Design History and Theory 1

This module aims to deepen the learners understanding of design history; to provide a foundation for learners to independently and critically investigate, analyse, evaluate, discuss and write about works of design; to empower further study in the discipline and ultimately to augment their own development as designers. The module is designed to introduce the learner to a methodological toolkit to analyse diverse examples with a global perspective on design from pre-history and ancient civilisations, then focusing on classical European antiquity to the medieval period, and Renaissance towards the Industrial Revolution incorporating diverse examples from natural found objects to working with materials including ceramics, textiles, woodwork, glass, metalwork, and architecture.

The importance and vitality of experiential learning by viewing actual artefacts of design and material culture will be embedded in the module with guided field trips to the Galway City Museum and the National Museum of Ireland - Country Life in Mayo. This compulsory element of the module will foster student access to national collections and the continued potential that these repositories of visual culture offer to learners.

A range of links to GMIT library resources, audio visual materials, activities and discussion forums will be available to module participants on the GMIT virtual learning environment, Moodle.

1. 1. Write and present clearly articulated, factually supported critical reflections on a topic from the lecture series employing academic methods of research and citation.
2. 1. Comprehend and employ a wide ranging vocabulary to articulate verbal and written analysis of works of design.
3. • Employ a range of criteria in the evaluation of design critiquing the relationship between aesthetic forms and utilitarian functions in the analysis of objects.
4. 1. Demonstrate an ability to identify key objects of design from the lecture series with factual historic information pertaining to the production, form and function of the artefacts.
5. 1. Distinguish between historic movements and styles and identify their key characteristics and consider the ideological contexts of these periods.