CDS2524 - Unconventional publishing - 2018

6 points, SCA Band 1, 0.125 EFTSL

Undergraduate - Unit

Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.

Faculty

Art, Design and Architecture

Organisational Unit

Department of Design

Chief examiner(s)

Mr Warren Taylor

Coordinator(s)

Mr Adam Cruickshank

Unit guides

Offered

Caulfield

  • First semester 2018 (On-campus)
  • Second semester 2018 (On-campus)

Prerequisites

CDS1002 or with permission, OHS1000

Synopsis

Unconventional Publishing is a unit for those wishing to explore new models of physical publishing involving designer-generated content. Various methods and rationales - both creative and pragmatic - for the instigation of self-initiated projects will be investigated. The unit explores the possibility of communication design as an autonomous creative practice.

The definition of publishing has expanded to include such diverse practices as websites, books, phone-based media, magazines, public posters, etc. In particular, small publishers have become more numerous and specialised, while traditional mass-market publishing is undergoing a slow decline. There are many examples of such small publishers being led by designers.

Merging the traditionally separate roles of content-generator, editor, designer, publisher, printer and distributor reflects contemporary trends in communication design and provides a holistic overview of publishing as discipline. The unit approaches this breadth of publishing as a contiguous practice that can be overseen by an individual or small group and therefore encourages the development of projects outside of the traditional client/designer relationship.

Outcomes

  1. apply skills in typography, layout and page structure to a publication design;
  2. creatively engage with the material qualities of a publication;
  3. generate their own text and pictorial content for a published output;
  4. demonstrate skills in publication design, pictorial/textual editing, print production and promotion/distribution;
  5. critically assess the cultural value of existing published works;
  6. understand the various professional roles within traditional publishing and its associated processes;
  7. apply the occupational health and safety requirements of this unit.

Assessment

100% mixed mode - Progressive assessment is by a series of tasks that contribute to the completion of a major publication project.

Workload requirements

On-campus: 4 contact hours plus 8 hours of private study hours per week.

See also Unit timetable information