This course provides an overview of historical developments and important trends in the field of design, particularly communication and product design. The history of design is examined in the context of socio-political developments, and important parallel art movements are also taken into account.

The course is designed as a lecture series, i.e., faculty members and invited guests will each give a lecture on a specific area, followed by a discussion. The aim is always to critically examine the classical canon of design history in the context of discussions and to include feminist and postcolonial perspectives, for example.

Continuous and active participation, independent preparation of content, and contributions to the discussion are expressly encouraged.