Teaching the History of Graphic Design course I retired from classroom teaching in December of 2016. Later, I thought about developing and teaching a class for adults through AIGA, pared down to six weeks, no tests or homework. In 2019, was asked about teaching an online course at Penn State, but, I realized that would not be a good fit. My expertise blossoms in front of a live audience. Sunday, September 15, during a television interview with 90 year old Milton Glaser: I realized that it's time to let go of ever teaching design history again, in any form. I am no longer willing to do the amount of work required to keep it updated and fresh. I don’t want to video it, I don’t wanna do it for adults, or in a classroom with today’s students. I did it in a time and place that was just the right recipe for me to succeed. That has all changed - student commitment, supervisor support, and one can now access the information more easily. I did a remarkable job developing a course when few universities even taught design history. It was interesting, funny, engaging, and inspirational. It was a wonderful experience, a phenomenal course as evidenced by the evaluations and comments I still receive today. Course stats • 12 lectures • 9,914 images (average 800 images/lecture) • 3-6 tests • 1 StyleBook semester project • 1 Final Exam • 54 total sections of classes • 2,400+ students Dates and locations 1984-1987: Brookhaven College, Dallas County Community College District: History & Psychology of Visual Communication, 3 sections 1987-2008: University of Central Oklahoma History & Psychology of Graphic Design, History & Theory of Graphic Design, History of Graphic Design, 28 sections. 2000-2003: University of Oklahoma, History of Visual Communication, 4 sections 2004: Scanned all slides to digital images; Built lectures in Keynote, added text. 1998-2016: Oklahoma State University: History of Graphic Design, 19 sections The History of Graphic Design course Graphic Design in social media from Cave marks to Digital web; the History of Graphic Design is an overview of the historical styles, movements, people, and events of design to help inspire one to design more creative, appropriate, and intelligent solutions to advertising and design problems. Lecture episodes The lecture have been edited to reduce the number of images and to speed up loading and scrolling and the lectures have not been updated or had images added since 2016. Syllabus, 'There's always a better way.' 1: Communication, making marks, Ancient Egypt & China 2: Roman alphabet, Medieval manuscript, printing, typography 3: Test 1, Rococo, Wood Type Poster, photography 4: Victorian, advertising agencies, Arts & Crafts 5: Test 2, Art Nouveau, Minimalism, Cubism, Futurism, Dada 6: Surrealism, Constructivism, De Stijl, Bauhaus, Tschichold, propaganda 7: Test 3, Art Deco, WPA, Isotypes 8: Beck map, The Fifties, Disney, International Typographic Style 9: Test 4, Corporate identity, branding, Herb Lubalin 10: Push Pin Studios, Sixties, icons, New Wave 11: Test 5, Computer technology, Apple Computer, Macrap 12: Punk, Information Graphics, Internet, WorldWideWeb Test 6 Review for Final Exam Final exam Course syllabus Course objectives The goal of the course was for the student to be inspired or fascinated by some person, movement, style, technology, company, event, or logo. • Provide exposure to images and information to inspire great work, further study, and exploration. • Identify influences and characteristics of design styles. • Recognize significant contributors to design and pop culture - that were game-changers. • Observe and discuss examples of effective design. • Recognize prevalent historical design themes. • Help students to see and think in new ways and to realize that there's always a better way. Historical themes • Organize information for better communication. • Exposure/response to increasing clutter: transitioning from chaos to order. • Upgrading of aesthetics and design consciousness. • Development of marks, logos, and brands. • Understanding of/truth to materials. • Unification/separation of design and technology. • Decoration versus ‘form follows function'. • Desire to make a profit. • There's always a better way. Resource media • Meggs' History of Graphic Design by Philip Meggs and Alston Purvis • The Cheese Monkeys and The Learners by Chip Kidd • Calvin and Hobbes by Bill Watterson • Communication Arts magazine • Disneyland, Walt