Course detail

Graphic Design History 2

FaVU-DEGD2Acad. year: 2024/2025

The course introduces graphic design chronologically and focuses on the history of visual communication from prehistory to the Industrial Revolution and mass media. For each historical period, a link to the current practice of graphic design will be considered. History is not past, but something constantly accessible and available through information technology. A critical approach to graphic design history considers visual communication formats, their function, and purpose with respect to audiences, production, technology, distribution, reception, and interpretation.

Language of instruction

Czech

Number of ECTS credits

2

Mode of study

Not applicable.

Guarantor

Mgr. Kateřina Přidalová

Department

Department of Art History and Theory (KTDU)

Entry knowledge

Basic knowledge of the history of (graphic) design and visual culture in general.

Rules for evaluation and completion of the course

A pdf presentation on the given topic in the range of 15 min is a condition of complying with the colloquium. The subject, which has its roots in history, will be discussed in the context of today. Students attend the colloquium together and present their presentations. Part of the colloquium is also a discussion in the group.
Mandatory attendance. Three unexcused absences are tolerated. Insufficient attendance can be compensated by handing in the essay on the assigned assignment after agreement with the teacher.

Aims

The aim of the course is to enhance student's ability to perceive critically the relationship of the past to the present or the context (cultural, social, economic, political and aesthetic) in which visual communication originated and arises.
Students will get an overview of how visual communication has evolved and why is history still relevant today. They learn to perceive the context and to use critical approach both in graphic design practice and in reception and analysis of visual communication.

Study aids

Not applicable.

Prerequisites and corequisites

Not applicable.

Basic literature

Pavla Pauknerová (ed.) & Richard Jaros (ed.), Nejen kruhy. Vizuální přístupy v zobrazování dat a informací, Vysoká škola uměleckoprůmyslová, 2017. (CS)

Recommended reading

Frank Whitford, Bauhaus, Rubato, 2015. (CS)
Helen Armstrong (ed.), Digital Design Theory: Readings from the Field, Princeton Architectural Press, 2012. (EN)
Helen Armstrong (ed.), Graphic Design Theory: Readings from the Field, Princeton Architectural Press, 2009. (EN)
Jana Průšová, Vznik a vývoj písma, Jana Průšová, 2017. (CS)
Johanna Drucker & Emily McVarish, Graphic Design History. A Critical Guide, Pearson, 2013. (EN)
Malcolm Barnard, Graphic Design as Communication, Routledge, 2013. (EN)
Philip B. Meggs & Alston W. Purvis, History of Graphic Design, Wiley, 2016. (EN)
Radim Vondráček & Iva Knobloch (eds.), Design v českých zemích 1900 – 2000, Academia, UPM, 2016. (CS)
Richard Hollis, Stručná historie grafického designu, Rubato, 2015. (CS)

Classification of course in study plans

  • Programme DES_B Bachelor's 2 year of study, summer semester, compulsory-optional
    2 year of study, summer semester, compulsory-optional
    2 year of study, summer semester, compulsory-optional
    2 year of study, summer semester, compulsory-optional
    3 year of study, summer semester, elective
    3 year of study, summer semester, elective
    3 year of study, summer semester, elective
    3 year of study, summer semester, elective

Type of course unit

 

Lecture

26 hod., compulsory

Teacher / Lecturer

Mgr. Kateřina Přidalová

Syllabus

1. Industrial Revolution and Mass media
2. Early Modernism
3. Innovation and Propaganda
4. The Culture of Consumption
5. Public Interest Campaigns and Information Design
6. Corporate Identities and International Style
7. Pop and Protest
8. Postmodernism in Design
9. Digital Design
10. Graphic Design and Globalisation