OVERVIEW

The course traces the history of graphic design through an analysis of the major currents and the most important artists who have shaped its vicissitudes, from the Art Nouveau season to current trends in a dense interweaving with the most important art experiences . 

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course aims to introduce the history of graphic design from its origins, to the end of the nineteenth century, to the present day with specific insights into the relationship with the visual arts of the twentieth century; the course deals also some aspects of the history of illustration in Italy with particular reference to the circulation and reuse of images between the 19th and 20th centuries.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course aims to provide students with the notions and methodological tools necessary for the correct analysis and understanding of the evolution of graphic design from the 19th century to the present day. 

At the end of the course, students must be able to explain with an appropriate vocabulary the development lines of the discipline and interpret graphic design works in relation to the cultural context in which they were born, showing that they have acquired the necessary critical and methodological tools. They must be able to autonomously construct paths of meaning, in both thematic and problematic terms, between the various and different moments in the history of graphic design.  He/she will have to present an in-depth written study in which, by means of an adequate bibliography, he/she will argue in an original manner and with propriety of language a freely chosen theme.

PREREQUISITES

Basics of 19th and 20th century art history.

TEACHING METHODS

Classes are held in person. Attendance, although not compulsory, is recommended. No remote learning is available for this course.

Meetings with subject specialists and specifically scheduled teaching visits are planned.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

The history of graphic design from the end of the 19th century to the present day.
Meetings with specialists in the subject and visits to exhibitions and museums are planned.

The programme is intended for both attending and non-attending students: the latter will complete their preparation with an additional text (to be chosen between two) indicated in the bibliography.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

D. BARONI, M. VITTA, Storia del design grafico, Longanesi, Milano 2004.

Non-attending students will also study one of the following books

S. POLANO, P. VETTA, Abecedario. La grafica del Novecento, Electa, Milano 2002.

or

Filosofia del graphic design, edited by R. FALCINELLI, Einaudi, Torino 2022.

Further bibliography will be indicated during the course. The final bibliography will be available on aulaweb at the end of the course.
Students, whether attending or not, must also complete their preparation with a research paper to be submitted in written form (at least one week before the date of the exam) on one of the topics addressed during the course or dealt with in the Baroni-Vitta text.
The rules for the written paper and an orientation bibliography will be provided in class and, at the end of the course, will be available on the pages dedicated to the course on aulaweb.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

LEO LECCI (President)

ANDREA DAFFRA

PAOLA VALENTI (President Substitute)

MATTEO FAZZINI (Substitute)

LESSONS

LESSONS START

February 24th 2025

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

Exam oral and written

Erasmus students not proficient in Italian may request a substitutive bibliography, and take the examination in English or Fench.

Students with disabilities or learning disorders are entitled specific adjustments, provided they upload the relevant certifications and documents on the University's dedicated webpage. See http://servizionline.unige.it under rubric 'Students'. The documents will be validated by the relevant office within the University (Settore servizi per l'inclusione degli studenti con disabilità e con DSA dell'Ateneo) (https://rubrica.unige.it/strutture/struttura/100111).
At least 10 days before the exam, students will have to email the instructor, Cc'ing the aforementioned office, as well as the School's deputy for matters concerning students with disabilities and learning disorders (elisabetta.colagrossi@unige.it). Please specify the following in your email: 

- name, surname, student number
- course name and number
- date of your exam
- adjustments required

Once the School's representative confirms your eligibility, you will liaise with your instructor to finalize the details. The final decision on what adjustments are acceptable rests with your instructor.
Please note that any request must be sent at least 10 days before your exam, to successfully complete the process in time. Please also note that the mind maps to be used on the day of your exam have to be significantly more concise than those you use when you study.

For further information, please see:
https://unige.it/sites/unige.it/files/2024-05/Linee%20guida%20per%20la%20richiesta%20di%20servizi%2C%20di%20strumenti%20compensativi%20e_o%20di%20misure%20dispensative%20e%20di%20ausili%20specifici%20Maggio%202024.pdf

ASSESSMENT METHODS

Oral test aimed at ascertaining knowledge of the major protagonists and currents in the history of graphic design and, for students using the 9 cfu teaching, also of the most salient aspects of the history of illustration between the 19th and 20th centuries.

The student must also complete the preparation with a research paper to be submitted in written form (at least one week before the date of the exam) on one of the topics addressed during the course or covered in the Baroni-Vitta text.
Standards for the written paper and a guiding bibliography will be provided in class and, at the end of the course, will be available on the teaching pages on aulaweb.

The  written paper will be discussed during the exam.

Exam schedule

FURTHER INFORMATION

Meetings with specialists in contemporary art and visits to exhibitions and museums are planned.