DFB209 Design History and Culture
To view more information for this unit, select Unit Outline from the list below. Please note the teaching period for which the Unit Outline is relevant.
| Unit code: | DFB209 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Timetable | Details in HiQ, if available |
| Availabilities |
|
Unit Outline: Semester 1 2027, Kelvin Grove, Internal
| Unit code: | DFB209 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Coordinator: | Tiziana Ferrero-Regis | tiziana.ferreroregis@qut.edu.au |
Overview
This unit explores the cultural, political, and ethical dimensions of design across time and place, equipping you to critically engage with the histories, cultures and systems that shape design today. Through a global and interdisciplinary lens, you will examine how design values, technologies, and practices have evolved in response to shifting patterns of power, trade, and culture—from colonial legacies to contemporary movements for justice, equity, and sustainability. The unit introduces historical case studies of design movements and enlightened entrepreneurship in design industries to understand how strategic design can be a tool for change. This unit builds your capacity for research, visual and contextual analysis, and critical reflection, which are essential for responsible design.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Demonstrate coherent theoretical knowledge of design history, cultures and industry.
- Identify, evaluate and synthesise key aesthetic and cultural changes in relation to intercultural, social and historical developments in design.
- Apply and adapt design knowledge and skills creatively.
- Communicate effectively in written, visual and oral formats appropriate to the study of design history and culture.
Content
This unit addresses content such as:
- theoretical and aesthetic approaches to design history
- major design movements in historical and cultural context
- key figures and sites in the development of design
- significant developments in the production and consumption of design, including the rise of the designer, industrialisation and consumption
- cross-cultural design and decolonial approaches
Learning Approaches
This unit engages you in your learning through a theory to practice approach. Lectures in a blended learning environment will model critical skills in the analysis of design, and tutorials will provide a forum for you to engage with your fellow students and tutor in collaborative learning activities, developing skills in public discussion, critical discussion and problem solving.
The lectures will examine key theoretical and aesthetic approaches to design; the changing role of design in society; the way in which design has shaped and is shaped by culture and society; key figures in design throughout history; and the role of design in shaping sustainable futures. Throughout the semester, you will receive support from your instructors and peers. Lecture recordings and additional learning resources and readings will be available in Canvas.
In the online mode of this unit, you will learn through engaging in a variety of online activities, online self-directed learning, and weekly research and readings that are designed to support your learning experience.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
Feedback in this unit is provided to you in the following ways:
- formative feedback given on your progress during discussion sessions at key points in the semester
- comments on summative assessment work in addition to online criteria sheet grading
- generic comments delivered to the cohort via QUT Canvas
- feedback from peers.
Assessment
Overview
Assessment is designed to engage you in critical and reflective writing about design history and culture, and through creative problem solving skills in design. Tutorials will support you in the successful completion of assessment items. There are two assessment items for this unit. The first is an individual assignment where you develop a portfolio of work that critically addresses lectures and readings. The second is a group work where you work with your peers for the development of a creative project to communicate design history through creative preparation of an exhibition as a design communication medium.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Design History and Culture Critique
In this assessment, you will write a series of short written responses to weekly topics and readings. Through this task, you will develop your skills in effectively communicating design history and culture in a critical and analytical manner.
The use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is prohibited during this assessment.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Assessment: Creative project
In this assessment, you will research and analyse a specific design case study or period and develop an original proposal for an exhibition project. You will choose from unit's content, and you will be required to demonstrate your skills in researching, writing, and respond creatively to a brief in a unique and innovative way. This task will allow you to gain a deeper understanding of design history and culture and how it can engage with contemporary audiences through considering the exhibition as a medium of design communication.
The use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is prohibited during this assessment.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.
The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.
You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.
Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.
Requirements to Study
Requirements
All students and staff who access campus buildings and facilities are required to complete the Tier 1 General Health and Safety Induction. This must be completed online.
