EPN-V2

BAPD2310 Aesthetic, culture and Sustainability in Critical Perspectives Course description

Course name in Norwegian
Estetikk, kultur og bærekraft i kritiske perspektiver
Study programme
Bachelor's Degree Programme in Product Design
Weight
10.0 ECTS
Year of study
2020/2021
Curriculum
SPRING 2021
Schedule
Programme description
Course history

Introduction

The course deals with the practice of design in a cultural and social perspective. The main focus is on written analysis, discussion and argumentation.

Required preliminary courses

Passed first year of the programme or equivalent.

Learning outcomes

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 capable of analysing cultural contexts from a design theory and design history perspective
  • is capable of discussing and arguing his/her own views in different academic, professional and user-oriented contexts
  • has knowledge of and shows empathy in relation to different aesthetic paradigms
  • has knowledge of aesthetics as a tool in different cultural contexts
  • has knowledge of and insight into the relationship between design theory, practical design work and innovation

Skills

The student is capable of

  • discussing and relating to theoretical problems
  • using aesthetic elements in the development of products in different cultural contexts
  • mastering written presentations that meet professional and academic requirements

Competence

The student is capable of

  • exchanging opinions and experience with different academic and professional environments from different countries to promote professional development and product development, nationally and globally
  • reflecting on and assessing his/her own professional and aesthetic point of view
  • reflecting on his/her own development in the learning process and adjusting it under supervision

Content

The course is intended to give students knowledge about different cultures’ forms of expression and significance. Particular emphasis will be placed on knowledge about the relationship between culture and sustainability. The course will provide students with knowledge about, skills in and attitudes to aesthetic tools relating to the design process, including three-dimensional forms, concepts and processes. It will develop students’ ability to reflect critically and produce written descriptions and argumentation.

Mainly written, but also oral communication.

The course is intended to promote knowledge about and awareness of how to safeguard cultural and aesthetic qualities in design assignments vis-à-vis clients, partners and users. The work will result in a written assignment. When working on the assignment, the student will contact relevant expert communities and user groups.

Teaching and learning methods

Individual work and group work, lectures, literature studies, research, workshops, supervision, presentation and discussion.

Course requirements

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

  • Reflection notes.
  • A written assignment emphasising critical reflection and academic argumentation in relation to the student’s own design activities.

Assessment

Written home exam relating to product aesthetics and cultural understanding.

The exam result can be appealed.

Permitted exam materials and equipment

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

Grading scale

A grading scale from A - F where A is the best grade and F is fail.

Examiners

Two internal examiners. External examiners are used regularly.

Overlapping courses

BAPD2210 (20 stp.) overlapper 10 stp. med emnet BAPD2200 (10 stp.).