Lesson Plan
Course Title:
Printing & Imaging Technology
Session Title:
Type Classification and Selection
* This is Lesson #8 if used as part of the overall unit on Printing & Imaging Technology.
This lesson follows the Introduction to Typefaces lesson and gives students more
information to help them with the project of creating their own font. However, this lesson
may be taught as a stand-alone class if desired.
Lesson Duration:
Approximately one to two 90-minute class periods
[Lesson length is subjective and will vary from instructor to instructor]
Performance Objective:
Upon completion of this assignment, the student will understand
basic Typography terminology and concepts.
Specific Objectives:
1. Define typeface classifications.
2. Identify common uses associated with typeface classifications.
3. List guidelines for selecting typefaces.
4. Create a typeface from the drawn rough draft using Industry Standard Illustration software.
Preparation
TEKS Correlations:
§130.96
(1) The student applies academic knowledge and skills in printing and imaging projects. The
student is expected to:
(A) apply English language arts knowledge and skills by demonstrating use of content,
technical concepts, and vocabulary; using correct grammar, punctuation, and
terminology to write and edit documents; and composing and editing copy for a
variety of written documents such as brochures, programs, and newsletters; and
(B) apply mathematics knowledge and skills by identifying whole numbers, decimals,
and fractions applied to measurement and scale; demonstrating knowledge of
arithmetic operations; using conversion methods such as fractions to decimals and
inches to points; and applying measurement to solve a problem.
(4) The student applies information technology applications. The student is expected to use
personal information management, email, Internet, writing and publishing, presentation,
and spreadsheet or database applications for printing and imaging projects.
(11) The student develops a technical understanding of printing and imaging. The student is
expected to:
(F) apply desktop publishing to create products by:
(i)
using word processing, graphics, or drawing programs;
(ii) applying design elements such as text, graphics, headlines, use of color, and
white space; and
(iii) applying typography concepts, including font, size, and style;
AAVTC: Print and Imaging Technology: Type Classification and Selection
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2013. All rights reserved.
1
Instructor/Trainer
References:
Williams, R. (2008). The non-designer’s design book. (3 ed.). Berkeley, CA: Peachpit Press.
Lupton, E. (2010). Thinking with type. (2 rev. exp. ed.). New York, NY: Princeton Architectural
Press.
Author’s expertise
Search online for various books on Type and Typography
Instructional Aids:
Type Classification and Selection slide presentation
Typeface Creation Form
Type Classification and Selection Exam
Type Classification and Selection Exam Answer Key
Type Classification and Selection Rubric
Materials Needed:
Pencils and Erasers
Equipment Needed:
Computer and projection system with appropriate software to display slide presentation
Industry Standard Illustration software
Learner
Recommended: Completion of Lesson #7 - Type Basics: Introduction to Typefaces
Introduction
MI
Introduction (LSI Quadrant I):
SAY: “Type is one of the most eloquent means of expression in every epoch of
style. Next to architecture, it gives the most characteristic portrait of a period
and the most severe testimony of a nation’s intellectual status.”
~ Peter Behrens
(This quote is on the first slide in the presentation.)
SAY: In order to properly use typefaces in typography projects as a means of
‘eloquent expression’, designers need to better understand the classifications
and styles of fonts. In the last lesson we learned the three basic categories of
fonts. (review 2nd slide) Now let’s expand those classifications.
Outline
MI
Outline (LSI Quadrant II):
I. Serif Typeface Classifications
A. Roman
1. Old Style
2. Transitional
B. Modern
C. Slab Serif
Instructor Notes:
Note: There are nearly as
many classification systems
as there are typefaces.
Roman Old Style typefaces
date back to the 1500s.
The difference between serif
typefaces mostly has to do
with the shapes of the serifs
AAVTC: Print and Imaging Technology: Type Classification and Selection
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2013. All rights reserved.
2
themselves.
II. Sans Serif Typeface Classifications
A. Gothic
B. Modern
C. Euro Style
III. Special Typeface Classifications
A. Script
1. Calligraphy
2. Handwriting
B. Decorative or Display
1. Geometric
2. Fantasy
3. Futuristic
C. Blackletter
1. Old English
2. Swash
D. Celtic
1. Uncial
2. Insular
3. Carolingian
E. Dingbats
IV. Selecting the Correct Typefaces for Projects
A. Avoid using too many different typefaces
within a single project
B. Display Text
1. Larger letters are easier to read
2. Text should be quickly recognizable
3. Use medium or bold sans serif fonts
C. Body Text
1. Use fonts that do not stray too far from
traditions
2. Avoid extremely wide or narrow fonts
3. Keep font size range from 8-12 points
4. Use regular or book weight fonts
5. Use sans serif fonts for web and screen
projections
6. Use serif fonts for print
Note: The main difference
between the sans serif
typefaces is in regards to the
contrasting thickness of the
stems. Euro Style also has
characters with shapes that
look square.
Serifs and Sans Serifs can be
found mixed throughout the
Special Typeface
Classifications which have
been expanded to include
some other significant
categories and styles. While,
Blackletter and Celtic are
similar, the subtle differences
account for a wide array of
designs in typefaces.
Display Text refers to the text
of Titles, Headlines, Logos,
Headings, and other
situations where larger type
would be better.
Body text contains the main
information of the project.
