Revised 08/2020

ART 141 - Typography I (3 CR.)

Course Description

Studies the history of letterforms and typefaces and examines their uses in contemporary communications media. Emphasizes applications to specific design problems. Includes identification and specification of type and uses current technologies for copy fitting and hands-on typesetting problems. Part I of II. Lecture 2 hours. Studio instruction 2 hours. Total 4 hours per week.

General Course Purpose

A study of the development of typography will be explored from Gutenberg until present day. The study will include development of letterforms and their differences, and classification of typefaces. Practical exercises, demonstrations and lectures will be integral parts of the course.

Course Prerequisites/Corequisites

Prerequisite: ART 140.

Course Objectives

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to: 

• Describe and classify type
• Describe various classifications of letterforms
• Outline the history of letterforms
• Describe the anatomy of letterforms
• Use basic typographic terminology
• Use techniques to ensure legibility
• Typeset and create basic page layouts

Major Topics to Be Included

• History of letterforms
• Classifications of letterforms
• Typographic terminology
• Copyright issues regarding fonts
• Techniques to ensure legibility
• Page design and layout
• Typesetting basics using graphic design software