2024/25 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

DESN1260 Design Studies: Foundation

20 creditsClass Size: 250

Module manager: Jade Halbert
Email: j.halbert@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2024/25

Module replaces

DESN1847 Design History Design Futures

This module is not approved as a discovery module

Module summary

This module introduces students to key ideas and methods for understanding the role design plays in the development of culture and societies and the role of designers as agents for change. In this module students will develop a framework of theoretical and historical knowledge alongside practicing their research and analysis skills through hands-on exploration of topics through individual and group work. This practice enables students to develop an understanding of design ethics and professional responsibility.

Objectives

This module aims to introduce students to theoretical and historical ideas related to key issues facing design practitioners today, from sustainability to equality. The module approaches these issues thematically, exploring the past, present and potential futures by asking how the thematic issue developed, how it is theoretically conceptualised and manifests in contemporary life, and how designers might work to resolve the issue in the future.

This approach allows for a depth of exploration that develops student’s knowledge alongside their critical and analytical skills through discussion and debate. In tandem with this framework of theoretical and historical knowledge the module aims to develop students’ research skills and their practical understanding of their own role in the design system through workshops. Through this hybrid approach to conceptual knowledge and research practice, this module introduces students to a range of academic skills that will be integral to their broader programmes and future careers.

Learning outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:

1. Recognise a framework of knowledge for design practice.
2. Demonstrate appropriate analysis and research methods.
3. Present critical arguments that demonstrate contextual and conceptual knowledge

Skills Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:

4 Identify ethical questions and use ethical frameworks.
5.Apply effective communication skills to express ideas and arguments

Syllabus

Details of the syllabus will be provided on the Minerva organisation (or equivalent) for the module

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Supervision	4	1.00	4.00
Lecture	13	1.00	13.00
Practical	6	2.00	12.00
Seminar	6	1.00	6.00
Independent online learning hours			24.00
Private study hours			141.00
Total Contact hours			35.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			200.00

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

There will be opportunities for formative feedback during the 4 supervision sessions throughout the module, at which students will receive verbal feedback about their group presentations. In both semester 1 and 2 there will also be an opportunity in a workshop for peer-led formative feedback.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Portfolio	Written portfolio 1	10.00
Portfolio	Written portfolio 2	90.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		100.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 06/09/2024

Disclaimer

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