Graphics 1
MIT3121 - 15 credits (formally MIT3109)
MIT3221 - 20 credits (formally MIT3209)
If a CMIT module clashes with one of your existing timetabled modules then please come and speak to us as we often run alternative sessions.
Pictograms, signs and communication graphics
Introduction
We are surrounded by signs; from street signs to advertising imagery, from the controls on your TV remote to what we choose to wear. We spend our lives continually reading and creating signs - communicating with each other in ways that do not rely on language. This module discusses the way we see and interpret signs and considers some of the issues that are important to graphic communication.
There are two sessions each week:
- Face to face session Tuesday 3.05pm - 3.55pm in Queens Building Room 4.2.
- Practical session Tuesday 4.00pm - 4.45pm Queens Building computer room.
Slides and notes are made available from the module plan following each session in case you are unable to attend.
Discussion
During the course of the module we will look in detail at some of the underlying principles behind visual communication and at disciplines that we might draw on to help us understand and discuss information graphics.
Students taking the module will not be expected to be able to draw or to have any artistic ability. Clearly though, an interest in graphics, and communicating using graphical material, is important to get the most from the course.
The practical side of the module involves learning to use a computer to generate graphic images. The application chosen for this module is called Inkscape and is available to download and install free of charge on your own computer from the Inkscape web site. It is also installed on the publicly accessible computers on campus.
You must have basic computing skills before starting the module; this means familiarity with Windows, word processing and the ability to learn to use new applications.
Brief Syllabus Plan and Content
- Psychology of perception - cognitive science and colour perception
- Pictograms and information graphics
- Interpreting and discussing signs - Semiotics
- Sign systems and cultural barriers to communication
- Technical issues in graphics - vector vs bitmap, compression, etc
- The Inkspace vector drawing package
Teaching/Learning Methods
The module has both the traditional academic elements of undergraduate modules (face to face meetings, discussion and essay-writing) as well as training in practical skills (learning how to use vector graphics applications and supporting applications).
Assessements
MIT3121 (15 credits)
- A pictogram system design task comprising a set of pictograms with and without accompanying text labels and a 2000 word critique presenting the design in the form of a portfolio
- A 2000 word essay chosen from a list of titles
Submitted as a portfolio during the January assessment period. There is also an optional submission date during the semester when feedback on a draft of the critique can be obtained.
MIT3221 (20 credits)
- A pictogram system design task comprising a set of pictograms with and without accompanying text labels and a 2000 word critique presenting the design in the form of a portfolio
- A 2000 word essay chosen from a list of titles
- An additional 2000 word essay
Submitted as a portfolio during the January assessment period. There is also an optional submission date during the semester when feedback on a draft of the critique can be obtained.
What you will get from this Module
The experience provided by the module has been shown to add to employment prospects by allowing candidates to demonstrate computer skills, critical thinking, project management, creative thinking and presentation skills. It has provided openings for several students into graphic design companies and publishing houses both in England and abroad and has given others places on postgraduate design and publishing courses elsewhere. It will also provide an understanding of the design and print processes found in many organisations and will provide evidence of an awareness of commercial activities.