A Survey of Design Studies
Course Description
This course will introduce students to a variety of perspectives and lenses through which to examine and evaluated design in the world. Students will consider design studies through theory and criticism of design, as well as applied to business administration, museum studies, and environmental studies. In addition, students will be encouraged to find evidence of and define design studies in areas that are uniquely suited to their individual areas of interest.
This course will provide students an opportunity to consider how they might apply design methods and processes to fields outside of design, and to gain insight into how designers work so they might more effectively work alongside them. Readings for the course will be focused on various theories of design, design studies and the future of design. Students will also be given assignments where they can apply these learned and discussed theories in a real and practical way. As an advised elective, this course is required for Design Studies majors who are sophomores in their major.
Instructor Information
Tania Allen
Email: tania_allen@ncsu.edu
Phone: 919-515-8359
Office Location: Leazar 404
Office Hours: Wednesdays, 1:00-3:00pm
Course Meetings
Seminar
Days: Tu/Th
Time: 10:40 – 12:30
Location: Brooks 300
This meeting is required.
Learning Objectives and Outcomes
Objectives:
Through this course, students will gain a better understanding of:
- The qualities that are currently outlining Design Studies as an emerging field;
- Ideas and opportunities that are missing from the discourse on design studies;
- The language being used in its definition and how that language affects an emerging field;
- The importance of theory and criticism in understanding the past, present and future of design;
- The theory and application of design studies as the history, theory and criticism of design;
- The theory and application of design studies to fields outside of design, specifically business, non-profit management, and environmental studies;
- How design studies may be applied to alternate fields specific to student interest;
- How formal, socio-cultural, technological, environmental and economic systems impact design;
- How curating, editing and storytelling frames a perspective on design and design applications.
Outcomes:
After completing this course, students will be able to:
- Read critically on historical and contemporary writings on design and designs studies;
- Make connections between theory and application;
- Ask informed questions about the current and future of design studies;
- Think, write and articulate critical and informed opinions about design systems, processes and objects;
- Evaluate design systems, process and objects through formal, socio-cultural, technological, environmental and economic lenses;
- Understand the difference between design studies and design-making;
- Articulate a definition of design studies.