Design Perspectives

Undergraduate | 2026

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Mode
Mode
Your studies will be on-campus, and may include some online delivery
On campus
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Area/Catalogue
GRAP 1002
Course ID icon
Course ID
201222
Campus icon
Campus
Adelaide City Campus West
Level of study
Level of study
Undergraduate
Unit value icon
Unit value
6
Course owner
Course owner
School of Art and Design
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Course level
1
Work Integrated Learning course
Work Integrated Learning course
No
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Inbound study abroad and exchange
Inbound study abroad and exchange
The fee you pay will depend on the number and type of courses you study.
No
University-wide elective icon
University-wide elective course
No
Single course enrollment
Single course enrolment
No

Course overview

Design requires a contemporary, critical evaluation of histories and impacts. This course introduces students to the historical conditions that have shaped Western design knowledge, language, culture and practice in a global context, and reflects on the role and impacts of design in contemporary societies. The course outlines the culture of image and object making in which students will survey early modern and Twentieth Century design through discipline-specific lenses—graphic communication design, and product and industrial design. The course requires students to reflect on current environmental and social crises as consequences of mass-consumerism. 

  • Early Modern Origins Of Design And Industry
  • Impacts of Early Modern Design 
  • Design As Politics and Power

Course learning outcomes

  • Identify and articulate key relationships between cultural history and different languages, forms and functions of design
  • Explore and explain specific connections, influences and impacts between design, culture and society across global and environmental contexts
  • Interpret and present written and visual arguments representing the connections, influences and impacts between design, culture and society across global and environmental contexts
  • Question, reflect and comment on the connections, influences and impacts between design culture and society across global and environmental contexts

Prerequisite(s)

N/A

Corequisite(s)

N/A

Antirequisite(s)

N/A

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If you are studying in a Professional Pathway Psychology or Clinical Psychology program, please refer to the Student Contributions amounts published here.

The Student Contribution amount displayed below is for students commencing a new program from 2021 onwards. If you are continuing in a program you commenced prior to 1 January 2021, or are commencing an Honours degree relating to an undergraduate degree you commenced prior to 1 January 2021, you may be charged a different Student Contribution amount from the amount displayed below. Please check the Student Contribution bands for continuing students here. If you are an international student, or a domestic student studying in a full fee paying place, and are continuing study that you commenced in 2025 or earlier, your fees will be available here before enrolments open for 2026.

Degree list
The following degrees include this course