Spring 2025 Course Syllabus
Course: ARTC-2317 (Section: 1, CRN: 10209)
Typographic Design
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Instructor Information
Instructor Maurice Abelman
Email abelmanm@lamarpa.edu
Phone (409) 984-6389
Office Student Center - Room: 413
Office Hours OFFICE HOURS :
MW: 10am-11am//12:30pm-1pm (PAC Room 124)
F: 10am-11am (PAC 124)
TR: 9:30am-11am//3:30pm5pm (PAC 124)
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OFFICE HOURS :
MW: 10am-11am//12:30pm-1pm (PAC Room 124)
F: 10am-11am (PAC 124)
TR: 9:30am-11am//3:30pm5pm (PAC 124)
Additional Contact Information
Course Information
Description Exploration of typographic design including computer generated letterforms as elements of design. Includes theory and techniques of traditional, contemporary, and experimental typography
Required Textbooks Textbook Purchasing Statement: A student attending Lamar State College Port Arthur is not under any obligation to purchase a textbook from the college-affiliated bookstore. The same textbook may also be available from an independent retailer, including an online retailer.

Text (required)
Thinking with type: A Critical Guide for Designers,
Writers, Editors, & Students
By: Ellen Lupton
ISBN-13: 978-1631594977
Additional Materials/Resources
Materials and Items Needed
Computer Access & Internet Connection
Sketch Book & Drawing Materials
Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Indesign
Adobe Acrobat
Adobe Creative Cloud or One Drive
Word Processor App.
Corequisites/Prerequisites
  • IMED-1301 Introduction to Digital Media
  • IMED-1416 Web Design I
Learning Outcomes
Program Student Learning Outcomes
Course Description
Exploration of typographic design including computer generated letterforms as
elements of design. Includes theory and techniques of traditional, contemporary,
and experimental typography.
Learning Outcome
• Demonstrate an advanced use of type aesthetics.
• Generate computer-based designs.
• Explore experimental typography.
Lecture Topics Outline
Lecture Schedule
 
Week 1 - Course Intro , Syllabus, Intro to Adobe Creative Cloud. Icebreaker, demo.
 
