Art 529

ART 529: The History of Graphic Design

Prerequisite: Graduate standing in Art or permission of instructor

Credit Hours: (3)

A one semester survey of the key points in the historical development of the graphic design field.

Detailed Description of Content of the Course

Topics may include but are not limited to 1. The Invention of Writing, 2. Alphabets, 3. The Asian Contribution, 4. Illuminated Manuscripts, 5. The Industrial Revolution, 6. The Digital Revolution and Beyond

Detailed Description of Conduct of Course

Course conduct may include lectures with various forms of note-taking, summary reports of texts, videos, web-sites, etc. Field trip or exhibition attendance may be available. In addition to the above, all graduate level students may be required to submit summaries and/or abstracts from an approved list of DVDs, VHS videos, book chapters, slide collections, etc. from McConnell Library or other facilities.

Goals and Objectives of this Course

The goal of this course is to provide a context for the understanding of the history of the graphic design field and its implications for contemporary culture.

Few contemporary designers are fully aware of the rich heritage of this 5000 year old discipline. By developing this broad awareness, and also viewing a variety of worldwide work, current designers are able to make more significant works.

Assessment Measures

Assessment may be based upon a series of short, assigned papers or other activities.

Graduate students’ studies are individually structured and administered in conjunction with the approval of the instructor. Usual assessments of these studies may include a synopsis of an article, passage or video. Web-site research, particularly for biographical information may be encouraged. A review of an actual exhibit may be required. 

Other Course Information

None

Review and Approval

Approved:  December 2009