Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2026 - PUB 331 B100

Graphic Design in Transition: Print and Digital Books (4)

Class Number: 4728

Delivery Method: Blended

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 9 – Dec 6, 2026: TBA, TBA
    VANCOUVER

  • Prerequisites:

    PUB 231.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An in-depth study of the design methods fundamental to books in print and digital media. Students evaluate, and engage in the design and repurposing of publications, exploring current practices of content delivery online and through mobile devices. Emphasis is placed on innovative methods and design practices for screen-based publishing.

COURSE DETAILS:

Lectures B100: Asynchronous (pre-recorded videos and reading)
Lab: In-person Vancouver (Harbour Centre)
B101 - 9:30am - 11:20am HCC 2960
B102 - 11:30am -1:20pm HCC 2960

Prerequiste Waiver Requests: Contact pub-info@sfu.ca

The phrase “don’t judge a book by its cover” might be a metaphor, but when it comes to actual books, their covers (and their design as a whole) are essential for reaching audiences and communicating what’s on the page.

Each term, this class collaborates with a community partner to design, print and bind books. We’ll work directly with our author(s), get real-world feedback from stakeholders, and navigate the creative and technical sides of book design and production, through both in-house and freelance perspectives. You’ll also get hands-on time in the Unnamed PubLab to experiment with the materiality of bookmaking and take a field trip to the DK Book Arts Studio to experience letterpress printing. The term wraps up with a book exhibition at Belzberg Library, where your finished work will be presented to both peers and the public.

Building on the principles learned in PUB 231: Graphic Design Fundamentals, this course explores the role of graphic design in how we buy, read, and understand books. Lectures and in-class discussions will help you understand the design process for print and digital publications, and will guide you to think critically about how graphic design communicates information and ideas. Hands-on lab will let you experiment and practice design elements like grids, typography, and hierarchy. Through assignments focused on typography, ePubs, book covers, and book interiors, you get to be the art director and explore every step of the design process from sketching to typesetting to printing and bookbinding.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

• Select appropriate typefaces, formats, and images while considering a project’s audience and subject
• Apply the design process in relation to book design
• Create creative and technical works using typography and grids
• Communicate effectively using design and typographic terminology
• Demonstrate a thorough understanding of hierarchy and the importance of rhythm, pacing & unity in publication design and for readability & legibility
• Develop creative solutions that demonstrate an understanding of design, typography and layout and their evocative potential

Grading

  • Project 1 - Book Design 45%
  • Project 2 - Catalogue/Marketing 20%
  • Project 3 - Accessible ebook 20%
  • Exercises (Design Management) 15%

NOTES:

This is not a software course. Intermediate knowledge of the iMac and its operating system, and Adobe Creative Suite or Affinity Publisher is mandatory.

Please note that the details of this Fall 2026 course are subject to change.

REQUIREMENTS:

Students are required to complete each project, discussions and quizzes, watch recorded lectures, and to keep up with the assigned readings. Students are expected to sketch and use InDesign of Affinity to create, design, lay out, typeset, and produce mock-ups for a range of publishing projects, and prepare production specifications. As this is not a software course, an intermediate knowledge of the iMac and its operating system, and Adobe Creative Suite or Affinity products is mandatory.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Reading assignments will come from handouts on Canvas (PDFs and website links).


Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.