Catalog Home Graduate College Center for the Book

Center for the Book

Director

Timothy Barrett (Center for the Book/Library and Information Science)

Professors

Ed Folsom (English/Center for the Book), Robert Glasgow (Art and Art History/Center for the Book), Judith Pascoe (English/Center for the Book), James Snitzer (Art and Art History/Center for the Book), Katherine Tachau (History/Center for the Book), Jonathan Wilcox (English/Center for the Book)

Associate professors

Timothy Barrett (Center for the Book/Library and Information Science), Matthew P. Brown (English/Center for the Book), Jennifer Burek-Pierce (Library and Information Science/ Center for the Book), Loren Glass (English/Center for the Book), Julia Leonard (Center for the Book/Library and Information Science)

Adjunct assistant professors

Gary Frost, Cheryl Jacobsen, Penny McKean, Emily Martin, Sara Sauers, Bruce Whiteman

Adjunct instructors

Craig Kelchen, Julie Smith

Lecturers

Kathleen Kamerick (History/Center for the Book), Sara Langworthy

Graduate degree: M.F.A. in book arts
Graduate certificate: book studies/book arts and technologies
Web site: http://book.grad.uiowa.edu

The University of Iowa Center for the Book represents a community of faculty, staff, students, and local book specialists with interests in all facets of book production, distribution, and use. Some members of the center actively research the history and circulation of the book, examining books' role in cultural and historical processes. They also look at how changes in book production affect the way books are viewed as artifacts. Specialists in book arts and technologies study the history and technique of book crafts, including letterpress and offset printing, typography, calligraphy, papermaking, and bookbinding. Others engage in the conservation or production of books, including artists' books and literary fine press publications.

The center offers classes; sponsors lectures, seminars, and workshops; and encourages the exchange of ideas among individuals with interests in the book. A wide range of perspectives on the book as an aesthetic, cultural, and historical artifact is provided by associated faculty, staff, and graduate students in the Schools of Art and Art History and Library and Information Science; the Departments of History, English, and Cinema and Comparative Literature; University of Iowa Libraries; the Creative Writing Program (Iowa Writers' Workshop); and other areas. This interdisciplinary membership and the center's facilities combine to provide an exceptional environment for studying the history of the book, its evolution, and its future.

Graduate students may earn a master's degree or a graduate certificate through the center. Undergraduate students may add dimension to their majors in English, art, journalism, history, and other disciplines by taking Center for the Book courses in book crafts and book studies. They also may include an emphasis on book arts or on cultural and historical aspects of the book in the interdepartmental studies major.

Graduate Programs

Master of Fine Arts in book arts
Certificate in Book Studies/Book Arts and Technologies

Graduate study of the book is interdisciplinary. It focuses on book arts as hands-on practice as well as historical and cultural phenomenon. Its principal objectives are to provide scholarly and aesthetic contexts for the study of book history, arts, and technologies; and to offer a structured program in book-related disciplines for graduate students with a serious interest in book studies.

Master of Fine Arts

The Master of Fine Arts program in book arts requires a minimum of 60 s.h. of graduate credit, including a thesis. Students select one of several emphasis areas: artist book work, bookbinding, calligraphy, digital book work, lettering arts, papermaking, or printing. After completing core courses, they work with a faculty advisor to design an individualized curriculum in their specialty area. The degree culminates with the successful completion of a thesis.

The program requires the following course work.

Core courses, historical context courses, other topics, and workshops	33 s.h.
Electives in the student's emphasis area	18 s.h.
Additional electives
Thesis (maximum of 6 s.h.)

Certificate

The Certificate in Book Studies/Book Arts and Technologies requires 18 s.h. of graduate credit and is designed to be completed in one year. The program is open to students who are enrolled in a graduate degree program at The University of Iowa as well as to students enrolled in the Graduate College with nondegree status.

Students choose courses in emphasis areas including artist book work, bookbinding, calligraphy, digital book work, lettering arts, papermaking, and printing. The program requires the following course work.

