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Module Specifications.

Current Academic Year 2024 - 2025

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Date posted: September 2024

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Module Title
Module Code (ITS)
Faculty School
Module Co-ordinatorSemester 1: Mark O'Brien
Semester 2: Mark O'Brien
Autumn: Mark O'Brien
Module TeachersMark O'Brien
Joe Breen
NFQ level 8 Credit Rating
Pre-requisite Not Available
Co-requisite Not Available
Compatibles Not Available
Incompatibles Not Available
None
Array
Description

This module introduces students to the theory and use of page design in print journalism. It examines print form across a variety of newspaper and and magazine genres. Lectures focus on design principles and elements, while workshops encourage students to consider effective strategies in contemporary editorial design and to execute pages and spreads with the aid of digital tools in a set publishing environment.

Learning Outcomes

1. Define the role of design in print journalism.
2. Classify common layout categories.
3. Appraise the relevance of news design theory to media praxis.
4. Assess the quality and effectiveness of design in a range of specified publications.
5. Critically evaluate digital design innovation in a publishing setting.
6. Construct effective designs for a range of media.



Workload Full-time hours per semester
Type Hours Description
Lecture11A structured incremental approach is taken to the subject matter.
Seminars11A series of seminar discussions will assist students in developing awareness and critical insight in effective news design
Laboratory11A series of software workshops primes students to develop and practice adaptive production skills
Independent Study47Reading essential texts on news design and observing and classifying news design in practice
Assignment Completion45This project will enable learners to develop and demonstrate their skills and express their creativity within set design parameters
Total Workload: 125

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Principles and elements of news design

Genres of print news

Pages and spreads

Evolution, trends and innovation

Typography

Images

Colour

Layout

Sectioning and pacing

Special pages

Covers and contents

Digital tools

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment% Examination Weight%
Course Work Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
Group assignmentA project to conceptualise and implement a design for a specified publication and to write a production specification and report on same.90%Once per semester
Oral ExaminationStudents will identify and analyse the use of design techniques across a range of publications10%Every Week
Indicative Reading List

  • Conover, Charles: 2011, Designing for Print, 9780470905975
  • Adobe: 2009, Adobe InDesign CS4 Classroom in a Book, Peachpit, Pearson Education, Berkeley, CA,
Other Resources

36678, Various, 0, Online resources,

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