General Information

• Name: Electronic Layout and Typography
• Discipline: Graphic Communications (GRC)
• Units (Credits): 3
• Schedule History: See when this course was offered over the last three years.
• Transfer Information: Courses with numbers 100 to 299: This course is designed to apply toward a WNC degree and/or transfer to other schools within the Nevada System of Higher Education, depending on the degree chosen and other courses completed. It may transfer to colleges and universities outside Nevada. For information about how this course can transfer and apply to your program of study, please contact a counselor.
• Academic Division: Communications and Fine Arts

Prerequisites and Recommended Courses

• Recommended: GRC 118 or consent of instructor

Course Outline

I: Catalog Course Description

Introduces electronic page layout software with an emphasis on typographic layout and design.

Note: Non-transferable for an NSHE baccalaureate degree. Non-applicable towards an AA or AS Degree.

II: Course Objectives

Students entering this class should already have an introductory knowledge of graphic communications theories and basic computer graphics skills. Through a variety of lectures, demonstrations, reading assignments, tests and critiques, students will gain an understanding of the importance of typography, typographic design, layout and typographic imaging technologies. Upon completion of the course, students will acquire an understanding of:

• History and development of typographic form
• The variety of typefaces available and how to identify and classify type.
• How to layout type on a page, starting to take into consideration size, spacing, margins, styles, formats and white space.
• Technical aspects of typography, including parts of type, form and shape specifications, fonts and families, sizing and styles.
• Selecting appropriate typefaces based on project layout and design requirements.
• The importance of typographic legibility, readability and expression, with emphasis on the first two concepts.
• Basic computer hardware and software requirements for the graphic communications industry as they relate to type imaging, production and reproduction.
• Working on QuarkXPress page layout software for the creation of type and copy based on project layout, design and production requirements.
• The variety of systems available for text input, graphic communications production techniques, file preparation, preflight, proofing and output.
• Presentation of typographic projects in a consistent, professional manner.

III: Course Linkage

Linkage of course to educational program mission and at least one educational program outcome.

• Have problem solving, creative, and critical thinking skills.
• Have effective and efficient learning skills, including the location and evaluation of information.
• Have appropriate technological skills, including computer skills.
• Have an understanding of the fine arts.


The Associate of Applied Science degree in Graphic Communications will provide employment-related knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in the graphic communications field. The degree will meet educational criteria for employment and prepare the student for possible transfer to other colleges and universities to meet higher educational and professional goals.

Upon completion of this course, it is expected that students will have:
• researched design problems.
• demonstrated technical skills.
• implemented design concepts.
• worked collaboratively.
• performed successful presentations.