Emphasis area course(s)	3 s.h.
A studio course	3 s.h.
A historical/cultural course	3 s.h.
Discussion group
Electives	9 s.h.

Admission

Applicants must meet the admission requirements of the Graduate College; see Manual of Rules and Regulations of the Graduate College or the Graduate College section of the Catalog. Visit Admissions on the Center for the Book web site for more information.

Courses

108:029 (UICB:1111) First-Year Seminar	1 s.h.
Small discussion class taught by a faculty member; topics chosen by instructor; may include outside activities (e.g., films, lectures, performances, readings, visits to research facilities, fieldtrips). Requirements: first‑ or second‑semester standing.

108:100 (UICB:3900) Special Project for Undergraduates	arr.
Independent study.

108:101 (UICB:3310) Typography	4 s.h.
Introduction to letterform and typographic fundamentals; designing with type—attention to composition, hierarchy, historical practice. Corequisites: 01D:090 (DSGN:2110), if not taken as a prerequisite. Same as 01D:100 (DSGN:3120).

108:104 (UICB:3280) Elements of Book Art	3 s.h.
Overview of book art process and techniques for nonmajors; introduction to traditional bookbinding skills, nontraditional book structures, and content development for artist books. Same as 01X:104 (BKAT:3280).

108:105 (UICB:3380) Elements of Letterpress	3 s.h.
Introduction to letterpress printing for non‑book art majors; metal type, relief printing, page layout, and basic typography; basic use of Vandercook Proof Press; experimentation with diverse letterpress techniques.

108:110 (UICB:3100) Papermaking	3 s.h.
History, fundamental techniques of Western and Eastern hand papermaking; projects in traditional sheet forming, basic paper chemistry, paper coloring. Offered spring semesters. Same as 01X:110 (BKAT:3100).

108:112 (UICB:5160) Studies in Papermaking	arr.
Topics in the history and technique of papermaking.

108:130 (UICB:4100) Paperworks	3 s.h.
Conceptual and methodological approaches to 2‑D and 3‑D paper works; students create a body of works that couple the unique properties of paper‑pulp medium with personal visual ideas and clarity of intent; contemporary issues in paper pulp and the medium's relationship to larger art and craft contexts. Same as 01X:130 (BKAT:4100).

108:131 (UICB:5180) Advanced Projects in Paper	3 s.h.
Advanced independent projects undertaken in a classroom setting; collaborative group discussions to plan, implement, troubleshoot, and evaluate student projects. Prerequisites: 108:132 (UICB:5110) or 108:133 (UICB:5130) or 01X:120 (BKAT:5110) or 01Z:133 (BKAT:5120). Same as 01X:131 (BKAT:5180).

108:132 (UICB:5110) Islamic/Asian Papermaking History and Technique	3 s.h.
History, technique, and aesthetics of traditional Islamic and Asian hand papermaking. Same as 01X:120 (BKAT:5110).

108:133 (UICB:5130) Western Papermaking History and Technique	3 s.h.
History and technique of traditional European hand papermaking and related aesthetics; students gain confidence in pursuing independent production of handmade papers or undertaking related research in their own particular areas of interest; fiber preparation, sheet forming, and drying/finishing methods; concurrent readings and discussions of related history and aesthetics; special projects selected by student with instructor approval. Same as 01Z:133 (BKAT:5120).

108:136 (UICB:5170) Advanced Papermaking Production	3 s.h.
Independent Western‑ or Japanese‑style projects undertaken at UICB Research and Production Paper Facility at Oakdale Campus under faculty guidance; plan, implement, and evaluate professional scale production runs using full‑scale equipment. Prerequisites: 108:132 (UICB:5110) or 108:133 (UICB:5130) or 01X:120 (BKAT:5110) or 01Z:133 (BKAT:5120). Same as 01X:136 (BKAT:5170).

108:142 (UICB:4400) History of Western Letterforms	3 s.h.
History of Western letterforms, with focus on tools, materials, techniques; the major hands, their place in history, their influence on modern times; creation of letterforms using appropriate tools; hands‑on approach with emphasis on understanding rather than mastery. Same as 01Z:142 (BKAT:4400).

