DSC598: Theorizing Things: The Matter of Culture and Design
Course Description
This course will undertake an analysis of artifacts from the perspectives of design, material culture as well as media and cultural studies. The topics covered will include theories, research methods, and approaches followed in these disciplines, along with case studies of specific objects.
Course Objectives
The objectives of this course are multi-fold:
To perform critical cultural analyses of objects of design with the goal of expanding their meanings in design discourse.
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To learn and understand some of the existing discourse about objects in the disciplines of design, material culture, as well as media and cultural studies.
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To learn about research methods that can be employed in the examination of material culture and design.
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To understand that objects should be “read” not only as texts and subjected to the vigorous scrutiny of theoretical models (such as semiotic or rhetorical analysis), but should also be studied as inseparable elements of the structures and practices of everyday life (through empirical means).
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To understand objects not only as expressions of form and function but also as components of routines and rituals.
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To be able to apply some of this knowledge and methodology towards individual theses.
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To be able to generate publication-worthy material with mutual benefit to faculty and student.
