ART A286: Book Arts

Course Outline of Record
Item	Value
Curriculum Committee Approval Date	12/08/2021
Top Code	100900 - Applied Design
Units	2 Total Units
Hours	72 Total Hours (Lecture Hours 18; Lab Hours 54)
Total Outside of Class Hours	0
Course Credit Status	Credit: Degree Applicable (D)
Material Fee	Yes
Basic Skills	Not Basic Skills (N)
Repeatable	No
Grading Policy	Standard Letter (S)

Course Description

An exploration into historical and modern approaches in the making, construction and binding of artists’ books. Preliminary exercise and experiments with different types of bindings will lead the student to a final project in book form. Transfer Credit: CSU; UC.

Course Level Student Learning Outcome(s)

Design a complete book concept.
Fabricate a fully resolved book form.

Course Objectives

1. Examine the historical evolution of books and bookbinding.
2. Develop creative skills in creating a book as an art object.
3. Demonstrate knowledge of basic principles, facts and terms related to bookmaking.
4. Create sample bindings and book elements.
5. Create a working book mock-up.
6. Complete a bound book form that clearly communicates an intended message.

Lecture Content

Introduction to Bookmaking Historical evolution of books Primitive and modern book forms and evolution Characteristics of Contemporary Artists Books Book Concept and Design Considerations Brainstorming and refinement strategies Conceptualizing and strategizing Mock-ups and samples Design lay-out techniques Book form and formatting considerations Text considerations Illustration techniques Introduction to Paper Arts Visual and tactile qualities of paper Western paper qualities Eastern paper qualities Print, copy and specialty papers Historical evolution of paper Basic papermaking and paper pulp painting components of paper basic pulping, pulling and couching techniques inclusions, dyes, watermarks, wet collage Paper decoration techniques Marbling Paste papers Painting, masking, stamping, and collage. Book Fabrication Techniques Basic assembly methods and supplies cutting, folding, tearing, scoring adhesives and bindings Traditional bookbinding accordion structure pamphlet stitch multiple signature and hardcover bindings Non-traditional bookbinding instant books altered books sculptural books binding as creative expression 3-D book techniques pop-ups and paper engineering folds, pockets, cut-outs niches and inclusions printing techniques desktop publishing photocopier strategies transfer printing processes computer technology in bookmaking one-of-a-kind vs. small editions

Lab Content

Faculty input required.

Method(s) of Instruction

Lecture (02)
Lab (04)

Instructional Techniques

Slide and video presentations, demonstrations, field trips, and student critiques.

Reading Assignments

Writing Assignments

Written reports and critiques of work seen outside of class, group critiques of student works, individual projects.

Out-of-class Assignments

Demonstration of Critical Thinking

Demonstrations of skills, problem solving exercises, written assignments, completion of projects, and attendance.

Required Writing, Problem Solving, Skills Demonstration