Information Package
baskent.edu.tr

Program of Graphic Design

GRA149

FUNDAMENTALS OF DESIGN I

Course Code
GRA149
Semester
First Term (Fall)
Theory+Practice
2 + 4
ECTS
6
Course TypeCompulsory Course
Course LevelBachelor's Degree
Year of Study1
SemesterFirst Term (Fall)
ECTS6
Name of Lecturer(s)
Learning Outcomes

At the end of this course, the students;

  1. The ability to use technical equipment and artistic production techniques in the field of basic design.
  2. The ability to think in both abstract and concrete terms.
  3. The habit of working independently or in a group.
  4. The ability to think in a project-based manner.
  5. The ability to develop visual, verbal, and written communication skills.
  6. Time management skills.
  7. Awareness of critical thinking.
  8. The ability to evaluate their own work and the work of others using critical methods.
Mode of DeliveryFace to face
PrerequisitesNo
Recommended Optional Programme Components
Course DescriptionThis course analytically examines the fundamental concepts of design and visual structure through a technical approach. It covers core design elements such as point, line, plane, space, direction, form, color, texture, and movement, as well as design principles including symmetry, balance, rhythm, hierarchy, contrast, and unity. Students gain a theoretical foundation in Gestalt principles and compositional logic. Exercises involve basic drawing and rendering techniques, grid systems, and the language of two-dimensional design. Students develop an understanding of visual communication rules and begin to cultivate their own visual language.
Course Contents
WEEK TOPICS
1st Week Course introduction. Announcement of the 14-week course schedule and projects. Elements of design and principles of organization.
2nd Week Photo completion.
3rd Week Class Exercise.
4th Week Organization with geometric shapes (black, white, gray).
5th Week Organization with geometric shapes (black, white, gray).
6th Week Organization with geometric shapes (black, white, gray).
7th Week Organization with geometric shapes (black, white, gray).
8th Week Midterm Exam.
9th Week Texture study (glass, metal, wood, feather, plastic, leather, fabric).
10th Week Texture study (glass, metal, wood, feather, plastic, leather, fabric).
11th Week Tonal study.
12th Week Color theory.
13th Week 2D composition.
14th Week 2D composition.
Recommended or Required ReadingAirey, David. Logo Design Love: A Guide to Creating Iconic Brand Identities. Peachpit Press, 2009.
Albers, Josef. Interaction of Color. Yale University Press, 1963.
Berger, John. Ways of Seeing. Penguin Books, 1972.
(Türkçe baskı: Görme Biçimleri, çev. Y. Alogan, Metis Yayınları, 2016.)
Ching, Francis. Mimarlık, Biçim, Mekan ve Düzen, çev. Sevgi Lökçe. İstanbul: Y.E.M., 2002.
Denel, Bilgi. Temel Tasarım ve Yaratıcılık. Ankara: ODTÜ Mimarlık Fakültesi Basım İşliği, 1981.
Kleon, Austin. Steal Like an Artist: 10 Things Nobody Told You About Being Creative. Workman Publishing, 2012.
Laseau, Paul. Graphic Thinking for Architects and Designers. Wiley, 1980
Lauer, David A., & Pentak, Stephen. Design Basics. Harcourt Brace Jovanovich College Publishers, 1985.
Leborg, Christian. Visual Grammar. Princeton Architectural Press, 2006.
Lupton, Ellen, & Phillips, Jennifer Cole. Graphic Design: The New Basics. Princeton Architectural Press, 2008.
Lupton, Ellen. Thinking with Type: A Critical Guide for Designers, Writers, Editors, and Students. Princeton Architectural Press, 2004.
Meggs, Philip B. A History of Graphic Design. John Wiley & Sons, 1989.
Müller-Brockmann, Josef. Grid Systems in Graphic Design: A Visual Communication Manual for Graphic Designers, Typographers, and Three Dimensional Designers. Niggli Verlag, 1981.
Tanalı, Ziya. Sadeleştirmeler. Ankara: Alp Yayınevi, 2000.
White, Alex W. The Elements of Graphic Design: Space, Unity, Page Architecture, and Type. Allworth Press, 2002.
Wong , Wucius. Principles of Form and Design. Wiley &Sons, 1993.
Planned Learning Activities and Teaching Methods
  • Presentation
  • Problem Solving
  • Project
  • Questions/Answers
  • Discussion
  • Report Preparation
Assessment Methods and Criteria
Quantity Percentage (%)
Mid-term 1 30
Assignment 8 20
Total(%) 50
Contribution of In-term Studies to Overall Grade(%) 50
Contribution of Final Examination to Overall Grade(%) 50
Total(%) 100
ECTS Allocated Based on Student Workload
Activities Quantity Duration (Hour) Total Workload (Hour)
Midterm exam 1 1 1
Preparation for Quiz
Individual or group work
Preparation for Final exam 4 4 16
Course hours 14 6 84
Preparation for Midterm exam
Laboratory (including preparation)
Final exam 1 1 1
Homework 8 6 48
Presentation (including preperation) 1 1 1
Project 3 1 3
Performance Practice 5 5 25
Book Presentation 1 1 1
Total Work Load180
Total Work Load / 30 (h)6
ECTS Credit of the Course6
Language of InstructionTurkish
Work Placement(s)No

Programme Qualifications / Learning Outcomes

LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8
K1
K2 X
K3
K4
K5 X X
K6 X
K7 X X
K8 X
K9
K10 X
K11
K12
K13
K14 X
K15 X
K16
K17