Module Details

Module Code: COMM C2804
Module Title: Visual Language and Communications
Title: Visual Language and Communications
Module Level:: 7
Credits:: 10
Module Coordinator: Myles Kelly
Module Author:: Charlene McDonough
Domains:  
Module Description: The aim of this module is to give learners an understanding of visual communications, digital literacies and design language. Students will gain an appreciation of the use and benefit of graphic design, illustration, and typography in an ethical business and society. Learners will experiment with graphic design, developing a personal aesthetic in visual communication. Using Adobe Suite, students will compose designs for given briefs, engaging in the stages of the design from brief, through research, concept development, to finished presentation, and print production, gaining experience of the design process through practical experience.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Engage with visual methodologies literature, compare and critique current visual and digital communications, developing grammar and language to interpret a range of visual media and ethical practice.
LO2 Demonstrate a knowledge of the dynamics of what makes a good piece of design using design principles.
LO3 Understand the stages of the design process through a design brief, and the role of the client, designer, printer/supplier.
LO4 Give learners an understanding of digital literacies and the procedures involved in adapting visual design to create dynamic high−quality content as digital media with ethical considerations.
LO5 Enable learners to explore basic photographic principles and literacies with an emphasis on images within communications media.
LO6 Through practical studio based engagement produce design solutions to appropriate briefs for a range of communications in varied and specific contexts using relevant software. Reflect on learnings and engagement with the design process.
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is recommended before enrolment in this module.
No recommendations listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Additional Requisite Information
No Co Requisites listed
 
Indicative Content
Visual Communications
Learn the language of visual communication and literacies to understand techniques and theories of building meaning and messages through visual design.
Design Principles
Understanding of the elements and principles in visual design and communications.
The Process of Design
Defining client needs and design requirements for a PR and Media Campaign - Creative briefs, message, audience, brand identity design and visualization, graphic design requirements, design costs, ethical considerations
Digital Content and Curation
Procedures involved in adapting visual design to create dynamic high quality content as digital media using ethical practice
Photographic Visualisation
Explore basic photographic literacies and principles, with emphasis on images within PR and Media
Portfolio
Responding to defined graphic or visual communications brief, combining elements introduced to the learner during the module. Use design software to create basic design concepts and presentations - Verbal and visual presentation of concepts - Defend design solutions - Reflect on process and ethical practice
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Project50.00%
Practical50.00%

Assessments

Full Time

Continuous Assessment
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 40
Timing Week 6 Learning Outcomes 1,2,4,5
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
Design research and justification
(Peer and individually assessed)
Assessment Type Portfolio % of Total Mark 60
Timing Sem 1 End Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5,6
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
Visual Language and Design Portfolio
with reflective journal (Individually assessed)
No Project
No Practical
No End of Module Formal Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Exam Board
It is at the discretion of the Examination Board as to what the qualifying criteria are.

SETU Carlow Campus reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Workload Category Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lab/Lecture Contact No Description Every Week 6.00 6
Estimated Learner Hours Non Contact No Description Every Week 12.00 12
Total Weekly Contact Hours 6.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Dondis, Doris. (1998), A Primer in Visual Language, MIT Press.
  • Michael Bierut. How to Use Graphic Design to Sell Things, Explain Things, Make Things Look Better, Make People Laugh, Make People Cry, and (Every Once in a While) Change the World, Thames and Hudson, [ISBN: 0500518262].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Fletcher, Alan. (2001), The art of looking sideways, Phaidon.
  • Johnson, Michael. (2002), Problem Solved-a primer in design and communications, Phaidon.
Recommended Article/Paper Resources
  • Graphis Magazine.
  • Creative Review.
  • Circa.
  • Wallpaper.
  • Irish Arts Review.
  • Blueprint.
Other Resources
Discussion Note: