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Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title Publication Design
Module Code JRR1012 (ITS: CM263)
Faculty Communications School Humanities & Social Sciences
NFQ level 8 Credit Rating 5
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.


WorkloadFull time hours per semester
TypeHoursDescription
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
Section Breakdown
CRN20571Part of TermSemester 2
Coursework0%Examination Weight0%
Grade Scale40PASSPass Both ElementsY
Resit CategoryRC1Best MarkN
Module Co-ordinatorMark O'BrienModule TeacherJohn O'Sullivan
Assessment 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
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

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

Indicative Reading List

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


Articles:
None
Other Resources

  • 1: Various, Online resources,

<< Back to Module List View 2024/25 Module Record for CM263