my teaching

I currently teach five courses in rotation at two University of Hawaii campuses: Manoa & West Oahu. These include two graphic design studios, one contemporary practices course and three art & design cultural surveys. Brief descriptions of each are below. Sample assignments and samples of students’ work coming soon.

348 presumes that design is nothing if not ubiquitous. It provides broad coverage of design precedent from the last century. The course subdivides according to daily life in 4-5 week blocks, covering “HOME”, “WORK” & “PLAY” respectively. Includes accessible, readings, regular writing, light studio work & a final exam.

349 analyzes the methods and origins of contem. U.S. design practice. Various empathy-driven methods are examined in relation to recent design history, like personal devices and branding. Includes formal training in ethnographic interviewing, accessible readings, regular writing & light studio work.

101 is a straightforward art history and methods survey. Emphasis is on close visual analysis of important works of art and design, and basic studio introductions to all creative practices. Includes textbook readings, short writing assignments, sixteen progressive making assignments, quizzes, and mid-term/final exams.

240 is an introduction to typography. Students thoughtfully observe and creatively express subtleties of typographic form. Includes several studio projects, from traditional “type-as-image” compositions to an introduction to publication design. Typographic history & application of color theory principles also covered.

311 is a design studio about “the public”. Using Dewey’s notion of “public consequences”, students design alternative solutions to conventional design problems. Key assumptions about private vs. public are creatively re-examined through logos, packaging design and wayfinding. Design methods are emphasized throughout.