DES 3900 - Design and Culture in The Netherlands and France (4)

Wednesday

Type: In-Person Class Meeting

08:00 AM - 11:20 AM

Main Campus Campus | Wilson Hall | Room 114

Methodologies of image-making as they apply to the materials and processes of communicating specific visual concepts. Explores range of methods, strategies, materials, and processes for creating unique images and how they may be applied within visual communication. (Formerly DES 390)

Students and instructor will travel abroad to The Netherlands including Amsterdam, Rotterdam and Eindhoven, and to France including Paris and Chaumont on a 15-day study abroad program. The trip will include:

studio visits and workshops with local designers and artists

a private tour of historic French papers and press

visits to design-focused galleries, concept stores, bookstores, and museums individual time for exploration

These European cities are within a three-hour train ride or less away from one another, but their design histories and styles are quite different. Students will experience the modernism, functionalism and minimalism of Dutch design, in contrast to the experience of art nouveau, romanticism, and experimental typography of French design. The course

would expose students to how design reflects and responds to culture and history with the sharp design contrasts between the Netherlands, France and  the United States. Students learn about this topic in their on-campus courses, but the act of physically experiencing each country’s unique design while traveling in that place cannot be recreated on a college campus in Michigan.

lindseylarsen@oakland.edu

• Identify and discuss how design and aesthetics responds to history, place, and culture Identify, define and discuss varying design styles specific  to the Netherlands and France
• Evaluate historic and contemporary design through speaking and writing
• Identify and discuss contemporary design and industry trends in the Netherlands, France and the United States
• Employ appreciation for design and culture through speaking and writing

Students will be required to complete a series of readings prior to landing in  Europe. These readings will prepare students for what they will see and experience abroad, providing historical and contemporary context for increased understanding. Students use the readings to participate in a Moodle discussion forum.

Journal I Sketchbook (20 points total)

Students will be required to maintain a written and visual journal throughout the study abroad program. Prompts will be given for every day of the trip. A minimum of 15 entries in total for the course.

Participation and Attendance (30 points total)

The course relies primarily on field experiences. Students must attend organized program events. Students should actively participate in the events’ discussions, presentation, tours and workshops through active engagement; asking questions, note taking, speaking, etc…

Final Project (40 points total)

Students will be required to create a final project inspired by their study abroad experience. The topic and medium for the assignment will be selected by the student. Students will present their final project during finals week during a group critique.

Re-doing of Assignments and Late Work

Although the process of making art and graphic design is a life-long pursuit andre­ evaluating and re-addressing your work is strongly encouraged, students will not be permitted to hand in reworked assignments for a higher grade.

Late work will not be tolerated. Deadlines are crucial to being a professional. If the student has circumstances outside of their control that is affecting their ability to make work on time, the student must talk to the instructor about an alternative schedule, for the assignment.