Module overview
This module is designed to provide you with knowledge of the historical and contextual development of graphic arts across the twentieth century. It introduces key ideas and concepts that will inform your practical work through an examination of the social, political and cultural debates within a historical and critical context. Through a range of relevant discussions, case studies and readings, we will introduce you to research methods and approaches that will inspire you to challenge the work of others and to form critical and contextual awareness of your subject area. We will also introduce you to the importance of research, academic integrity, i.e. not misrepresenting the work of others as your own, and to the academic conventions that you will utilise during the rest of the programme.
Theory based modules such as this one will allow you to draw upon a broader range of knowledge and reference when approaching your practical work. The relationship between practice, theory and context and how they can inform each other will start to become evident.
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Transferable and Generic Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- plan your time effectively and work to deadlines.
- employ digital literacies to support your learning.
- communicate your ideas in writing and utilise supporting visual material effectively.
Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- key historical and contextual developments related to graphic arts.
- the importance of contextual research.
- the broad social, environmental and ethical dimensions of graphic arts.
Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- begin to inform your practice through reflection of your research and relevant critical and contextual concepts.
- start to apply critical enquiry and reflection to evaluate your work.
Syllabus
Indicative content for this module normally includes:
introductory sessions will demonstrate recognised academic research approaches, you will progress to examine a range of key historic impacts, ideas and concepts that have contributed to and informed the development of graphic arts historically.
You will be encouraged to contextualise these ideas before developing your research further by using the learning resources provided by the University to support the development of your critical writing skills.
In response to lecture content you will be asked to respond to a series of questions via a written and illustrated blogpost that will utilise relevant research and visual material.
Creation of blogposts that will evidence your developing research skills, your understanding of the historical context of your subject and how this influences the contemporary context of the Graphic Arts.
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
Teaching methods include
- Lectures
- Seminars
- Supporting material distributed via online learning environments such as Blackboard and Panopto.
Learning activities include:
- Peer group discussion in seminars
- Review and revision of material provided within the lectures
- Guided independent research
- Written communication and the creation of a series of blogposts
- Study skills hub
Relationship between the teaching, learning and assessment methods and the planned learning outcomes
This module will be directed by lectures that will support the development of the intellectual rigor necessary to enable you to apply critical, evaluative, reflection and contextualisation skills in the context of your ideas and work. Seminars and formative tutorials will enable you to analyse material provided and extend your knowledge and understanding via independent research. Written communication and digital literacies will be enhanced by the production of a series of illustrated blogposts. Seminars and formative tutorials will help you plan your time and work effectively to deadlines. Intellectual and research skills will be supported and enhanced using guidance and material distributed via virtual learning environments such as Blackboard, Panopto and Library Services.
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Seminar | 10 |
| Wider reading or practice | 75 |
| Completion of assessment task | 30 |
| Preparation for scheduled sessions | 20 |
| Lecture | 15 |
| Total study time | 150 |
Resources & Reading list
General Resources
panopto. via blackboard
Helvetica.. The movie.
Internet Resources
Eye. the International Review of Graphic Design..
EdShare - (This will house most of your teaching materials, videos, slides and documents).
The library Academic Skills website.
Textbooks
Armstrong, H. (2014). Graphic Design Theory. Johanneshov:MTM.
Aynsley, J. (2004). Pioneers of Modern Graphic Design. London: M. Beazley.
Meggs, Phillip B. Meggs’ (2006). History of Graphic Design.
Eskilson, Stephen J.. Graphic Design, A New History..
Poynor, Rick. (2006). Communicate. Independent British Graphic Design.
Hollis, Richard. (2007). Swiss Graphic Design..
McQuiston, Liz (2006). Graphic Agitation.. Phaidon Press.
Heller, Steven & Chwast Seymour (2008). Illustration. A Visual History..
Berger, J. (2008). Ways of Seeing. Penguin.
Poynor, R. (2013). No More Rules: Graphic Design & Postmodernism. London: Laurence King.
McLuhun, M & Fiore, Q. (2016). The Medium is the Massage. Ginko Press.
Assessment
Formative
This is how we’ll give you feedback as you are learning. It is not a formal test or exam.
Blog and feedback contributions
- Assessment Type: Formative
- Feedback:
- Final Assessment: No
- Group Work: No
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Blog/written assignment | 100% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Blog/written assignment | 100% |
Repeat
An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Blog/written assignment | 100% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External