These lectures address various aspects of the history of graphic design over the past 150 years, including movements, pioneers and icons, as well as issues and events. Lectures focus on 9th-century premodern practice, early and mid-20th century orthodox modernism, and the late 20th-century postmodern. Themes include racism and design, symbolism and the swastika, type and culture, politics and propaganda, modernism and Art Deco, and avant-garde magazines of the20th century. Students will engage in critical and analytical discussions that relate design history to current communication practices.
