History of Design
Each student will prepare a 3,000-3500 (about 12-14 pages) research paper related to the course focus of design theory, history, and culture. Papers must consider some aspect of the critical study of design and must be focused on one work of design in any medium that is at least 20 years old (other works might be introduced in comparison, but the detailed focus should remain on one work). Papers must include a personal thesis statement, images of works discussed, at least 8 primary sources, and proper citations and footnotes. Students will research and discuss aspects of style, material, production, marketing, etc. in order to place their objects within a cultural context. for example, 1.the first pants for the woman(when? it means the change of woman’s right in society); 2.The first western design dress that has the Chinese fashion design elements (when the Chinese fashion influence the western fashion design? the significance) 3. Tea culture in European countries( the name of the first chinese tea brand that entry the western coutry. how it infulce the local culture.) COMPLETED PAPERS WILL BE GRADED ACCORDING TO THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA: 1. Evidence of scholarly research (clear discussion of existing sources on the topic & indication of them in notes & bibliography). 2. Did you establish a clear and original thesis and support it in a well-organized, well-written argument of 12-14 pages, reflecting on your conclusions from your research? 3. Selection & Presentation of Evidence (be sure to OMIT material about a designer or theme that is irrelevant to your thesis). Please do NOT include too much biographical information about a designer that does not help to develop your thesis. 4. Critical analysis of sources and independent analysis of issues pertaining to the work of design. 5. Clarity and liveliness of organization (includes clear articulation of unifying ideas, logical ordering of material, use of introductory & concluding paragraphs, and correct use of grammar and spelling). Steps to think about in this process: 1. Carefully choose the work of design you wish to focus upon (you might consider choosing something you have seen in person at a local museum or gallery exhibition, or a work that deals with a subject of personal importance). 2. Narrow your topic and approach to the analysis of this single work of design; you might do this by creating a list of questions you have about the work that you wish to answer in your research and resulting paper. 3. Collect relevant research materials, including if possible, both primary sources (designers’ writings, contemporary criticism) and secondary sources (scholarly books, peer reviewed journal articles, book reviews, etc. You should also conduct research on social-‐historical context in which the work was produced. 4. Be sure to do an exhaustive search for scholarly writings using online databases 5. Plan the research process with enough time to take advantage of the Link+ System and InterlibraryLoan. Remember that reference librarians in Gleeson are more than happy to provide individual assistance locating sources (just stop at the reference desk, first floor of Gleeson).