108:143 (UICB:3400) Calligraphy: Foundational Hands	3 s.h.
Fundamental calligraphic skills using Roman majuscule, Humanistic minuscule, Italic; basic layout and color theory incorporated into letter practice. Same as 01Z:143 (BKAT:3400).

108:145 (UICB:4420) Calligraphy: Blackletter Hands	3 s.h.
Development of proficiency in various hands, from vertical Textura to floridly gothic cursive; blackletter's historical connections with other disciplines.

108:146 (UICB:4490) Studies in Letter Arts	3 s.h.
Special topics and advanced projects in calligraphy and letter arts. Prerequisites: 108:140 or 108:141 or 108:142 (UICB:4400) or 108:143 (UICB:3400). Same as 01Z:146 (BKAT:4490).

108:150 (UICB:4205) Bookbinding I: Materials and Techniques	3 s.h.
Hands‑on introduction to materials and techniques commonly used in bookbinding. Same as 01Y:150 (BKAT:4205).

108:151 (UICB:4270) Bookbinding II	3 s.h.
Build on skills acquired in 108:150 (UICB:4205); projects to complete six bindings based on historical and contemporary models; sewing styles, board attachments, endband types; nonadhesive and case‑bound structures, varied materials and binding styles, their effects on structure, aesthetic considerations, further development of solid binding skills; historical development of particular binding practices. Prerequisites: 108:150 (UICB:4205). Same as 01Y:151 (BKAT:4270).

108:152 (UICB:5210) Bookbinding III	3 s.h.
Bookbinding structures based on historical and contemporary models; differences in various binding practices, how these differences affect function, why the styles developed; experience choosing appropriate structures for particular uses; emphasis on fine tuning skills and techniques required for advanced binding practices; sewn endbands, rounding and backing, sewing on varied supports, board attachments, and covering methods. Requirements: for 108:152 (UICB:5210) — 108:150 (UICB:4205) and 108:151 (UICB:4270); for 01Y:152 (BKAT:5210) — 01Y:150 (BKAT:4205) or 01Y:151 (BKAT:4270) or 108:150 (UICB:4205) or 108:151 (UICB:4270). Same as 01Y:152 (BKAT:5210).

108:153 (UICB:5260) Studies in Bookbinding	3 s.h.
Topics related to hand bookbinding. Same as 01Y:153 (BKAT:5260).

108:154 (UICB:4280) Artists' Books	3 s.h.
Exploration of the book as a form for artistic expression; emphasis on conceptual development; relationship between content, form, and structure; how a book's structure and design can enhance and integrate part of the work's meaning. Prerequisites: 01Y:150 (BKAT:4205) or 108:150 (UICB:4205). Same as 01Y:015 (BKAT:4280).

108:155 (UICB:4290) Historical Book Structures	3 s.h.
Historical development of book structures examined through surviving examples, construction of historical models. Prerequisites: 01Y:150 (BKAT:4205) or 108:150 (UICB:4205).

108:156 (UICB:4210) Boxes and Enclosures	3 s.h.
Hands‑on techniques for a variety of book enclosures; appropriateness, aesthetic issues concerning box design; Japanese wraparound case, drop‑spine box, hinged and lidded boxes, slipcase; technical skill development. Prerequisites: 108:150 (UICB:4205). Same as 01Y:156 (BKAT:4210).

108:157 (UICB:4220) Moveable/Sculptural Books	3 s.h.
Varied formats for moveable and/or sculptural books; history; readings, hands‑on model making. Same as 01Y:157 (BKAT:4220).

108:158 (UICB:4230) Pop-Up Book Structures	3 s.h.
Hands‑on exploration of varied aspects of paper engineering for bookmaking; historical and modern models studied and executed. Prerequisites: 108:150 (UICB:4205). Same as 01Y:158 (BKAT:4230).

