Task:
1. Assessment Information
Assessment Task 25% of semester grade
Type - Research and writing assignment
2. Student and Assessor Instructions
General Information
Please refer to the Unit Outline for details regarding:
Student Charter, Student behaviour and wellbeing, Canvas, Communication, Plagiarism, Student support, Special consideration, Special needs, Review of marks, Feedback, complaints and suggestions, Advocacy.
Conditions
This Assessment Task is an individual assessment. It is expected to be completed both during and out of class hours.
Students must submit a PDF via Canvas. The Assessment Rubric provides the criteria by which this Assessment Task will be assessed. Students will require access to word processing software prepare their submission.
Assessment criteria
The assessment criteria for this task can be found on the Canvas Assignments page relating to this Assessment Task.
3. Unit Learning Outcomes
This task directly relates to the following Unit Learning Outcomes—
ULO2 Identify historically significant designers, design movements, objects, theories, practices; their social, cultural, economic
importance, and their implications for the 21st century.
ULO3 Critically analyse historical issues and present responses through a range of discursive modes.
ULO4 Critique key design concepts and developments, both historical and contemporary using a body of primary and secondary
resources including online resources, objects and environments.
ULO5 Integrate theoretical and historical concepts in a manner that is relevant and applicable to design studio practice.
ULO6 Analyse critically and visually design objects, places and environments at local, national, and international levels.
Project
This is a written assignment that requires a report of the research you undertake (including relevant images). Your investigation will—
Explore aspects of Modernism.
Discuss how developments of Modernism were a force for change. (1000 words excluding quotes and referencing)
To achieve this, research and write a report on one of the following options—
Option 1
Modernism — the early years (late 19th century to the end of World War I)
This period includes Realism, Impressionism, German Expressionism, Cubism and Futurism, Art Nouveau, Vienna Secession. (You may focus on just one art movement or compare two.)
Highlight the manner in which art and design responded to social and political issues within society. Or, consider the way in which the progress in science, technology, psychology and philosophy were reflected in specific works.
Option 2
Modernism — the interwar years (1919–1939)
This period includes Bauhaus, Constructivism, Art Deco, De Stijl, Dada, Surrealism. (You may focus on just one art movement or compare two.)
Highlight the manner in which art and design responded to social and political issues within society. Or consider the way in which the progress in science, technology, psychology and philosophy were reflected in specific works.
Option 3
A Modernist lifestyle
Select from one of the following fields of design:
• Photography and communication design
• Architecture and furniture design
• Product and industrial design
Discuss the influence of pioneer Modernists and how developments of Modernism were a force for change. Consider the theory, principles, objects and practices of Modernism within the context of your selected field.
Research and writing tips
Once you have chosen your Option, start setting out your plan.
Begin your assignment by researching the movements that were relevant to your chosen time period. The first part of your report should provide breadth on the topic and indicate that you have an understanding of the main themes associated with the period you are researching.
Then, narrow your focus and discuss how certain key players promoted the ideals of Modernism.
Do this by selecting and analysing one or more specific artworks.
Perhaps look at the manifestoes of early Modernist design groups. Italian Futurists, the Bauhaus, Russian Constructivists and De Stijl each had manifestos as public declarations of intent.
Discover their reasons for social reform and why the world should change to create ‘the spirit of the new’—and embrace the machine age. Consider and explain their ideals, and the principles and practices they promoted; such as—
• social reform
• anti-historicism
• form follows function
• simplicity
• truth to materials
• new materials and production technologies
