DGN4001*

Project studies (Design honours)

12 points - 24 hours per week, including 4 formal studio hours and 20 hours of independent study - First semester - Caulfield - Prerequisites: DGN3106 - Corequisites: TAD4501

Objectives The particular objectives for each student will be established by the lecturer in consultation with the student and will address the student's learning requirements prior to the undertaking of the major project. In general, students will normally wish to address gaps in their understanding or capabilities, or issues which need to be explored prior to taking the major project - such as testing its validity - or the development of specialist knowledge or capabilities, that pertain to it. In general, students should be able to research and explore the full range of issues to be considered in a design project; practise design to a high standard of professional competence; relate their work to the contemporary discourse and seek to push at its boundaries through their design work; defend their chosen direction in major project topic and studio practice against informed challenge and criticism; have a base of knowledge, understanding and capability necessary to undertake their particular major project.

Synopsis In most instances the topics will be determined by the student in consultation with the lecturer, to address, either, gaps in the student's understanding or capabilities, or issues relating to the honours project topic which need to be explored prior to undertaking it, or the development of specialist understanding or capabilities. However, in certain circumstances, for a particular cohort, a project may be set for a substantial number of students in the subject in order to address issues of common concern. The outcomes from the subject will vary depending upon the individual objectives established by the student and the course director. The subject provides an opportunity to explore and develop, refinements, and elaborations upon the base of professional attainment achieved at the end of the third year. It is anticipated that students will be particularly concerned with the development of their personal design philosophy, the way in which it responds to social needs and its visual and social expression as a preliminary to its virtuoso development in the honours project. The contemporary discourse in art, design and architecture and related social theory will be actively discussed, and debated, with students encouraged to develop a personal position relative to it.

Assessment Projects: 80% - Project reports: 20%

Prescribed texts

To be determined

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