Learning objectives
COURSE CONTENTS SUMMARY
• introducing to independent study of main trends and authors of Italian’s graphics of XXth
• workshop
The course intends:
- presenting to students fundamental chronological reference points and main methodological approaches, in order to introduce them to independent study of main trends main trends and authors of graphic design from 1880s to 1970s, thought textbook and indicated bibliography;
- focusing specific topics and experiences of graphic design in a magazine (Der Gebrauchsgraphik);
- an interdisciplinary approach will allow comparing different methods and sources, analysing of the historical and cultural background and getting the tools for a critical research
- focusing on workshop, in order to get knowledge, applying knowledge and skills to be used in productive fields
According to Dublin Descriptors, the course intends to get:
. knowledge and understanding of graphic design from 1880s to 1970s
. knowledge and understanding cultural historic, social, political reasons and involvements of graphic design
. knowledge and understanding topics concerning workshop
. applying knowledge in identifying artists, as well as considering them within a chronological approach (synchronic and diachronic study)
. making judgements analysing data, information and sources through critical approach
. communication skills to present knowledge, ideas, problems and solutions based on valid and right methods
. learning skills and self evaluation of own knowledge and skills
Course unit content
Title of course: Graphic design for publishing and advertising
I Part (36 h)
TEACHING UNIT A: History of Graphic Design
An introduction to the History of graphic design, focusing on its evolution from 1880s to 1970s.
II Part (36 h)
TEACHING UNIT B: Workshop: Images collections for visual storytelling
How to search and rework images collections and archives (working on Ettore Sottsass archive at CSAC) to create visual storytelling in the form of a graphic outcome.
Bibliography
STUDY PROGRAM
1. – Topics of the lessons unit A, B.
A wide selection of images will be available after the end of the lessons on Elly online platform.
2. – Good knowledge of Italian graphic design, its main developments and designers. Textbook: Baroni-Vitta, Storia del design grafico, Longanesi;
3. – Presentation of the project realized in unit B.
4. – Specific bibliography about TEACHING UNIT B: Elio Grazioli, La collezione come forma d’arte, Johan & Levi; Ettore Sottsass. Catalogo ragionato dell’archivio 1922-1978 CSAC/Università di Parma, a cura di Francesca Zanella, Silvana, 2017
Supplementary bibliography for students not attending the lessons:
Attending lessons is strongly suggested and workshop is part of evaluation too. Students not take part to the lessons, have to replace the point 1 of the program with 2 books of bibliography; and they have to replace the point 4 of the program with a project to be agreed with the teacher
Supplementary bibliography for students not attending the lessons:
• Richard Hollis, Graphic Design. A Concise History, Thames & Hudson
• Andrea Rauch, Il racconto della grafica, la Casa Usher
• Carlo Vinti, Gli anni dello stile industria, Marsilio
• Caterina Cristina Fiorentino, Millesimo di millimetro. I segni del codice visivo Olivetti 1908-1978, Il Mulino
• Riccardo Falcinelli, Guardare, pensare, progettare. Neuroscienze per il design, Stampa alternativa & graffiti
• Riccardo Falcinelli, Critica portatile al visual design, Einaudi
• Robin Kinross, Tipografia moderna. Saggio di storia critica, Stampa alternativa
• Albe Steiner, Il mestiere del grafico, Einaudi
• Bruno Munari, Design e comunicazione visiva, Laterza
• Enzo Mari, Progetto e passione, Bollati Boringhieri
• Leo Lionni, Tra i miei mondi. Un'autobiografia, Donzelli
Teaching methods
- lectures
- guided tours in museums
- exercises
- workshop
