1. ARTH 320—History of Graphic Design
Fall 2013
Eckert
Instructions for Term Paper : Due Tuesday, November 5th (final draft and presentation worth 100 points)
Length: 4-5 pages, typewritten, double-spaced
Format: MLA style documentation—including ‘Works Cited’ page etc.
Sources: At least four—two of which are NOT your textbook OR an internet site [can be online journals/books]
Choose a subject from contemporary practices in graphic design—ie. a designer that you admire and are
influenced by, a movement, a particular medium, new venues for graphic design etc. Choose something
that is of interest to you and that could be useful to you in your work.
There will be a presentation of your findings in these papers at the end of the semester.
Expectations: Your main idea should be clearly stated and developed both with
information and references to specific examples of graphic design. The work will be
proofread and spell-checked before turning in. It should demonstrate evidence of
research and your own interpretation and ideas on the topic. It should be your
own work and when you do refer to others’ ideas or words, you must give credit. Be sure to include
images of any works that you refer to.
Creative Project #1: Illuminated Manuscript page (pgs. 7, 37, 40,42-46 for example)
Due: Thursday, September 12th (worth a possible 50 points)
HAND-copy (no mechanical devices except your hand and pen & ink or paint) an illuminated
manuscript page with a saying of your choice. It could be an adage or a lyric from a song, a Bible verse etc.
Limit it to no more than one sentence. The piece must incorporate both word and image. The piece should be
at least 8.5”x 11” and include some each of both word and image. I will show examples of European, Chinese,
Islamic, Judaic etc.. There are lots of examples on the internet.
Creative Project #2: a ‘words-only’ Broadside (pgs. 118-121) or Futurist-style piece (pgs. 177-178)
Due: Thursday, October 3rd (worth a possible 50 points)
You may do this manually or on the computer. Using words only convey the same saying from Creative
Project #1 in the style of 1800s Broadsides or in the early 20th c. Italian Futurist style.
Creative Project #3: A Plakatstil (p. 147 in book)
Due: Tuesday, October 29th (worth a possible 50 points)
You may use either mechanical or manual means on this one. Create an image and single word in the
Plakatstil of a made up product that would go with your saying.
Creative Project #4: Your choice of style and medium.
Due: Tuesday, November 19th (worth a possible 50 points)
Interpret aspects of the previous projects in a contemporary way. Must relate to the saying and/or
product of the first three projects
Project Presentation: (part of 100 possible points with paper)
In-class preparation day: Thursday, November 14th
Due to be presented: November 26th and December 3rd
You will put together a presentation that shares aspects of your research from your paper and connects it
to your own design work.