Disney World, or any Disney park Course grade The course grade is the average of points earned: • 6 Tests: each is 12% of the final course grade. • StyleBook: 14% of the final course grade. • Final Exam: 14% of the final course grade. Grading The tests and Final Exam are graded on a scale of 0 to 100. Opportunities to earn bonus points are available on each of the 6 tests. The points earned translate to letter grades:       90 - 100  =  A (89.5 +)       80 - 90    =  B (79.5 - 89.4)       70 - 80    =  C (69.5 - 79.4)       60 - 70    =  D (59.5 - 69.4)         0 - 60    =  F (0 - 59.4) How to earn an A or B • Attend every class on time. • Review notes each week. • For test study: use mnemonics, note cards, or other study aids. • Study for tests with another person or in a group. • Complete tests with adequate information that is accurate clear, and neatly written. adequate number of accurate styles. • Submit a thorough and accurate StyleBook. • Review well for the Final Exam. Attendance policy Missing class will deprive you of exposure to the images and the lecture, but attendance will not be taken. It is your responsibility to get the notes from another student. If you're running late, come to class for at least some of the info. Communication and grammar Each student is expected to be competent in writing, speaking, and understanding American English. Dictionaries, books, translators, or notes will not be allowed for reference during tests. Disability accommodations If you have special needs, contact disability services and inform Dr. Watson as soon as feasible. Grad student syllabus Part 1: Lecture and Tests   60% of grade An overview of the historical styles, movements, people, and events of design. Students will take the 6 tests (on a higher grading scale) from the lecture course, but will not do the StyleBook project nor take the Final Exam. Part 2: Major research project 40% of grade Course objectives • Add to the body of knowledge in Design History. • Develop and state topic, conduct research, analyze and assess findings, form conclusions, present orally and in writing. • Practice composing a quality graduate-level research paper. • Improve confidence to show initiative and independent thinking, • Practice correct grammar and clear communication. Grading scale The tests are graded on a scale of 0 to 100. The points earned translate to letter grades:      92 - 100  =  A (91.5 +)      84 - 91    =  B (83.5 - 91.4)      76 - 83    =  C (75.5 - 83.4)      68 - 75    =  D (67.5 - 75.4)        0 - 67    =  F (0 - 67.4) Research Project criteria The research project or paper must be: • Student initiated. • Substantial for graduate credit. • Impactful and appropriate: it must provide substantial value for designers or educators. • Have a historical application, in any design area. Project components • Proposal (10% of grade): One page statement of topic and why it’s important to you. • Abstract (10%): Revised topic, objectives, methodology, process, format. • Outline (10%) • Rough draft (20%) • Final project presentation (50%)      • Concept: topic Impactfulness, validity, appropriateness.      • Communication: Clear problem statement and persuasive conclusion, thorough exploration.      • Execution: Neatness, design and layout format.      • Spelling and grammar All other information and course policies from the Undergraduate Syllabus will apply. Semester calendar Wensday August 17     • Syllabus, 'There's always a better way.' Wensday August 24     • Lecture 1: Communication, making marks, Ancient Egypt & China Wensday August 31     • Lecture 2: Roman alphabet, Medieval manuscript, printing, typography Wensday September 7     • Test 1 over Lectures 1 & 2     • Lecture 3: Rococo, Wood Type Poster, photography Wensday September 14     • Return & discuss Test 1     • Lecture 4: Victorian, advertising agencies, Arts & Crafts Wensday September 21     • Test 2 over Lectures 3 & 4     • Lecture 5: Art Nouveau, Minimalism, Cubism, Futurism, Dada Wensday September 28     • Return & discuss Test 2     • Lecture 6: Surrealism, Constructivism, De Stijl, Bauhaus, Tschichold, propaganda Wensday October 5     • Test 3 over Lectures 5 & 6     • Lecture 7: Beck map, Isotypes, Art Deco, WPA Wensday October 12     • Return & discuss Test 3     • Lecture 8: The Fifties, pop icons, International Typographic Style Wensday October 19     • Test 4 over Lectures 7 & 8     • Lecture 9: Corporate