AH4008 - Design Culture

You will develop methods of enquiry and analysis through study of design in representation and at first hand. Your knowledge and information will be acquired through lectures, directed study, study visits and reading. Your communication skills will be practised in workshops and seminars and demonstrated in writing and presentations.

Through lectures, seminars and tutorials. Course and e-learning materials will be available through the e-Learning Portal.

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)

Knowledge & Understanding:
• Demonstrate an awareness and understanding of historical and contemporary design issues and contexts through enquiry and presentation.

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
• Source, review and discuss design related issues or topics in a scholarly manner as evidenced through the presentation of critical argument.

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):

• Show a fundamental awareness of global, cultural and ethical issues and responsible design practice through design context studies.

Portfolio 50%
Essay 50%

This assessment is based on a series of set exercises that test your ability to reflect on and critique the work of others in the construction and communication of your own viewpoint. Formative feedback will be provided during participatory seminars where you will have the opportunity to discuss your ideas.
Portfolio 50%

At the end of the module you demonstrate your understanding of the subject and your acquisition of skills in a 1000 word academic essay in response to set questions.
Essay 50%

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Design Cultures provides the toolkit to situate your design practise in a wider cultural context. Few practises of intellectual and commercial human activity reach into so many areas of everyday public and private life as Design. Sessions are structured thematically, so the historical precedents of how design became the global phenomenon it is today are studied alongside the crucial issues of contemporary life such as sustainability, globalisation or consumerism. What, for example, do historical figures such as William Morris or Adam Smith contribute to debates about a designer’s responsibility in the 21st Century? Design Cultures provides an opportunity for first year students to develop key (secondary) research skills whilst engaging with theoretical issues that will go on to underpin their project work. You will learn the skills of research, visual and textual analysis, questioning, synthesis and verbal and written communication.