108:160 (UICB:4300) Letterpress I	3 s.h.
Mechanics of letterpress printing, typography, and design as applied to hand set metal type and edition printing; printing on a Vandercook proof press; introduction to photopolymer plates and methods of illustration related to edition printing, historical aspects of printing technology, typecasting, type classification; role of letterpress in modern private press and contemporary artist books. Same as 01P:160 (ARTS:4300).

108:161 (UICB:4320) Handprinted Book: Design and Production	3 s.h.
Exploration of problems in hand‑printing books—choice of manuscript, editing, design, typesetting, proofreading, printing and binding; histories of printing and of the book, emphasis on 20th‑ and 21st‑century book design and literature. Same as 01P:161 (ARTS:4320).

108:162 (UICB:4390) Book and Publication Design	3 s.h.
Students plan, design, and produce a book using Adobe Creative Suite; page layout software, typography, page layout and design, book formatting, handling of image files, preparation of materials for print and other contemporary book media; history of book design, book design in contemporary publishing; visit to University of Iowa Libraries Special Collections. Prerequisites: 01D:100 (DSGN:3120) or 108:160 (UICB:4300). Same as 01P:162 (ARTS:4390).

108:163 (UICB:4330) Digital to Letterpress Book Design	3 s.h.
Digital typesetting and book design; chapbook production using photopolymer plates and Vandercook presses; text and content, book typography, practical and aesthetic considerations. Same as 01P:163 (ARTS:4330).

108:164 (UICB:4340) Digital Design for Artists' Books	3 s.h.
Introduction to concepts, techniques, and technologies used to design and produce artists' books with personal computers and graphic design software. Same as 01P:164 (ARTS:4340).

108:165 (UICB:4310) Innovative Letterpress	3 s.h.
Creation of the visual book using letterpress printing; narrative, serialization, type as graphic, physical structure of the book; traditional letterpress printing, monoprinting, nontraditional letterpress techniques using technology ranging from metal to digital. Same as 01P:165 (ARTS:4310).

108:166 (UICB:5370) Studies in Printing	3 s.h.
Special topics and advanced projects in printing.

108:167 (UICB:5330) Letterpress III	arr.
Builds on skills acquired in 108:160 (UICB:4300) and 108:169 (UICB:4380); advanced work in fine press book design and image‑making processes for fine press printing. Prerequisites: 108:169 (UICB:4380). Same as 01P:167 (ARTS:5330).

108:168 (UICB:4305) Computer Graphics for Book Arts	3 s.h.
Introduction to Adobe Creative Suite graphic design software (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop); emphasis on using software for book arts applications; typesetting and pagination of multipage documents; methods for combining text and image; tools and techniques for digital illustration; creation and manipulation of digital images; preparations of digital files for desktop or letterpress printing and services bureau output.

108:169 (UICB:4380) Letterpress II	3 s.h.
Builds on skills acquired in 108:160 (UICB:4300); issues of book design and production related to letterpress printing; exploration of hand‐set metal, digital typesetting, printing from photopolymer plates, and imagemaking; press mechanics and operation; students produce a letterpress printed chapbook or artist book; publication philosophies, manuscript acquisition, and topics specific to literary fine press and artist books; historical and contemporary context for literary fine press publications and artist book work. Prerequisites: 108:160 (UICB:4300).

108:170 (UICB:4010) Studies in Book Technologies	arr.
Topics such as book design, printing, paper arts, letterforms, typography.

108:171 (UICB:5280) Bookbinding IV	3 s.h.
Advanced studies in bookbinding; fine binding styles, leather paring and tooling, advanced finishing techniques, refining skills; continued look at differences in regional binding practices, how these differences affect function, and why particular styles developed. Prerequisites: 108:152 (UICB:5210).

108:181 (UICB:3140) Literature and the Book	3 s.h.
English majors may apply this course to the following area and/or period requirement. AREA: Literary Theory and Interdisciplinary Studies. PERIOD: Early Literatures through 17th‑Century, 18th/19th‑Century Literature, or 20th/21st‑Century Literature. Same as 008:130 (ENGL:3140).