identity, branding, Herb Lubalin Wensday October 26     • Return & discuss Test 4     • Lecture 10: Push Pin Studios, Sixties, icons, New Wave Wensday November 2     • Test 5 over Lectures 9 & 10     • Lecture 11: Computer technology, Apple Computer, Macrap Wensday November 9     • Return & discuss Test 5     • Lecture 12: Punk, Information Graphics, Internet, WorldWideWeb Wensday November 16     • Test 6 over Lectures 11 & 12 Wensday November 23     • No class - Thanksgiving holiday Wensday November 30     • StyleBooks due     • Return & discuss Test 6     • Review for Final Exam Wensday December 7, 8:00p     • Return StyleBooks     • Final exam Tuesday December 8     • Grades posted online Lectures There will be 12 episodes of lectures. Some will last about 2.5 hours with a brief break in the middle and others, that follow the tests, will last about 1.5 hours. Below are lists of the styles, contributors, and terms included in each lecture, as an overview and to provide correct spelling. Image disclaimer: A few images shown during lectures will contain profanity and partial nudity. If you have a problem with that, see Dr. Watson to discuss alternatives. Lecture keywords Sample Keynote screen images The screens are laid out in a 'webpage' format - several images or lines of text on a page - what students are used to from media on their computers, tablets, and phones. Font sampler project Typeface designers have been creating new fonts since the beginning of communication. Often, they will develop typefaces that reflect the fashion and trends of the era. Sometimes, fonts are designed to convey a specific earlier style. Procedure Find samples of fonts that are clearly associated with the styles listed below. Scan, capture, or photograph them; print, mount, and bind the pages together. Consider this project as a resource for later reference and inspiration. Specs • Size: letter • Paper color: white • Ink color: black Evaluation Each appropriate and clearly labeled font is worth 5 points. The presentation is worth 20 points. • All specs followed precisely. • Fonts that clearly convey a specific style. • Pages bound neatly. • Pleasing page layout. • In on time. Purpose • Make decisions on appropriate selection of type. • Become familiar with a variety of font resources. • Develop a neat presentation of information. Resources • Software font menus • U&lc and type catalogs • Design books Styles ___ Egyptian ___ Chinese ___ Medieval ___ Rococo ___ Victorian ___ Wood Type Poster ___ Arts & Crafts ___ Art Nouveau ___ Constructivism ___ De Stijl ___ Bauhaus ___ Art Deco ___ Fifties ___ ITS ___ Lubalin ___ Sixties ___ New Wave ___ Punk ___ Millennium ___ Ornament ___ Web, digital ___ __________________ ___ __________________ StyleBook project Contemporary applications of classic design styles. Conveying the appropriate historical style of design helps communicate a specific attitude or mood to the target market. The StyleBook project is a bound collection of current samples of classic design styles. Purpose • Increase familiarity with characteristics of styles. • See influences of historical design references in current graphic design and advertising. • Create an effective and appropriate presentation. Grading A total of 130 points can be earned. You don't need a sample for each style to earn an A. Content (0-115 points) Each correct style earns 5 points - no matter how many samples there are of that style. Fractions of 5 points may be earned for partially depicting a style (border, typeface, or some other element). Samples can be from print media, fliers/posters, signs/billboards, packaging, online/web pages, or photographs. Presentation (0-15 points) Thorough, neat, efficient, and well-designed. Specs & evaluation criteria • Each student must turn in his/her own book. Collaboration earns a zero for the project. • Plagiarism earns a zero for the project. • No period pieces - this is not a research project. • No photocopies - use tearsheets, photos, or printouts of digital captures. • Entire ad or page included where feasible (large pieces may be folded to fit.) • No samples containing the name of that style. • No web sites related to the style or including the name of the style in the URL or on the page. • Styles arranged in alphabetical order. • Organized for easy access. • Samples reproduced clearly and legibly. • Samples cut and mounted neatly. • Neatly rendered labels. • All words spelled