This seminar surveys the field of design studies by examining the theories and methodologies that locate meaning within our culture that contribute to the designed object. Philosophy, material culture, anthropology and the technology sciences have all posited reciprocal relations between the designed object and culture. This seminar maps these different approaches and theories.
Upon completion of the course, students will be able to demonstrate knowledge, skill and abilities in the following areas: Students will better understand the role of material culture in the design process in abstract theoretical terms and in specific examples.
No required course materials. All course materials are provided on-line through Canvas.
The grading components of the course allow students to practice a number of different design-related skills: researching different and varied design criteria, making informed choices about design preferences and synthesizing factual information about design theory to perform well on tests.
There will be assignments attached to the weekly lectures that will provide students with experience in applying design protocols. These assignments will be uploaded into Assignments on Canvas and submitted through Canvas as well.
In addition, each student will prepare a well-researched and informed presentation on an assigned topic appropriate to the course material. The topics will be assigned via written assignment briefs which will include information about a) format and details of the presented research, b) expectations and evaluation criteria in grading, c) due dates and submission information.
There will also be three on-line proctored tests. These tests are not cumulative and will cover only the material since the last test.
Final grade averages will be calculated as follows: A: 100-90 (exceeds expectations on all questions); B: 89.9-80 (adequately meets expectations on the test answers); C: 79.9-70 (fails to adequately meet some expectations of test answers); D: 69.9-60 (failure to meet most expectations).
Attendance is mandatory for this course.
Students are expected to maintain the highest standards of academic integrity. All work submitted must be original and properly cited. Plagiarism, cheating, or any form of academic dishonesty will result in immediate consequences as outlined in the university's academic integrity policy.
This is a Core IMPACTS course that is part of the Humanities area. Core IMPACTS refers to the core curriculum, which provides students with essential knowledge in foundational academic areas. This course will help students master course content, and support students’ broad academic and career goals. This course should direct students toward a broad Orienting Question: How do I interpret the human experience through creative, linguistic, and philosophical works? Completion of this course should enable students to meet the following Learning Outcome: Students will effectively analyze and interpret the meaning, cultural significance, and ethical implications of literary/philosophical texts or of works in the visual/performing arts. Course content, activities and exercises in this course should help students develop the following Career-Ready Competencies: Ethical Reasoning, Information Literacy, Intercultural Competence