Skip to main content
Unit of study_

ARHT3680: A Material World: Cultures of Design

2024 unit information

Design shapes how we live in the world. From dressing our bodies, to inhabiting carefully composed interiors, and encountering innovative objects, the limits of our understanding are frequently materially determined. In this unit, students will engage with design histories - both past and present - to understand how design forms our experience of the world. Close studies will be made of key objects, designers, and materials, building a fluency with design from a variety of cultures and movements. The unit will be delivered through object-based learning, providing students with an opportunity to connect with professional and real-world contexts as they explore design cultures.

Unit details and rules

Managing faculty or University school:

Art History

Code ARHT3680
Academic unit Art History
Credit points 6
Prerequisites:
? 
12 credit points at 2000 level in Art History
Corequisites:
? 
None
Prohibitions:
? 
None
Assumed knowledge:
? 
None

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. Demonstrate a critical command of the core body of knowledge concerning material culture and design studies
  • LO2. Analyse and reflect critically upon relevant scholarship and communicate this to others.
  • LO3. Undertake a close critical reading of a variety of design objects in alignment with current sector practices.
  • LO4. Effectively communicate research-based thinking in written work or oral presentations, for different audiences.
  • LO5. Demonstrate independence and initiative; integrity and maturity; the capacity to evaluate the work of others, including peers; and a considerable degree of autonomy to manage group and individual projects.

Unit availability

This section lists the session, attendance modes and locations the unit is available in. There is a unit outline for each of the unit availabilities, which gives you information about the unit including assessment details and a schedule of weekly activities.

The outline is published 2 weeks before the first day of teaching. You can look at previous outlines for a guide to the details of a unit.

Session MoA ?  Location Outline ? 
Semester 2 2024
Normal day Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney
Outline unavailable
Session MoA ?  Location Outline ? 
Semester 2 2022
Normal day Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney
Semester 2 2022
Normal day Remote

Modes of attendance (MoA)

This refers to the Mode of attendance (MoA) for the unit as it appears when you’re selecting your units in Sydney Student. Find more information about modes of attendance on our website.