Module Database Search

MODULE DESCRIPTOR
Module Title
Contextual & Critical Studies - Design Contexts
Reference	AA2510	Version	3
Created	March 2023	SCQF Level	SCQF 8
Approved	August 2016	SCQF Points	30
Amended	July 2023	ECTS Points	15

Aims of Module
This module will build upon students' introduction to Contextual and Critical Studies in stage 1.The core skills of research,analysis, synthesis and communication will be expanded upon, further enabling students to communicate effectively, textually and orally, the critical position of their evolving practice within contemporary and historical themes related to design culture.

Learning Outcomes for Module
On completion of this module, students are expected to be able to:
1	Demonstrate the ability to research using methods appropriate to the critical themes, theories and concepts in contemporary practice.
2	Analyse and discuss historical and contemporary themes, theories and concepts in the context of contemporary practice.
3	Apply critical and analytical thinking to the enquiry and exploration of ideas in relation to critical themes, theories and concepts within historical and contemporary practice.
4	Synthesise information related to the contexts of historical and contemporary practice and communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

Indicative Module Content
The module will build upon the interdisciplinary themes from Visual Culture introduced in stage 1, and enable students to develop a greater critical and contextual awareness specific to the subject of contemporary design practice in all its manifestations and linkages to the wider field of Design Culture. Students will be introduced to aspects of Design Context, theory and culture (contemporary and historic), through lectures, seminars and online media, which will serve to underpin students' developing design studio practice. Semester 1 will focus on placing Contemporary Design in its multiple critical, cultural, and socio-political contexts, by examining Design futures and histories, ethics, gender and consumer culture. Semester 2 will consider a further range of critical approaches related to design, including Design thinking, Digital Design, sustainability and social innovation and globalization. Students will be aided and encouraged to make links to their specialist studio practice at all times. Emphasis is placed on developing critical thinking, research and writing skills appropriate to students' specialist design practice and its wider professional and cultural context. Completed theoretical project work should evidence an awareness and consideration of sustainable themes in a manner appropriate to the context of the discipline.

Indicative Module Content

The module will build upon the interdisciplinary themes from Visual Culture introduced in stage 1, and enable students to develop a greater critical and contextual awareness specific to the subject of contemporary design practice in all its manifestations and linkages to the wider field of Design Culture. Students will be introduced to aspects of Design Context, theory and culture (contemporary and historic), through lectures, seminars and online media, which will serve to underpin students' developing design studio practice. Semester 1 will focus on placing Contemporary Design in its multiple critical, cultural, and socio-political contexts, by examining Design futures and histories, ethics, gender and consumer culture. Semester 2 will consider a further range of critical approaches related to design, including Design thinking, Digital Design, sustainability and social innovation and globalization. Students will be aided and encouraged to make links to their specialist studio practice at all times. Emphasis is placed on developing critical thinking, research and writing skills appropriate to students' specialist design practice and its wider professional and cultural context. Completed theoretical project work should evidence an awareness and consideration of sustainable themes in a manner appropriate to the context of the discipline.

Module Delivery
The module is lecture and seminar based, with allocated time for private and directed study and further reading. Group discussion and critical debate will be facilitated through seminar and online forums. Visits from professional in the field, and national and international study visits may form part of the curriculum.

Indicative Student Workload	Full Time	Part Time
Contact Hours	50	N/A
Non-Contact Hours	250	N/A
Placement/Work-Based Learning Experience [Notional] Hours	N/A	N/A
TOTAL	300	N/A
Actual Placement hours for professional, statutory or regulatory body

ASSESSMENT PLAN
If a major/minor model is used and box is ticked, % weightings below are indicative only.
Component 1
Type:	Coursework	Weighting:	100%	Outcomes Assessed:	1, 2, 3, 4
Description:	Submission of written coursework.

MODULE PERFORMANCE DESCRIPTOR
Explanatory Text
In order to pass the module you need to achieve a D or above.
Module Grade	Minimum Requirements to achieve Module Grade:
A	An A at C1
B	A B at C1
C	A C at C1
D	A D at C1
E	An E at C1
F	An F at C1
NS	Non-submission of work by published deadline or non-attendance for examination

Module Requirements
Prerequisites for Module	None.
Corequisites for module	None.
Precluded Modules	None.

ADDITIONAL NOTES
Students will be guided towards particular readings relevant to the individual projects and will be encouraged to keep abreast of contemporary issues occurring in their specialist areas.

INDICATIVE BIBLIOGRAPHY
1	Anker, P. (2010) Bauahus to Ecohaus: a history of ecological design, Baton Rouge, Louisianna State University.
2	Hines, S. (2018) Is Gender Fluid: a primer for the 21st century, London, Thames & Hudson.
3	Julier. G. (2014) The Culture of Design, Los Angeles, SAGE.
4	Mcluhan, M. & Fiore, Q. (1967/1996) The Medium is the Massage. London, Penguin.
5	Mirzoeff, N. (2015) How to see the world, London: Pelican.
6	Papanek, V. (2019) Design for the real world, London, Thames & Hudson
7	Rawsthorn, A. (2018) Design is an Attitude, Geneva, JRP
8	Rawsthorn, A. (2022) Design Emergencies, London, Phaedon.

Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen

Module Database Search