Resources
Resource Materials
Other
To enable your full participation in the virtual learning environment, for example, participating in online activities and engaging with online learning materials, you will need access to a reliable computer with an internet connection, webcam, headset and microphone, as well as a learning environment where you are able to fully participate undisturbed when required.
Risk Assessment Statement
All students and staff are required to complete Tier 1 of CIESJ Student HSE Inductions for access to campus buildings and facilities. This must be completed online.
Tier 1 Visit and review all sections of the health, safety and environment
If requiring access to Z5, 10, 11, 12, 13 (Kelvin Grove) workshops, you must complete Tier 2 - Workshops HSE induction
Where substantial computer-based work is required, you are recommended to take regular rest breaks when engaging in prolonged computer-based work, and ensure that your workstation is set up for optimal comfort to prevent strain or injury.
Further information can be found on the unit Canvas.
Course Learning Outcomes
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.DE43 Bachelor of Design
- Recognise the consequences of design and its impact on the world, with respect to open, ethical and inclusive core design values acknowledging global, cultural and / or indigenous contexts.
Relates to: Design History and Culture Critique, Creative project - Communicate coherently, independently and/or collaboratively using a range of media to convey and share design knowledge and ideas to diverse audiences in a range of contexts.
Relates to: Creative project - Exercise self reflection, resilience, adaptability and self-direction and leverage failure in order to unlock new ideas, approaches, and ways of doing and knowing.
Relates to: Creative project - Identify and challenge biases and demonstrate respect for personal and professional integrity, and cultural and social differences.
Relates to: Design History and Culture Critique, Creative project - Independently demonstrate an ethical, sustainable and holistic approach to design, that critically considers impact.
Relates to: Design History and Culture Critique, Creative project
DE45 Bachelor of Design - International
- Recognise the consequences of design and its impact on the world, with respect to open, ethical and inclusive core design values acknowledging global, cultural and / or indigenous contexts.
Relates to: Design History and Culture Critique, Creative project - Communicate coherently, independently and/or collaboratively using a range of media to convey and share design knowledge and ideas to diverse audiences in a range of contexts.
Relates to: Creative project - Exercise self reflection, resilience, adaptability and self-direction and leverage failure in order to unlock new ideas, approaches, and ways of doing and knowing.
Relates to: Creative project - Identify and challenge biases and demonstrate respect for personal and professional integrity, and cultural and social differences.
Relates to: Design History and Culture Critique, Creative project - Independently demonstrate an ethical, sustainable and holistic approach to design, that critically considers impact.
Relates to: Design History and Culture Critique, Creative project
DV99 Bachelor of Design
- Recognise the consequences of design and its impact on the world, with respect to open, ethical and inclusive core design values acknowledging global, cultural and / or indigenous contexts.
Relates to: Design History and Culture Critique, Creative project - Communicate coherently, independently and/or collaboratively using a range of media to convey and share design knowledge and ideas to diverse audiences in a range of contexts.
Relates to: Creative project - Identify and challenge biases and demonstrate respect for personal and professional integrity, and cultural and social differences.
Relates to: Design History and Culture Critique, Creative project - Independently demonstrate an ethical, sustainable and holistic approach to design, that critically considers impact.
Relates to: Design History and Culture Critique, Creative project
KK43 Bachelor of Creative Industries
- Demonstrate broad and coherent theoretical and practical knowledge required for creative enterprise, career development and interdisciplinary collaborations, supported by depth in at least one creative disciplinary area.
Relates to: ULO1, Design History and Culture Critique, Creative project - Demonstrate well-developed cognitive and ideation skills to identify, analyse and evaluate opportunities to address authentic complex problems.
Relates to: ULO2, Design History and Culture Critique, Creative project - Communicate effectively in a range of forms across multiple media modes, for sharing and disseminating knowledge, skills and ideas, and collaborative practice and navigation of social networks.
Relates to: ULO4, Design History and Culture Critique, Creative project - Apply and adapt creative disciplinary knowledge and skills with agility in a range of industry, community and intercultural contexts.
