AH 2050 - History of Graphic Design

Credits: 3

This seminar and research course addresses important historical and contemporary developments in visual communication. Beginning with the roots of pictorial and written languages, the content moves to key 19th and 20th century periods (including the emergence of the Bauhaus and typographic history), then culminates with the contemporary scene. Upon successful completion of this course, students will have engaged in reading, writing, and verbal critical thinking skills—both as individuals and in teams. Students will understand the embedded relationships between graphic design, culture, technology, and society.

Prerequisites: AH 1000 - Introduction to Art + Visual Design or AH 1100 - Art History I: Ancient to Medieval.

Notes: Offered online only.

Course Learning Outcomes:

Students demonstrate critical thinking skills, defined as the capacity to challenge assumptions, contextualize information, identify problems, conceptualize responses.
Students demonstrate writing skills, which encompasses thesis statement, organization, conclusion, grammar, syntax, spelling, and adheres to CMS formatting.
Students recognize formal art historical divisions of Graphic Design by identifying and differentiating key design movements.
Students understand some of the tenets of art criticism, theory, and methodologies.
Understand the progression of written languages.
Analyze the work of designers and typographers.
Understand cultural influences and the effects of technological advancements on various aspects of design history.

Required Textbooks:
ON-CAMPUS: EBOOK: Megg’s History of Graphic Design, , 5th Edition - ISBN: 9781118772058

ONLINE: Graphic Design History: A Critical Guide, 2nd Edition - ISBN: 9780205219469