Narrative of Design in Mod. Culture (H1037)
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The Narrative of Design in Modern Culture
Module H1037
Module details for 2024/25.
15 credits
FHEQ Level 4
Module Outline
Narrative of Design in Modern Culture explores the relationship between what we design and how we live. It goes back in time to the birth of professional designing and also looks at how we imagine futures. In doing so, it introduces key concepts and approaches to design research and develops students’ critical faculties. Content is liable to change slightly, respecting the interests of the group, but will be based round exercises, presentations and case studies. Each student will be expected to produce a critique of a chosen design or design theme and, as a more theoretical topic, students can expect to evaluate arguments and produce their own, considering different ethical and political positions. No prior knowledge will be assumed, but, during the course, students will be set readings and short exercises for some classes, in addition to assessment by presentation and essay. The module explores the relationship between design and culture to give context to and underpin more practical work in the rest of the course.
Library
No single book covers this wide-ranging course but the following books are a helpful resource:
Product Design - Paul Rogers + Alex Milton
Design Now - Taschen
The fundamentals of Product Design - Richard Morris
Product Design - Mike Baxter
Deconstructing product design: Exploring the form, function, and usability of 100 amazing products - William Lidwell
Thinking objects - contemporary approaches to product design
Universal Principles of Design - W. Lidwell, K. Holden, J. Butler
Basics Design: Layout - Gavin Ambrose + Paul Harris
Design Elements a Graphic Style Manual - Timothy Samara
Design Diaries creative process in graphic design - L. Roberts, R. Wright
A Users Guide for the 21st Century - Alex Steffen
Design: History, theory and practice of product design - Bernard E Burdek
Module learning outcomes
Demonstrate understanding of the history, background and major trends in design and their impact on contemporary design
Be able to identify the main periods and movements of design in the modern world
Be able to evaluate and interpret published information, in order to develop lines of argument and make sound judgements about the history and role of design in modern culture
Be able to communicate the results of study with structured and coherent arguments, both verbally and in writing
| Type | Timing | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | 100.00% | |
| Coursework components. Weighted as shown below. | ||
| Presentation | T2 Week 8 | 50.00% |
| Essay | A2 Week 2 | 50.00% |
Timing
Submission deadlines may vary for different types of assignment/groups of students.
Weighting
Coursework components (if listed) total 100% of the overall coursework weighting value.
| Term | Method | Duration | Week pattern |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring Semester | Seminar | 2 hours | 11111111111 |
How to read the week pattern
The numbers indicate the weeks of the term and how many events take place each week.
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