THE INTERMEDIATE NATIONAL DIPLOMA in CALLIGRAPHY

This level of the National Diploma is for those who have covered the analysis of a basic minuscule hand with pen-related majuscules as well as two other calligraphic hands, one of which can be the other basic hand. For the purposes of the Diploma a basic hand is regarded as either Foundational (Formal Round Hand) or Formal Italic. There is expected to be a more profound knowledge and skilful use of these various hands.

As a guide, the period required to gain the Intermediate Diploma from Foundation level is considered to be a minimum of two full years' systematic study including tuition, support and practice. It is expected that you will have attained the Foundation level or achieved a level of competence to enable you to enter directly at the Intermediate level. Experience in the use of colour and the visual effects of different weights and styles of letter-forms should also have been studied. Effective use of colour and a developed sense of design and layout are important. Calligraphic skills combined with a degree of sensitivity of interpretation and imagination are essential aspects of this level.

You should submit four modules, which include six calligraphic pieces; at least one piece in a basic hand, and other pieces which show at least two other alphabet styles, one of which can be the other basic hand, together with the A4 historical study and analysis of historical letter-forms of the three chosen calligraphic hands used. Two pieces, one in a basic minuscule hand (Module B), and one with contrasting weights and textures (Module C), should contain a substantial body of writing. As a guide (but not a rule) this should include a body of text which is about 70 words, this could be, say, the length of a sonnet, a poem of three verses of four lines each, or ten lines of continuous prose. For the contrasting weights and textures piece you should include the working stages, with notes, to show the progression of ideas. Other pieces can contain fewer words, where the design may play a more prominent part.

You should submit your work on A1 or A2 mounting boards with the A4 historical study and historical hands analysis attached.

Complete submissions at one time are encouraged, but for those who choose to do so, submissions of separate Modules are acceptable.

Finished pieces should show you have an understanding of the underlying structure of letter-forms, spacing and methods of designing and working. Only the best pieces should be submitted, and a study of the Assessment Criteria by you and your tutor is advised.

Your pieces of work should demonstrate skills and knowledge of at least three different calligraphic writing styles, and be submitted as four modules.

Intermediate Diploma - Modules A, B, C, D

Module A - Historical Letter Analysis and Historical Study

1. In A4 format make an analysis of the letter-forms of historical manuscripts which reflect the three or more chosen hands used in your calligraphic pieces. This can be notes added to enlarged photocopies of relevant historical manuscripts, plus your own lettering trials.
2. In A4 format and in no more than 1,500 or so of your own words use illustrations and photocopies to give a critical assessment which includes your own views linking the work of modern-day scribes and letterers to lettering styles in historical manuscripts.

Module B - Two calligraphic pieces, one piece in a Basic Minuscule Hand and one in another lettering style

Two pieces, one of which shows a substantial body of writing in a basic minuscule hand (either Foundational/Formal Round Hand or Formal Italic) with pen-related majuscules as appropriate. The other piece should show another lettering style (which can include the other basic hand) with pen-related majuscules where appropriate.

Module C - Two calligraphic pieces, one piece with contrasting weights and textures and one piece with experimental work

Two pieces. A piece which shows a substantial body of writing using calligraphic hands which rely on contrasting weights and textures. For this piece include the working stages from first roughs through to the finished design. Photocopies and paste-ups are accepted. Attach these to a board so that it is easy for the Assessors to see the progression of your ideas. Add notes to the stages to make clearer the decisions that you took regarding size(s) of lettering, layout, colour, design, etc.

A piece where the chosen text, design and layout exploits experimental work using a variety of differing surfaces, colours and textures. Display samples of the experiments.

Module D - Two calligraphic pieces, including one piece in majuscules only

Two pieces, one of which relies on the exclusive use of majuscules.

Intermediate Diploma - Assessment Criteria

The overall method of assessment is to use the work submitted as evidence of the skill, knowledge, responsiveness and understanding developed by the candidate.

Criterion I - Analysis and Historical Study

This should demonstrate the candidate's

1. ability to analyse calligraphic hands and apply the resulting understanding to the lettering in the finished pieces submitted;
2. knowledge and understanding of the historic roots of calligraphy, in particular the development of letter-forms, and their influence on letterers working today.

Criterion II - Calligraphy

The work submitted should include finished pieces in a basic hand plus two others, together with one piece which relies for its impact on majuscules. Collectively the work submitted should show written letter-forms which are:

1. well-constructed, as shown by pen angle, number, beginnings and endings of strokes; ascenders and descenders, etc;
2. well proportioned and of an appropriate weight in relation to their size.
   There should be
3. consistent family characteristics in minuscules and majuscules within each alphabet used.
   Letters should be combined into words, lines, sentences and paragraphs using
4. writing rhythm, together with
5. spacing and evenness of texture (except where variation is introduced to meet the needs of design).

Criterion III - Design and Layout

The pieces of work submitted should collectively show design and layout which:

1. appropriately use colours (in additional to black) and which achieve impact and a balanced arrangement of text by appropriate use of:
2. a variety of alphabets;
3. differing weights of letters;
4. contrasting textures, and which
5. achieve an appropriate relationship between text area and the space as a whole (including margins).

Criterion IV - Creativity

The work submitted should demonstrate the ability of the candidate to perceive and respond to the connection between meaning on the one hand and design components such as colour, size, contrast, texture, pattern and layout on the other. Assessment will focus on

1. sensitivity of interpretation and
2. degree of originality (freshness of ideas).

Criterion V - Skills and techniques

The pieces of work should collectively demonstrate:

1. selection and appropriate use of materials whose colour, size, quality and other physical properties enable the design to be fulfilled;
2. appropriate use of tools as the basis of calligraphic techniques;
3. informed and disciplined use of materials and tools to develop ideas and themes.

Criterion VI - Working Process

Developmental work should be submitted which collectively shows evidence of:

1. working with various writing surfaces using different techniques;
2. selection of best results of exploratory exercises;
3. development of selected working designs to final design.

Candidates should make concise notes and critical comments on the development process.