Course detail

Typography

FSI-YTGAcad. year: 2025/2026

The course is focused both on typeface, and application of type. It makes students familiar with the development and classification of Latin type, writing of script lettering with flat pen and ink, and by means of caligraphy in computer programs. This course is a training for visual communication (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 and pre-press, and in new media.

Language of instruction

Czech

Number of ECTS credits

5

Mode of study

Not applicable.

Guarantor

doc. Ing. arch. Jan Rajlich

Department

Institute of Machine and Industrial Design (ÚK)

Entry knowledge

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

Rules for evaluation and completion of the course

Graded course-unit credit requirements: presence in workshops, meeting assigned projects deadlines in a sufficient quality, passing the final test. The test examines the overall orientation and knowledge of the theory - the development of symbol, type, typography, typeface design and technologies within the scope of the learned Typography subject content..
Resulting evaluation consists of evaluations on submitted tasks (70 points) and a written test (30 points). In total it will be possible to aquire 100 points. 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".


Recommended attendance at lectures, compulsory attendance at seminars. Education runs according to the week schedule. The way of compensation of missed seminars is specified by the course guarantor.

Aims

The course objective is to familiarize students with the development of signs and typefaces, 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 type-setting, typography, reproduction, and print, practical typographic layout of printed matter, DTP, and screen design.

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.

Study aids

Not applicable.

Prerequisites and corequisites

Not applicable.

Basic literature

BANN, David. Polygrafická příručka. Praha: Slovart, 2008. ISBN 978-80-7391-029-7. (CS)
BRINGHURST, Robert. The elements of typographic style. Vancouver: Hartley & Marks, c1992. ISBN 0-88179-033-8. (EN)
CARTER, Rob et all. Typographic Design: Form and Communication. New Jersey: Willey, 2012. ISBN 978-0-470-64821-6. (EN)
ELIŠKA, Jiří. Vizuální komunikace: Písmo. Brno: CERM, 2005. ISBN 80-7204-418-4. (CS)

Recommended reading

BLAŽEJ, Bohuslav. Grafická úprava tiskovin pro 4. ročník střední průmyslové školy grafické (studijní obor polygrafie). Praha: SPN, 1990. ISBN 80-04-23201-9. (CS)
DUSONG, Jean-Luc a Fabienne SIEGWART. Typografie: od olova k počítačům. Praha: Svojtka a Vašut, 1997. ISBN 80-7180-296-4. (CS)
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
ODEHNAL, Antonín. c2005. Grafické techniky: praktický průvodce. Brno: ERA.
SLEZÁK, Miloš. Písmo ve výtvarné výchově: učebnice písma pro posluchače výchovy na pedagogických fakultách. 2., upravené vyd. Praha: Státní pedagogické nakladatelství, 1989.
ŠALDA, Jaroslav. Od rukopisu ke knize a časopisu. 4., přeprac. vyd. Praha: Státní nakladatelství technické literatury, 1983. (CS)

Classification of course in study plans

  • Programme B-PDS-P Bachelor's 3 year of study, summer semester, compulsory
  • Programme B-VKP-P Bachelor's 1 year of study, summer semester, compulsory

Type of course unit

 

Lecture

13 hod., optionally

Teacher / Lecturer

doc. Ing. arch. Jan Rajlich

Syllabus

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

Studio work

52 hod., compulsory

Teacher / Lecturer

doc. Ing. arch. Jan Rajlich

Syllabus

• Basic definitions in letters, basic training of writing with flat (ATO) pen.
• Training capitals (upper case) letters and figures.
• Training lower case letters.
• Words and texts; Text page; Text double spread.
• Composition and content exercises with text.
• Typographical symbol design from letters, eg. personal monogram or product logotype – sketches and drafts. Application in printed matters and on a product - sketches, alternative drafts, final design.
• Alternative designs of typographical pages (e. g. book title page).
• Analysis of typographical page (magazine, newspaper); Type-setting, grid, layout of page, inscription of manuscript, reproduction.
• Blind embossing.
• Test.