Students will have access to studio space and college library and computer resources.
University learning resources are available on campus at Stafford and Stoke-on-Trent, and online via the partner Need to Know pages of the university website.
http://www.staffs.ac.uk/courses_and_study/partnerships/current_students/email/index.jsp

Briggs A. & Burke P. (2010). Social History of the Media: From Gutenberg to the Internet . 3rd ed. Cambridge: Polity Press.
Carter D.E. (2001) The Big Book of Corporate Identity Design. Harper Collins Publishers
Chapman N. (2009) Digital Multimedia. John Wiley and Sons Ltd
Creeber G. & Martin R. (2008). Digital Cultures: Understanding New Media. Milton Keynes: Open University Press.
Curtis, H. (2003) MTIV: Process Inspiration and Practice for the New Media Designer. New Riders Publishing
Knight, C. & Glaser, J. (2006) Create Impact with Type, Image and Colour. MRotovision
Knight, C. & Glaser, J. (2005) Layout/Making it Fit: Finding the Right Balance between Content and Space. Quayside Pub Group
Kusters C & King E. (2001) Restart: New systems in Graphic Design. Thames & Hudson
Leslie J. (2003) MagCulture: New Magazine Design. Laurence King
MONO. (2004) Branding from Brief to Finished Solution. Rotovision

Journals:
Computer Arts, Future Publishing
Creative Review, Centaur Communications
Design Week, Centaur Publications
Manovich, Lev, Leonardo, Ten Key Texts on Digital Art: 1970-2000, [online] Vol. 35, No. 5, Tenth Anniversary New York Digital Salon (2002) (pp. 567-569+571-575) available from http://www.jstor.org/stable/view/1577262 [2011]
Jaimes, A, IEEE multimedia, Digital Culture, Art, and Technology, [online] vol. 12 no. 4, pp. 9-11, available from http://www.computer.org/portal/web/csdl/doi/10.1109/MMUL.2005.68 [2011]

Websites:
http://www.nationalmediamuseum.org.uk/
http://www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/
http://www.theory.org.uk/

Introduction to module
Series of lectures, visits and seminars relating to design history and design context
Workshops developing journal content with studio tutorials
Problem solving workshop
Design process
Research workshops
Practical studio workshops
Methods of evaluation
Group tutorials and critiques with formative feedback
Individual tutorials

You will be able to explore the artistic, social and political influences on graphics and digital design over a significant period, in order to evaluate reasons for current design trends. You will gain insights into the impact of context on design so that you can plan your practical work with a better understanding of the cultural expectations of the audience you are aiming for. By recording your findings in your Reflective Learning Journal you will be able to develop your analytical and evaluative skills through discussing the ideas and influences relating to your work.

This module helps you to deepen your experience of the application of skills; you will be able to relate the design theory and context that you are exploring in your Reflective Learning Journal with the application of your skills in a professional context. You will be expected to gain a substantial part of the evidence for assessment from work-related projects. You will address an identified need in the working environment, which may be part of a larger programme of work being undertaken in the workplace, or experience associated with working freelance or in an entrepreneurial role. This may, for example, be producing a graphics/digital design product for sale of exhibition, or creating products for an identified market or audience.

You will increasingly be working independently, and may identify and/or initiate a project in order to meet the outcomes of the module: such a project should be planned in consultation with your tutor and, where appropriate, your mentor.

Assessment 1: A substantial illustrated Reflective Learning Journal, containing key creative milestones that have occurred over a significant period of time, with reference to national and international social, cultural and political context. (50%) [LO 1, 2, 3]

Assessment 2: A response to a brief requiring teamwork and negotiation skills, demonstrating involvement in the design, creation and delivery of a product/activity/event for an identified target audience that demonstrates your understanding of the wider cultural context of the design industry. (50%) [LO 4, 5, 6]

Formative assessment: Peer review of the Reflective Learning Journal, to include evaluation of the breadth and depth of the journals, and their ability to demonstrate students' analysis of the areas covered.