Publishing and Printing Arts

253.535.7241 www.plu.edu/ppa/ solveig.robinson@plu.edu
Solveig Robinson, Ph.D., Director

shakespeare_folioFor more than 30 years, Pacific Lutheran University’s Department of English has offered a way to help students translate a love of books into an exciting professional career in publishing. The distinctive interdisciplinary curriculum in Publishing and Printing Arts (PPA) is highly respected by employers because it combines pre-professional skills and experience with the solid foundation of a liberal arts education. This six-course minor is designed to give students with talents and interests in writing, graphic design, communication, or business a head start into the world of publishing and a broad variety of related professions. The PPA program readily complements majors concerned with language and the written word, such as English, languages, education, public relations, journalism, marketing, and graphic design. But students majoring in a wide spectrum of disciplines—from biology to music to anthropology—have discovered the value of a PPA minor, too. It both helps to connect them to publishing career opportunities in those fields and provides a richer understanding of the complex roles that written communications of all sorts play in our lives and in our modern world.

Publishing and Printing Arts Minor

24 semester hours including:

  • Three core courses are required
    12 semester hours
    • PPAP 301: The Book in Society
    • PPAP 302: Publishing Procedures
    • PPAP 321: The Art of the Book I

In addition to the above 12 semester hour core, students take three elective courses (12 semester hours) selected from at least two of the following categories:

  • Writing/Editing
    All English writing courses beyond WRIT 101, including ENGL 393
    • Approved courses in Communication: COMA 215, 343, 344, 360
  • Marketing/Management
    • Approved courses in Business: BUSA 203, 305, 308, 340, 358, 361, 363, 364
    • or in Communication: COMA 275, 361, 362, 421, 461
  • Design/Production
    Approved courses in Art, English, or Communication:
    • ARTD 210, 220, 310, 320, 370, 410, 420, 470
    • PPAP 322 or COMA 275, 401, 426, 427

Up to two courses (8 semester hours) can be counted toward both a PPA minor and other requirements, such as general education program elements, another minor, or a major. As part of their minor in Publishing and Printing Arts, students are encouraged to acquire practical experience in publishing-related work outside the classroom.

Publishing and Printing Arts (PPAP)

PPAP 301 : The Book in Society

A critical study of the history of book culture and the role of books in modern society. (4)

PPAP 302 : Publishing Procedures

A workshop introduction to the world of book publishing, involving students in decisions about what to publish and how to produce it. (4)

PPAP 321 : The Art of the Book I - AR

This studio course explores the history, aesthetics, and creative dimensions of book design and typography. Requires permission from the Printing and Publishing director in the Department of English and instructor. (4)

PPAP 322 : The Art of the Book II - AR

Individual projects to explore further typography and fine bookmaking. (4)

PPAP 491 : Independent Study

To provide individual undergraduate students with advanced study not available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as IS: followed by the specific title designated by the student. (1 to 4)