TY3LET-Letterpress

Module Provider: Typography
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:6
Terms in which taught: Autumn and Spring (Double presentation)
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2021/2

Module Convenor: Mr Geoff Wyeth
Email: g.m.wyeth@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:
Investigation of letterpress printing through historical and theoretical study and practical application

Aims:
To develop skills in letterpress printing through the exploration of the Pantone system of creating spot colours

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the module the students should be able to:

• produce a series of printed examples demonstrating accurate registration and consistent ink coverage

• plan and execute design solutions derived from the possibilities and limitations of print production

• print, assess and match spot colours on a range of papers

• identify and appraise historical and present day examples of spot-colour printing

Additional outcomes:
By the end of the module the students should be able to:
£ explain when spot colours should be specified
£ create bespoke spot colours and mix spot colours to professional standards
£ create and specify designs which involve the overprinting of spot colours

Outline content:

Students will develop practical letterpress printing skills through exploration of the Pantone system of creating spot colours. Basic skills will be developed through workshops covering subjects such as:

• workshop health and safety

• working with historic presses

• letterpress make-ready techniques

• working with wood letter

• the pantone colour matching system

• ink and how it reacts with d ifferent paper types

Students will engage with historic and present day examples of spot-colour printing in seminars before exploring the possibilities of spot-colour printing through a self-directed letterpress printing project.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
Students will undertake a self-directed letterpress printing project, supported by demonstrations and workshops, and seminar discussions of historical and contemporary examples of spot-colour printing. Individual tutorials and group seminars are scheduled to monitor and support work in progress. Initially students working in groups will repeat demonstrations and evaluate the results before working individually to develop their skills and apply these to the project.

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

A single practical project and accompanying report are submitted for summative assessment in summer term. Marking and moderating will take into account the formative assessment stage (see below) and any additional work the student has undertaken prior to final submission. If a proportion of the mark is awarded for participation, or meeting interim deadlines, this cannot be improved at resubmission stage.

Formative assessment methods:

Formative feedback is given during the project; further feedback (including an indicative marking rubric) is given after initial project submission; a final opportunity for feedback is offered in summer term to students making changes before final submission.

Penalties for late submission:

Non-standard penalties apply to the late submission of Part 3 practical work that is assessed in Summer Term. 10% of the total marks available for the work will be deducted from the final mark where work is submitted up to 24 hours late. Thereafter the mark falls to zero. Assessors may exercise discretion in the application of penalties.

Assessment requirements for a pass:
A mark of 40% overall

Reassessment arrangements:
Submission of a new practical project by an August/September date to be notified.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books: None

2) Specialist equipment or materials: Students may need to purchase lino, cutting tools, printing blocks, or paper as necessary.

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear: None

4) Printing and binding: None

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification: None

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence: None

Last updated: 22 June 2021