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Module Specifications

Archived Version 2023 - 2024

Module Title
Module Code
School

Online Module Resources

NFQ level 8 Credit Rating 5
Pre-requisite None
Co-requisite None
Compatibles None
Incompatibles None
Description

Graphicacy and modelling are best described as the language of technological activity. This module builds the foundational understanding of visual systems and graphical representations that support speculative, creative and innovative enquiry. The definition of sketching is contextualised through both internal dialogic ideation activity and external communication and synthesis of ideas and concepts. Students will engage with graphics (both production and interpretation) spanning a continuum from quick, ad-hoc, sketches to present an idea through to technical drawings for precise communication. The module will play a foundational role in developing core sketching, image editing, and CAD skills as a means of graphical explorative, representational and communicative capability. These skills will be underpinned by developing an understating of the mechanics of the visual system and associated psychological and cognitive perspectives on sketching.

Learning Outcomes

1. Demonstrate a functional level of graphical literacy through the creation and identification of codified and symbolic information
2. Frame graphicacy as complementary to numeracy and literacy in the codification and communication of meaning
3. Explore the iterative dialogic function of sketching to develop an idea or concept
4. Work with image editing software to create, edit, and refine both sketches and photographs to enhance their communicative capacity
5. Compare and contrast the utility of graphical modes of communication, including sketches, photographs, and CAD drawings
6. Make narrative decisions on techniques/outputs to consider representation in space, time and context
7. Demonstrate graphical capability through the selection and realisation of graphical representations related to ideation, context/application and communication
8. Demonstrate the capacity to produce sketches, embracing for example form, function, aesthetic, shade, colour, orientation, geometry, application
9. Utilise design case studies to develop and represent design synthesis
10. Utilise digital systems and techniques to develop ideas, refine thinking and model new realities
11. Demonstrate an awareness of natural mark making as a precursor to drawing and the importance of visual literacy
12. Appreciate the importance of sketching in all its forms and functions in supporting technological enquiry and activity
13. Value the importance of cognitive and psychological insights as they relate to the visual as a foundation for pedagogical design



Workload Full-time hours per semester
Type Hours Description
Tutorial24Flat classroom
Laboratory24Practical in Studio
Independent Study77No Description
Total Workload: 125

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Indicative Content
The visual system, dual-coding theory, spatial cognition, visualisation, graphicacy, literacy, numeracy, the psychology of sketching, sketching techniques, observation and imaginative sketching, photography, image editing software (e.g. Adobe Photoshop, Affinity Photo), 2D and 3D CAD as comparators to sketching for graphic creation, design without make.

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment% Examination Weight%
Course Work Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
Reassessment Requirement
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories;
1 = A resit is available for all components of the module
2 = No resit is available for 100% continuous assessment module
3 = No resit is available for the continuous assessment component
Unavailable
Indicative Reading List

  • Chavez, C., Faulkner, A.,: 2020, Adobe Photoshop Classroom in a Book (2021 Release). ISBN 0136904734 ISBN-13 9780136904731,
  • Carney, P.,: 2018, DRAWING FOR SCIENCE, INVENTION & DISCOVERY. ISBN 1909671193 ISBN-13 9781909671195,
  • Danos, X.,: 2014, Graphicacy and Culture. ISBN 1909671061 ISBN-13 9781909671065,
  • Benton, C., Omura, G.,: 2021, Mastering AutoCAD 2021 and AutoCAD LT 2021. John Wiley & Sons. ISBN 9781119715351 ISBN-13 1119715350,
  • Lombard, M.,: 2018, Mastering SolidWorks. John Wiley & Sons. ISBN 9781119300571 ISBN-13 1119300576,
Other Resources

45534, Journal, 0, International Journal of Technology and Design Education (ISSN: 1573-1804), 45535, Journal, 0, Design and Technology Education: An International Journal (ISSN: 1360-1431), 45536, Journal, 0, Design Studies: An Interdisciplinary Journal of Design Research (ISSN: 0142-694X), 45537, Journal, 0, The Design Journal: An International Journal for All Aspects of Design (ISSN: 1460-6925),
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