The module is an introduction to the history and critical study of graphic design. It will provide students with an understanding of the historical development of graphic design within the larger field of cultural production, and an awareness of core debates and concepts in the history of art and design.
Through a series of thematic sessions, students will reflect on what might be key stages in the history of graphic design; unpack the images, objects, and processes of graphic design and the different ways in which they mean; and engage with the ideas and practices that have shaped graphic design as a social, cultural, and economic activity.
Through discussion, students will develop an understanding of the key themes and critical issues that inform contemporary design practices. They will be able to examine the relationship between theory and practice in graphic design and start developing their skills as independent researchers and reflective practitioners.
On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
Image-based lectures, discussions, screenings and study visits are used to introduce and develop the content of the module. These are used to explore key ideas and examples, and provide the reference point for course reading, and the assessment tasks. An individual research journal which is self-directed underpins student learning, and offers an opportunity for self-reflection and connection to studio-based learning. The module will make use of the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) Canvas for communication and dissemination of information between students and staff as well as making online learning materials available to all.
All courses based in the Kingston School of Art offer students free access to the online video tutorial platform Lynda.com. This provides a wide range of subjects to choose from, many with downloadable exercise files, including software tutorials covering photography, graphics, web design, audio and music, CAD and Microsoft Office software, as well as courses on business and management skills. Some of these are embedded in the curriculum and offer additional self-paced learning, others may be taken at will by students wishing to broaden their employability skills in other areas.
| Definitive UNISTATS Category | Indicative Description | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled learning and teaching | image-based lectures, discussions, screenings and study visits | 44 |
| Guided independent study | 256 | |
| Total (number of credits x 10) | 300 | |
The first assessment allows students to display their developing academic skills in research, writing, and visual analysis in the context of introductory themes of the module. The assessment emphasises skills in assembling images, text and key concepts, and understanding relations between them. These skills are further developed in the second assessment, where a more integrated approach to images, text and concepts is developed in a longer piece of writing. Feedback received from the first assessment feeds forward into the second assessment, which allows for development of key academic skills.
1) 1000 word piece of writing (20%), formative and summative;
2) Essay of 2000 words (80%), summative.
| Learning Outcome | Assessment Strategy |
|---|---|
| 1) Identify key historical issues debates that have informed the understanding of design for communication and media within modernity; | 1) 1000 word piece of writing 2) Essay |
| 2) Convey a contextualised understanding of their own work and practice; | 1) 1000 word piece of writing 2) Essay |
| 3) Describe some of the theoretical concepts through which design for communication and media has been understood; | 1) 1000 word piece of writing 2) Essay (2000 words) |
| 4) Convey an understanding of the relationship between design and technology; | 1) 1000 word piece of writing 2) Essay (2000 words) |
| 5) Describe and analyse visual and material examples; | 1) 1000 word piece of writing 2) Essay (2000 words) |
| 6) Convey their knowledge and understanding in writing. | 1) 1000 word piece of writing 2) Essay (2000 words) |
| Description of Assessment | Definitive UNISTATS Categories | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 1000 word piece of writing | Coursework | 20% |
| Essay, 2000 words | Coursework | 80% |
| Total (to equal 100%) | 100% | |
It IS NOT a requirement that any element of assessment is passed separately in order to achieve an overall pass for the module.
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