108:182 (UICB:4910) The Book in the Middle Ages	3 s.h.
Relation of text, decoration, function, creators, and audience in different genres of medieval manuscript books 400‑1500 A.D. Same as 16E:120 (HIST:4910).

108:183 (UICB:4920) The Transition from Manuscript to Print	3 s.h.
Western manuscripts and books 1200‑1600; changes in production and distribution methods and in how texts were used, in cultural context. Same as 021:258 (SLIS:4920), 16E:118 (HIST:4920).

108:185 (UICB:4150) Introduction to Book Studies	3 s.h.
Theory and practice of book studies; meanings of word and image in the book format; comparative study of other media, applied study of the codex as physical artifact. English majors may apply this course to the following area and/or period requirement. AREA: Literary Theory and Interdisciplinary Studies. PERIOD: Early Literatures Through 17th Century, or 18th/19th‑Century Literature, or 20th/21st‑Century Literature. Same as 008:134 (ENGL:4150).

108:186 (UICB:3142) Topics in Book History	3 s.h.
Authorship, publishing, and so forth within specific historical and cultural contexts. English majors may apply this course to the following area and/or period requirement. AREA: Literary Theory and Interdisciplinary Studies. PERIOD: Early Literatures Through 17th Century, 18th/19th‑Century Literature, or 20th/21st‑Century Literature. Same as 008:190 (ENGL:3142).

108:200 (UICB:5550) Special Project for Graduate Students	arr.
Independent study.

108:201 (UICB:5510) Book Studies Workshop	1 s.h.
Discussion of issues central to book studies; workshop approach to current projects.

108:202 (UICB:5520) Introduction to Book History	3 s.h.
Topics related to production, distribution, and consumption of books through history and into the future.

108:204 (UICB:5530) Topics in Preservation/Conservation	3 s.h.
Care, conservation, and preservation of cultural heritage artifacts; readings, discussion, hands‑on sessions.

108:205 (UICB:6500) Final Project	arr.
Project for graduate certificate.

108:210 (UICB:5150) Individual Instruction in Papermaking/Paperworks	arr.
Traditional papermaking or creation of works of art using paper pulp as the medium; independent projects.

108:214 (UICB:5450) Individual Instruction in Calligraphy	arr.

108:215 (UICB:5250) Individual Instruction in Bookbinding/Structure	arr.
Bookbinding and artists' book works; independent projects.

108:216 (UICB:5350) Individual Instruction in Printing	arr.

108:220 (UICB:5600) History of Readers and Reading	3 s.h.
Cultural nature of reading practices in historic and contemporary contexts of reading; reading communities; dimensions of gender, age, class, religion, race, ethnicity; examples of recent scholarship; use of primary resources; seminar. Same as 021:256 (SLIS:5600).

108:222 (UICB:6120) Topics: Policy/Planning	1-3 s.h.
Current topics in national and international policies, their impact on planning. Same as 021:279 (SLIS:6500).

108:224 (UICB:6270) Electronic Publishing	3 s.h.
Modes and methods for building electronic journals, books, thematic collections; new genres for publishing, including blogs, wikis, comics, short stories on the web; social, political, and economic forces that shape electronic publishing; XML‑based project. Prerequisites: 021:120 (SLIS:5020). Same as 021:224 (SLIS:6270).

108:230 (UICB:6370) Topics in Book Studies	3 s.h.
Topics relevant to book studies and special collections. Same as 021:249 (SLIS:6370).

108:280 (UICB:6520) Graduate Book Arts Workshop	3 s.h.
Development of art work and studio practice; readings and research in contemporary theory and practice; analysis of visual language; integration of creative activities and critical thinking in student's own art practice and analysis of contemporary work in book arts; group and individual critiques, studio assignments, presentations, discussions.

108:298 (UICB:6540) M.F.A. Thesis Hours	arr.

108:299 (UICB:6100) Book Studies Proseminar	1-3 s.h.

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