correctly. • Multiple pages bound together neatly and securely. • Cost-effective: no excessive crap, pages, or paper. • Safe: no metal, no sharp corners, no bolts. • A well designed cover, including, at least, this info:      History of Graphic Design      StyleBook      Contemporary applications of classic design styles      (your name) Samples to include • Art Deco, Art Moderne • Art Nouveau • Arts & Crafts, Mission, Craftsman • Beck map (not a transit map) • Constructivism • Cubism • De Stijl, Mondrian • Fifties, Doo Wop • Futurism • Information Graphics (not USA Today) • International Typographic Style • Lubalin type treatment • Macrap • Medieval, Illuminated Manuscript • Minimalism • New Wave, Post Modern • Propaganda poster • Punk, Deconstructivism • Rococo • Sixties • Surrealism • Victorian • Wood Type Poster • Other Tests Typically, art history evaluation is to write about a designer/artist, movement, or style. Or compare and contrast 2 or 3 styles. But, then the student learns about a few styles, not the whole gamut overview of design history. I would love (like most teachers) to not have to do any grading. But, student evaluation and assessment is necessary: 1. Need an efficient way to communicate to other instructors, grad school applications, GPA. 2. Motivation for students to review materials and remember and retain more info. 3. I structured the tests to be a learning tool, providing new info or a different way of seeing previous info. Final Exam The comprehensive exam will consist of image recognition and short answer questions. A review session will be held the class period before the exam. Missing a test/exam If you are unable to take a test or the exam on time: • You must contact Dr.Watson before the scheduled test to make arrangements for a makeup test. If you don't, you will earn a grade of 0 for that test or exam. • You must have a valid reason for not taking the test. • The makeup test must be taken before the next class. Test format and design There will be six thorough tests. There will be a time limit, since part of what is being tested is your ability to recall info in a timely manner (as you likely will have to do on the job). Each test includes spelling, style recognition, definitions, contributors, short answers, lists, design styles, and style sketches. For each style, the following items will be asked for (not each item will be applicable to each style). • Other name: any synonym(s) for the style. • Years: beginning and ending dates or decades. • Country: where the style developed & originated. • Founders: person(s) who began the style. • Designers: those who worked during that era and are associated with the style. • Philosophy: theories and goals unique to the style. • Influences: roots; people, previous styles, or philosophies that had an impact on the style. • Characteristics: visual design traits that clearly distinguish the style. • Etc: any other appropriate facts or trivia associated with the style. • Sketch: neat, well composed rendering showing samples of text, graphic elements, and other characteristics of the style. Final Exam format and design The comprehensive exam consisted of image recognition and short answer questions. The exam: keywords given, fill in the word that best fits - one page, with all answers on one side. Slides to introduce and explain the exam: Style samples A resource guide for test sketches and the StyleBook First section: cropped images. Test your recognition. Second section: full images. Art Deco Art Nouveau Arts & Crafts Beck map Constructivism Cubism Dada De Stijl Punk Fifties Futurism Information Graphics International Typographic Style Lubalin Style Macrap Medieval Millennium Minimalism New Wave Ornament Propaganda Poster Rococo Sixties Surrealism Victorian Wood type poster Design Film festival Destino. The Disney/Dali film, a great intro to Surrealism. Disney's Der Fuehrer's Face Brief video on the anniversary of the CBS eye Why Man Creates, a film by Saul & Elaine Bass; Part 2 Tips for kerning type Logo Design Animator vs animation Animusic     • Resonant Chamber     • Starship Groove     • Marimba Interesting list of Habits of creative people Designer Interviews: Milton Glaser, Herb Lubalin, Landor Assoc Logo development: Chermayeff & Geismar The Films of Ray & Charles Eames Helvetica Helvetica Interviews: Stefan Sagmeister, Paula Scher, and Landor Associates www.jamesrobertwatson.com/historycourse.html