis: methods for evaluation of printed material and print quality assurance: optimization and control of print production processes: management of information system; sales and marketing; health and safety.
COMMUNICATION DESIGN VI [STUDIO RESEARCH II] GRD 364 D Another studio-based course which provides the opportunity for students to pursue a self-proposed and self directed research in graphic design area different from the project undertaken in semester 5. Students adopt a professional approach by working through the design process in graphic design.
COMPUTER GENERATED GRAPHIC DESIGN V (Web Design) GRD 366 D The course undertakes an overview of websites design and production. It introduces student t software that are appropriate for web design such as dreamweaver, fireworks and flash. Student are taught the basics of web design using a practical oriented approach. Coverage includes layout, creation of navigation buttons, appropriate use of other graphic design elements, optimization of images, the linking of pages etc in web design contexts. Students undertake individual projects in web design. Students must show evidence of their understanding of the website as graphic design resource and its effective use for advertising and provision of critical information to target audiences.
4th Year 7th semester GRD 471 Industrial Attachment GRD 472 Research Project 8th semester GRD 481 Assessment of Industrial Attachment Portfolio GRD 482 Reflection on industrial Attachment GRD 483 Graphic Design for the Real World GRD 484 Production workshop and project management in Graphic Design
7th semester
GRD 471 INDUSTRIAL ATTACHMENT Exposure of students to industrial practices in graphic design through attachment to graphic design firms. Assessment is based on a appraisal of students performance in industry as indicated by supervisors of place of attachment, and lecturers who will visit students at the place of attachment.
GRD 472 Research Project General university requirement. Course description as prescribed by the university.
th 8semester
GRD 481 Assessment of Industrial Attachment Portfolio Visual documentation (both motion and still) of the students activities throughout the period of his or her attachment to a Graphic Design firm, the portfolio will also include a report informed by an investigation undertaken by student (with permission from managers of their place of internship) on a potential graphic design related business that can be developed and nurtured into a viable and profitable enterprise by student as result of insights gained from the industrial attachment. Report should detail important benchmarks necessary for the success of this potentially viable business in a way that is convincing, feasible, and realistic. Report should be related to the area of operation of the firm student is attached to.
GRD 482 Reflection on industrial Attachment A presentation and discussion of a report that detail and appraises the overall work experience of the writer (student) as an intern. Among others, attention is given to the professional challenges the student faced as an intern, innovative solutions adopted and lessons learnt from the experiences. Opportunities discovered as an intern are also discussed. Critical presentation skills are also learnt.
GRD 483 Graphic Design for the Real World Study of problem/audience analysis with emphasis on understanding symbol and image that effectively evoke audience response. Assignment establish links between graphic design and advertising, among others, and raises issues that relates to their complementarities. The course establishes methods for outdoors. It equips students to execute creative solutions using a variety of techniques. Copy writing and art direction are isolated and treated in detail. The course also examines critically the basic intelligent choice of colour, image, type treatment and use of space.
GRD 484 Production workshop and project management in Graphic Design Intensive practical problem-solving and fact findings course. Industrial processes and material research into estimation of production costs under various scenarios include efficiency in the use of materials and labours, and non-time delivery methods currently employed by successful printing establishments. Students develop skills and professional attitudes in the area of job estimation, work scheduling and delivery on or ahead of time. Practical approaches are used that ensure that students will value high thoughtful, orderly, quality-conscious, cost-beneficial approach to production. Discussion of design and project management. The discussion focuses on knowledge and information about best practices in design project management using case studies from the design industry. Ethical and professional behaviour in organization management are major issues dealt with.
Methodology : Lecture / Demonstration Reading Assignments Project / Practical activities Presentations and Critiques Discussion / Appreciation of works Field trips Quizzes / class test / student portfolio
Assessment : Class Attendance Students participation in class discussions Continuous Assessment End of semester Examination
Project Work for End Of Semester Examination ( 2012 / 2013Academic Year ) Studio Research In Graphic Design Lecturer : Dr. F.K. Duku Candidate Index Number : 5100320010 Name : Adjei Birikorang Kwadwo level 300 Group A kwadwo.bank@yahoo.com, kwadwo.bank@gmail.com, 0247773542