Letters are shapes that shape: our words, our ideas, and our culture.  This course will
examine the history, design, and use of typefaces.  How does the eye recognize letter shapes
in reading?  What does it mean to say a font choice gives a text personality?  How has the
history of letters shaped the histories of books, art, and culture?  In exploring how typefaces
work and what they mean, students will design logos, alphabets, and type specimens;
research the history of books and printing using resources in the Lilly Library; collect and
comment on examples of type in the culture and environment; and write a final paper which
integrates the history, design, and cultural aspects of the course from a newly informed
perspective.  This course does not assume prior experience in graphic design or any other
aspect of its subject.