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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 Integrate knowledge of interior architecture principles, spatial organization, and visual perception to develop user-centered, functional, aesthetically enriching, and innovative spatial solutions.
  2. P02 Analyze and evaluate the relationships among user needs, functional constraints, ergonomics, accessibility, and universal design principles to develop interior architecture solutions across different design scales and contexts.
  3. P03 Research, analyze, and relate historical, cultural, and theoretical knowledge to justify design decisions that respect local values while responding to global cultural diversity.
  4. P04 Communicate design ideas effectively by integrating visual communication tools, manual and digital representation techniques, and appropriate digital technologies, including artificial intelligence-assisted visualization methods, where appropriate.
  5. P05 Evaluate and synthesize appropriate materials, color schemes, lighting, and furniture systems using up-to-date technologies and aesthetic principles to shape experiential atmospheres.
  6. P06 Integrate environmental responsibility, occupant health, and ethical principles to develop sustainable, safe, and healthy interior architecture solutions and justify design decisions.
  7. P07 Collaborate and coordinate with professionals from architecture, landscape architecture, engineering, and related disciplines by integrating multidisciplinary knowledge to develop comprehensive spatial solutions.
  8. P08 Critically evaluate research, contemporary approaches, and artificial intelligence-assisted design and research methods to generate innovative knowledge and design solutions while sustaining lifelong learning and professional development.
  9. P09 Justify professional decisions by integrating ethical principles, cultural, societal, and aesthetic responsibilities with the responsible, legal, and ethical use of digital technologies, including artificial intelligence.
  10. P10 Plan, manage, and evaluate interior architecture projects by integrating technical systems, user-centered design methods, regulatory requirements, and contemporary digital project management and design technologies.
  11. P11 Evaluate and reinterpret existing and historic interiors by integrating conservation principles, adaptive reuse strategies, and digital documentation techniques to support cultural continuity and sustainable heritage conservation.
  12. P12 Integrate inclusive and socially responsible design approaches with entrepreneurship, lifelong learning, professional collaboration, and adaptation to technological transformation to contribute to the sustainable advancement of the profession and society.

Po-Lo Matrix

LO P01 P02 P03 P04 P05 P06 P07 P08 P09 P10 P11 P12 Average
L01 - - - - - - - - - - - - -
L02 - - - - - - - - - - - - -
L03 - - - - - - - - - - - - -
L04 - - - - - - - - - - - - -