CCOG for ART 220B Winter 2025
- Course Number:
- ART 220B
- Course Title:
- Calligraphy II: Italic
- Credit Hours:
- 4
- Lecture Hours:
- 20
- Lecture/Lab Hours:
- 40
- Lab Hours:
- 0
Course Description
Reviews the calligraphic scripts studied in the ART 218 sequence and refines the forms. Covers complex layout and design issues. Develops intermediate to advanced techniques with the use of mixed media and working at a larger scale to develop personal aesthetic and vision. Includes creative problem-solving activities the professional calligrapher is likely to encounter on the job. ART 220A, ART 220B, and ART 220C may be taken in any order. Recommended: (RD 115 and WR 115) or IRW 115 or equivalent placement. Audit available. Prerequisites: ART 218B or instructor permission.
Intended Outcomes for the course
Upon completion of the course students should be able to:
- Use an intermediate-level understanding of Italic calligraphy as a lens through which to observe and critically evaluate hand lettering as a fine and graphic art.
- Evaluate with deeper critical understanding the art of handwritten letters.
- Communicate in critical conversations about the aesthetics of calligraphy and the cultural, social, technological and historical contexts in which Italic script was developed.
- Solve aesthetic and material problems to create works of calligraphy that demonstrate an intermediate level of skill in Italic lettering and personal expression using intermediate tools and techniques relating to standards and practices of calligraphy.
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Discuss the formal, conceptual, historic and technical aspects of italic calligraphy using appropriate intermediate-level vocabulary.
Integrative Learning
Students completing an associate degree at Portland Community College will be able to reflect on one’s work or competencies to make connections between course content and lived experience.
General education philosophy statement
The study of Visual Arts is essential to the development of the individual and one’s meaningful participation in society. At the heart of artistic practice is the ability to organize experience and recognize its meaning. The creation of artwork and appreciation of aesthetics is a source of great pleasure and also a valuable means to effective visual communication. Participating in Visual Arts is an important way for individuals to connect to the past and respond to the present with a stronger sense of engagement with culture and society.
Course Activities and Design
- Create intermediate level works of calligraphy using the Italic script (majuscule and minuscule) with an awareness of the inherent characteristics of the letterforms.
- Generate ideas/concepts with an awareness of the intended content of the work produced.
- Develop a skill set centered on working towards intermediate technical proficiency in Italic Script.
- Utilize intermediary vocabulary specific to calligraphy when participating in class critiques and discussions.
- Assess and self-critique personal work to strategize creative solutions.
- Develop personal work with an awareness of historical and contemporary artists working in Italic script and other letterforms.
Outcome Assessment Strategies
- Participate in, and contribute to, class discussions and studio work sessions using an intermediate vocabulary.
- Develop conceptual ideas relating to Italic letterforms through the practice of creative research and preparatory sketches.
- Create several original artworks demonstrating intermediate technical proficiency in Italic calligraphy
- Write short paper(s) to address aspects of Italic script with respect to standards and practices, self-assessment of work, self-reflection and cultural context
- Present an oral presentation of the process involved in making the work.
Course Content (Themes, Concepts, Issues and Skills)
Themes:
- The value of craft in art-making.
- Idea and design using text and handwritten letters.
Concepts:
- Two-dimensional design concepts as they relate to fine art, graphic design and book design.
- Text and visual expression
- Audience
- The historical development of Italic script (1450 AD), and its use in manuscripts during the Renaissance and its development into modern times.
Issues:
- Personal expression vs. tradition
- Letter formation and structure and its relation to writing technology and culture
Skills:
- Application of intermediate calligraphic ideas relating to Italic letterforms, with awareness of historical and cultural contexts.
- Critical analysis of Italic letterforms.
- Intermediate technical skill in writing Italic letterforms using appropriate materials and techniques.
- Apply intermediate vocabulary to discuss the formal, conceptual, historic and technical aspects of these letterforms.
- Assemble an appropriately designed, well-crafted final project using Italic letterforms demonstrating an intermediate skill level.