PGDS
5005

Discourses in Design

Parsons School of Design: Sch. Art and Dsgn Hist and Th

Liberal Arts
Undergraduate Course
Graduate Course
Degree Students
Discourses in Design
Spring 2025
Taught By: David Gissen
Section: A

CRN: 8819

Credits: 3

This course introduces the main theoretical frameworks and methodologies that have shaped and continue to shape the field of Design Studies. Following a seminar format, key texts will be explored and used to structure a set of thematic discussions that tackle the intricate relationship of design to several social themes. We will explore the ethical and political dimensions of design, venturing into questions of gender, class, and processes of racialization. From the 1960s notion of wicked problem and the emergence of design research, to current approaches in speculative design, design activism and practices of collective making, we will investigate design studies from a material culture perspective, while inviting into the discussion concepts and discourses from other fields of knowledge such as philosophy, social theory, and gender studies, to name a few. Students will be assessed through a combination of written assignments, in-class presentations, and active seminar participation.

Open to: All university graduate degree students.

College: Parsons School of Design (PS)

Department: Sch. Art and Dsgn Hist and Th (ADHT)

Campus: New York City (GV)

Course Format: Seminar (R)

Modality: In-Person

Max Enrollment: 15

Repeat Limit: 2

Add/Drop Deadline: February 3, 2025 (Monday)

Online Withdrawal Deadline: April 15, 2025 (Tuesday)

Seats Available: Yes

* Seats available but reserved for a specific population.

Status: Waitlist*

* Status information is updated every few minutes. The status of this course may have changed since the last update. Open seats may have restrictions that will prevent some students from registering. Updated: 9:26pm EST 12/11/2024

Meeting Info:
Days: Thursday
Times: 1:55pm - 3:45pm
Building: Eugene Lang 65 W11th
Room: 260
Date Range: 1/20/2025 - 5/14/2025