vcc.ca
VCDP 1130: Typography
Effective date
September 2027
Department
Visual Comm Design Diploma
School
Trades, Technology and Design
Description
Typography is a core element of visual communication in graphic design. Students begin by exploring the historical foundations of letterforms and typographic design, then learn to recognize and apply classic typefaces and techniques, including kerning, tracking, leading, and line length, with an emphasis on legibility, readability, and accessibility. Students learn to explain and analyze type anatomy and classification systems, and evaluate contemporary issues such as functional versus expressive typography and inclusive communication across diverse audiences.
Through the creation of typographic style sheets, students learn to analyze, plan, and implement design strategies that reflect client needs, message clarity, and inclusive design principles. Projects will address how typographic hierarchy and type pairings can enhance or hinder communication depending on context. Adobe Illustrator and InDesign are used to explore both digital and analog typography. Ethical font sourcing and font management practices are also introduced.
Credits
3.0
Year of study
1st Year Post-secondary
Prerequisites
None
Corequisites
None
Course Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Explain the historical foundation of the development of letterforms and typographic design
- Apply typesetting techniques using industry-standard tools
- Discuss typographic choices with proper terminology
- Explore the use of typographic voice, matching type to meaning and type pairing, evaluate how typographic choices impact accessibility and audience inclusion
- Use effective typographic hierarchy to make text more readable and aesthetically pleasing
- Create a structured system of character and paragraph styles in industry-standard design software
Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR)
1. Interview with department to discuss previous experience
2. A portfolio assessment of previously completed related work OR
3. The demonstration of skills via the successful completion of 1-4 related projects/assignments similar to those completed in the course, chosen at the discretion of the department
2. A portfolio assessment of previously completed related work OR
3. The demonstration of skills via the successful completion of 1-4 related projects/assignments similar to those completed in the course, chosen at the discretion of the department
Hours
Lecture, Online, Seminar, Tutorial: 42
Practicum, Self-Paced, Individual Learning: 12
Total Hours: 54
Practicum, Self-Paced, Individual Learning: 12
Total Hours: 54
Instructional Strategies
A combination of lecture, demonstration, production simulations, problem solving, practical labs and reflective discussion will be used throughout this course.
Grading System
Letter Grade (A-F)
Passing grade
C
Evaluation Plan
|
Type |
Percentage |
Assessment activity |
|
Project |
30 |
Final project |
|
Assignments |
30 |
Assignments |
|
Lab Work |
30 |
May include in-class exercises, assignments, quizzes/tests, and work-in-progress |
|
Participation |
10 |
Participation and professionalism |
Course topics
- History of classic typefaces
- Typesetting techniques using Adobe InDesign and lllustrator
- Typographic terminology, anatomy, and classification systems
- Typographic pairing techniques
- Current trends and issues in typography
- Typographic style sheets
Notes:
- Course contents and descriptions, offerings and schedules are subject to change without notice.
- Students are required to follow all College policies including ones that govern their educational experience at VCC. Policies are available on the VCC website at:
https://www.vcc.ca/about/governance--policies/policies/. - To find out if there are existing transfer agreements for this course, visit the BC Transfer Guide at https://www.bctransferguide.ca.