Syllabus

Course Information
Basic Graphic Design II
DSD-2025-B
January 10–May 2, 2022
Monday 12:10pm–3:00pm
209 E 23 St, Room 303

Instructor
Philip DiBello
philip@noideas.biz

Course Description
This course is an introduction to the various aspects of graphic communication. We will cover form, typography, layout and conceptualization. The second semester will focus on employing the vocabulary you’ve developed throughout last semester. We will move from basic compositional assignments to communicating with design.
It is important to maintain your craft and dedication from the first semester. At this point it should be inherent to your process. Focus your studies on creating a body of accomplished visual work, as well as honing your vocabulary to critically engage your work and the work of your peers.

“Graphic design—
which fulfills esthetic needs,
complies with the laws of form
and the exigencies of two-dimensional space;
which speaks in semiotics, sans-serifs,
and geometrics;
which abstracts, transforms, translates,
rotates, dilates, repeats, mirrors,
groups, and regroups—
is not good design
if it is irrelevant.

Graphic design—
which evokes the symmetry of Vitruvius,
the dynamic symmetry of Hambidge,
the asymmetry of Mondrian;
which is a good gestalt;
which is generated by intuition or by computer,
by invention or by a system of co-ordinates—
is not good design
if it does not co-operate
as an instrument
in the service of communication. ”
PAUL RAND, The Beautiful and the Useful


Student Expectations
You're expected to complete each assignment in the time permitted. Know there will be general costs required for materials such as paper, foam core and color prints as well as hand tools like knives, blades and rulers. Craft is a critical component to your assignments, understand that frayed, crumpled, ripped and uneven work is not acceptable.
If work will be shown, it should be up on the wall once you walk in. Take pride in your work and display it properly. Hang it with clear thumbtacks and make sure it’s straight and orderly.
You’re expected to engage in critique, both by giving and receiving feedback. Listen and participate during critiques even if what’s being discussed is not your work. The use of any device is not permitted. If you’re seen using a phone or laptop during crit you will be asked to leave the classroom without the option to take your work home.


Attendance Policy
You’re given one absence without repercussion. Missing a second class is an automatic C. If you miss three classes you will be withdrawn from the course, no exceptions. Tardiness will not be tolerated. Class starts promptly at 12:10, and the classroom door will be closed at 12:20. If the door is closed you are not permitted to enter and your tardiness will be counted as an absence.


Grading Breakdown
Grades are a combination of the quality of your work, class participation and progress. Simply showing up will not make you pass the course. You must be prepared for the days lesson, completing any homework or readings assigned and ready to discuss.

A
Your work is of exceptional quality and reflects mastery of the material covered in class. Your class participation is outstanding. Your work steadily improved throughout the semester.

B
Your work is very good and satisfies the goals of the course. You participate in class discussion.

C
You turn in assignments and did not miss more than one class.

F
Your work did not meet the requirements for this class. You did not complete all projects or missed 3 classes. You will receive no credit.


Suggested Books
Typographie: A Manual of Design by Emil Ruder
The New Typography by Jan Tschichold
Grid Systems / Raster Systeme by Josef Müller-Brockmann
The Elements of Typographic Style by Robert Bringhurst
Detail In Typography by Jost Hochuli
The Typographic Desk Reference By Theo Rosendorf
Designing Type by Karen Cheng
Design as Art by Bruno Munari

Typography References
ITC
Monotype
Font Shop
Linotype
URW++
Commercial Type
Klim Type Foundry (Kris Sowersby)
Tobias Frere-Jones
Hoefler & Co.
Open Foundry


Students with Disabilities
In order to receive academic accommodations due to a disability, a student must first register with the Office of Disability Services (ODS). Students approved for accommodations will be given an ODS Accommodation Letter to submit to their instructors. If a student does not provide an ODS Accommodation Letter to their instructor, they will not be eligible to receive accommodations in that course. All instructors are required to adhere to SVA’s policies regarding accommodations for students with disabilities. Students who have a need for academic accommodations, or suspect they may have a disability, should contact the ODS via telephone: 212-592-2396, or visit the office: 340 East 24th Street, 1st Floor, New York, NY 10010, or email: disabilityservices@sva.edu.


Pronouns and Chosen Names
Students may indicate their pronouns and preferred/chosen first name through MyServices; this information will then appear on class rosters (go to your profile and “Edit Personal Identity”).
Please let your instructor know the preferred name and pronouns by which you would like to be referred, if that information does not already appear on the roster. A student’s chosen name and pronouns should be respected at all times.