Course Title: Produce calligraphy
Part B: Course Detail
Teaching Period: Term2 2025
Course Code: VART6504C
Course Title: Produce calligraphy
School: 515T Creative Industries
Campus: Brunswick Campus
Program: C5409 - Diploma of Graphic Design
Course Contact: Ruth Wellington
Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 9417
Course Contact Email: ruth.wellington@rmit.edu.au
Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff
Eliza Svilkulis
Nominal Hours: 50
Regardless of the mode of delivery, represent a guide to the relative teaching time and student effort required to successfully achieve a particular competency/module. This may include not only scheduled classes or workplace visits but also the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, including any non-classroom activities.
Pre-requisites and Co-requisites
None
Course Description
This course describes the skills and knowledge required to explore and use different techniques to produce finished calligraphic works.
National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria
National Element Code & Title: |
CUACAL311 Produce calligraphy |
Element: |
1. Plan calligraphy work |
Performance Criteria: |
1.1 Discuss ideas and techniques for own calligraphic work in consultation with required personnel 1.2 Research historical and contemporary calligraphic practices to apply to own work 1.3 Consider intellectual property requirements for own work 1.4 Select calligraphy strategies and techniques for own work |
Element: |
2. Create calligraphy work |
Performance Criteria: |
2.1 Calculate, select and organise type and quantity of calligraphic equipment, tools and materials based on the requirements of chosen work 2.2 Use combined calligraphy techniques, and elements and design principles when creating desired effects 2.3 Handle equipment, tools and materials safely and minimise waste throughout all processes 2.4 Review work in progress and make adjustments as required to produce final work |
Element: |
3. Finalise and evaluate calligraphy work |
Performance Criteria: |
3.2 Dispose of equipment, tools and materials according to workplace safety and sustainability requirements as required 3.3 Clean and store equipment, tools and materials according to specific requirements of different items 3.4 Seek feedback from relevant personnel on proficiency of work and success in communicating ideas 3.5 Evaluate own work using feedback from relevant personnel |
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this course you will have developed and applied the skills and knowledge required to demonstrate competency in the above elements.
Details of Learning Activities
Learning activities will take place in a classroom or online using industry standard tools and resources. You will complete exercises and industry style projects. You will also be required to undertake independent study.
At this stage it is planned to deliver this course on campus.
In class activities may include:
• class exercises to review discussions/lectures
• practical demonstrations
• lectures
• design activities or projects
• seminar presentations
• group projects
• peer learning
• peer teaching and class presentations
• group discussion
• independent project based work
• teacher directed group activities/projects
• studio practice in computer lab and classroom
• tutorials
• ‘workshopping’ of student projects including peer/lecturer feedback
• other activities as decided by teaching staff
Out of class activities may include:
independent research
independent project based work
studio practice
online tutorials and activities
review and revision
Teaching Schedule
Please note: While all course content will be delivered, the order and mode of delivery may change depending on the availability of specialist facilities and equipment. Please check Canvas regularly as any updates will be communicated by your teacher.
| Week 1 | 17/07 | Course introduction and overview. Intro to lettering tools, to be purchased promptly. | |
| Week 2 | 24/07 |
Assessment Task 1. Develop techniques and ideas for Calligraphy Early history of writing. History of alphabet and lettering to Roman era. AT 1.1 Calligraphy. Alphabet of Roman caps (skeletal/monoline) referencing proportions. Intro to broad nib. Draft Roman caps with broad nib. |
|
| Week 3 | 31/07 | AT 1.2,1.3 Scripts of the middle ages. Uncial and Foundational scripts. |
|
| Week 4 | 07/08 | AT1.4 Blackletter script |
Research Worksheet 1a due as PDF. |
| Week 5 | 14/08 | History – Italic script. Type Classification & history AT 1.5 Calligraphy exercise. Ex 5 Italic letters |
|
| Week 6 | 21/08 | AT 1.6 Calligraphy exercise. Four classes of serifs. | |
| Week 7 | 28/08 |
High contrast scripts and type. AT 1.7 Calligraphy exercise. Copperplate script and Modern Serif lettering exercise with flexible nib. Also brush pen lettering. |
|
| Week 8 | 11/09 | AT 1.8 Calligraphy exercise. Modern Gothic script exercise, | |
| Week 9 | 18/09 |
Complete Research Worksheet 1b Refine and prepare folio of exercises for submission. Complete Calligraphy evaluation. Assessment Task 2, Custom lettering. Intro to Assessment Task 2, Custom lettering. Presentation of contemporary lettering and calligraphy. Plan your process and research custom lettering strategies and script modifications. |
Research Worksheet 1b, Scanned lettering exercises collated as a PDF Calligraphy evaluation (scanned as PDF with lettering exercises) |
| Week 10 | 25/09 | Work on Custom Lettering. Present for feedback | |
| Week 11 | 02/10 | Mid semester break | Process Doc 1 due Friday |
| Week 12 | 09/10 | Work on Custom Lettering. Present for feedback | |
| Week 13 | 16/10 | Work on Custom Lettering. Present for feedback | Present work-in-progress and record feedback. |
| Week 14 | 23/10 | Work on Assessment 2 (Custom Lettering) Record feedback for Process Doc 2. | Part 2 Custom lettering |
| Week 15 | 30/10 | Finalise and submit Assessment Task 2 - Custom Lettering. Complete Process Doc 2 | Submit Assessment Task 2 and Process Doc 2 |
| Week 16 | 06/11 | Work on resubmissions if required. Address any gaps in evidence required for Competency | Resubmissions if required |
Learning Resources
Prescribed Texts
References
Waters, Sheila, 2014, Foundations of Calligraphy Schulte, E. & Reaves, M. 1994, Brush Lettering, Design Books Godfrey-Nicholls G, Mastering Calligraphy, Chronicle books 2013 Grebenstein M, 2012, Calligraphy Bible, Watson-Guptill Heller, S, Fili, L., 2011. Scripts. Elegant Lettering from Design's Golden Age, Thames & Hudson Middendorp, J. 2012. Hand to Type. Gestalten Irvine, California, 2011. The Art of Calligraphy & Lettering. Walter Foster Publishing, Inc. |
Other Resources
There is a requirement in this unit that students will purchase equipment for lettering exercises. Details are found in the Kit List which is available on Canvas and will be emailed to students on enrolment.
