Unit Description The unit explores the contextual basis of designing for new media through the deconstruction of work, and discussion of a wide range of issues drawn from both “traditional” and “new” media. Syllabus A series of talks, screenings and critique sessions will explore the contextual basis of designing for new media and the relationship to other traditional media forms. The programme will develop an understanding of pictorial, textual, and aural communication, of narrative forms and of non-linearity, the notion of user as audience, and usability theories, the sociology of Internet use, of community and computer networks as social networks. Students will engage in the deconstruction and critical evaluation of a range of associated material, including their own work. Learning Outcomes Students will be able to: - Demonstrate an awareness of the context of design in the broadest sense, and particularly in relation to interactive products - Demonstrate an awareness of media practices and products. - Demonstrate skills in analysing and deconstructing design and media products, in particular with relation to interactive products. - Demonstrate skills of written, verbal and visual presentation. - Apply the practice of independent reading and research. Teaching and Learning Methods Lectures, seminars, critiques and independent study. Assessment The learning outcomes are assessed by: a personal portfolio website, structured according to guidelines to link to interactive work produced throughout the year, and to written evaluations of that work (100%); Indicative Reading All reading list material for other Level One units Berger, J, Ways of Seeing, Penguin Books (London), 1997 Billington, R et al (1991) Culture and Society, London, Macillian Eco, Umberto, Six Walks in the Fictional Wood, Harvard University Press, 1993 Gianetti, L Understanding Movies, New Jersey, Simon & Schuster Hebdige, D (1988) Subculture, the meaning of Style, London, Routledge Kirkham, P (1996) The Gendered Object, Manchester & New York, Manchester University Press McDermott, C (1987) Street Style, London, Design Council Sparke, P (1987) Design in Context, London, Bloomsbury Turner, G (1993) Film as Social Practice, London & New York,Routledge Walker, J (1983) Art in the Age of Mass Media, London, Pluto Press Williamson, J (1978) Decoding Advertisements, London, Boyars |