6 points, SCA Band 1, 0.125 EFTSL
Undergraduate - Unit
Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.
Faculty
Organisational Unit
Chief examiner(s)
Coordinator(s)
Ms Anna Daly
(CDS)
Mr Dion Tuckwell
(IDE)
Unit guides
Synopsis
This unit covers a range of sociological and critical theories that inform the analysis and interpretation of designed objects and images. Various perspectives of production, consumption and exchange are considered, including theories of the commodity and the gift. The bodies of thought surveyed include Marxist and structuralist perspectives, and subsequent discourses, as well as parallel streams of critique, and attendant linguistic and semiotic theories. Students will develop an enhanced understanding of the systems of objects and images to which designers contribute.
Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- understand and discuss key sociological and critical theories of objects and images;
- critically discuss the systems of production, consumption and exchange that impact upon design;
- understand and articulate the ways in which different theories of production, consumption and exchange reflect the historical and political contexts from which they emerge;
- analyse works of design from a particular theoretical perspective, using the correct terminology and appropriate analytic emphasis; and
- present critical arguments in an informed and articulate manner, whether spoken or written.
Assessment
Written assignment (2000 words): 30%
Essay (3000 words) including class presentation: 70%
Workload requirements
One 1-hour lecture and one 2-hour tutorial plus 9 independent study hours per week
See also Unit timetable information