OUGD401 - End of Module Evaluation

Throughout this Context of Practice module, I have learnt a great deal about the importance of written theory and extensive research within Graphic Design. The research undertaken for this module has helped me learn a great deal about the use of gender stereotypes within advertising, and as a result has made me become more critical of such advertisements. It has taught me the affects these underlying messages about gender can have on consumer societies in guiding people’s buying behaviours to reinforce perceived identities, as well as how they are feeding negatively into children’s career aspirations and skills development. The practical element of this module allowed me then to put this new body of knowledge into practice through producing my own series of advertisements which aimed to raise awareness of the stereotypes typically found in many existing advertisements and their negative impacts. This combination of written theory and practice allowed me to provide strong arguments and justifications of my work, and these links are something I will bring forward, not only in future Context of Practice modules, but also in my own studio practice.

Although plenty of links were made between my written and practical work, these could have been improved through a more variety of resources, as a lot of references came from online content, which may not be one hundred percent reliable. Through Context of Practice 2, I will therefore consider my choice of reference material more carefully to ensure accuracy of information.

The lecture programme has been enjoyable and engaging this year, allowing me to broaden my knowledge in the field of Graphic Design in terms of subjects, such as semiotics, the history of type, modernism, post-modernism and colour theory. All of these subjects will play an important role within future Studio Practice and Context of Practice modules, allowing me to question the intentions of my own and other designers' work in relation to such topics and produce more informed arguments within written work.

Although I have previously studied academic subjects which also required essay writing, I feel Context of Practice has allowed me to continue practising this skill and as a result has improved my essay writing skills. A part of this skill includes Harvard referencing, which I had limited knowledge of previous to this module. In addition, to improve further on this new skill and make the process easier I will remember to keep a record of any sources I have used or found as without them referencing becomes a long and hard process, which could potentially create problems of plagarism if not found.

Overall, Context of Practice has been very engaging, showing me the importance of theory in practice. The content learnt from the lecture programme will allow me to engage more with many aspects of my own overall graphic design practice, as well as giving me to opportunity to form my own arguments and opinions on such subjects.