This course offers students the chance to work on more self-directed writing and speaking projects, engaging with design and design culture via interviews, field work, readings, and examines transdisciplinary design practice in a contemporary context. Through their own critical writing, students of the course will be able to distinguish modes of practice by discipline and modes of reflection by discourse. Readings in design history, theory, and criticism appear alongside other readings in history and contemporary culture in order to situate design practice. These readings will range from academic writing to journalism, the popular press, and blogs. The class may also include studio and site visits, films, and guest speakers in order to provide an expansive view of contemporary design and culture. This course examines design practice in a contemporary context. What is contemporary about contemporary design? Particular focus is on graphic design, interaction design, product design and the places where they meet, overlap, or intersect. Readings can range from academic writing to journalism, the popular press, and blogs. The class may also include studio and site visits, films, and guest speakers in order to provide an expansive, global view of contemporary design and culture. Through their own critical writing, students will explore and join current conversations, looking at how these conversations influence and drive design.

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