MIT 136 - Introduction to Typography

Credits: 5
Variable Credit Course: No

Lecture Hours: 55
Lab Hours: 0
Worksite/Clinical Hours: 0
Other Hours (LIA/Internships): 0

Course Description: Introduction to typography which is the art and science of arranging type to make written language legible, readable, and visually appealing. Provides a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental principles and practices of typography to create effective and aesthetically pleasing typographic designs.

Prerequisite: None.
Meets FQE Requirement: No
Integrative Experience Requirement: No

Student Learning Outcomes

Classify typefaces into categories such as serif, sans-serif, script, and display.
Demonstrate an understanding of the basic elements of type design, including letterforms, x-height, descenders, and ascenders.
Adjust letter spacing (kerning) and overall text spacing (tracking) to improve typographic readability and aesthetics.
Create typographic hierarchy in design, differentiating between headings, subheadings, and body text to guide reader attention effectively.
Choose appropriate line length and leading (line spacing) to enhance readability and visual appeal in various design contexts.
Design typographic layouts using grids, showing an understanding of how to balance text and white space.
Critique design projects for typographic readability and visual appeal.
Apply typographic principles to create logos and brand identities.
Place typography within historical and cultural contexts, identifying influential typefaces and design movements.
Demonstrate proficiency in typography-related software for layout design.

Course Contents

Typefaces such as serif, sans-serif, script, and display.
Basic elements of type design, including letterforms, x-height, descenders, and ascenders.
Letter spacing (kerning) and overall text spacing (tracking) to improve typographic readability and aesthetics.
Typographic hierarchy in design, headings, subheadings, and body text to guide reader attention effectively.
Line length and leading (line spacing) to enhance readability and visual appeal in various design contexts.
Typographic layouts using grids, how to balance text, and white space.
Design projects for typographic readability and visual appeal.
Typographic principles for logos and brand identities.
Typography within historical and cultural contexts, influential typefaces, and design movements.
Typography-related software for layout design.

Instructional Units: 5