ART 420 - Design Theory & Practice

(3 credits)

Advanced seminar in contemporary design discourse and research methods. Through readings, writings, lectures, and discussion sections, students investigate key theoretical and critical topics-such as design thinking, decolonizing design, disability and accessibility, authorship, cultural appropriation, queering typography, sustainability, and artificial intelligence-and connect these ideas to their own design practice. Students develop analytical vocabulary, practice close reading and critique, and complete a multi-part Design Research Proposal culminating in a creative research pitch that frames an independent, research-informed design project. Prerequisites: Senior standing (75 credits); admission to the Art - Graphic Design (ARTG) - BA Major or Art - I-Design (ARTD) - BA Major; or instructor permission. Grade only. Offered alternate years (usually fall semester). May be repeated for credit up to three times (9 credits).

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