Course detail
Graphic design topics of today
FaVU-ATGDAcad. year: 2025/2026
The course focuses on selected topics of visual communication and design in general. In the classes, current topics are discussed with the students, the starting point being current events in the field of graphic design and related areas. Theoretical and critical texts are read to prepare for classes. The course takes into account the cultural and other contexts that influence the current practice of graphic design.
Language of instruction
Czech
Number of ECTS credits
2
Mode of study
Not applicable.
Guarantor
Entry knowledge
Ability of critical work with text, basic orientation in visual culture and graphic design.
Rules for evaluation and completion of the course
The condition for granting the credit is active participation in teaching and fulfillment of assigned tasks (reading texts and writing essays). In the case of online teaching, also regular online communication.
Compulsory attendance - an unexcused absence on one teaching block is tolerated.
Compulsory attendance - an unexcused absence on one teaching block is tolerated.
Aims
Strengthening students' ability to critically perceive the cultural, social, economic, political and aesthetic contexts in which visual communication emerged and emerges.
Students develop critical thinking about the field, which is crucial for both graphic design practice and reception and visual communication analysis.
Students develop critical thinking about the field, which is crucial for both graphic design practice and reception and visual communication analysis.
Study aids
Not applicable.
Prerequisites and corequisites
Not applicable.
Basic literature
Nicholas Mirzoeff, Jak vidět svět, Artmap, 2015.
Richard Hollis, Stručná historie grafického designu, Rubato, 2015.
Richard Hollis, Stručná historie grafického designu, Rubato, 2015.
Recommended reading
Frank Whitford, Bauhaus, Rubato, 2015.
Helen Armstrong (ed.), Digital Design Theory: Readings from the Field, Princeton Architectural Press, 2012.
Helen Armstrong (ed.), Graphic Design Theory: Readings from the Field, Princeton Architectural Press, 2009.
Jana Průšová, Vznik a vývoj písma, Jana Průšová, 2017.
Johanna Drucker & Emily McVarish, Graphic Design History. A Critical Guide, Pearson, 2013.
Malcolm Barnard, Graphic Design as Communication, Routledge, 2013.
Pavla Pauknerová (ed.) & Richard Jaros (ed.), Nejen kruhy. Vizuální přístupy v zobrazování dat a informací, Vysoká škola uměleckoprůmyslová, 2017.
Pavla Pečínková & Lada Hubatová-Vacková & Martina Pachmanová (eds.), Věci a slova, Vysoká škola uměleckoprůmyslová, 2014.
Philip B. Meggs & Alston W. Purvis, History of Graphic Design, Wiley, 2016.
Radim Vondráček & Iva Knobloch (eds.), Design v českých zemích 1900 – 2000, Academia, UPM, 2016.
William T. Mitchell, Teorie obrazu, Karolinum, 2016.
Zdeno Kolesár, Kapitoly z dějin designu, Vysoká škola uměleckoprůmyslová, 2009.
Helen Armstrong (ed.), Digital Design Theory: Readings from the Field, Princeton Architectural Press, 2012.
Helen Armstrong (ed.), Graphic Design Theory: Readings from the Field, Princeton Architectural Press, 2009.
Jana Průšová, Vznik a vývoj písma, Jana Průšová, 2017.
Johanna Drucker & Emily McVarish, Graphic Design History. A Critical Guide, Pearson, 2013.
Malcolm Barnard, Graphic Design as Communication, Routledge, 2013.
Pavla Pauknerová (ed.) & Richard Jaros (ed.), Nejen kruhy. Vizuální přístupy v zobrazování dat a informací, Vysoká škola uměleckoprůmyslová, 2017.
Pavla Pečínková & Lada Hubatová-Vacková & Martina Pachmanová (eds.), Věci a slova, Vysoká škola uměleckoprůmyslová, 2014.
Philip B. Meggs & Alston W. Purvis, History of Graphic Design, Wiley, 2016.
Radim Vondráček & Iva Knobloch (eds.), Design v českých zemích 1900 – 2000, Academia, UPM, 2016.
William T. Mitchell, Teorie obrazu, Karolinum, 2016.
Zdeno Kolesár, Kapitoly z dějin designu, Vysoká škola uměleckoprůmyslová, 2009.
Classification of course in study plans
- Programme DES_B Bachelor's 2 year of study, winter semester, compulsory-optional
2 year of study, winter semester, compulsory-optional
2 year of study, winter semester, compulsory-optional
2 year of study, winter semester, compulsory-optional
4 year of study, winter semester, elective
4 year of study, winter semester, elective
4 year of study, winter semester, elective
4 year of study, winter semester, elective - Programme BIT Bachelor's 1 year of study, winter semester, elective
- Programme BIT Bachelor's 1 year of study, winter semester, elective
Type of course unit
Lecture
12 hod., compulsory
Teacher / Lecturer
Syllabus
Introduction to semiotics and communication theory
Fonts, typography and experiment
Books, newspapers, magazines and the future of the press
Brand, logotype and corporate identity, advertising
Motion design
Digital media and internet, big data
Design and tools. Codes, algorithms and interfaces
Users, UX design, participative design, co-design
Privacy and Copyright
Virtual reality, augmented reality, artificial intelligence, smart technologies
Biodesign, cyborg and posthumanism
Ethics in design, slow design
Speculative Design, Design Fictions, Future Design
Fonts, typography and experiment
Books, newspapers, magazines and the future of the press
Brand, logotype and corporate identity, advertising
Motion design
Digital media and internet, big data
Design and tools. Codes, algorithms and interfaces
Users, UX design, participative design, co-design
Privacy and Copyright
Virtual reality, augmented reality, artificial intelligence, smart technologies
Biodesign, cyborg and posthumanism
Ethics in design, slow design
Speculative Design, Design Fictions, Future Design