TY3DFC-Design for change

Module Provider: Typography
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:6
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2021/2

Module Convenor: Dr Jeanne-Louise Moys
Email: j.l.moys@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

The module will be taught in either the Autumn or Spring terms, depending on student selection and staff availability. If the module runs in the Spring term then the contact hours will be the same as those listed below for the Autumn term.

This module extends the ways in which students critically engage with issues of diversity, inclusion, global perspectives and sustainability in design and explore these through a practical project that responds to a self-selected ‘Design for change’ brief.

Students engage with a range of current industry debates, relevant theoretical perspectives and examples of global design practices beyond the ‘Western canon’. This multifaceted context provides a critical foundation from which students identify their own ‘Design for change’ brief. Students then develop practical outcomes that respond to their chosen ‘design problem’ and demonstrate appropriate engagement with socially responsible ‘Design for change’ practices.

Examples of the kinds of practical deliverables that could be relevant for self-selected briefs include: apps, multimedia campaigns, social media campaigns, exhibitions, and motion graphics.

Aims:

To critically engage with issues of diversity, inclusion, global perspectives and sustainability in design and undertake a practical ‘Design for change’ project.

Assessable learning outcomes:

• Critically engage with socially-responsible practices in design, drawing on current industry debates, relevant theoretical perspectives and examples beyond the ‘Western canon’


• Develop a project brief and ideas for a ‘Design for change’ project


• Conduct research and visual exploration to appropriately inform your approach to a practical ‘Design for change’ project


• Demonstrate visual design judgment through analysis of both existing examples and your own practical work


• Produce practical design work that uses information and graphic language to communicate effectively for the intended audience(s


• Produce practical work that demonstrates appropriate engagement with ethical and socially responsible practices.

Additional outcomes:

Students should also be able to articulate their ideas visually, through drawing and work on computers, defend their approach to a problem, and make an effective verbal and visual presentation of their ideas.

Outline content:

The module focuses on exploring issues of diversity, inclusion, sustainability and other aspects of social responsibility in design. Engaging with current debates in design practice, alongside discussion of diverse examples of design practice from different cultural contexts and relevant theoretical concepts, helps build a foundation for students to identify their own ‘Design for change’ brief and ways of approaching their own practice. Students are then able to explore their own brief and research the issues relevant to their chosen brief in more depth. Independent project work is supported through group discussion and tutor feedback to help students develop and evaluate their practical work.

Global context:

Graphic Design as a discipline has a strong ‘Western canon’. This module provides an opportunity for students to explore global design practices beyond the ‘Western canon’. The module engages with current industry debates about diversity and inclusion in Design. Discussion of relevant theoretical perspectives helps students contextualise and critique historical, contemporary and their own practices.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

The module is realised mainly through a practical design project, and a series of seminars, workshops and talks (some of these may be presented by visitors), complemented by selected reading and examples of design practice.

The module incorporates various teaching and learning methods, alongside independent research and design work. Initial group discussions explore issues of diversity, inclusion and global perspectives in design and how these inform the nature and require ments of the brief. These discussions might be supported by readings, seminars and critical analysis of historical and contemporary. Group seminars and individual project supervision discussions are scheduled to monitor and support work in progress. In these meetings, students will often present, explain, and defend their approach to the brief. Projects end with a full group meeting to review work and to evaluate the work of peers. Additional feedback is given in individual tutorials.

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

A series of research and development tasks are encouraged during the initial phases of the project to build a foundation for the project and the presentation. Students give an oral presentation at the end of the autumn term for summative assessment. The main project is submitted for formative assessment at the end of the autumn term. The summative assessment of the main project takes place in summer term. Marking and moderating will take into account the formative assessment stage (see below) and any additional work the student has undertaken prior to final submission. The marks for the presentation cannot be improved at resubmission stage.

Formative assessment methods:

Formative feedback is given during the project; further feedback (including an indicative marking rubric) is given after initial project submission; a final opportunity for feedback is offered in summer term to students making changes before final submission.

Penalties for late submission:

Non-standard penalties apply to the late submission of Part 3 practical work that is assessed in Summer Term (i.e. all work in module TY3DP3 and practical work submitted for optional modules). 10% of the total marks available for the work will be deducted from the final mark where work is submitted up to 24 hours late. Thereafter the mark falls to zero. Assessors may exercise discretion in the application of penalties.

For non-practical work the standard University policy applies: http://www.reading.ac.uk/web/FILES/qualitysupport/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf

Assessment requirements for a pass:

A mark of 40% overall.

Reassessment arrangements:

Coursework that bears a confirmed mark of less than 40 must be resubmitted by an August/September date to be notified.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books: None

2) Specialist equipment or materials: None

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear: None

4) Printing and binding: £10-£20

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification: None

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence: None

Last updated: 22 June 2021