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California Institute of the Arts

Introduction to Typography

This course is part of Graphic Design Specialization

Anther Kiley

Instructor: Anther Kiley

174,808 already enrolled

Included withCoursera Plus

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
4.8

(5,692 reviews)

Beginner level
No prior experience required
Flexible schedule
Approx. 8 hours
Learn at your own pace
98%
Most learners liked this course
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
4.8

(5,692 reviews)

Beginner level
No prior experience required
Flexible schedule
Approx. 8 hours
Learn at your own pace
98%
Most learners liked this course

What you'll learn

  • Review the terminology and measuring system used to describe type

  • Explore how typefaces tell stories and understand the historic evolution

  • Conduct a peer-reviewed typesetting exercise

  • Design of a full-scale typographic poster

Details to know

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Assessments

2 assignments

Taught in English

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This course is part of the Graphic Design Specialization
When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.
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There are 4 modules in this course

This week, we’ll take an up-close look at typefaces, both as physical artifacts and as works of design. 
We will study the formal elements that define and give character to type, and understand where they came from and why they look the way they do. We will review the terminology and measuring system used to describe type, and look at the way the form and proportion of letters relate to the practical concerns of selecting and combining typefaces. The week will wrap up with a graded quiz.

What's included

9 videos10 readings2 assignments1 discussion prompt

This week, we’ll explore the way typefaces express connotative meaning—tell stories—through their association with different time periods, aesthetics, and ideas. Through six short case studies, we 
will look at the way a typeface’s connotations are shaped by its context, understand the historic evolution of typographic forms, and familiarize ourselves with the way typefaces are classified. You’ll extend 
your exploration through some independent research into a typeface of your choosing.

What's included

7 videos2 readings1 peer review

This week, we will engage the visual principles and conventions of typesetting. We will look at how the spaces between letters, lines, and blocks of type can be manipulated to refine the appearance and control the meaning of type. We’ll explore the ways typographic hierarchy and grid systems can further organize and clarify type. And we’ll survey the rules and conventions that can add polish to your typesetting. You’ll apply your skills and knowledge in a peer-reviewed typesetting exercise at the end 
of the week.

What's included

6 videos1 peer review

In our final week, we’ll examine the ways typographic form can dramatically shape the meaning of written language. We’ll survey and analyze possibilities for type treatments—from subtle typesetting choices
 to dramatic manipulations—by looking at examples of expressive and unconventional typography. At the end of the week, you’ll bring together and apply everything you have learned in this course in the 
design of a full-scale typographic poster.

What's included

4 videos1 reading1 peer review

Instructor

Instructor ratings
4.8 (938 ratings)
Anther Kiley
1 Course174,808 learners

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4.8

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