You are advised to look at Canvas for ongoing updated information. A range of learning resources and references are provided throughout the year. Additional information relating to this will be provided on an ongoing basis.
You will require a personal storage device and tools as outlined in tool kit list.
RMIT will provide you with some resources and tools for learning in this course through our online systems and access to specialised facilities and relevant software. You will also have access to the library resources.
Amongst the library’s electronic resources is the ability to access Linkedin Learning.com for online tutorials and lessons. You may be given these tutorials (and other resources) to supplement your classroom learning. The University Library has extensive resources for Design students. The Library has produced a subject guide that includes quality online and print resources for your studies.
Resources for students studying design programs http://rmit.libguides.com/graphicartanddesign
The Library provides guides on academic referencing Referencing - RMIT University
Subject specialist help via your Liaison Librarian Ask the Library - RMIT University
Overview of Assessment
Assessment for this course is ongoing throughout the semester. Your knowledge and understanding of course content is assessed through participation in class exercises, oral/written presentations and through the application of learned skills and insights. Full assessment briefs will be provided and can be found on CANVAS.
Assessment Tasks
Due dates for assessment tasks dependent on access to specialist facilities and equipment may change. Please check Canvas regularly as any updates will be communicated by your teacher
Feedback throughout the course may be written, verbal or a combination of both.
Work in class provides the basis for ongoing feedback which should be considered essential for the assessment process.
There are 2 pieces of assessment.
Assessment
Assessment Task 1:Develop techniques & Ideas for Calligraphy - (a set of lettering exercises which will receive verbal feedback in class prior to submission as a folio of exercise worksheets), plus 2 x Research Documents (one due week 4, the other week 9) and an Evaluation. Due week 11
Assessment Task 2: Custom lettering - product including 2 Process Documents (one due week 11, the other week 14/15) Due week 14/15
This course will be assessed for Competency only. Students are required to demonstrate all learning outcomes to a satisfactory standard to achieve Competency.
Your course assessment/result will be recorded as one of the following:
CA - Competency achieved
NYC - Not yet competent
SEC - Student Engagement Ceased
Assessment Matrix
An assessment matrix demonstrating alignment of assessment tasks with the relevant Unit of Competency is available from the course contact person (stated above).
Other Information
Attendance
The major aspect of your learning experience involves practical exercises, demonstration and production. It is strongly advised that you attend all sessions (whether on Campus or online) in order to engage in the required learning activities, ensuring the maximum opportunity for success.
Feedback
You will receive verbal and written feedback by teacher on your work. This feedback also includes suggestions on how you can proceed to the next stage of developing your projects.
Student Progress
Monitoring academic progress is an important enabling and proactive strategy to assist you to achieve your learning potential. Student progress policy
Submissions
When submitting work for assessment you are required to complete a declaration of authorship. This must be done for every assessment task. This statement acknowledges that you are aware of the plagiarism implications. If a non-digital submission is required, please digitise the work for submission to the Canvas LMS. For digital online/file submissions, please submit to the Canvas LMS.
Special Consideration Policy, Late Submission & Extensions
All assessment tasks are required to be completed to a satisfactory level.
If you are unable to complete any piece of assessment by the due date, you will need to apply for an extension. Click this link for details on applying for Special consideration. Reasonable adjustment is available and may be applied through the Special Consideration process.
Any student seeking an extension, should aim at doing so a minimum of 2 days before the deadline. Work submitted late and without an extension at any point will incur late penalties in accordance with university policy. If you require an extension, you can complete an extension form or apply through the Canvas LMS, and provide any documents/evidence that would support your application. Further links: Application for extension of time
On Time Submission and Impact of Late Submission
On time submission is an important factor in your assessment. Employability skills are embedded in all courses and these include Planning & Organising and Self-management.
Submissions that are assessed as Not Satisfactory can be re-submitted. This is only permitted during the period that the competency is scheduled.
Academic Integrity and Plagiarism
RMIT University has a strict policy on plagiarism and academic integrity. Please refer to the website for more information on this policy go to Academic Integrity. Academic Integrity
Course Overview: Access Course Overview