ARTH 42.03 Contemporary Design: Theory and Practice

This course surveys theoretical frameworks, historical movements, and social currents that inform present-day design practices. Interdisciplinary in its approach, the class will examine case studies drawn from the visual arts, graphic design, architecture, industrial design, and fashion. Students will gain insights into the evolution of design principles that have guided design philosophy and practice since the late 19th century. At the same time, the course places emphasis on contemporary innovations in design that run parallel or counter to the dominant narratives that have shaped the field. While the course focuses on real world applications of design thinking it also looks to speculative and critical design methodologies that challenge the assumptions and preconceptions of the present. These methodologies look beyond a functional instrumentalism to consider design scenarios based on longer and shorter timescales than regular product lifecycles and geared toward “users” who may exist at the margins of the social order. Accordingly, the assigned readings will encompass a diverse array of disciplines, including design philosophy, futurology, political theory, the philosophy of technology, and science fiction. The course includes units on Modernism, Postmodernism, Deconstruction, Afrofuturism, Feminism, Biodesign and Social Justice.

Degree Requirement Attributes

Dist:ART

The Timetable of Class Meetings contains the most up-to-date information about a course. It includes not only the meeting time and instructor, but also its official distributive and/or world culture designation. This information supersedes any information you may see elsewhere, to include what may appear in this ORC/Catalog or on a department/program website. Note that course attributes may change term to term therefore those in effect are those (only) during the term in which you enroll in the course.

Department-Specific Course Categories

Art History