You will present for assessment a body of work as outlined in the module information pack. This will include:
A presentation (Learning Outcome 2 & 3).
1000 word illustrated essay (Learning Outcomes 1,2,3 & 4 )

Academic workshops (formal technical instruction sessions and library, design collection and design museum/exhibition based activities).
Small group sessions (seminars, tutorials).
Independent study in support of your practical work.
Short exercises and tasks that help you to apply your learning.

Lecture theatre
Data projector
Design collection
Library
IT workshops
The Blackboard virtual learning environment will be available (where relevant) to support this module. Details will be supplied in the module handbook.

Burnham, D. et.al 2008. Studying independently and producing better written work. Staffordshire University: Faculty of Arts, Media and Design (booklet).
Cotterell, S. 2008. The Study Skills Handbook. London: Palgrave Macmillan
Hall, S. 2007.This Means This, This Means That: A User's Guide to Semiotics: Laurence King
Hollis, R. 2001.Graphic Design: A Concise History (World of Art): Thames & Hudson
Male, A. 2007. Illustration: A Theoretical and Contextual Perspective: AVA Publishing
Newark, Q. 2007. What Is Graphic Design? (Essential Design Handbooks): Rotovision
Vartanian, I. 2003.Typo-Graphics: The Art and Science of Type Design in Context: Rotovision
Wigan, M. 2006. Basics Illustration: Thinking Visually: AVA Publishing

This module will introduce you to the skills needed to research, evaluate and present information in relation to both your practical design work and academic written material - skills on which the professional practice of the visual communicator and designer relies upon. This module will focus on the how and why a designer researches, how to use historical and contextual research to inform, enrich and underpin your practical work. In addition, it will also explore ways to evaluate, construct and present information in written, verbal and visual forms allowing you to articulate your views on historical and contemporary practice.

You will be introduced to resources within and outside the University that will enable you to gather information. You will learn the conventions employed to organise information and explore some of the techniques and technologies now used to present information in written, verbal and visual forms. You will be required to consider how the content of this module is applied to your practical design work, exploring the context in which your work sits and how factors such as semiotics and image deconstruction.
You will also learn how to use University facilities such as the Design Collection and Thompson Library as well as external resources including a design museum/exhibition visit, You will also gain the IT skills needed for the gathering and presenting of information in an academic context.