TAD1203

Introduction to design history and theory ( 6 points, SCA Band 1, 0.125 EFTSL)

Leader: Dr Robert Nelson

Offered:
Caulfield First semester 2005 (Day)

Synopsis: The aesthetic and ideological energies of key examples of design are linked to their utilitarian nature in terms of function and service. The search for the reasons behind stylistic development is undertaken within the framework of the history of ideas, from the spiritual to the economic. The forms of production analysed and evaluated include industrial products, technological devices, interiors and furnishings, graphic design and advertising, implements and artefacts, amongst others. In tutorials students are given opportunities to develop visual and verbal skills for engaging in contemporay discourse on design.

Objectives: 1.recognise key works of design and place them in the appropriate social and cultural climate; 2.trace the formal sources of works of art and design and identify their impact, both historically and critically; 3.consider the relationships between the design, fine art and applied arts disciplines as mutually important partners in visual production; 4.cultivate theoretical curiosity for the changing cultural functions of design, fine art and applied arts in the industrial period; 5.describe works perceptively and comment on them with critical discernment, attempting to evoke the expressive and/or ideological content of objects of design; 6.present a combination of factual and subjective arguments in an articulate and critical manner, whether spoken or written.

Assessment: Essay 1000 words: 25% Essay 2000 words: 50% Visual test: 25%

Contact Hours: Two 1 hour lectures and one 1 hour tutorial weekly

Prerequisites: admisison to a Design degree course