This course presents important issues, ideas, trends, and movements in contemporary design. The objective is to encourage an active exchange of ideas and information which broaden and deepen our conception of design, develop a clearer understanding of the relationship of design to society and contemporary culture, strengthen critical and creative thinking skills, strengthen the student?s ability to articulate and support his or her ideas, and gain greater familiarity with a wide range of contemporary design work and related design issues. Extensive readings, lectures, and discussions of the work of contemporary industrial and communication designers.