Course detail

Type and Typography

FSI-YTGAcad. year: 2016/2017

The course is focused both on type, and possibilities of application of type. It makes students familiar with the development and classification of Latin type, writing of script lettering with pen and ink, and by means of caligraphy in computer programs. This course is a training for graphic design workshops. It deals with the usage of type in printing, basics of typography (basic terms), typographical layout of a printed matter and DTP, reproduction and print technologies, and new computer technologies in typography, both in type-setting, printing preparation, and in new media.
The course has been upgraded with the support of the OPVK project. "The Studio digital sculpture and new media project", reg. No. CZ.1.07/2.2.00/28.0278, is co-financed by the European Social Fund and the state budget of the Czech Republic.

Language of instruction

Czech

Number of ECTS credits

4

Mode of study

Not applicable.

Guarantor

doc. Ing. arch. Jan Rajlich

Department

Institute of Machine and Industrial Design (ÚK)

Learning outcomes of the course unit

Basic orientation in writing, print types, and the terminology of visual communications design. Orientation in typography, reproduction, print and creation of basic design applications in visual communications using typeface.

Prerequisites

Basic knowledge of both hand and computer work with lettering and of basic computer graphic programmes.

Co-requisites

Not applicable.

Planned learning activities and teaching methods

The course is taught through lectures explaining the basic principles and theory of the discipline. Teaching is suplemented by creative work in studio/workshops and excursion.

Assesment methods and criteria linked to learning outcomes

Graded course-unit credit requirements: meeting assigned projects deadlines in a sufficient quality, passing the final test (optional). The test verifies global orientation and knowledge of the development and theory of visual communication design and technology.
Resulting evaluation consists of evaluations on tasks and a test. In total it will be possible to aquire 100 points. Resulting classification will be defined by the ECTS scale.
If some of the projects as well as the test are awarded less than half of the maximum pts., final evaluation of the course is "failed".
According to the article No. 13 of Study and Examination Rules of Brno University of Technology ECTS evaluation degree scale is used. . If some of the projects are awarded less than 50 pts., final evaluation of the course is "failed". The course is evaluated with the following grades: ECTS EVALUATION DEGREES / PTS. RATING / NUMERIC RATING: A / 100 - 90 / 1 / Excellent; B /89 - 80 / 1,5 / Very good; C / 79 - 70 / 2 / Good; D / 69 - 60 / Satisfactory; E / 59 - 50 / Sufficient; F / 49 - 0 / 4 / Failed.

Course curriculum

Not applicable.

Work placements

Not applicable.

Aims

The course objective is to familiarize students with the development of signs and types, classification of print Latin typefaces, and basic calligraphical and typographical terms as well as to master the writing and use of script lettering both by hand and by means of computer programs. Using of scripts and print typefaces and combination with the image in format (print, screen), mastering basic terms in setting, typography, reproduction, and print, practical typographic layout of printed matter, DTP, and screen design.

Specification of controlled education, way of implementation and compensation for absences

The attendance in lectures is recommended. The attendance in workshop education is controlled. Students have to be present at scheduled hours in the schoolroom, work on given projects and wait for consultation, unless a lecturer gives other individual plan. The excuse of absence is possible only due serious reasons, e.g. illness.

Recommended optional programme components

Not applicable.

Prerequisites and corequisites

Not applicable.

Basic literature

BRINGHURST, Robert. The elements of typographic style. Vancouver: Hartley & Marks, c1992. ISBN 0-88179-033-8. (EN)
ELIŠKA, Jiří. Vizuální komunikace: Písmo. Brno: CERM, 2005. ISBN 80-7204-418-4. (CS)

Recommended reading

HLAVSA, Oldřich. Typographia (Písmo, ilustrace, kniha), Státní nakladatelství technické literatury, n.p. (SNTL), Praha, 1976
HLAVSA, Oldřich. Typographia 2 (Fotosazba), Státní nakladatelství technické literatury, n.p. (SNTL), Praha, 1981
HLAVSA, Oldřich. Typographia 3 (Písmo, ilustrace, kniha), Státní nakladatelství technické literatury, n.p. (SNTL), Praha, 1986

Classification of course in study plans

  • Programme B3A-P Bachelor's

    branch B-PDS , 3 year of study, summer semester, compulsory

Type of course unit

 

Lecture

13 hod., optionally

Teacher / Lecturer

doc. Ing. arch. Jan Rajlich

Syllabus

1. Basic definitions of typeface design, parts of a letter, typefaces terminology; Base line, basic exercise in writing letters with pen, calligraphy, cursive types.
2. Development of visual communication – origin of sign and letters – 1st communication revolution, Summer, Egyptian, Phoenician and Greek types.
3. Latin type – Roman capital, uncial, half-uncial; Carolinian minuscule; European types of Romanesque and Gothic periods, letterpress – 2nd communication revolution.
4. Print typefaces – dynamic antique (humanist, garalde), transitional antique, static antique;
5. Print typefaces – linear serif (slab serif) and linear sans-serif typefaces; linear antique, script (calligraphic and free-written), fancy typefaces.
6. Personalities of World type design in 19th and 20th centuries; Czech type designers; Digitalization of visual communication – 3rd revolution in communication.
7. Terms in typography, typographical measurements; Grid – typesetting design of page, golden rule, formats, and composition; Ways of setting, distinguishing.
8. Specification of type-setting, manuscript – calculation of setting and inscription of MS; Correction symbols; Outlines of typographical layout, selection of types,, headings and titles, usage of colour.
9. Types of setting technology: hand-, machine-, photo-, computer- (digital) setting.
10. Reproduction, originals, reproduction techniques, rigins of print, letterpress, graphical printing techniques..
11. Print techniques: relief printing, gravure printing. planographic printing, silk screen, no-touch print.
12. Paper and bookbinding; Embossing.
13. Test.