Module Details

Module Code: DESI7013
Title: Visual Culture and Society
Long Title: Visual Culture and Society
NFQ Level: Intermediate
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2016/17 ( September 2016 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 2140 - Design Studies
Module Delivered in: 1 programme(s)
Module Description: This module introduces students to discussions about social responsibility in the practice of design and art, looking at the work and ideas of a range of individuals and movements from the nineteenth to the twenty-first centuries.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Give an account of the major debates on the relationship between visual culture and social responsibility.
LO2 Discuss the most significant contemporary problems concerning visual practice and social responsibility.
LO3 Critically analyse examples of visual practice relevant to the course content.
LO4 Research, construct and present a coherent discussion on issues relevant to visual culture and its relationship to social responsibility.
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named MTU module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
None
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module. You may not earn additional credit for the same learning and therefore you may not enrol in this module if you have successfully completed any modules in the incompatible list.
None
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section.
None
 
Indicative Content
Introduction
Is visual culture of any real importance in society?
Visual culture, ethics and idealism
Visual culture and its perceived role in the creation of a better society – ideas and debates from a historical perspective.
Stirring it up: the use of visual culture to make oppositional statements
The use of various forms of visual culture to critique the status quo.
Homage, appropriation and plagiarism
The use and misuse of the work of others in visual culture
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Presentation % of Total Mark 50
Timing Week 6 Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4
Assessment Description
Short essay with visuals, which will be presented to the class, analysing the social effects of specific design practices.
Assessment Type Essay % of Total Mark 50
Timing Sem End Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4
Assessment Description
Essay examining and discussing the work of specific designers and movements in relation to their social ideas and practices, using the analysis of visuals and secondary texts as evidence.
No End of Module Formal Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Coursework Only
This module is reassessed solely on the basis of re-submitted coursework. There is no repeat written examination.

The University reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Class-based instruction Every Week 3.00 3
Independent Learning Non Contact Research, analysis, preparation of presentation and writing of essay Every Week 4.00 4
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 3.00
This module has no Part Time workload.
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Rick Poynor. (2007), Obey the Giant: Life in the Image World, Birkhauser, p.200, [ISBN: 978-376438500].
  • Rick Poynor. (2013), No More Rules: Graphic Design and Postmodernism, Yale University Press, New Haven, CT, [ISBN: 978-178067103].
  • Anna Waclawek. (2011), Graffiti and Street Art, Thames and Hudson, [ISBN: 9780500204078].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Steven Heller and Veronique Vienne (editors). (2003), Citizen designer, Allworth Press, New York, [ISBN: 978-158115265].
  • Naomi Klein. (2002), No logo, Picador, New York, [ISBN: 978-0312421434].
  • Michael Beirut (Editor), Steven Heller (Editor), William Drenttel (Editor), DK Holland (Editor). Looking Closer 2, No. 2: Critical Writings on Graphic Design, [ISBN: 978-1880559567].
  • Michael Bierut... [et al.]; introduction by Steven Heller; associate editors, Elinor Pettit, Theodore Gachot. (1999), Looking closer 3, Allworth Press, [ISBN: 978-1880559154].
  • Michael Bierut, William Drenttel, Steven Heller. Looking Closer 4: Critical Writings on Graphic Design, [ISBN: 978-1581152357].
  • Michael Beirut (Editor), William Drenttel (Editor), Steven Heller (Editor). Looking Closer 5, [ISBN: 978-1581154719].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_DVICO_8 Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Visual Communications 5 Mandatory