GD 220: Histories of Design

The history of design is an evolution in aesthetics, technology, style and visual communication. The class will encompass a survey of major movements in the field of design, notable designers and design materials. The nature of changing methods, materials, technologies and values are examined in the context of the social and political realities that shape communication. This course interrogates the diverse cultural definitions and functions of design across time and place. This introduction to broad movements in style and approach in global and diverse movements range from Western European and North American to essential intersections with Black, Latinx, and Asian movements acknowledging the historical exclusion of globally diverse artifacts, practices, practitioners and users.