UnitLevel 1Undergraduate

DGN1302 Typography 1

Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture

DGN1302 Typography 1 is a level 1, 6-credit-point, undergraduate unit from the Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture, offered in 2026 in Semester 1 and Semester 2 at Caulfield. It has no prerequisites and unlocks 1 unit, leading on to 2 units in all.

Credit points
6
Offered in 2026
Semester 1, Semester 2
Caulfield
Assessment
No exam
3 tasks

This is the 2026 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.

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Requisites

Before DGN1302

Prohibitions

You can't enrol if you have passed any of these.

Corequisites

Pass these before, or take them in the same semester.

After DGN1302

1 unit list DGN1302 as a prerequisite or corequisite.

Overview

This unit introduces the fundamental principles of typography. You will utilise type both as a communicative and expressive tool. Contemporary and historical methods of typographic production, from print to digital media are examined. You are encouraged to critically analyse and question the relationships between type and meaning, type and language. Emphasis is placed upon the acquisition of skills and knowledge.

Offerings in 2026

Teaching periodCampusMode
First semesterCaulfieldOn campus
Second semesterCaulfieldOn campus

Assessment

  • ExercisesExercise
    10%
  • Project 1Project
    40%
  • Project 2Project
    50%

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Learning outcomes

When you finish this unit, you should be able to:

  1. 1

    Effectively use the elements and principles of design;

  2. 2

    Understand typographical terminology;

  3. 3

    Create design structures, grids, layout and composition;

  4. 4

    Work with texts, creating a hierarchy;

  5. 5

    Recognise and understand the formal elements of design, such as space, line and texture in relation to type;

  6. 6

    Produce sophisticated type rendered by hand or generated by computer;

  7. 7

    Explore experimental typography;

  8. 8

    Use type to create an emotional and intellectual impact with an understanding of the relationship between type, image and language.

Workload and teaching

  • Studio activities36 hours
  • Teaching approachActive learning

12 hours per week including 3 contact hours plus 9 hours of independent study.

Contacts

Chief Examiners
Dr Myra Thiessen
Unit Coordinators
Ms Jess Kerss

Common questions

What are the prerequisites for DGN1302?

None, but you must take OHS1000 before or alongside it.

What can I take after DGN1302?

DGN1302 is a prerequisite or corequisite for 1 unit, including DGN2304. Those lead on to 2 units in all.

When is DGN1302 offered?

In 2026, DGN1302 runs in Semester 1 and Semester 2 at Caulfield.

Does DGN1302 have an exam?

No. DGN1302 has 3 assessment tasks and no exam.

More details

Credit points
6
Level
1
Study level
Undergraduate
Faculty
Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture
Organisational unit
Department of Design
Type
Coursework
EFTSL
0.125
Student contribution
SCA Band 2
Study abroad
Available
Handbook years
20262027