Week 2 - Project 1 Intro - Demo. Work Day
 
Week 3 - Inprogress critique, Workday
 
Week 4 - Critique Presentation, Workday
 
Week 5 - Project 2 Intro. Exercise 2 Demo
 
Week 6 - Project 2 Demo. Work Day
 
Week 7 - Critique, Workday
 
Week 8 - Spring Break 
 
Week 9 - Project 3 Intro. Exercise 3 Demo
 
Week 10 - Project 3 Demo. Work Day
 
Week 11 - Inprogress critique, Workday
 
Week 12 - Critique Presentation, Workday
 
Week 13 - Project 4 Intro. Exercise 4 Demo
 
Week 14 - Project 4 Demo. Work Day
 
Week 15 - Inprogress critique, Workday
 
Week 16 - Critique, Workday
Major Assignments Schedule
Major Assignments
 
Week 1 - Course Intro, Personal Introduction. Icebreaker
 
Week 2 - Project 1 Demo, Exercise 1 Due, Workday
 
Week 3 - Inprogress critique,  workday 
 
Week 4 - Project 1 Due, Critique Presentation
 
Week 5 - Project 2 Intro, Exercise 2 Demo
 
Week 6 - Project 2 Demo, Exercise 2 Due, Workday
 
Week 7 - Critique, Project 2 Due
 
Week 8 - Spring Break
 
Week 9 - Project 3 Intro, Exercise 3 Demo
 
Week 10 - Project 3 Demo, Exercise 3 Due, Workday
 
Week 11 - Inprogress critique,  workday
 
Week 12 - Critique, Project 3 Due
 
Week 13 - Project 4 Intro, Exercise 4 Demo
 
Week 14 - Project 4 Demo, Exercise 4 Due, Work
 
Week 15 - Inprogress critique,  workday
 
Week 16 - Critique, Project 4 Due
 
Final Project Due - May 14
Final Exam Date May 14, 2025 - 11:0 AM   Through  May 14, 2025 - 12:15 PM
Grading Scale
Grade Breakdown
Passing grades: 100-90= A 89-80=B 79-70=C
Failing Grades: 69-60= D 59 – Below= F
Determination of
Final Grade
Determination of Final Grade
Project Grades 100% - This is a project based class. The
Average of your major projects will account for 100% of
your grade.
Each major project will have 4 different phases
Thinking, Looking, Doing, and Critique.
25% Thinking Assignments This is the 1st phase of
the project. These assignments will require students
to study and analyze the projects objectives and
brainstorm concepts for possible solutions for the
project.
25% Looking Assignments- These assignments will
require students to research subject matter that relate to
the projects they are developing.
25% Doing Assignments- This is the major part of the
project where students will learn how to visually create
their designs using current programs within the industry.
25% - Critique - This is the last stage of their projects
where they will gather feedback about their projects
from their peers or instructors.
Course Policies
Instructor Policies
Late Work
Every assignment in this class will have a due date
assigned on Blackboard. For everyday beyond
the due date of the assignment, points will be
deducted from your grade for that student work.
10 points will be deducted for every week that
the student work is late. After 3 weeks the
assignment won’t be taken. Students will be held
accountable for turning their work in on time.
Expectations
To do well in this course, plan on a minimum of
at least 6-8 hours of work per week (beyond
normal class time) that will be dedicated to the
study, practice, and skill development related to
Typographic Design. The information and skills
you develop will be used in preparation for the
major projects you will create in this class. Unless
otherwise directed, I will assign an average of 1
project every 3 weeks. There is a lot of course
material to cover in this class so please don’t fall
behind. It will be hard to make up course material if
you do so.
Attendance
Roll will be taken at the beginning of class. You
must attend class every assigned class day
according to LSCPA policy. If you miss a day, you
will be responsible and held accountable for any
content that you missed in class.
You must be on time each day for class. You will be
marked tardy if you show up late for class. You will
be marked tardy if you are 5 min late. Beyond 10
minutes late, you will be marked absent.
3 Lates = 1 Absence for Class
3 Unexcused Absences = 1 Letter Drop for Class
6 Unexcused Absences = 2 Letter Drops for Class
9 Unexcused Absences = Fail the Class
Class Etiquette and Mindfulness
This is a college learning environment. Be
conscious of your behavior in class and how it
could effect your education and the education
of the students around you. If you do anything to
disrupt class or the pace of my lectures or demos
you will be warned. If you continue to disrupt class
you will be asked to leave and won’t be allowed
to return unless you apologize to me and the class for
causing a scene.
If class time is given to complete an assignment, use that
time to complete your work. If you refuse to do the class
assignment during class, points will be deducted from
the final grade of that assignment and your participation
grade.
Do not bring any food to eat during class. Do not use
your cell phones unless instructed to do so. No selfies,
texting, or phone calls during class. Please do not have
side conversations during lecture. Ask for permission to
use the restroom.
Class News and Updates
If there are any updates for class I will contact you
via email (through the campus email with reminders,
changes or any other pertinent information. Please check
your email once per day to make sure there aren’t any
important updates. It is your responsibility to manage
your emails so that lines of communication are open and
available.
Contacting The Instructor
