Graphic Communication Workshop

Objectives

Introduction to the fields of application of design, graphic communication and its role in journalism. The acquisition of theoretical and practical knowledge and a critical reflection on graphic communication is sought, from historical, technical and aesthetic perspectives.

Learning outcomes

• Apply critical thinking, ethical commitment and strategic vision to the different phases of professional journalism routines and in the relationship with diverse audiences.
• Demonstrate motivation, creativity and initiative in the development of academic and professional projects, as well as commitment to quality, rigor and ethics.
• Use appropriate knowledge and methods for project planning and development through proper time management, decision-making and problem-solving.
• Integrate the theoretical, narrative and technological foundations of graphic communication, editorial design, infographics and photography to be able to produce journalistic or informative messages in these disciplines with a high degree of accuracy.
• Master the written, oral, audiovisual, graphic, hypertext and multimedia languages, to present information in an effective journalistic way, both in Catalan and Spanish and in English, and with adaptation to the medium and the audience.

Content

1. Basics of graphic communication
   • Design and graphic communication and its relationship with journalism
   • Conceptualization
   • Visual literacy
2. Graphic communication
   • Visual composition, visual levels (representational, abstract, symbolism)
   • Composition and compositional elements (space-form)
3. Typography (parts, body, family)
   • Typographic composition (line spacing, letter spacing, readability, readability)
4. The design of periodicals
   • Composition space and graphic resources
   • Cover, grid and layout
   • Formal elements

Evaluation

The tasks assigned are evaluated:

• Carrying out practical work: 20%
• Observation of participation: 10%
• Follow-up of the work carried out: 55%
• Specific assessment test: 15%

To achieve the skills marked for the subject, the global evaluation criteria are:

• Concept: approach and coherent and argued development of the idea.
• Process: systematic and progressive development of practices. Method and synthesis. It involves attendance and active participation in class.
• Innovation: creative response that provides differential value.
• Presentation: perfection and technical quality. Attention to detail.

Besides:

• There are individual and group assignments.
• No work will be accepted after the due date.
• There are no extraordinary assessments, no repesques.

Methodology

• It consists of class sessions and activities led by the teacher (both face-to-face).
• During the weekly sessions there are lectures, practical exercises (computer room), tutorials, corrections of assignments, etc.
• In addition to the workshop work, the student must devote a few hours of personal work each week to consolidating the knowledge acquired in the different sessions.
• The teacher makes a public evaluation of the works and also encourages the participation of the students, the critical and serious analysis of the projects.
• You must consult the course activities in the work plan.

Bibliography

Key references

• Navarro-Güere, H. (ed.) (2010). Disseny gràfic i disseny web: Breus lliçons sobre història, teoria i pràctica. Eumo.

Further reading

Teachers will provide complementary bibliography and compulsory reading throughout the course via the Virtual Campus.