Roman Calligraphy - Basic Course Structure (15 Sessions)

Overall Objective:

Learn foundational Roman calligraphy — from basic strokes to writing cohesive short paragraphs — with an understanding of form, proportion, spacing, and rhythm.

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Session-wise Syllabus:

Session 1: Introduction to Roman Calligraphy

History and importance of Roman script.

Introduction to tools: broad nib pen, ink, pencil, ruler.

Posture, pen angle (around 30-45°), hand positioning.

Session 2: Understanding Basic Strokes

Vertical, horizontal, diagonal basic pen strokes.

How pressure and angle affect stroke width.

Practice: repeating basic strokes in lines.

Session 3: Pattern Exercises

Pattern drills combining strokes: "staircases," "waves," and "arches."

Focus on consistency, rhythm, and tool control.

Session 4: Introduction to Lowercase Letters (Group 1)

Letters with simple vertical forms: i, l, t, f.

Practicing shapes, heights, and spacing.

Session 5: Lowercase Letters (Group 2)

Rounded forms: o, c, e.

Stress on maintaining uniform curves and counters.

Session 6: Lowercase Letters (Group 3)

Combination forms: n, m, u, r.

Joining strokes and basic connections.

Session 7: Lowercase Letters (Group 4)

Ascenders and descenders: b, d, h, k, p, q.

Maintaining balance in longer strokes.

Session 8: Lowercase Letters (Group 5)

Complex forms: a, g, s, v, w, x, y, z.

Focus on difficult transitions and special care in tricky letters.

Session 9: Lowercase Letter Review and Word Formation

Practice forming simple words like "cat," "dog," "run."

Understanding letter spacing (kerning).

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Session 10: Introduction to Uppercase Letters (Majuscules) Group 1

Simple forms: I, L, T, F, E, H.

Line quality and maintaining symmetry.

Session 11: Uppercase Letters Group 2

Curved forms: C, O, G, Q, D, U.

Maintaining consistent proportions and thickness.

Session 12: Uppercase Letters Group 3

Complex forms: A, B, M, N, P, R, S, V, W, X, Y, Z.

Special attention to balancing curves and straight strokes.

Session 13: Word and Sentence Composition

Combining lower and uppercase letters.

Practicing short sentences: "The quick brown fox..."

Alignment, spacing, and layout considerations.

Session 14: Writing Short Paragraphs

Copying 2–4 line paragraphs in Roman calligraphy.

Emphasis on rhythm, overall look, and neatness.

Session 15: Final Practice and Review

Review of all topics.

Students write a short paragraph of their choice in Roman calligraphy.

Personal feedback and tips for improvement.

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Materials Needed:

Broad nib pen (Pilot Parallel Pen / dip pen with a 2–2.5mm nib)

Black ink

Practice papers (grid sheets and plain)

Ruler, pencil, eraser

Calligraphy practice guide sheets (optional)