This condensed survey course focuses on four key periods or themes from the history of design in the West. Together we’ll trace the emergence of design as a recognized practice, why things look the way they do, and how designers approached specific design problems in their work.



Ideas from the History of Graphic Design
This course is part of Graphic Design Specialization


Instructors: Louise Sandhaus
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(2,502 reviews)
What you'll learn
Learn about the history of graphic design
Understand the emergence of design as a recognized practice
Learn about graphic design radicalism in late 1950s to early 1970s
Make informed design choices
Skills you'll gain
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There are 4 modules in this course
This week we are going to take a look at the effects of industrialization in the late 19th century, and how goods were produced, sold, and marketed.
What's included
14 videos8 readings1 assignment1 peer review1 discussion prompt
This week, we'll look at how the work and teachings of The Bauhaus (1919-1933), and how design emerged as a recognized practice.
What's included
11 videos1 reading1 assignment1 peer review
Modernism in mid-century America through the eyes of four key designers.
What's included
13 videos1 reading1 assignment1 peer review
Design practice in the late 1950s to early 1970s was new, radical and divergent. To show you just how varied it was, we’ll look at the work of four key players/movements.
What's included
14 videos5 readings1 assignment1 peer review
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Reviewed on Sep 12, 2020
It was extremely educational and helpful for me to learn design from its earliest forms up to the modern era that are all applicable for use in contemporary design forms and factors.
Reviewed on Jul 19, 2020
I really enjoyed this course. The lectures were interesting and I have a better understanding of design styles and their influences. I enjoyed completing the assignments too. Thank you!
Reviewed on Jul 14, 2016
A more theoretical Cours that I really enjoyed and made me search for different artists. I started researching more and discovered how valuable this can be. Thank you for all the resources.
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