·
5 to 7 hours
HD·F4·04 Advanced

Cultural Studies

Design is never culturally neutral.

Cultural studies examines how design participates in power, identity and representation. This course equips designers to see whose values a design assumes, who it includes and who it leaves out.

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In Development

This course's full module content is being written. The outline below is final, subscribe for updates when it publishes.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

  1. 01 Explain culture as a system of shared meanings
  2. 02 Analyse representation in images and products
  3. 03 Identify power relations in design systems
  4. 04 Discuss globalisation and local identity in design
  5. 05 Reflect critically on their own position as designers
01

What Culture Means

Culture is the set of meanings and practices a group shares. Design both expresses and shapes it.
01 ▶ present
02

Representation and Stereotype

Images tell audiences who people are. Repeating narrow portrayals reinforces stereotypes.
02 ▶ present
03

Power, Class and Access

Who can afford, access and influence design is unequal. Recognising this shapes who a project actually serves.
03 ▶ present
04

Globalisation and Local Identity

Global brands and local traditions interact in tension and exchange. Designers decide which they strengthen.
04 ▶ present
05

Positionality and Responsibility

A designer's background shapes what they notice. Stating your position helps others judge the work fairly.
05 ▶ present