Einführung in Theorie und Geschichte des Design 2

Heng Zhi
Design, Theory and History of Design
2026S, Lecture (VO), 2.0 ECTS, 2.0 semester hours, course number S03757

Description

After Modernism: Design’s Unfinished Project

This lecture series introduces and demystifies the modern project of design by visiting some of the key movements such as Bauhaus, Mid-Century Modern, and Scandinavian Modern, which all still have a significant impact on the narrative of design and design history today. The focus is to challenge modernism’s Eurocentric and extractive ideas of aesthetic, technology, and society, and reconsider its controversial heritage in today’s field of design. To do so, the lectures consist of two major components: historical inputs and critical reflection. The latter takes place in form of tutorials in smaller groups.

Course Language: German

Examination Modalities

The evaluation criteria for the course are:

  • regular and punctual attendance of the lectures (min. 80% of the lectures)
  • active participation in the tutorials and contribution to the group discussion
  • a short think piece around a self-selected design object or project based on the topics of the lecture series (approx. 800 words) OR a 5–10 minute video essay/podcast. Please write in the first person and avoid topics that can be generated by AI. When using AI, please specify the prompt list. Submission deadline: June 15 2026. Later submissions cannot be considered for the evaluation.

Dates

Mon, 09 March 2026, 10:00–12:30 Seminar Room 10
Mon, 23 March 2026, 10:00–12:30 Seminar Room 10
Mon, 13 April 2026, 10:00–12:30 Zoom
Mon, 20 April 2026, 10:30–11:30 Seminar Room 10
Mon, 04 May 2026, 10:00–12:30 Zoom
Mon, 18 May 2026, 10:00–12:30 Seminar Room 10

Course Enrolment

From 04 February 2026, 09:00 to 09 March 2026, 00:00
Via online registration

Art Education: subject kkp (Bachelor): Wissenschaftliche Praxis: FOR: Lehrveranstaltungen nach Wahl aus Wissenschaftliche Praxis 067/003.80

Art Education: subject kkp (Enhancements study): Wissenschaftliche Praxis: FOR: Lehrveranstaltungen nach Wahl aus Wissenschaftliche Praxis 067/003.80

Art Education: subject dex (Bachelor): Wissenschaftliche Praxis: FOR: Lehrveranstaltungen nach Wahl aus Wissenschaftliche Praxis 074/003.80

Art Education: subject dex (Enhancements study): Wissenschaftliche Praxis: FOR: Lehrveranstaltungen nach Wahl aus Wissenschaftliche Praxis 074/003.80

TransArts - Transdisciplinary Arts (Bachelor): Theoretical foundations: Theoretical foundations 180/003.01

Expanded Museum Studies (Master): Electives: Design History and Theory 537/080.24

Kunst- und Kulturwissenschaften (Master): Electives Area 2: Design History and Theory 568/006.15

Design: Specialisation in Design and Narrative Media (1. Section): Methodological and Theoretical Fundamentals: Theory and History of Design 576/103.08

Design: Specialisation in Communication Design (1. Section): Methodological and Theoretical Basics: Introduction into Theory and History of Design 577/103.06

Industrial Design (1. Section): Art and Cultural Studies - Basics: Introduction to Theory and Design History I + II 580/104.01

Design: Specialisation in Fashion Design (1. Section): Methodological and Theoretical Basics: Theory and History of Design - Introduction 584/103.08

Fine Arts (2. Section): Scientific and Research Practice: Media Theory,Art&Knowledge Transfer,Th. of Architecture,Th. and Hist. of Design 605/202.02

Fine Arts (2. Section): Scientific and Research Practice: Free Electives out of Scientific and Research Practice 605/202.80

Design: Specialisation in Applied Photography and Time-based Media (1. Section): Methodological and Theoretical Basics: Art and Design History 626/103.02

Co-registration: possible

Attending individual courses: possible