Produce
a dissertation of between 3500 to 4500 words, examining a particular issue that
is relevant to your own developing design practice, potentially influenced by
an issue identified from society. You will be given a personal tutor, who you
will see on regular basis to evoke discussion, provide formative feedback and
guidance. In consultation with the personal tutor, you are encouraged to
formulate, plan, and co-ordinate your own research methodology and hypothesis.
Group critiques may be used where appropriate, but you will develop ideas
through both tutorial meetings and non-contact time. Emphasis is very much
placed on guiding you to become a self-initiated researcher with a sound
ability to reference your sources and how to develop
an appropriate research methodology. Non-contact time is utilized for personal
research and the final writing and completion of the assignment.
Through a series of lectures and seminars you
critically examine various forms of design and entertainment such as film and
animation, advertising, magazines, comics, graphic novels, and computer games. This module builds on knowledge of design
movements and styles as introduced at Stage 1. However, it considers why certain
brands, products, or fashions have become popular in the first place. The ways
used in design to grab the attention of the consumer, such as shock, humour,
parody and metaphors are considered.
The module draws
attention to the use of stereotypes, and issues of representation and
diversity. Therefore, you are encouraged to form your own views on the ethical
role of the designer in the context of new technology that might be used to
distort imagery, environmental concerns and consumerism. You will begin to develop
your own design philosophy and ethical position. The
module involves researching and
writing one Essay (from a choice of questions in the module guide), and the
development of a Dissertation idea. The
module assists in developing research and writing skills in preparation for
Stage 3.
- Teacher: Chrysa Toka
This module introduces students to a range of design philosophies, approaches and thinking, and to the work of influential design practitioners. Students will develop a basic foundation of knowledge and understanding of the important theoretical and historical contexts which have shaped modern design, and which could potentially influence students’ own work.
The module will intentionally take a broad view that covers a range of design disciplines, to avoid ‘tunnel vision’, and to open up the creative possibilities for your work, which can also be found outside your specialist areas of study. Tutors may choose to take a position on certain design issues which differs from your own, and which challenges conventional thinking, and provokes debate. Students will be expected to independently research the subject areas covered in lectures and to demonstrate their ability to define and discuss relevant aspects of design theory and history in the assignment(s).
- Teacher: Chrysa Toka