When the project is for the
screen or some type of
projection, then a sans serif
typeface should be used.
When the project is to be
printed then a serif typeface
should be used for better
readability (except for text
below 8 points. Use sans serif
for small text.)
Application
MI
Guided Practice (LSI Quadrant III):
Use the slide presentation to discuss the different typeface classifications.
Show students how to use the industry standard illustration software to create their
own font. First create guide lines similar to the lines on the Typeface Creation Forms
from the previous lesson. Then use the drawing tools to illustrate the outside and
inside edges of the characters.
Remind students to create numbers as well as uppercase and lowercase characters.
AAVTC: Print and Imaging Technology: Type Classification and Selection
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2013. All rights reserved.
3
MI
Independent Practice (LSI Quadrant III):
Using industry standard illustration software, students will create a typeface with
numbers, uppercase and lowercase characters based on their corrected rough drafts
from the previous lesson.
Summary
MI
Review (LSI Quadrants I and IV):
Review the different typeface classifications.
Observe students’ progress, ask questions, and encourage creativity as they
illustrate their own typeface using industry standard illustration software.
Evaluation
MI
Informal Assessment (LSI Quadrant III):
Teacher will monitor students’ progress while they illustrate their typeface.
The teacher will make sure students understand all of the criteria for creating their
typeface.
MI
Formal Assessment (LSI Quadrant III, IV):
Students will take the Type Classification and Selection Exam. The teacher will use
the Type Classification Rubric to evaluate the computer illustrated typefaces created
by the students.
Extension
MI
Extension/Enrichment (LSI Quadrant IV):
Students may wish to illustrate the punctuation for their newly created typefaces
(e.g. commas, quotation marks, dollar signs, ampersands, etc…).
AAVTC: Print and Imaging Technology: Type Classification and Selection
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2013. All rights reserved.
4
Student name: _________________________________
Type Classification and Selection Exam
Section 1
Match the following samples of text with the proper classifications:
1._____ Sample
a. Serif
2._____ Sample
b. San Serif
3._____ Sample
c. Decorative
4._____ Sample
d. Script
5._____ Sample
e. Old English
Section 2
6. ______ The best type classification for headlines is Serif.
(True or False)
7. The font size of body text should be between _____ and ____ points.
8. ______ The best type classification for printed body text is Serif.
(True or False)
9. Decorative type is best used for titles or body text. (Circle one)
10. _____ Serifs and sans serifs can be found mixed throughout the many
different classifications of specialty typefaces. (True or False)
AAVTC: Print and Imaging Technology: Type Classification and Selection
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2013. All rights reserved.
5
Student name: _________________________________
Type Classification and Selection Exam (answer key)
Section 1
Match the following samples of text with the proper classifications:
1.__B__ Sample
a. Serif
2.__D__ Sample
b. San Serif
3.__A__ Sample
c. Decorative
4.__E__ Sample
d. Script
5.__C__ Sample
e. Old English
Section 2
6. FALSE The best type classification for headlines is Serif.
(True or False)
7. The font size of body text should be between __8__ and __12__ points.
8. TRUE The best type classification for printed body text is Serif.
(True or False)
9. Decorative type is best used for titles or body text. (Circle one)
10. TRUE Serifs and sans serifs can be found mixed throughout the many
different classifications of specialty typefaces. (True or False)
AAVTC: Print and Imaging Technology: Type Classification and Selection
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2013. All rights reserved.
6
TYPE CLASSIFICATION AND SELECTION RUBRIC
Criteria
Completeness
(10 points)
Application of
Typography
Concepts
(30 points)
Design
elements –
Criteria
(30 points)
Creativity
(20 points)
Professional
Appearance
(10 points)
Comments:
Exceptional
Above Average
Below Average
Unacceptable
9-10 points
5-8 points
1-4 points
0 points
Work is
complete and
presents a
unified whole.
Work is
complete, but
lacks unity in the
composite.
Work is
incomplete.
No attempt was
made to produce
the document.
25-30 points
12-24 points
1-11 points
0 points
Demonstrated
knowledge of
Typography
Concepts is
exceptional.
Typography
Concepts are
used, but more
practice is
needed to
demonstrate full
knowledge.
Attempt is made
to use
Typography
Concepts, but it
is evident that
knowledge is
very limited.
No evidence of
knowledge of
Typography
Concepts.
25-30 points
12-24 points
1-11 points
0 points
Design
elements are
successfully
applied.
Design elements
are applied but
need refinement
to achieve
success.
Design elements
are poorly
applied.
No evidence of
application of
design elements.
17-20 points
8-16 points
1-7 points
0 points
Design ideas
are original in
thought and
exceptionally
creative.
Design ideas are
somewhat
original and
creative.
Limited
evidence of
creativity and
originality in
thought.
No evidence of
creativity or
originality in
thought or
execution of
project.
9-10 points
5-8 points
1-4 points
0 points
Professional
project.
Final product is
neat and
professionally
presented.
Good
presentation of
project. Only
minor corrections
are needed
Fair
presentation of
project. Several
errors are
evident.
Project is
unprofessional.
Errors distract
significantly from
the content.
TOTAL
POINTS:
AAVTC: Print and Imaging Technology: Type Classification and Selection
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2013. All rights reserved.
7
Points