Module Provider: |
Typography |
Number of credits: |
20 [10 ECTS credits] |
Level: |
C (Certificate) |
Terms in which taught: |
Autumn and Spring |
Module Convenor: |
Mr
MJ
Andrews |
Pre-requisites: |
|
Co-requisites: |
|
Modules excluded: |
|
Current from: |
2005/6 |
Aims:
The module aims to provide students with an introduction to the history of written communication during the typographic era. This includes the economic and social circumstances of the production of texts as books and of other printed artefacts; the methods, tools and materials of production; and the famous practitioners and innovators. It also introduces methods of textual articulation in periods during which different tools, materials and uses of books prevailed. |
Assessable learning outcomes:
By the end of the module students should be able to:
account for the introduction of printing in 15th-century Europe and contrast this with eastern precedents
outline the rapid growth of the British 19th-century printing industry, and assess the relative contributions of developments in presses, papermaking, rising literacy and related factors
recognize the innovators and situate their contributions |
Additional outcomes:
Students should also develop information handling skills by the writing of short essays, based on secondary sources, develop skills in oral presentation and become familiar with methods for handling rare materials through observation. |
Outline content:
The course focuses on the two centuries of greatest change in text production: the 15th- and the 19th-century. The earlier century includes:
the background to the invention of printing and its 'inventor' Johannes Gutenberg
early technology (punchcutting, typecasting, the printing press, paper and ink)
varieties of early type designs
methods of illustrating and decorating books
methods of textual articulation, including the introduction of the title-page
William Caxton and early printing in England
Nicolas Jenson and Aldus Manutius in Venice
For the 19th century, the following topics are covered:
general 19th-century social and economic developments
technological improvements to printing presses, papermaking, mechanized typecasting and typesetting
new processes such as lithography and photography, colour printing, the wood-engraving industry; and new display letterforms needed by the advertising and marketing industries |
Brief description of teaching
and learning methods:
Weekly 50 minute lectures will cover the basic information, with visits to the University Library to study rare examples of early printed books. In addition, one-hour seminars will be devoted to student oral presentations (unassessed) and discussions of topics related to the lectures. |
Contact hours:
| |
Autumn |
Spring |
Summer |
| Lectures |
10 |
10 |
|
| Tutorials/seminars |
10 |
10 |
2 |
| Practicals |
|
|
|
| Other contact (eg study visits) |
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
| Total hours |
20 |
20 |
2 |
| |
|
|
|
| Number of essays or assignments |
1 |
2 |
|
| Number of oral presentations |
1 |
|
|
Assessment:
Coursework
Three written projects, on topics related to the lectures, each contributing 33.3% to the overall coursework assessment.
Relative percentage of coursework: 30%
Examinations
One 3-hour paper with 3 questions.
Requirements for a pass
An overall mark of 40%.
Reassessment arrangements
Re-examination in September.
Coursework will be carried forward if it bears a confirmed mark of 40% or more. Otherwise it must be resubmitted by 1 September. |
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