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Learner Reviews & Feedback for Ideas from the History of Graphic Design by California Institute of the Arts

4.7
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2,535 ratings

About the Course

This condensed survey course focuses on four key periods or themes from the history of design in the West. Together we’ll trace the emergence of design as a recognized practice, why things look the way they do, and how designers approached specific design problems in their work. Students will develop an understanding of where the wide variety of today’s design practice comes from. By participating in this survey of the works of innovative groups and individuals, we outline the process by which graphic design moved from a purely instrumental practice, to becoming a demanding creative and hybridized field. Each week, a short quiz will test your knowledge of concepts, and a short reflective assignment will give you the opportunity to analyze the questions designers ask themselves today. This is an essential course for emerging designers entering the field, or for students interested in learning more about visual culture and analysis. No previous experience is required. A note about this course: This course is taught from the perspective of contemporary design, to connect ideas that helped formulate design practice from the 1850s through the 1960s to the ways that designers think today. The relationship of words and pictures in graphic design is looked at through the ever-changing social and cultural contexts, technologies, aesthetics, and politics of their eras. The definition and practice of graphic design includes all public visual communications, which is a global practice. It was the evolution of mass production and communication in the West that specifically redefined graphic design as a professional practice and is this course’s particular narrative. We hope students will consider how to connect the themes and ideas offered in this course to your own culture....

Top reviews

AD

Dec 4, 2016

Loved it and all the examples the teachers put into it, as well as the organization and evolution of themes. Big thank you to the teacher ladies. I learned a lot and enjoyed the lessons very much.

SH

Jul 19, 2020

I really enjoyed this course. The lectures were interesting and I have a better understanding of design styles and their influences. I enjoyed completing the assignments too. Thank you!

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301 - 325 of 541 Reviews for Ideas from the History of Graphic Design

By Haidar A

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Jan 30, 2021

super helpful and relevant to all levels

By Laura H

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Jun 19, 2020

Enthusiastic teachers and solid material

By Justyna B

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Sep 5, 2019

Very interesting and informative course!

By Chris M

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Mar 11, 2021

Great teachers and interesting topics!

By Thiruvikraman S (

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Oct 1, 2019

REALLY HELPFUL AND ENLIGHTENING COURSE

By Rebecca K

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Aug 29, 2016

Very informative and full of fun facts

By Жания М

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Jan 11, 2024

course was amazing!!! Thanks Coursera

By Stewart G

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Aug 7, 2020

Well taught and valuable information.

By Muhammad U

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Feb 18, 2020

I would really recommend this course!

By Rinzn J

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Aug 18, 2016

its really an awesome course for all.

By Daniel D

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Jul 10, 2016

Great course!! Thank you, Coursera!!!

By David K

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May 12, 2021

very informative and inspirational.

By Demion C

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Apr 22, 2020

wonderful class! thank you so much.

By Israel T

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Oct 5, 2016

I definitely recommend this course!

By Irene A S A

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May 18, 2020

Very educational and enlightening.

By jose m m

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Apr 26, 2020

Muy bueno , altamente recomendable

By drewmunro

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Mar 19, 2017

An excellent intro to the subject.

By Monali K

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Jul 30, 2020

Nice course and wonderful trainer

By Annabel M

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Jul 9, 2020

Incredible course. So interesting

By maria K

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Oct 21, 2017

i love history of graphic design!

By Utku K

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Aug 16, 2016

Very nice and illuminating course

By Ella H

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Jun 7, 2020

Enjoyable course! Learned lots.

By Aadit S

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Mar 15, 2017

amazing course great teachers !

By hari

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Nov 7, 2016

Great course!! very insightful!

By Leticia C R

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Jul 17, 2016

Good information given. Thanks.