Introduction to Design Anthropology
Duration
- One semester
Contact hours
- 36 hours per semester
On-campus unit delivery combines face-to-face and digital learning. For Online unit delivery, learning is conducted exclusively online.
Aims and objectives
This unit aims to provide students the basic understanding of the key concepts within the field of design anthropology: the question of what role does design, as both a process and a set of artefacts, play in defining humanness. Students will evaluate the paradigms related to questions of nature/nurture, evolution, internal-external, social facts or emergent properties in design and anthropology.
Unit Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, the student will be able to:
· Distinguish among the concepts of humaness as biological, material (object and environmental), symbolic, and cultural constructs in relationship to design
· Examine the processes of design as a general human activity and a specialized practice
· Construct holistic frameworks to inform the design process
· Assess the ethical responsibilities of designing for and with people and the environment
· Analyse the concepts of evolution and creativity, material culture, structuralism, post-structuralism and semiotics, and cultural interpretation.
Unit Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, the student will be able to:
· Distinguish among the concepts of humaness as biological, material (object and environmental), symbolic, and cultural constructs in relationship to design
· Examine the processes of design as a general human activity and a specialized practice
· Construct holistic frameworks to inform the design process
· Assess the ethical responsibilities of designing for and with people and the environment
· Analyse the concepts of evolution and creativity, material culture, structuralism, post-structuralism and semiotics, and cultural interpretation.
Courses with unit
This unit is no longer being offered
A unit of study offered onsite and online within the Masters of Design (Design Anthropology) program and Graduate Diploma of Design (Design Anthropology) program.
Unit information in detail
- Teaching methods, assessment, general skills outcomes and content.
Teaching methods
This unit is delivered through lecture and tutorial face-to-face and/or online. It includes group discussions, site visits, demonstrations and critiques.
Assessment
Weekly Concept Blog (Individual) 15%
Class Discussion Facilitation (Individual) 10%
Essay (Individual) 25%
Final Project Presentation and Documentation (Individual) 25%
Letter of Self-Commitment (personal development statement) (Individual) 25%
Please note that weightings are indicative.
Class Discussion Facilitation (Individual) 10%
Essay (Individual) 25%
Final Project Presentation and Documentation (Individual) 25%
Letter of Self-Commitment (personal development statement) (Individual) 25%
Please note that weightings are indicative.
General skills outcomes
Given the importance of human understanding to design strategy and innovation, HDG650 Introduction to Design Anthropology produces students with the following Graduate Attributes:
· Adaptable and able to manage change
· Aware of local and international environments in which they will be contributing (e.g. socio-cultural, economic, natural)
· Entrepreneurial in contributing to innovation and development within their business, workplace or community
HDG650 Introduction to Design Anthropology provides students with the following Key Generic Skills:
· Analysis skills
· Problem solving skills
· Ability to tackle unfamiliar problems
· Ability to work independently
· Adaptable and able to manage change
· Aware of local and international environments in which they will be contributing (e.g. socio-cultural, economic, natural)
· Entrepreneurial in contributing to innovation and development within their business, workplace or community
HDG650 Introduction to Design Anthropology provides students with the following Key Generic Skills:
· Analysis skills
· Problem solving skills
· Ability to tackle unfamiliar problems
· Ability to work independently
Content
The unit explores the following themes:
· Human biological variation, physical anthropology, and ergonomics
· The Evolution of Creativity
· Archaeology, Material Objects and Environments
· Structuralism, post-structuralism, and Language
· The Semiotics of Design
· Cultural Interpretation and Design
· Cultural Meaning and Design
· Human biological variation, physical anthropology, and ergonomics
· The Evolution of Creativity
· Archaeology, Material Objects and Environments
· Structuralism, post-structuralism, and Language
· The Semiotics of Design
· Cultural Interpretation and Design
· Cultural Meaning and Design
Study resources
- Reading materials.
Reading materials
Barnard, A. (2000). History and Theory in Anthropology. London: Cambridge University Press. (Avail. as Library E-book)
Papanek, V. (2005). Design for the Real World, 2nd rev. ed, Chicago: Academy Chicago Publishers.
Hodder, I. (Ed.) (2012). Archaeological Theory Today, 2nd ed. Malden, MA: Blackwell Publishing.
Additional references will be made available via Blackboard or another online platform.
Papanek, V. (2005). Design for the Real World, 2nd rev. ed, Chicago: Academy Chicago Publishers.
Hodder, I. (Ed.) (2012). Archaeological Theory Today, 2nd ed. Malden, MA: Blackwell Publishing.
Additional references will be made available via Blackboard or another online platform.