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MAC221

Editing & Graphics of Communication

This course introduces students to the fundamental principles and practices of editing and graphics in communication. It covers essential concepts such as graphic features, typography, text editing, image editing, layout, and design. Students will explore various software applications and techniques used in the industry. The course aims to equip students with the skills to effectively edit text and graphics for meaningful communication across different media platforms.

About this course

Difficulty
Intermediate
Study hours
40 hours
Maths
Basic
Content
Theoretical, practical
Practical work
Yes
How it is assessed
  • Assignments
  • Tutor Marked Assignments
  • Final Examination

One paragraph, so you can see how it reads

MAC221 · UNIT 1 INTRODUCING EDITING AND GRAPHICS OF COMMUNICATION

Here lies the difference in definition from that of the engineering people. An engineer or geometrician is most likely not going to define graphic communication from the entertainment perspective, even though he likes to develop the technology in order to provide entertainment for others.

What you should be able to do

  1. Understand the principles of graphic communication.
  2. Apply typography techniques for effective messaging.
  3. Edit text and graphics for clarity and accuracy.
  4. Design layouts for various media platforms.
  5. Comprehend the printing process.
  6. Apply ethical considerations in editing and design.

What it prepares you for

Careers
  • Sub Editor
  • Graphic Designer
  • Layout Artist
  • Web Content Editor
  • Communications Officer
Where it is applied
  • Newspapers
  • Magazines
  • Web Design
  • Advertising
  • Publishing
Tools
  • CorelDraw
  • Adobe Photoshop
  • Adobe PageMaker
  • Quark Express
  • Microsoft Publisher

Where it gets hard

The units students slow down on, and what makes each one heavy.

  • Module 2: Typography

    Unit 2: Anatomy of Type

    Understanding the nuances of kerning, tracking, and leading requires a keen eye for detail and practice to master.

  • Module 3: Text Editing, Graphics and Communication

    Unit 1: Reasons for Editing

    Applying media law and ethical codes to real-world scenarios requires critical thinking and awareness of potential legal consequences.

A suggested way through it

Suggested

13 weeks, about 30 hours in total. Yours will differ.

  1. Week 1Module 1: Graphic Features of Communication
    • Unit 1: Introducing Editing and Graphics of Communication · 2 hours

      Read Unit 1: Introducing Editing and Graphics of Communication.. Define editing, graphics, and communication.. Explain the history of graphics and its basic types.. Complete Self-Assessment Exercises 1-8..

  2. Week 2Module 1: Graphic Features of Communication
    • Unit 2: Format, Forms and Uses of Graphics · 2 hours

      Read Unit 2: Format, Forms and Uses of Graphics.. Differentiate between bitmap file formats.. Identify different forms of graphics (2D, 3D, Animation).. Describe the graphic process.. Complete Self-Assessment Exercises 1-5..

  3. Week 3Module 1: Graphic Features of Communication
    • Unit 3: Devices of Editing and Graphics of Communication · 2 hours

      Read Unit 3: Devices of Editing and Graphics of Communication.. Differentiate between hardware and software.. Describe computer graphic devices.. Understand user interfaces.. Complete Self-Assessment Exercise 1-2..

  4. Week 4Module 1: Graphic Features of Communication
    • Unit 4: Input, Output and Storage Devices · 2 hours

      Read Unit 4: Input, Output and Storage Devices.. Describe input, output, and storage devices.. Illustrate with diagrams and pictures.. Complete Self-Assessment Exercise 1-2..

  5. Week 5Module 2: Typography
    • Unit 1: Text as Communication · 2 hours

      Read Unit 1: Text as Communication.. Identify text as communication.. State the elements of type.. Explain the meaning of hot and cold type.. Complete Self-Assessment Exercise 1-3..

  6. Week 6Module 2: Typography
    • Unit 2: Anatomy of Type · 2 hours

      Read Unit 2: Anatomy of Type.. Break down a type and analyze the parts.. Describe a font and its characteristics.. State the various ways you could determine the measurement of a type.. Complete Self-Assessment Exercise 1-3..

  7. Week 7Module 2: Typography
    • Unit 3: The Graphic Process · 2 hours

      Read Unit 3: The Graphic Process.. Explain how to formulate design policy.. Determine typography.. Orientate designers and sub editors towards the design policy.. Complete Self-Assessment Exercise 1-2..

