Please note! Course description is confirmed for two academic years, which means that in general, e.g. Learning outcomes, assessment methods and key content stays unchanged. However, via course syllabus, it is possible to specify or change the course execution in each realization of the course, such as how the contact sessions are organized, assessment methods weighted or materials used.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
On successful completion of this course, you will be able to:
- summarise and debate communication design issues from different viewpoints
- paraphrase concepts such as discourse, authorship, practice, modernity, and epistemology
- explain the notions of material and designerly knowledge
- identify connections between communication design and theoretical frameworks beyond design theory
Credits: 6
Schedule: 08.09.2020 - 14.10.2020
Teacher in charge (valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022): Arja Karhumaa
Teacher in charge (applies in this implementation): Anni Puolakka
Contact information for the course (valid 07.09.2020-21.12.2112):
- Anni Puolakka, course teacher
- Email: anni.i.puolakka@aalto.fi
- Phone: +358 50 527 3123
CEFR level (applies in this implementation):
Language of instruction and studies (valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022):
Teaching language: English
Languages of study attainment: English
CONTENT, ASSESSMENT AND WORKLOAD
Content
Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:
An introduction to contemporary discussions and theories within visual communication design. Special attention is paid to design's inheritance from modernity, the nature of knowing and knowledge in different domains, and the notion of designerly and material knowledge. Relevant theories in other fields beyond design theory are also discussed, along with their potential contribution to design practice. In addition to lectures and discussions in class, a significant part of the course consists of working in independent reading groups, where thematic course literature is explored through reading, writing, and conversation.
Applies in this implementation:
On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- discuss and debate communication design issues from different viewpoints
- explain the notions of material and designerly knowledge
- locate communication design within theoretical frameworks beyond design theory
- theorise aspects of their own design practice within one or several frameworks
Assessment Methods and Criteria
Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:
Discussions, reading group work and blog posts. Successful completion of the course requires 80 % attendance in class, 100% attendance in reading group meetings, and that all writing exercises as well as the group work are completed and approved.
Applies in this implementation:
Applies in this implementation:
The course is evaluated as either pass or fail. In order to pass the course, the student has to
- be present on at least 80 % of class hours
- be present on all of the reading group meetings
- submit all the writing assignments for the reading group work
- take part in the finalisation of group assignments
If any of these aspects are missing at the end of the course, the student must contact the course leader.
Workload
Applies in this implementation:
The classes consist of lectures, discussions, and assignments. Significant part of the course work is done in individual reading groups. The group meetings acquire preliminary reading and writing. The groups also work with a final presentation which is a synthesis of their discussions.
The course workload divides in 44 hours in class and 118 hours independent work, which divide into:
44 h in class
36 h reading
24 h writing
6 h reading group meetings
16 hours for preparing group presentation
36 h time to think
DETAILS
Study Material
Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:
Announced in the beginning of the course.
Applies in this implementation:
Course readings are available on the mycourses page 'Readings', as the course begins.
FURTHER INFORMATION
Details on the schedule
Applies in this implementation:
The course runs from 8th September to 14 October on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
The first and last two days of the course, classes run from 9.15 to 3pm.
All other classes run though mornings 9.15 to 12.