Relates to: ULO3, Creative project - Embody social and ethical responsibilities and exhibit well-developed judgement with resilience, integrity, curiosity and responsibility.
Relates to: ULO3, Creative project
Unit Outline: Semester 1 2027, Online
| Unit code: | DFB209 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
Overview
This unit explores the cultural, political, and ethical dimensions of design across time and place, equipping you to critically engage with the histories, cultures and systems that shape design today. Through a global and interdisciplinary lens, you will examine how design values, technologies, and practices have evolved in response to shifting patterns of power, trade, and culture—from colonial legacies to contemporary movements for justice, equity, and sustainability. The unit introduces historical case studies of design movements and enlightened entrepreneurship in design industries to understand how strategic design can be a tool for change. This unit builds your capacity for research, visual and contextual analysis, and critical reflection, which are essential for responsible design.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Demonstrate coherent theoretical knowledge of design history, cultures and industry.
- Identify, evaluate and synthesise key aesthetic and cultural changes in relation to intercultural, social and historical developments in design.
- Apply and adapt design knowledge and skills creatively.
- Communicate effectively in written, visual and oral formats appropriate to the study of design history and culture.
Content
This unit addresses content such as:
- theoretical and aesthetic approaches to design history
- major design movements in historical and cultural context
- key figures and sites in the development of design
- significant developments in the production and consumption of design, including the rise of the designer, industrialisation and consumption
- cross-cultural design and decolonial approaches
Learning Approaches
This unit engages you in your learning through a theory to practice approach. Lectures in a blended learning environment will model critical skills in the analysis of design, and tutorials will provide a forum for you to engage with your fellow students and tutor in collaborative learning activities, developing skills in public discussion, critical discussion and problem solving.
The lectures will examine key theoretical and aesthetic approaches to design; the changing role of design in society; the way in which design has shaped and is shaped by culture and society; key figures in design throughout history; and the role of design in shaping sustainable futures. Throughout the semester, you will receive support from your instructors and peers. Lecture recordings and additional learning resources and readings will be available in Canvas.
In the online mode of this unit, you will learn through engaging in a variety of online activities, online self-directed learning, and weekly research and readings that are designed to support your learning experience.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
Feedback in this unit is provided to you in the following ways:
- formative feedback given on your progress during discussion sessions at key points in the semester
- comments on summative assessment work in addition to online criteria sheet grading
- generic comments delivered to the cohort via QUT Canvas
- feedback from peers.
Assessment
Overview
Assessment is designed to engage you in critical and reflective writing about design history and culture, and through creative problem solving skills in design. Tutorials will support you in the successful completion of assessment items. There are two assessment items for this unit. The first is an individual assignment where you develop a portfolio of work that critically addresses lectures and readings. The second is a group work where you work with your peers for the development of a creative project to communicate design history through creative preparation of an exhibition as a design communication medium.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Design History and Culture Critique
In this assessment, you will write a series of short written responses to weekly topics and readings. Through this task, you will develop your skills in effectively communicating design history and culture in a critical and analytical manner.
The use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is prohibited during this assessment.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Assessment: Creative project
In this assessment, you will research and analyse a specific design case study or period and develop an original proposal for an exhibition project. You will choose from unit's content, and you will be required to demonstrate your skills in researching, writing, and respond creatively to a brief in a unique and innovative way. This task will allow you to gain a deeper understanding of design history and culture and how it can engage with contemporary audiences through considering the exhibition as a medium of design communication.
The use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is prohibited during this assessment.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.
The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.
You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.
Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.
Requirements to Study
Requirements
All students and staff who access campus buildings and facilities are required to complete the Tier 1 General Health and Safety Induction. This must be completed online.
Resources
Resource Materials
Other
To enable your full participation in the virtual learning environment, for example, participating in online activities and engaging with online learning materials, you will need access to a reliable computer with an internet connection, webcam, headset and microphone, as well as a learning environment where you are able to fully participate undisturbed when required.
