BAPD1110 Design History and Design Theory Course description

The course will deepen Norwegian and international design history from the year approx. 1850 to present day. Theoretical perspectives on design and scientific theory are also central subject areas within this course. In addition, the student will receive practical teaching in the writing process, academic writing and documentation.

Admission to the study program. 

After completing the course, the student is expected to have achieved the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and competence:

Knowledge

The student

• is aware of the role and importance of design and technology in social development  how they have varied historically and in the present age.
• knows about innovation and future opportunities in the significance of design in technology in culture and society.
• is aware of his/her own professional role and understands it in relation to both a contemporary and a historical social context

Skills

The student

• is capable of developing new perspectives and using analysis and critical reflection on the basis of his/her own understanding of the importance and role of design for a sustainable society
• is capable of critically reflecting on future opportunities for the role and importance of design in society and to individuals
• is capable of putting his/her own professional role in perspective and of using analysis in projects to identify opportunities and limitations to his/her own professional role
• masters written and oral discussion and argumentation on the basis of his/her own understanding of the importance and role of design to social development and individuals

Competence

The student is capable of

• seeing him/herself and his/her own work in a human and global context
• exchanging points of view and experience with others with backgrounds in the field and in this way contribute to developing good practice
• reflecting on his/her own development in the learning process and adjusting it under supervision

• Workshops
• Lectures
• Excursions
• Half-way review
• Group work
• Self-study

Business firms have many positive impacts on society but are also responsible for social and environmental problems and are under pressure from stakeholders to become more sustainable. Sustainability can be costly but also provide business opportunities, and most firms are now working on a range of sustainability initiatives and practices.

This course aims to give a broad introduction to business and sustainability. The course focuses on how business firms can combine increased levels of social and environmental sustainability with continued financial performance. Topics in the course include the business and ethical case for sustainability, business and climate change, resource use, social sustainability, organization for sustainability, sustainable finance and marketing, sustainability and innovation, regulation, and sustainability reporting.

Language of instruction is English.

Portfolio assessment subject to the following requirements:

• Assignment 1: individual paper and group work. Scope: 1300-1500 words.
• Assignment 2: individual paper and group work. Scope: 1500-2000 words.

Group size: 5-7 students. One overall grade is given for the portfolio.

All parts of the portfolio must be passed (grade E or better) in order to pass the exam in the course.

The exam result can be appealed.

All aids are permitted, as long as the rules for source referencing are complied with.

The course will combine lectures, case discussions and individual work. The course will be partly organized around one group and one individual project.

Two internal examiners. External examiners are used regularly.