  8. Week 8Module 3: Text Editing, Graphics and Communication
    • Unit 1: Reasons for Editing · 2 hours

      Read Unit 1: Reasons for Editing.. Give reasons why editing is a necessity in graphic communication.. Outline the importance of facts in the construction of graphics.. Edit without falling a victim of litigation.. Complete Self-Assessment Exercise 1-3..

  9. Week 9Module 3: Text Editing, Graphics and Communication
    • Unit 2: Introducing the Sub Editors · 2 hours

      Read Unit 2: Introducing the Sub Editors.. Analyze and appreciate the role of sub editors in editing process.. Explain the qualities sub editors should possess.. Categorize the facilities and tools sub editors work with.. Complete Self-Assessment Exercise 1-2..

  10. Week 10Module 3: Text Editing, Graphics and Communication
    • Unit 3: Headline Casting · 2 hours

      Read Unit 3: Headline Casting.. Explain why headline is essential in any communication item.. Describe types and characteristics of headlines.. Construct headlines for cover and interior pages.. Complete Self-Assessment Exercise 1-7..

    • Unit 4: Editing of Text Graphics · 2 hours

      Read Unit 4: Editing of Text Graphics.. Identify the characteristics of a text copy.. Assess a sub editor based on qualities that he should possess.. State and use editing symbols.. Complete Self-Assessment Exercise 1-3..

  11. Week 11Module 4: Image Editing, Captions, Layout and Design
    • Unit 1: Photographs · 2 hours

      Read Unit 1: Photographs.. Describe different types of photograph and understand what photographic appeal mean.. Do a comparative analysis of photograph and text.. State how to select your photographs and edit them.. Complete Self-Assessment Exercise 1-2..

  12. Week 12Module 4: Image Editing, Captions, Layout and Design
    • Unit 2: Caption Writing · 2 hours

      Read Unit 2: Caption Writing.. State the various forms of captions.. Describe how to place captions.. Get conversant with tips of caption writing.. Complete Self-Assessment Exercise 1-2..

    • Unit 3: Layout and Design · 2 hours

      Read Unit 3: Layout and Design.. State why a graphic item must be subject to design for it to make meaning.. Specify the elements that are combined to put up a design.. State the rationale behind design and make-up.. Complete Self-Assessment Exercise 1-3..

  13. Week 13Module 4: Image Editing, Captions, Layout and Design
    • Unit 4: The Printing Process · 2 hours

      Read Unit 4: The Printing Process.. Explain the pre-press stage of the printing process.. Grasp an appreciable idea of lithography.. Define the knowledge of printing.. Complete Self-Assessment Exercise 1-3..

Preparing for the exam

What to do
  • Review all Tutor-Marked Assignments (TMAs) and their solutions to identify key areas.
  • Create a glossary of key terms from each module and their definitions.
  • Practice headline casting and caption writing using old newspapers.
  • Study the different types of page layouts and their characteristics.
  • Focus on the ethical considerations in image editing and libel avoidance.
  • Create visual aids such as charts and diagrams to summarize key concepts from each unit.

Questions students ask about this course

What is MAC221 about?

This course introduces students to the fundamental principles and practices of editing and graphics in communication. It covers essential concepts such as graphic features, typography, text editing, image editing, layout, and design. Students will explore various software applications and techniques used in the industry. The course aims to equip students with the skills to effectively edit text and graphics for meaningful communication across different media platforms.

How many units does MAC221 have?

MAC221, Editing & Graphics of Communication, has 15 units across 4 modules, over 169 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.

How many credit units is MAC221?

MAC221 carries 2 credit units, at 200 level in Social Sciences.

Is MAC221 hard?

MAC221 is rated intermediate level, with basic mathematical content. It is mostly theoretical and practical work, and it has a practical component.

How long does MAC221 take to study?

About 40 hours of study, spread across its 15 units.

How is MAC221 assessed?

MAC221 is assessed by Assignments, Tutor Marked Assignments and Final Examination.

What can I do with MAC221?

Sub Editor, Graphic Designer, Layout Artist, Web Content Editor and Communications Officer.

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