Film, gaming and animation allow speculative glances of what the future may hold for the human race. Producers, writers and manufacturers may fantasise about society, cultures and demographics; what underpins those visions are generally product design, architecture and fashion. Without any of these as reference, it would be impossible for that audience to buy into the illusion / vision.

This module aims to evaluate `how accurate' previous portrayals have been, appraise current technologies available and ultimately `re-forecast' the future using this knowledge.

The culmination of this module will be either a 2500 word, word processed report or practical `design' work - by agreement with staff.

Lecture/Seminar space
DVD player / viewing facilities (for group viewing)
OHP, slide projectors, data projector, video facilities
Appropriate studio/workshop facilities

Students are expected to take advantage of the extensive library facilities available within the University; keeping abreast of current developments through appropriate periodicals, journals, literature, CD_ROMs and online resources. Students will also be expected to complement `lecture' based reviews of media with self managed reviews and discussion groups.

Production of comprehensive research into agreed media area, documenting influences and references. (Learning)

Communication of sources of influence / inspiration, ideas and concepts via appropriate visual media, to include sketch drawings and presentation media which address the set design brief (Communication / Application)

Clearly defined analysis / critique of agreed media being tackled, with specific references to the portrayal of product, fashion, environments (commercial and domestic) and user lifestyles (Visual analysis)

Above FOUR outcomes / criteria equally weighted, unless specified differently within the module pack.

The works of Philip K Dick, Arthur C Clarke, William Gibson, Iain M Banks (Sci Fi)
Stephenson, Neal (1998) The Diamond Age: Or, Young Lady's Illustrated Primer (Penguin) ISBN 014027037X
Wachowski, L (2000) The Art of `The Matrix' (Titan Books) ISBN 1840231734

Filmography - Blade Runner, Minority Report, Johnny Mnemonic, 2001, Mad Max, Dune, Futurama, Star Trek, Terminator, The Animatrix, The Matrix, etc.

Supervised and self managed reviews of appropriate media, with planned objectives
Discussion groups
Assessment of discussion based upon factual data sources / resources
Evaluation of `published' themes / visions of `the future'
Review / assessment of `corporate' future visions (via concepts cars, products, fashions, environments or lifestyles)