Michele Y Washington

What is the role of the designer-citizen? In this course, we will explore both the possibilities and limitations of design as a catalyst for change. Throughout the semester, we will discuss the work of a wide range of designers, artists, activist groups, and organizations, including: John Heartfield, Emory Douglas, See Red Women¿s Workshop, ACT UP, Theaster Gates, Pedro Reyes, Lauren Williams, Sang Mun, the Design Justice Network, and the Center for Urban Pedagogy. Students will be encouraged to think about the course title as an open question ¿ what does it mean to be a designer-citizen?¿ and to develop their own answers to that question through research, writing, and studio practice.

What is the role of the designer-citizen? In this course, we will explore both the possibilities and limitations of design as a catalyst for change. Throughout the semester, we will discuss the work of a wide range of designers, artists, activist groups, and organizations, including: John Heartfield, Emory Douglas, See Red Women¿s Workshop, ACT UP, Theaster Gates, Pedro Reyes, Lauren Williams, Sang Mun, the Design Justice Network, and the Center for Urban Pedagogy. Students will be encouraged to think about the course title as an open question ¿ what does it mean to be a designer-citizen?¿ and to develop their own answers to that question through research, writing, and studio practice.