ARH 3724. History of Graphic Design

Florida International University

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Course Description

ARH 3724 History of Graphic Design is a fully online course at Florida International University that examines the history of graphic design through the critical study of visual communication, design practices, technologies, and cultural contexts. Students move beyond simply observing graphic design to develop the ability to analyze, interpret, and evaluate visual communication within its historical and cultural circumstances.

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Through a chronological and thematic examination of significant posters, publications, movements, designers, and design practices, students explore the development of graphic design as a distinct field. The course considers how designers responded to changing technologies, social conditions, cultural movements, communication needs, and audiences.

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Students investigate the origins and evolution of contemporary graphic design, tracing its development from functional forms of visual communication into a diverse and interdisciplinary practice. Learning activities include knowledge assessments, visual mapping, critical discussions, and collaborative activities that support students in developing visual literacy, historical understanding, and critical thinking. This course is appropriate for students interested in graphic design, art history, visual culture, communication, media, and related fields. No prerequisites are required.

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Course Learning Objectives

The course is designed to:

1. Introduce students to significant movements, designers, technologies, and developments in the history of graphic design.

2. Develop students’ ability to analyze and interpret graphic design within historical, cultural, social, and technological contexts.

3. Examine how visual elements, design strategies, and technologies contribute to meaning, communication, and audience engagement.

4. Connect historical graphic design practices to contemporary visual communication and design culture.

5. Develop students’ ability to communicate informed perspectives on graphic design using research, evidence, and appropriate terminology.
   
    

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of ARH 3724, students will be able to:

1. Identify and contextualize major movements, designers, technologies, and developments that have shaped graphic design history.

2. Analyze specific graphic design works by examining visual elements, design strategies, function, meaning, audience, and historical context.

3. Evaluate how graphic design communicates information and constructs meaning within different cultural, social, and technological contexts.

4. Connect historical design practices to contemporary approaches to visual communication, recognizing continuities, changes, and emerging practices.

5. Communicate informed interpretations of graphic design using appropriate terminology, research, and visual evidence.
   
    

Assessment Alignment

Students will demonstrate these outcomes through weekly knowledge assessments, visual analysis activities, mapping exercises, discussions, research-based assignments, and collaborative learning activities. Assessments are designed to measure students’ knowledge of graphic design history as well as their ability to apply historical information, conduct visual analysis, make contextual connections, and communicate informed interpretations.

 

Course Format and Student Support

ARH 3724 is a fully online, Quality Matters Certified course designed to provide a structured, accessible, and engaging learning experience. Weekly modules provide clear objectives, instructional materials, visual examples, learning activities, discussions, and assessments that guide students from foundational knowledge toward analysis, interpretation, and evaluation.

The course is also designated as an Affordability Counts/Medallion course, supporting access to course materials while helping reduce the cost of required learning resources for students.