History of Design I

At the end of the course, students should be able to: 1. discuss the fundamentals of design history and theory, beginning with Historic Times: Pre- historic design in Africa (North, West, East and South Africa); and 2. discuss important innovations and breakthrough technologies that have shaped the evolution of visual communication.

This course surveys the pivotal events and achievements that led to the current state of integrated communication design. The unceasing quest to give form to ideas is traced from the pictographs painted on cave walls to the latest imaginative designs. Introduction to the fundamentals of design history and theory, beginning with Historic Times: Pre – historic design in Africa (North, West, East and South Africa). Concept of design in Africa discussed, 16th – 19th centuries History of Art and Design in Africa, Europe and America; schools of thought on design; lectures, tutorials and library investigations. Through lectures, videotapes, discussions, presentations and research, students are introduced to the creative thinkers, important innovations and breakthrough technologies that have shaped the evolution of visual communication.