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Cyprus International University
TR

CONTEMPORARY GRAPHIC DESIGN

Course
GRDE312 - CONTEMPORARY GRAPHIC DESIGN
Department
Graphic Design - English - Undergraduate
Course Type
Course
Status
Required
Language
English
Credit
2
ECTS
2
T+P+L
2 + 0 + 0
Course Coordinator(s)
-
Prerequisite
-
Keywords

Course Description

This course highlights significant events in graphic design through the study of major movements and designers. A survey of Graphic design’s contemporary history which provides a historical perspective of the evolution of graphic design and its contribution to culture. Students will learn how new technology influenced graphic design and its expression after the industrial revolution. This course enables students to enhance an overview of the historical styles, movements, people, and events of graphic design to help them design more creative, appropriate, and intelligent solutions to graphic design problems or issues. This course also surveys the design profession, the graphic design discipline, its many specialties as well as resources available for graphic designers.

CONTEMPORARY GRAPHIC DESIGN

Evaluation Tools (Active Term)

No evaluation items have been defined.

Course outcomes

  1. 01 1. Understanding the process of the emergence and development of graphic design.
  2. 02 2. Understanding of movements that influenced of graphic design.
  3. 03 3. Ability to research.
  4. 04 4. The ability to visual literacy.

Course Syllabus

Week Topic
Week 1 Introduction to the course
Week 2 Bauhaus: Originating in Germany in the early 20th century, Bauhaus emphasizes simplicity, minimalism, and functionality. This style incorporates geometric shapes and primary colors, advocating for the unity of form and function.
Week 3 Art Deco: This style emerged in the 1920s and 1930s, combining modernist styles with fine craftsmanship and rich materials. Characterized by bold geometric shapes, ornate details, and vibrant colors, Art Deco has a luxurious and glamorous aesthetic.
Week 4 Swiss Design: Also known as the International Style, Swiss design is marked by cleanliness, legibility, and objectivity. It utilizes grid systems for layouts and often features sans-serif typefaces, employing asymmetry and a focus on clarity.
Week 5 Pop Art: Emerging in the 1950s and gaining momentum in the 1960s, Pop Art incorporates elements of popular culture, advertising, and mass media. Bold colors, comic-style graphics, and a sense of irony are key aspects of this style.
Week 6 Dada: This avant-garde movement arose during World War I, expressing chaos and irrationality. Dada design often utilizes collage and photomontage, subverting traditional artistic norms through playful and nonsensical representations.
Week 7 Psychedelic: Primarily associated with the 1960s counterculture movement, psychedelic design features vibrant colors, swirling patterns, and surreal imagery. It reflects the influence of music, drug culture, and a perception-altering worldview.
Week 8 MIDTERM
Week 9 Modernism: Characterized by a break from traditional forms, modernism values innovation and abstract forms. It often features clean lines, a focus on materials, and an emphasis on function over ornamentation.
Week 10 Brutalism: This architectural and design style emerged in the mid-20th century, known for its raw, unfinished aesthetic. In graphic design, brutalism often uses stark contrasts, bold typography, and unrefined imagery to create a sense of rebellion.
Week 11 Japanese Graphics: Traditional Japanese design influences modern graphic styles with elements like minimalism, simplicity, and nature-inspired motifs. Typography in Japanese design often blends modern techniques with traditional calligraphy.
Week 12 Scandinavian Design: Known for its functionality, minimalism, and natural materials, Scandinavian design emphasizes clean lines and neutral color palettes. This style often highlights simplicity and practicality while fostering an inviting atmosphere.
Week 13 Grunge: Emerging in the 1990s, grunge design reflects a raw, unpolished aesthetic often associated with the music genre of the same name. It includes distressed textures, chaotic layouts, and a rebellious attitude.
Week 14 Retro and Vintage: Drawing inspiration from past decades, retro and vintage styles utilize nostalgic elements, typography, and color schemes to create a sense of nostalgia. Popular during the 1950s to 1980s, this style embraces both humor and charm.
Week 15 FINAL

Reference Books & Course Materials

  1. 01 Meggs' History of Graphic Design, Fifth Edition. Philip B. Meggs, Alston W. Purvis LIBRARY: Call number: 686.2209 MEG 1998
  2. 02 Aynsley, J., 2004. Pioneers of Modern Graphic Design, A Complete History. 2nd ed. Hong Kong: Octopus Publishing Group Ltd. LIBRARY: Call number: 686.22409 SPE 2004
  3. 03 Heller, S., & Vienne, V. (2012). 100 Ideas That Changed Graphic Design. Laurence King.
  4. 04 Inglis, T. (2023). The graphic design bible: The definitive guide to contemporary and historical graphic design. Publisher.

Learning Outcomes

  1. L01 1. Understanding the process of the emergence and development of graphic design. SOLO 4
  2. L02 2. Understanding and present of movements that influenced of graphic design. SOLO 5
  3. L03 3. Ability to investigate the trends influencing graphic design and are able to make observations and comparisons within the context of art criticism. SOLO 3
  4. L04 4. Can observe and compare in the context of art criticism methods SOLO 4

Program Outcomes

  1. P01 The student chooses the design principles and can match the application
  2. P02 Students will be able to define national and international values in art and design
  3. P03 Students will be able to define abstract and concrete design concepts and express them in composition
  4. P04 The student can adjust the time correctly to complete his / her graphic application
  5. P05 The student matches the relationship between image and meaning
  6. P06 Students can express what they see by drawing
  7. P07 Identifies the traces, aligns, and calculates the hierarchy of typographic elements
  8. P08 Defines and lists art and design materials
  9. P09 Expresses an idea, concept or phenomenon visually in a creative way
  10. P10 Solves the design problems encountered in the process
  11. P11 Symbolizes concepts, situations, and objects in the visual context
  12. P12 Develops design projects by recalling basic graphic design principles
  13. P13 Applies technology effectively in the design process
  14. P14 Can think critically and question theoretical gains in the context
  15. P15 Relate the past, present, and future of design
  16. P16 Can perform original works related to the field and evaluate the results
  17. P17 Designs and produces different visual areas such as multimedia, advertising graphics, animation, new media, printmaking, and photography
  18. P18 Improves communication skills for teamwork
  19. P19 Can effectively discuss, criticize and form theory about the field
  20. P20 Student can organize paragraphs, single-column, multi-column and modular grids in book and magazine designs
  21. P21 Can plan collaborations with colleagues in interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary environments
  22. P22 Can associate written texts with visual images
  23. P23 Can observe and compare in the context of art criticism methods
  24. P24 Can apply legal regulations and procedures in the field
  25. P25 Be able to associate written texts with visual images

Po-Lo Matrix

LO P01 P02 P03 P04 P05 P06 P07 P08 P09 P10 P11 P12 P13 P14 P15 P16 P17 P18 P19 P20 P21 P22 P23 P24 P25 Average
L01 3 3 0 0 3 0 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.52
L02 3 0 0 0 3 0 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0.8
L03 3 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 3 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 3 0 0.8
L04 0 3 0 0 0 3 4 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 3 4 0 0 0.92