TY3TYP-Typeforms

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

Module Convenor: Prof Gerry Leonidas
Email: g.leonidas@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

The module will be taught in either the Autumn or Spring terms, depending on student selection and staff availability. If the module runs in the Spring term then the contact hours will be the same as those listed below for the Autumn term.

An introduction to concepts and practices in typeface design.

Aims:
This module aims to develop an awareness of typeface- and font-specific terminology, and the relationship of current nomenclature to type-making and type-rendering technologies. It also aims to develop an understanding of basic concepts in typeface design, and their relationship to current typographic practice.

Assessable learning outcomes:
Students should be able to identify the different parts of typeforms, explain the differences in font formats, and incorporate considerations of rendering technologies in their design work.

Additional outcomes:
Students should be able to articulate how current font technology enables and delimits choices in typographic work.

Outline content:

Topics covered include:

• distinctions between letterforms, typeforms, glyphs


• typeform terminology


• spacing and kerning of typefaces


• glyph-, word-, line-, and paragraph-level considerations in typeface design


• approaches to typeface classification


• character sets, glyph complements, and encodings


• font formats, and font file structure


• relationship of typog raphic features and OpenType features


• convention and originality in typeface design


• contemporary typeface usage and the type market

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
Students attend seminars where the key topics are presented, then discussed in the group. Students will have been given material to prepare or investigate before the start of the module, and will collaborate in exercises during each session. They are expected to discuss the material presented, make observations, and construct arguments in response to the material at hand. Students will undertake a practical design project that includes sketching and modifying typeforms from existing sources, and group-based refinement of their designs, before moving on to developing selected typeforms of their own design. Please note that the Summer Term in the table below refers to the Summer Term of Part 2.

Summative assessment- Examinations:
N/A

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

A single practical project and accompanying report are submitted for summative assessment in summer term of part 3. 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:
40%

Reassessment arrangements:
Project work that bears a confirmed mark of less than 40 must be resubmitted by an August/September date to be notified.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books: None

2) Specialist equipment or materials: None

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear: None

4) Printing and binding: £5-£10

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification: None

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence: None

Last updated: 22 June 2021