The best way to contact me is through email. I will get
back to you within 24-48 hrs. Please note that I only
check my LSCPA email after 6pm on weekdays
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is one of the most cherished
principles of the Lamar State College Port Arthur
Community. You must adhere to this principle: by
understanding the nature of plagiarism and by not
plagiarizing materials; by refraining from the use of
unauthorized aids on projects and tests; by turning in
assignments which are products of your own efforts and
research; and by refusing to give or receive information
or content on projects or tests to or from other students.
If you violate these principles of simple honesty, you risk
embarrassment, course failure, and disciplinary action. It
is simply not worth it.
Students with Disabilities Statement
Students with disabilities are requested to present
their accommodation letters to their instructor at the
beginning of the semester (through email) so that
accommodations can be arranged in a timely manner by
the College, the department, or the faculty member, as
appropriate. Students with disabilities who do not have
accommodation letters should visit the Office of Services
for Students with Disabilities.
Attendance Policy
Attendance
Roll will be taken at the beginning of class. You
must attend class every assigned class day
according to LSCPA policy. If you miss a day, you
will be responsible and held accountable for any
content that you missed in class.
You must be on time each day for class. You will be
marked tardy if you show up late for class. You will
be marked tardy if you are 5 min late. Beyond 10
minutes late, you will be marked absent.
3 Lates = 1 Absence for Class
3 Unexcused Absences = 1 Letter Drop for Class
6 Unexcused Absences = 2 Letter Drops for Class
9 Unexcused Absences = Fail the Class
Additional Information
Disclaimer
This syllabus is subject to change at any time during the semester. You will be
notified of any changes or will be issued a new syllabus
Institutional Policies
MyLSCPA Be sure to check your campus email and Course Homepage using MyLSCPA campus web portal. You can also access your grades, transcripts, academic advisors, degree progress, and other services through MyLSCPA.
Academic Honesty Academic honesty is expected from all students, and dishonesty in any form will not be tolerated. Please consult the LSCPA policies (Academic Dishonesty section in the Student Handbook) for consequences of academic dishonesty.
ADA Considerations The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the Disability Services Coordinator, Room 117, in the Student Sucess Center. The phone number is (409) 984-6241.
COVID 19 Information The Lamar State College Port Arthur (LSCPA) Student Code of Conduct COVID 19 Policy requires students who have been diagnosed with COVID 19 to report their condition directly to their local health department. Students should also contact their course faculty to report their quarantine status. In addition, this policy requires all students to wear face coverings when directly exposed to COVID 19 in compliance with the criteria included in the policy. For more information please refer to the COVID 19 link on the LSCPA website.
Facility Policies No food or tobacco products are allowed in the classroom. Only students enrolled in the course are allowed in the classroom, except by special instructor permission. Use of electronic devices is prohibited.
HB 2504 This syllabus is part of LSCPA's efforts to comply with Texas House Bill 2504.
Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse and Neglect As per Texas law and LSCPA policy, all LSCPA employees, including faculty, are required to report allegations or disclosures of child abuse or neglect to the designated authorities, which may include a local or state law enforcement agency or the Texas Department of Family Protective Services. For more information about mandatory reporting requirements, see LSCPA's Policy and Procedure Manual.
Title IX and Sexual Misconduct LSCPA is committed to establishing and maintaining an environment that is free from all forms of sex discrimination, including sexual harassment, sexual violence, and other forms of sexual misconduct. All LSCPA employees, including faculty, have the responsibility to report disclosures of sexual misconduct, including sexual harassment, sexual assault (including rape and acquaintance rape), domestic violence, dating violence, relationship violence, or stalking, to LSCPA's Title IX Coordinator, whose role is to coordinate the college's response to sexual misconduct. For more information about Title IX protections, faculty reporting responsibilities, options for confidential reporting, and the resources available for support visit LSCPA's Title IX website.
Clery Act Crime Reporting For more information about the Clery Act and crime reporting, see the Annual Security & Fire Safety Report and the Campus Security website.

Grievance / Complaint / Concern If you have a grievance, complaint, or concern about this course that has not been resolved through discussion with the Instructor, please consult the Department Chair.
Department Information
Commercial Music, Visual and Performing Arts
Chair:Dr. Blas Canedo Gonzalez
Email:canedoba@lamarpa.edu
Phone:(409) 984-6547