Risk Assessment Statement
All students and staff are required to complete Tier 1 of CIESJ Student HSE Inductions for access to campus buildings and facilities. This must be completed online.
Tier 1 Visit and review all sections of the health, safety and environment
If requiring access to Z5, 10, 11, 12, 13 (Kelvin Grove) workshops, you must complete Tier 2 - Workshops HSE induction
Where substantial computer-based work is required, you are recommended to take regular rest breaks when engaging in prolonged computer-based work, and ensure that your workstation is set up for optimal comfort to prevent strain or injury.
Further information can be found on the unit Canvas.
Course Learning Outcomes
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.DE43 Bachelor of Design
- Recognise the consequences of design and its impact on the world, with respect to open, ethical and inclusive core design values acknowledging global, cultural and / or indigenous contexts.
Relates to: Design History and Culture Critique, Creative project - Communicate coherently, independently and/or collaboratively using a range of media to convey and share design knowledge and ideas to diverse audiences in a range of contexts.
Relates to: Creative project - Exercise self reflection, resilience, adaptability and self-direction and leverage failure in order to unlock new ideas, approaches, and ways of doing and knowing.
Relates to: Creative project - Identify and challenge biases and demonstrate respect for personal and professional integrity, and cultural and social differences.
Relates to: Design History and Culture Critique, Creative project - Independently demonstrate an ethical, sustainable and holistic approach to design, that critically considers impact.
Relates to: Design History and Culture Critique, Creative project
DE45 Bachelor of Design - International
- Recognise the consequences of design and its impact on the world, with respect to open, ethical and inclusive core design values acknowledging global, cultural and / or indigenous contexts.
Relates to: Design History and Culture Critique, Creative project - Communicate coherently, independently and/or collaboratively using a range of media to convey and share design knowledge and ideas to diverse audiences in a range of contexts.
Relates to: Creative project - Exercise self reflection, resilience, adaptability and self-direction and leverage failure in order to unlock new ideas, approaches, and ways of doing and knowing.
Relates to: Creative project - Identify and challenge biases and demonstrate respect for personal and professional integrity, and cultural and social differences.
Relates to: Design History and Culture Critique, Creative project - Independently demonstrate an ethical, sustainable and holistic approach to design, that critically considers impact.
Relates to: Design History and Culture Critique, Creative project
DV99 Bachelor of Design
- Recognise the consequences of design and its impact on the world, with respect to open, ethical and inclusive core design values acknowledging global, cultural and / or indigenous contexts.
Relates to: Design History and Culture Critique, Creative project - Communicate coherently, independently and/or collaboratively using a range of media to convey and share design knowledge and ideas to diverse audiences in a range of contexts.
Relates to: Creative project - Identify and challenge biases and demonstrate respect for personal and professional integrity, and cultural and social differences.
Relates to: Design History and Culture Critique, Creative project - Independently demonstrate an ethical, sustainable and holistic approach to design, that critically considers impact.
Relates to: Design History and Culture Critique, Creative project
KK43 Bachelor of Creative Industries
- Demonstrate broad and coherent theoretical and practical knowledge required for creative enterprise, career development and interdisciplinary collaborations, supported by depth in at least one creative disciplinary area.
Relates to: ULO1, Design History and Culture Critique, Creative project - Demonstrate well-developed cognitive and ideation skills to identify, analyse and evaluate opportunities to address authentic complex problems.
Relates to: ULO2, Design History and Culture Critique, Creative project - Communicate effectively in a range of forms across multiple media modes, for sharing and disseminating knowledge, skills and ideas, and collaborative practice and navigation of social networks.
Relates to: ULO4, Design History and Culture Critique, Creative project - Apply and adapt creative disciplinary knowledge and skills with agility in a range of industry, community and intercultural contexts.
Relates to: ULO3, Creative project - Embody social and ethical responsibilities and exhibit well-developed judgement with resilience, integrity, curiosity and responsibility.
Relates to: ULO3, Creative project