Information Package
baskent.edu.tr

Master's Program of Graphic Design with Thesis

GRA508

ADVANCED TYPOGRAPHY RESEARCH

Course Code
GRA508
Semester
-
Theory+Practice
2 + 2
ECTS
10
Course TypeElective Course
Course LevelMaster's Degree With Thesis
Year of Study-
Semester-
ECTS10
Name of Lecturer(s)
Learning Outcomes

At the end of this course, the students;

  1. Analyze the historical development and basic concepts of typography (letter anatomy, classifications, legibility).
  2. Establish a conceptual framework for experimental typographic compositions and ground visual hierarchy/rhythm decisions.
  3. Conduct the typeface design process based on research (reference scanning, moodboard, sketch, prototype, test); Design the basic character set of a font (core set meeting at least Latin extended requirements) and make it consistent, Apply vector drawing, spacing, kerning, and export steps using digital font production tools (e.g., Glyphs, FontLab, RoboFont, etc.), Deliver the font in a professional presentation format.
Mode of DeliveryFace to face
PrerequisitesNo
Recommended Optional Programme Components
Course DescriptionIn this course, experimental typographic compositions are produced, while the historical development of typography is examined, and font design studies are carried out. At the end of the course, each student transfers the typeface they produced to the digital environment and will have designed a usable font.
Course Contents
WEEK TOPICS
1st Week Course introduction; research approach in typography; example font reviews; brief.
2nd Week Historical development of typography: periods, movements, writing systems; literature review.
3rd Week Letter anatomy, classifications, x-height, contrast; legibility and criteria.
4th Week Experimental typographic composition: rhythm, grid, scale; analog trials.
5th Week From concept to font: design goal, usage scenario, target audience.
6th Week Character design.
7th Week Character design.
8th Week Midterm evaluation/jury 1: concept + lowercase set; feedback.
9th Week Uppercase set; numbers and basic punctuation.
10th Week Spacing and metrics, kerning logic; test texts.
11th Week Font families.
12th Week Usage tests: screen/print; different sizes; language and character scope.
13th Week Font identity; presentation language.
14th Week Final submission and presentation.
Recommended or Required ReadingBringhurst, R. (2012). The Elements of Typographic Style. Hartley & Marks.
Lupton, E. (2014). Thinking with Type (2nd ed.). Princeton Architectural Press.
Jury, D. (2012). What is Typography? RotoVision.
Meggs, P. B., & Purvis, A. W. (2016). Meggs? History of Graphic Design (6th ed.). Wiley.
Tracy, W. (2003). Letters of Credit: A View of Type Design. David R. Godine.
Baines, P., & Haslam, A. (2005). Type & Typography. Laurence King.
Planned Learning Activities and Teaching Methods
  • Lecture
  • Problem Solving
  • Project
  • Practice
  • Presentation
Assessment Methods and Criteria
Quantity Percentage (%)
Mid-term 1 20
Practice 1 30
Project 1 40
Attendance 1 10
Total(%) 100
Contribution of In-term Studies to Overall Grade(%) 100
Contribution of Final Examination to Overall Grade(%) 0
Total(%) 100
ECTS Allocated Based on Student Workload
Activities Quantity Duration (Hour) Total Workload (Hour)
Midterm exam 1 3 3
Preparation for Quiz
Individual or group work 4 24 96
Preparation for Final exam 1 24 24
Course hours 14 3 42
Preparation for Midterm exam
Laboratory (including preparation)
Final exam 1 6 6
Homework 3 40 120
Total Work Load291
Total Work Load / 30 (h)9.7
ECTS Credit of the Course10
Language of InstructionTurkish
Work Placement(s)No

Programme Qualifications / Learning Outcomes

LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
K1
K2 X X
K3 X X
K4 X X
K5 X X X X
K6 X X X
K7 X
K8
K9 X
K10 X
K11 X
K12 X X
K13 X
K14 X
K15 X
K16 X
K17