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What will I learn on this module?
This module introduces you to your design discipline from social and historical perspectives and details its subsequent evolution in culture towards the digitally mediated mixed realities of the 21st century. At the same time, you will become familiar with key issues such as ethics, social responsibility, intersectionality and multiculturism. You will also be introduced to key analytical and research methods that underpin and will strengthen your reflective and critical skills as a developing designer.
How will I learn on this module?
This module will be based on a learning-by doing-approach. You will learn how to conduct design research by undertaking various reflective tasks aligned with online and live lectures. In the planned seminars and workshops, your tutors and peers will offer formative feedback on your development, your growing understanding of your discipline’s heritage and its contribution to social issues in the 21st century.
As the module progresses, you will plan and undertake a report deconstructing and discussing an example of design practice. You will be asked to consider its historical context and interrogate its impact in terms of ethics and/or social responsibility. You will deliver your report in a reflective image and text zine publication.
How will I be supported academically on this module?
Your tutor/s will give online and live lectures, run seminar sessions and workshops to support your learning of these key historical, contextual, and theoretical issues as well as introduce you to a variety of methods related to design research. You will be supported in establishing your own report through critiques by your tutors and peers. Formative feedback will take place throughout the module.
What will I be expected to read on this module?
All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)
What will I be expected to achieve?
Knowledge & Understanding:
• Demonstrate an understanding of a range of research techniques and analytical tools that are applicable to design research. (KU01)
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
• Identity, research, plan and deliver a research report using appropriate methods and tools. (IPSA01)
Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
• Awareness of multi-cultural environments and the ethical and responsible considerations of your design discipline. (PVA02)
• Use effective written, visual or verbal communication skills to professionally present and defend your work. (PVA04)
How will I be assessed?
This module will be summatively assessed at the end of the module through a portfolio submission.
You will be assessed on the submission of the following elements:
1. Evidence of a range of formative reflective tasks. (KU01)
2. Up to 1250-word reflective Zine Publication, which should include visual sources and evidence of academic referencing, appropriate image captioning and a bibliography.
(KU01, IPSA01, PVA02, PVA04)
Formative feedback will be given throughout the module culminating in a final portfolio submission. Formative feedback will be given verbally, whereas summative assessment will be written, giving a marks breakdown of how the submission met the four individual learning outcomes.
Pre-requisite(s)
N/A
Co-requisite(s)
N/A
Module abstract
This module introduces you to your design discipline from social and historical perspectives and details its subsequent evolution in culture towards the digitally mediated mixed realities of the 21st century. At the same time, you will become familiar with key issues such as ethics, social responsibility, intersectionality and multiculturism. You will also be introduced to design research methods that underpin knowledge and understanding and will learn how to use the University and its resources to support your ongoing research.
Course info
UCAS Code W210
Credits 20
Level of Study Undergraduate
Mode of Study 3 years full-time or 4 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad
Department Northumbria School of Design
Location City Campus, Northumbria University
City Newcastle
Start September 2024 or September 2025
All information is accurate at the time of sharing.
Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.
Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.
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