‘Design in Social and Political Context’ introduces students across the design disciplines to international ideas and voices in the field of anthropology, curation, design pedagogy, and design practice exploring “the politics of design” in contemporary context through an online lecture series. The focus of the ‘Ringvorlesung’ is design and material culture in post-colonial and transnational contexts, exploring the global imbalance of the dissemination of design ideas in the post-colonial structure, and how designers, curators, and cultural producers are engaged in challenging the traditional models of design. Guest speakers will join us from India, Morocco, the USA, and Europe discussing contemporary and historical design strategies and ideas for diversity, equity, and social justice. 

The SS2023 series of speakers forms the foundation of Q&A discussion, and the potential reflection on students’ own projects in relation to the emerging ideas.

This course is presented in English.

A seminar grade requires:

• regular, punctual attendance (minimum 4 out of 5 sessions, 50% of grade)
• active participation in the Q&A sessions following the guest lectures and the workshop (20% of grade)
• a short essay on one of the guest lectures with reflection on the students’ own projects in relation to the guest lecture (30% of grade). Submission deadline: 22nd May 2023. All essays need to be uploaded to the cloud folder attached to the course. Later submissions and submissions via Email cannot be considered for the grading!

Please register to each single session in advance.

Zoom registration links please see below.