ART 1081 - Artist Books & Zines

Credits: 3
Hours/Week: Lecture 1 Lab 2 studio
Course Description: This course explores the world of zines and artist books, teaching students how to create DIY, small-editioned, and unique handmade publications. Through open-ended projects, students can express themselves on personal, narrative, ethical, or political topics. The class covers a variety of book styles and both digital and hands-on techniques. Course activities provide the opportunity to tell stories visually and organize content, considering how both the design and the message of their publications can work together as creative forms.
MnTC Goals
Goal 6

Prerequisite(s): Course placement into college-level English and Reading OR completion of ENGL 0950 with a grade of C or higher OR completion of RDNG 0940 with a grade of C or higher and qualifying English Placement Exam OR completion of RDNG 0950 with a grade of C or higher and ENGL 0090 with a grade of C or higher OR completion of ESOL 0051 with a grade of C or higher and ESOL 0052 with a grade of C or higher.
Recommendation: None

Major Content

1. Introduction to Zines and Artist Books
2. Fundamentals of Book Structures
3. Developing Visual Narration and Sequencing
4. Analog Image-Making Techniques
5. Digital Image-Making Techniques
6. Combining Analog and Digital Methods
7. Personal, Political, and Ethical Themes in DIY Publishing
8. Text and Typography
9. Experimental Structures and Materials
10. Editing and Refinement
11. Printing and Reproduction Techniques
12. Final Project and Exhibition

1. create zines and artist books using a variety of digital and analog techniques.
2. analyze how visual and textual elements contribute to storytelling and meaning in printed materials.
3. construct different book structures, such as accordion folds, pamphlet stitches, or perfect bindings.
4. apply sequencing techniques to develop visual narratives or themes in publications.
5. evaluate the relationship between form, content, and audience in DIY publications.
6. experiment with image-making methods to produce original and expressive visual content.
7. critique zines and artist books by identifying strengths and areas for improvement in visual, textual, and structural elements.
8. articulate the historical, cultural, and social significance of zines and artist books as forms of creative and political expression.

06.02 Understand those works as expressions of individual and human values within a historical and social context.

06.03 Respond critically to works in the arts and humanities.

06.04. Engage in the creative process or interpretive performance.

06.05. Articulate an informed personal reaction to works in the arts and humanities
Theme Goals (MnTC Goals 7-10)
na

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