DG1S006 - Typography 01 Sep 2023 - 31 Aug 2028 | Version 1

Associated Module Information

Module Code: DG1S006
Module Title: Typography
Faculty: Faculty of Business and Creative Industries
Faculty Group: Games and Design
Faculty Sub Group: Design
Module Leader: Stephen Leadbetter
Module Team: Sarah Down, Rachel Grainger, Emma Marshman, Ryan Preece
First Intended Intake: SEP 2023 Final Year of Intake:
Date Closed:
Credit Value: 20 Credit Level: 4
Language: English
Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: 0
Equivalent Module:
HECOS codes: 100061 - graphic design
HECOS Code Weighting: 100

Document Version Information

Version 1
Valid From 01 Sep 2023
Valid To 31 Aug 2028

Module Aims

Introduce learners to the discipline of typographic practice and develop an understanding of classifications for further exploration, experimentation, and application.

Recognise typography as a critical component to developing communication strategies in various outputs relative to the subject discipline.

Encourage an experimental creative attitude through both craft and digital experimentation within the discipline, to further develop key skills in research, creativity, command, and communication strategies

Content Summary

This module is intended to mark the beginning of your professional relationship with typography, and to encourage confidence and consideration towards a ‘type-first’ attitude for both future design projects and your developing professional practice.

You will be required to explore how Designers develop typographic solutions to 21st century communication challenges.?You will learn to identify traditional, modern, and contemporary practice along with extremes, ranging from typography as an expressive artform to typography for clerical Information; global accessibility and navigation; to professionally published documents that demonstrate command of aesthetic and clerical legibility.

This module consists of a series of typographic workshops, methodologies and techniques that aims to develop confidence through an experiential ‘trial and error’ approach, and through the practice-based-learning of various typographic principles and formalities.

You will begin to recognise origins and classifications of typography through lectures, workshops, and research tasks. You will reflect on creative practical workshops and foster creativity through both craft and digital masterclasses. This module rewards an open-mind to risk-taking, exploration, and experimentation as you are presented with an opportunity to resolve a series of design challenges through the restriction of typographic-only practice.

You will be encouraged to independently expand and develop your creative practice through the exploration of new disciples – for example, Traditional and Digital Modelling of 3D Type, Photography, Laser-Cutting, 3D printing to Risograph printing as you embark on an exciting learning journey with type.

Learning and Teaching Methods

Activity Type Hours
Lecture 6
Practical classes and workshops 10
Supervised time in studio/workshop 18
Independent Study 100
Directed Study 64
Formative Assessment - Scheduled 2
Total Hours Selected 200

Learning Outcomes

# Learning Outcome
LO1 Recognise typographic practice and experimentation as an effective process of conceptualising multiple creative concepts for communication strategies
LO2 Identify and select appropriate type, classifications, treatment, typesetting, and experimental methods in response to a design challenges and audience requirements.

Module Requisites

N/A

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Category Assessment Type Description Duration Word Count Weight (%) Best of? Pass Mark
Asynchronous Assessment Visual Journal 1 A visual journal evidencing your learning journey and interactions with a variety of typographic methods for experimentation, standardisation, application, and practice. 0 N/A 70 No 40
Asynchronous Assessment Creative Designs / Art 1 An exhibition of typographically- designed artefacts, presented in response to set creative challenges 0 N/A 30 No 40

Assessment Matrix

Assessment Type Learning Outcomes
LO1 LO2
Visual Journal 1
Creative Designs / Art 1

Reading List

Ambrose, G. and Harris, P. (2011) The fundamentals of typography. 2nd edn. Lausanne: AVA.

Baines, P. and Haslam, A. (2002) Type and Typography. London: Lawrence King.

Banker, W. and Baird, R. (2009) Process – Visual Journeys in Graphic Design. Bletchingley: Counter-Print.

Dowling, J. (2022) Big Type: Graphic Design and Identities with Typographic Emphasis. Bletchingley: Counter-Print.

Garfield, S. (2010) Just My Type: A Book About Fonts. New York: Profile Books.

Heller, S. and Talarico, L. (2012) Typographic Sketchbooks: Stephen Heller and Lita Talarico. London: Thames and Hudson Ltd.

Klanten, R. and Hellige, H. (2009) Playful Type: Ephemeral Lettering and Illustrative Fonts. Berlin: Die Gestalten Verlag.

Klanten, R. and Hellige, H. and Middendorp J. (2010) Playful Type: v 2: Ephemeral Lettering and Illustrative Fonts. Berlin: Die Gestalten Verlag.

Müller-Brockmann, J. and Stephenson, D.Q. (2007) Grid Systems in Graphic Design – Raster Systeme für die Visuelle Gestaltung. 5th edn. Sulgen: Verlag Niggli AG.