BAPD1111 Design History, Design Theory and Communication Course description

The module will explore Norwegian and international design history from around 1850 to the present. Theoretical perspectives on design and knowledge theory are central topics. A fundamental understanding of history at a societal level, as well as locally and individually, is an important part of the learning process. Students will receive practical instruction in the writing process, academic writing, and documentation. The course will thus provide a foundational introduction to communication and dissemination aspects related to the role of a designer. Emphasis is placed on preparing students for group work in later courses and engagement with external clients and users.

Language of instruction: Norwegian

None

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

• has knowledge about how design is important for social development and vice versa, that social development affects design - and that this is expressed differently historically and today.
• knows that the links between design and social development are important on both a societal, local and personal level.
• Has knowledge of the importance of communication for working in groups, with clients and users.

Skills

The student

• can survey and critically reflect on design's role in sustainable social development, based on own understanding.
• demonstrates proficiency in written and oral discussion, use of references, and argumentation related to the field.
• can critically reflect on forms of communication in textual, visual, and spatial contexts, and can apply basic terminology related to the communication of design.

General competence

The student is capable of

• can assess their own role in professional contexts and from different perspectives, for example related to sustainability, inclusion, or societal impact.
• can exchange viewpoints and experiences with others within the field and, through this, contribute to the development of best practices.
• can reflect on their own learning process and adjust it under supervision.
• can reflect on different forms of communication and presentation of their own and others' designs.
• is aware of their professional role and understands it in relation to both contemporary and historical societal contexts.
• is aware of historical changes in attitudes towards sustainability, related to design and consumption.
• can reflect on different approaches to communication in group work, with clients, and with users.

In this course different forms for teaching are used:

• Workshops
• Lectures
• Excursions
• Midway review
• Group work
• Self-study
• Group tutorials

The following coursework is compulsory and must be approved before the student can take the exam:

• Participation in a group of 5-7 people to create and deliver a 10-minute oral presentation for the class twice during the course.
• Participation in a group of 2-4 students to produce one of the following:

A: A visual essay on a topic from design history. The visual essay must include both text and illustrations, and referencing rules must be followed. Format: brochure or poster, 1000-1500 words.

B: A digital story addressing a topic within design history. The format can vary, including CSS, HTML, videos, games, or social media in the form of short stories. The project must be 1000-1500 words, and referencing rules must be followed.

Part exam subject to the following requirements:

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

Group size: 5-7 students. Part 1 counts 40% of the final grade and part 2 counts 60% of the final grade.

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

The exam result can be appealed.

All resources are permitted as long as the rules for source referencing are followed. The student is required to indicate if and how AI has been used to answer the exam.

Grade scale A-F.

Two internal examiners. External examiners are used regularly.

BAPD1110 Designhistorie og designteori