Module:

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

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Module Title
Module Code	(ITS: CM5040)
Faculty		School
NFQ level		Credit Rating

Description

This module introduces the student to theories and concepts of graphic and visual design. Lectures provide a grounding in graphic design concepts, including colour, type, line, shape, form, layout and composition from a visual design perspective. Lectures and screenings introduce students to key graphic design styles and designers. Graphic and visual design are contextualised in their economic and social dimensions.

Learning Outcomes

1. 1E2645F7-C2E1-0001-A8BC-A296DFA81660
2. Develop competencies in theories and concepts of graphic and visual design.
5. 1
6. 1E2645F7-D740-0001-4D3F-9EA01E60BE40
7. Critically appraise the work of visual designers and design styles.
10. 2
11. 1E2645F7-DFF1-0001-B15C-A5D0147E162E
12. Understand the role of visual design in social and economic contexts.
15. 3
16. 1E2645F7-C6EB-0001-85E3-10A41E901984
17. Understand the place of line, shape, colour, type, composition and layout in visual design.
20. 4
21. 1E2645F7-D02A-0001-2E5C-C940F020146E
22. Apply visual design concepts creatively and reflexively.
25. 5

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	33	Lectures and screenings, seminar support
Independent Study	217	Independent learning on visual design, reading, practice-based learning, assignment development.
Total Workload: 250

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Portfolio	n/a	80%	n/a
Loop Quiz	n/a	20%	n/a

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

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

Indicative Reading List

Books:

Ellen Lund: 0, Thinking with Type, 9781568989693
Nicholas Mirzoeff: 0, The Visual Culture Reader, 0415252229
Lister et al: 0, New Media: a critical introduction, 9780415431613
Alan Fletcher: 0, The Art of Looking Sideways, 9780714834498

Articles:
None

Other Resources

DVD: Helvetica,
DVD: Graphic Means,