Course detail

Graphic Design History 1

FaVU-DEGD1Acad. year: 2023/2024

The course introduces graphic design chronologically and focuses on the history of visual communication from prehistory to the Industrial Revolution and rise of 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

Mode of study

Not applicable.

Guarantor

Mgr. Kateřina Přidalová

Department

Department of Art History and Theory (KTDU)

Entry knowledge

Knowledge of general history and history of visual culture on the high school level.

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 granting a credit. 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.
Attendance compulsory - 80%. In case of larger amount of unattended lessons, an extra written essay will be demanded.

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

Richard Hollis, Stručná historie grafického designu, Rubato, 2015.

Type of course unit

Lecture

26 hod., compulsory

Teacher / Lecturer

Mgr. Kateřina Přidalová

Syllabus

1. From Prehistory to Early Writing
2. Classical Literacy
3. Medieval Letterforms and Book Formats
4. Renaissance Design: Standardization in Print
5. Modern Typography and the Creation of the Public Sphere
6. The Graphic Effects of Industrial Production