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Job:05-11998/12412 Title:RP-Design School Con dential

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Job:05-11998/12412 Title:RP-Design School Con dential

#175 Dtp:160(P) Page:40

project brief

On Trial is a teaching strategy used to facili-

tate and promote creativity in learning. Graphic

design students explore and interrogate

problems relating to their specialization. On

Trial embraces student-centered, experiential,

problem-based learning through a “teaching-

with-your-mouth-shut” approach (Finkel, 2000).

Using this approach forces students to question,

defend, and judge a problem.

On Trial harnesses popular culture and the

seductive qualities of the courtroom to help stu-

dents engage with tough academic issues and

wider ethical concerns. Students learn the pro-

tocols and contexts of law through the popular

media and bring such understandings into the

classroom without formal teaching. The formal

scenario enhances communication skills, critical

analysis, group work, and research.

project activities

This approach comprises two integrated

components: a written essay and a group

role-playing event. Both activities focus upon

the same theme, but the role playing is not

assessed. The group event is specifi cally staged

two weeks before the essay deadline so that

students may prepare, develop, test, and review

their research, ideas, and examples before com-

pleting their assessed individual essay.

activity 1: on trial:

“fi rst things fi rst” manifesto

Write an essay of two thousand words that

addresses the “First Things First” 2000 design

manifesto.

Develop an argument that either supports

or contests the claims/ethos of the 1964 and 2000

manifestos. Discuss your viewpoint and sub-

stantiate this with relevant examples, facts, and

the views of others. Relate your discussion to the

critical consideration of the work of a contempo-

rary designer/agency or a specifi c area of design

work. Refer to historical examples as appropriate.

Ultimately, consider whether it is appropriate and

acceptable for contemporary graphic designers

to work in, and for, specifi c commercial contexts.

Select your focus and approach carefully,

research and write the essay in relation to the set

brief and compile your bibliography. (The essay

must follow academic conventions and be ac-

companied by a bibliography.) Ensure that your

discussion applies to appropriate contemporary

design examples and theoretical ideas and texts.

activity 2: on trial

To inform and support your written assignment

and to develop your wider professional aware-

ness and understanding of your subject special-

ism, you are required to work in a creative group

role-play activity.

Through group work, you will consider

and test key issues, approaches, and examples

relating to the First Things First manifesto to

judge whether the manifesto is relevant, viable,

appropriate, and acceptable in the context of

contemporary graphic design. You will work in

roles relevant to a courtroom scenario:

Class: B.A. (Honors) Graphic Design Unit:

Locating Contemporary Practice

Level: First Year

Faculty: Kirsten Hardie

Duration: Six Weeks

5

The Arts Institute at Bournemouth

Poole, Dorset, UK

On Trial

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