TG1WTF: What the Font? Making and Using Typefaces

Module code: TG1WTF

Module provider: Typography; School of Arts and Comm Design

Credits: 20

Level: 4

When you’ll be taught: Semester 2

Module convenor: Dr Borna Izadpanah , email: borna.izadpanah@reading.ac.uk

Pre-requisite module(s): This module is not available to students in the Department of Typography and Graphic Communication. (Open)

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: 25 April 2025

Overview

Module aims and purpose

You are surrounded by fonts. Social media, text messages, email, branding, advertising, websites, books, magazines … Human (and machine) communication relies extensively on fonts, but what do you really know about them? How and why are new fonts created? And is it ever OK to use comic sans?! This module will introduce you to the world of typeface design, exploring the history, theory, and practice of making and using fonts and giving you the opportunity to design a typeface of your own. No background in design is required. 

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• To provide an introduction to the history and theory of typeface design for a variety of scripts and languages from around the world. 
• To consider the impact of technology on the appearance of typefaces. 
• To explore key concepts such as typeface personality, legibility, and accessibility. 

Module learning outcomes

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

1. Have a broad overview of developments in typeface design from 1420-2020
2. Appreciate the influence of font choice in graphic design
3. Demonstrate understanding of typeface classification and personality
4. Appreciate the challenges of creating new fonts

Module content

The module will begin by looking at where our alphabets come from, the basic form of letters in the Latin alphabet, and the influence of different tools for making letters on font design. We will then explore how fonts changed in appearance, and why, between 1420 and 2020. In doing so we will consider the impact of new technologies and new media, the contributions of important innovators and pioneers, and the impact of colonialization. The core of the module will focus on how we can understand and analyse the influence that fonts can have on the people who read them and on a practical exploration of font creation.     

Teaching on this module will consider the development of fonts from a global perspective, looking at scripts and languages from different cultures and regions. The module will also explore issues of colonialism in relation to the creation of new fonts. 

Structure

Teaching and learning methods

Teaching will be through a mix of pre-recorded lectures and interactive practical classes. 

Study hours

At least 20 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.