20th Century Design
Unit code: HDC001
| Credit points | 12.5 Credit Points |
| Duration | 1 Semester |
| Contact hours | 36 Hours per Semester |
| Campus | Online |
| Prerequisites | Nil |
Related course(s)
A unit of study in Bachelor of Design (Communication Design) (DCOM10), Bachelor of Design (Digital Media Design) (DDIG10), Bachelor of Design (Industrial Design) (DINDUS10), Bachelor of Design (Interior Design) (DINTER10), the Bachelor of Communication (L06910 and the Bachelor of Design / Bachelor of Business qualifications.
Aims and objectives
This unit aims to build an interactive e-learning community, focusing on the history of 20th century design in relation to the contemporary context. The unit will explore how design has been historically practised, theorised and discussed, and how this informs design today. Key designers, movements, definitions and developments such as Modernism and Post Modernism will be viewed within international and local frameworks, with the aim being to stimulate students’ self-driven exploration of design in the past, present and future. Design discourse and academic skills will be developed through the use of blended learning strategies that engage students in independent, small and large group learning activities.
At the completion of this unit students should be able to:
* Demonstrate foundation knowledge and understanding of the history of 20th century design, through peer discussion and learning activities in an online environment;
* Articulate key design concepts and themes within a range of discursive contexts;
* Independently explore and investigate design history and culture, using a range of research options;
* Utilize experience and skills developed in peer-based and self-initiated e-learning.
* Demonstrate foundation knowledge and understanding of the history of 20th century design, through peer discussion and learning activities in an online environment;
* Articulate key design concepts and themes within a range of discursive contexts;
* Independently explore and investigate design history and culture, using a range of research options;
* Utilize experience and skills developed in peer-based and self-initiated e-learning.
Teaching methods
This unit will be primarily conducted through interactive online studios. Learning and teaching methods may include:
* Induction workshops for online learning;
* Lectures;
* Screenings;
* Online synchronous and asynchronous forums;
* Small and large discussion groups;
* Excursions;
* Recorded lectures, activities and resources, which will be available in the Unit’s Blackboard site in a variety of formats.
* Induction workshops for online learning;
* Lectures;
* Screenings;
* Online synchronous and asynchronous forums;
* Small and large discussion groups;
* Excursions;
* Recorded lectures, activities and resources, which will be available in the Unit’s Blackboard site in a variety of formats.
Assessment
Note: Percentage weightings are indicative. See Unit Briefs for full assessment details.
Assessment will based on the following tasks:
Online Participation (40%)
Online Quizzes (20%)
Writing/research folio (40%)
Assessment will based on the following tasks:
Online Participation (40%)
Online Quizzes (20%)
Writing/research folio (40%)
Generic skills outcomes
Swinburne University works to produce higher education graduates who are capable in their chosen profession. Learners bring to Swinburne a diverse wealth of experiences and graduate with individual understandings, abilities and attitudes. Within this context, HDC001 20th Century Design aims to provide students with the following attributes:- Are capable in their chosen professional, vocational or study areas;
- Are entrepreneurial in contributing to innovation and development within their business, workplace or community;
- Operate effectively and ethically in work and community situations;
- Are aware of local and international environments in which they will be contributing.
Content
This unit provides an introduction to 20th Century design history, focusing on a range of key designers, innovations and movements such as Modernism, International Modernism, and Post-Modernism. It explores aspects of the historical development of design as a creative, cultural and professional practice, while referencing the visual, material and spatial languages of design: graphics, products, interiors, environments, multi-media, film and animation. The economic and cultural role of design is explored, together with the interface of design with the arts, and more significantly with modern technology, materials, production and consumerism. A contemporary lens will be used to explore the relevance of the past to the present.
A range of topics will be covered, including:
- Modernism/post-modernism/contemporary design
- Design typologies;
- Design heroes;
- Innovation in design;
- Internationalism/cultural pluralism;
- Design, ideas and cultural production;
- Design as political and social action;
- Design, technology and change;
- Theories and principles of design;
- Evolution of design as a professional practice;
- Popular culture/high culture.
Throughout the unit, students will engage in a number of activities which will include:
- Induction program into online learning;
- Participation in online discussion of lectures and screenings;
- Small and large group online interactive activities;
- Synchronous and asynchronous discussion groups;
- Online quizzes;
- Excursions.
Reading materials
Aynsley, J 2004 Pioneers of Modern Graphic Design: A Complete History, Mitchell Beazley, London.
Byars, M 2004 The Design Encyclopedia, Museum of Modern Art & Laurence King, New York.
Byars, M 2004 The Design Encyclopedia, Museum of Modern Art & Laurence King, New York.
Gorman, C (ed.) 2003 The Industrial Design Reader, Allworth Press & Design Management Institute, New York.
Greenhalgh, P (ed.) 1990 Modernism in Design, Reaktion Books, London.
Forty, A 1992 Objects of Desire: Design and Society since 1750, Thames and Hudson, New York.
Pile, J 2005 A History of Interior Design, Laurence King, London.
Raizman, D 2003 History of Modern Design: Graphics and Products since the Industrial Design, Laurence King, London.
Sparke, P 1998 A Century of Design: Design Pioneers of the 20th Century, Mitchell Beazley, London.
