TG1TT: Type and Typography

Module code: TG1TT

Module provider: Typography; School of Arts and Comm Design

Credits: 20

Level: 4

When you’ll be taught: Semester 1

Module convenor: Dr Rob Banham , email: r.e.banham@reading.ac.uk

Pre-requisite module(s):

Co-requisite module(s):

Pre-requisite or Co-requisite module(s):

Module(s) excluded:

Placement information: NA

Academic year: 2025/6

Available to visiting students: Yes

Talis reading list: Yes

Last updated: 29 April 2025

Overview

Module aims and purpose

The term ‘Typography’ refers to a set of activities around using fonts or typefaces – from the minute detail of how each letter is designed through to the ways in which letters build into words, sentences, paragraphs, pages, books or websites. This module will introduce you to the world of type and typography, exploring the history, theory, and practice of making and using fonts. You will complete practical projects designed to introduce the basics of how type works, and why it’s so central to graphic design and to the way that everybody experiences the written word. 

Module learning outcomes

By the end of the module, it is expected that students will be able to:

1. Evidence design decisions: Explain and justify design concepts and proposals through a range of written, oral and graphic media.
2. Organise visual content: Create effective and engaging design solutions by demonstrating an understanding of how people process and react to graphic and typographic content.
3. Employ technologies appropriately: Select and harness traditional, current and emerging technologies and crafts.
4. Seek and assimilate new knowledge: Assess and incorporate contemporary discourse into design thinking.

Module content

The module integrates design practice, history, theory, and technology to look at the origins of letterforms and type, and to understand contemporary contexts of use. We will set you one or more practical briefs on a relevant topic involving type (such as typeface design, simple documents, posters, social media graphics or a short booklet) and ask you to create professional design outcomes, supported by evidence of your working process, and some reflection on your approach. 

Structure

Teaching and learning methods

The module will be delivered through a series of weekly feedback classes with tutors and supervised work in the studio, supported with lectures, seminars, and workshops. You will receive regular formative feedback in whole cohort, small group or one-to-one discussions, in which you will be expected to present and defend your work and comment on the work of peers. 

Study hours

At least 54 hours of scheduled teaching and learning activities will be delivered in person, with the remaining hours for scheduled and self-scheduled teaching and learning activities delivered either in person or online. You will receive further details about how these hours will be delivered before the start of the module.