VCDP 1142: Composition
Effective date
January 2023
Department
Visual Comm Design Diploma
School
Trades, Technology and Design
Description
In this course, students will learn how to apply traditional design principles and client communication objectives to a variety of compositions. They will learn to identify the key factors that determine a designer's selection of design elements like type, image, colour, and layout, and will work conceptually with semiotics to learn how type and image combine in the creation of meaning. While working through these concepts, students will continue to develop proficiency in Adobe CC software as well as proper file setup for design projects.
Year of study
1st Year Post-secondary
Prerequisites
VCDP 1110, taken prior or concurrently, and VCDP 1111, taken prior or concurrently.
Course Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Describe how the use of different composition principles impact visual communication
- Analyze a composition and identify areas of strength and weakness
- Apply principles of visual composition and organizational layout in design projects
- Develop creative concepts that clearly communicate an intended meaning
- Select a compositional approach that reinforces the communication of a message or concept
- Select images that fit the intended meaning of a design
- Prepare professional digital files for various applications
Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR)
1. Interview with department to discuss previous experience
2. A portfolio assessment of previously completed related work OR
3. The demonstration of skills via the successful completion of 1-4 related projects/assignments similar to those completed in the course, chosen at the discretion of the department
Hours
Lecture, Online, Seminar, Tutorial: 42
Practicum, Self-Paced, Individual Learning: 12
Total Hours: 54
Instructional Strategies
A combination of lecture, demonstration, production simulations, problem solving, practical labs and reflective discussion will be used throughout this course.
Grading System
Letter Grade (A-F)
Evaluation Plan
Type
|
Percentage
|
Assessment activity
|
Project
|
30
|
Final project
|
Assignments
|
30
|
Assignments
|
Lab Work
|
30
|
May include in-class exercises, assignments, quizzes/tests, and work-in-progress
|
Participation
|
10
|
Participation and professionalism
|
Course topics
- Principles of visual composition
- Compositional relationships
- Visual and typographic hierarchy
- Integrating type and image
- Layout design
- Visual communication
- Preparing professional digital files
- Concept development process
- Semiotics
Notes:
- Course contents and descriptions, offerings and schedules are subject to change without notice.
- Students are required to follow all College policies including ones that govern their educational experience at VCC. Policies are available on the VCC website at:
https://www.vcc.ca/about/governance--policies/policies/.
- To find out if there are existing transfer agreements for this course, visit the BC Transfer Guide at https://www.bctransferguide.ca.