AH4010 - Cultural History for Graphic Designers

‘History and Influences of Graphic Design’ is taught through illustrated lectures supported by seminars. Your participation in seminars will help you to develop and communicate your ideas. Each session will involve presentations by the tutor to establish key terms of reference, followed by group discussion of the issues raised. Hands-on workshops will help you to develop study skills relevant to graphic design practice, including archival research, fieldwork, visual analysis and presentation skills. Directed learning and reading will encourage independent research, visual analysis of images and typography, and critical reflection on design theory and practice. You will be supported in the skills of academic essay writing though the use of formative and summative assessment and through the use of Turnitin.

Academic support and resources will be provided through the e-Learning Portal, to include module information and teaching materials. Tutor support will be provided through feedback during seminars and group learning activities. Written assessment feedback will be provided within 20 working days of summative assignment submission.

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)

Aynsley, J.(2001) A Century of Graphic Design, London: Mitchell Beazley
Clarke, M. ( 2007) Verbalising the Visual - Translating Art and Design into Words, London: Thames and Hudson
Davis, M. ( 2012) Graphic Design Theory, London: Thames and Hudson
Heller, S & Chwast, S.(2001) Graphic Style: From Victorian to New Century, London: Abrams
Hollis, R. (1994, 2001) Graphic Design - A Concise History, London:Thames and Hudson,
Livingston, A. & I. (2003)Dictionary of Graphic Design and Designers, London:Thames and Hudson,
Lupton, E (1999) Design Writing Research - Writing on Graphic Design, London: Phiadon
Meggs, P.(2012) A History of Graphic Design, (5th Ed.). , New York, John Wiley and Sons
Newark, Q.(2002) What is Graphic Design? London: Rotovision,

Knowledge & Understanding:
• Demonstrate an understanding of the role of the graphic designer in relation to the development of production technologies and in cultural contexts (1,2).
• Demonstrate an understanding of the key concepts, methodologies and moments of graphic design history (1,3).

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
• Be able to visually analyse objects and contextualise representations in relation to wider design and culture (1).
• Communicate clearly in written and verbal form (2).

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
• Demonstrate engagement and commitment for your studies as evidenced through your oral communication skills, time management and IT Skills (1,2,3,4)

Formative assessment will be provided throughout the seminar sessions particularly focussing on verbal and/or written feedback on students' developing oral communication and written skills. There is also a compulsory formative assessment halfway through the module, where feedback will be provided on an essay draft.(K&U 1-3; IPSA 1-2; PVA 1-4)

Summative assessment will be by one component: an essay of 1000 words. Summative feedback will be provided in writing within 20 working days of summative assessment. (K&U 1-3; IPSA 1-2; PVA 1-4)

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This module introduces you to the history of graphic design and its influences in the wider culture and is designed to develop your knowledge of graphic design history, expanding your visual vocabulary as a designer, enabling you to take inspiration from the design of the past and locate your practice within the wider context of graphic design. You will explore how the work of the graphic designer is shaped by technologies of production and the cultural contexts within which graphic communication is created and consumed. On completion of the module, you will be able to demonstrate an understanding of the role of the graphic designer in relation to the development of production technologies and in cultural contexts and an understanding of the key concepts and moments of graphic design history. Additionally, you will be able to visually analyse objects and contextualise representations in relation to wider design and culture as well as to communicate clearly in written and verbal form. The module will equip you to begin your studio practice in semester 2.