Information Package / Course Catalogue
Calligraphy Art I
Course Code: İLH491
Course Type: Area Elective
Couse Group: First Cycle (Bachelor's Degree)
Education Language: Turkish
Work Placement: N/A
Theory: 2
Prt.: 0
Credit: 2
Lab: 0
ECTS: 4
Objectives of the Course

The aim of this course is to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental concepts, historical development, and diverse cultural practices of calligraphy art. It seeks to enable students to grasp the aesthetic principles, materials, and techniques of calligraphy, while appreciating the cultural and social significance of the art of writing. Additionally, the course aims to raise awareness about classical and traditional calligraphy styles, the preservation of its historical heritage, and contemporary interpretations.

Course Content

Calligraphy Art - I begins with the definition, scope, and historical evolution of calligraphy. The course examines the impact of various writing systems and alphabets on calligraphy and explores Islamic, Eastern, and Western calligraphy traditions within their historical contexts. Fundamental materials and tools used in calligraphy are introduced, followed by a detailed discussion of basic aesthetic principles, including letter proportions, rhythm, and composition. The balance between legibility and aesthetics in classical calligraphy is emphasized. Historical examples are analyzed to discuss the religious and social functions of calligraphy. Finally, the course concludes with general evaluations on the future of calligraphy and the preservation of its historical legacy.

Name of Lecturer(s)
Learning Outcomes
1.To explain the fundamental concepts, historical development, and cultural significance of calligraphy art.
2.To identify the historical processes and distinguishing features of Islamic, Eastern, and Western calligraphy traditions.
3.To demonstrate knowledge of the basic materials, tools, and techniques used in calligraphy.
4.To analyze the relationship between aesthetic principles (proportion, rhythm, composition) and legibility in calligraphy.
5.To evaluate the religious, social, and cultural functions of calligraphy through historical examples.
Recommended or Required Reading
1.Stevens, J. O. and Cari Ferraro. (2020). Calligraphic and Typographic Handbook. Istanbul: Hayalperest Publishing House.
2.Ünver, M. (2003). Calligraphy: The Art of Beautiful Writing. Ankara: Asil Publishing Distribution.
3.Keskin, Y.Y. (2024). Japanese N5 Kanji Book. Mersin: Edusama Publishing House.
4.Dere, Ö.F. (2020). Calligraphy for Beginners. Istanbul: İnkılab Publishing.
5.Dere, Ö.F. (2020). Calligraphy for Beginners. Istanbul: İnkılab Publishing.
6.Yazır, M.B. (1975). The Beauty of Script and Pen. Ankara: Directorate of Religious Affairs Publishing.
7.Alparslan, A. (1999). The History of Ottoman Calligraphy Art. Istanbul: Yapı Kredi Publishing.
8.Baltacıoğlu, I. H. (1958). The Art of Writing among the Turks. Ankara: Publications of the Faculty of Theology, Ankara University.
9.Yazır, B. (2024). Writing in the World of Civilization and the Beauty of the Pen in Islamic Civilization - Volume I. Ankara: Presidency of Religious Affairs Publications.
10.Yazır, B. (2024). Writing in the World of Civilization and the Beauty of the Pen in Islamic Civilization - Volume II. Ankara: Presidency of Religious Affairs Publications.
11.Haarmann, H. (2021). History of Writing. Istanbul: Runik Kitap.
Weekly Detailed Course Contents
Week 1 - Theoretical
Introduction to Calligraphy Art – Definition and Scope and Its Relationship with Theological Sciences
Week 1 - Preparation Work
A Review of Relevant Books, Articles, Theses, and Online Sources within the Scope of the Subject
Week 2 - Theoretical
Historical Development of Calligraphy and Its Cultural Context
Week 2 - Preparation Work
A Review of Relevant Books, Articles, Theses, and Online Sources within the Scope of the Subject
Week 3 - Theoretical
Writing Systems and the Effects of Alphabets on Calligraphy
Week 3 - Preparation Work
A Review of Relevant Books, Articles, Theses, and Online Sources within the Scope of the Subject
Week 4 - Theoretical
Islamic Calligraphy (Husn-i Hat) – Historical Periods and Fundamental Styles
Week 4 - Preparation Work
A Review of Relevant Books, Articles, Theses, and Online Sources within the Scope of the Subject
Week 5 - Theoretical
Major Scripts in Islamic Art – Kufic, Thuluth, Naskh, etc.
Week 5 - Preparation Work
A Review of Relevant Books, Articles, Theses, and Online Sources within the Scope of the Subject
Week 6 - Theoretical
Eastern Calligraphy – Historical Foundations of Chinese and Japanese Calligraphy
Week 6 - Preparation Work
A Review of Relevant Books, Articles, Theses, and Online Sources within the Scope of the Subject
Week 7 - Theoretical
Calligraphy – From the Middle Ages to the Renaissance
Week 7 - Preparation Work
A Review of Relevant Books, Articles, Theses, and Online Sources within the Scope of the Subject
Week 8 - Theoretical
Materials and Tools in Calligraphy
Week 8 - Preparation Work
A Review of Relevant Books, Articles, Theses, and Online Sources within the Scope of the Subject
Week 9 - Theoretical
Basic Aesthetic Principles in Calligraphy – Proportion, Rhythm, and Composition
Week 9 - Preparation Work
A Review of Relevant Books, Articles, Theses, and Online Sources within the Scope of the Subject
Week 10 - Theoretical
Legibility and Aesthetic Balance in Classical Calligraphy
Week 10 - Preparation Work
A Review of Relevant Books, Articles, Theses, and Online Sources within the Scope of the Subject
Week 11 - Theoretical
Analysis of Calligraphy Through Historical Examples
Week 11 - Preparation Work
A Review of Relevant Books, Articles, Theses, and Online Sources within the Scope of the Subject
Week 12 - Theoretical
Calligraphy and Religion – Writing as a Form of Artistic Expression
Week 12 - Preparation Work
A Review of Relevant Books, Articles, Theses, and Online Sources within the Scope of the Subject
Week 13 - Theoretical
Calligraphy and Society – Social and Cultural Functions
Week 13 - Preparation Work
A Review of Relevant Books, Articles, Theses, and Online Sources within the Scope of the Subject
Week 14 - Theoretical
The Future of Calligraphy and General Evaluation
Week 14 - Preparation Work
Converting Visual Data Pertaining to the Relevant Topics into a PowerPoint Presentation
Assessment Methods and Criteria
Type of AssessmentCountPercent
Attending Lectures1%5
Verbal Examination1%5
Midterm Examination1%30
Final Examination1%60
Workload Calculation
ActivitiesCountPreparationTimeTotal Work Load (hours)
Lecture - Theory143270
Term Project1112
Reading1213
Individual Work1213
Midterm Examination1819
Final Examination112113
TOTAL WORKLOAD (hours)100
Contribution of Learning Outcomes to Programme Outcomes
PÇ-1
PÇ-2
PÇ-3
PÇ-4
PÇ-5
PÇ-6
PÇ-7
PÇ-8
PÇ-9
PÇ-10
PÇ-11
PÇ-12
PÇ-13
PÇ-14
PÇ-15
PÇ-16
PÇ-17
PÇ-18
PÇ-19
PÇ-20
OÇ-1
4
4
4
OÇ-2
4
4
4
OÇ-3
4
4
4
OÇ-4
3
4
OÇ-5
3
4
Adnan Menderes University - Information Package / Course Catalogue
2026