Study Guide

Learning outcomes

The student is able to
- explain the development stages of visual communication media from historic to current times
- view genres in context with other cultural phenomena in their time periods
- recognize different periodical styles and major influencers in graphic design, typography and photography
- view their own work as a part of a continuum of a long tradition of visual culture.

Implementation and methods of teaching

The diverse implementation includes
– Teaching in class and in Zoom
– Watching and commenting on movies
– Reading articles
– Visiting a modern printing house
– An independent final project
The course includes exercises to learn the history and styles of visual communication through media archaeology, masters of typography and graphic design, and the history of photography. The course has preliminary work.

Teaching is in Finnish, slides and most of the materials are in English.

Learning material and recommended literature

Chapters of:
Harri Heikkilä (2017): TÄMÄ EI OLE KIRJA Sähkökirjan valtavirtaistumisen haasteet
Jukka Kortti (2016): MEDIAHISTORIA Viestinnän merkityksiä ja muodonmuutoksia puheesta bitteihin
Tuija Laine (2018): KIRJAHISTORIAN PERUSTEET JA TUTKIMUS
Philip B. Meggs (2016): HISTORY OF GRAPHIC DESIGN
Leena Saraste (2010): VALOKUVA, MUISTO – VIESTI – TAIDE

Movies:
Brian Levit: Graphic means
Gary Huswit: Helvetica
Wendy Keys: Milton Glaser To inform and delight
Victor Köhler: Press, pause, Play (optional)

Contents

The course introduces the development of communication tools, media technology, and different branches of visual communication from the beginning of history to the present day. The classes also build an understanding of various stylistic trends, their dialogical development, and their relationship to other phenomena of the time. The international designers who have had the most significant impact on the industry will become familiar, participants will also aha an opportunity to discuss with seasoned Finnish authors as visitors.

Assessment scale

1-5

Failed (0)

Did not reach level 1, attendance was below 80 %

Assessment criteria: level 1 (assessment scale 1–5)

Student
- Understands the development of different channels of visual communication from the early stages of history to the present day
- knows how to relate visual stylistic trends to other phenomena of each time
- Identify the styles of different eras and the most essential factors in visual design, typography and photography
- sees his designs as a continuation of a long tradition.

Assessment criteria: level 3 (assessment scale 1–5)

Student
- Understands quite well the development of different channels of visual communication from the beginning of history to the present day
- Knows how to relate the most important visual style trends to other phenomena of each time
- Recognizes and knows how to name many styles of different eras and the most essential factors in visual design, typography and photography
- can reflect on one's own work as a continuation of a long tradition

Assessment criteria: level 5 (assessment scale 1–5)

Student
- Understands quite well and broadly the development of different channels of visual communication from the beginning of history to the present day
- Figures out without problems the development and reciprocal synergy of different channels of visual communication from the early stages of history to the present day
- Knows how to relate most of the important visual styles trends other phenomena of each time
- Is able to name numerous styles and most essential authors of different eras, knows some of the meaningful discussion in visual design, typography and photography thru times
-Knows how to reflect and implement one's own work as a continuation of a long tradition, and sees traditions as a creative, applicable resource.