ARTH3333 History of Graphic Design

Credit Hours: 3 semester hours
Prerequisites: ARTH2212 Art History Survey 2

Course Description

The course is a survey of graphic design and typography in Europe, the United States, and Asia. By taking into account the social context we will explore the evolution of graphic design and the changing roles of graphic designers from the 1800′s to the present. Readings emphasize stylistic developments, materials and commonalities with other design practices.

Goals and Objectives

The goals of this course are as follows:

• To understand the major historical movements, styles and developments in graphic design.

• To identify major works of graphic design from the time periods and cultures presented in class.

• To articulate the formal elements (e.g. line, color, composition, perspective, etc.) of works of art.

• To identify differences and similarities between graphic designs from the same or different historical moments presented in class.

Students who complete this course will be able to:

• Apply theoretical concepts to graphic designs studied in class.

• Learn more about historical periods through studying graphic designs and designers from those periods studied in class.

• Knowledgeably discuss graphic design historical styles and movements studied in class.

• Analyze and critically respond to examples of graphic design.

Books Needed

• Book: Graphic Design: A New History by Stephen J. Elkinson