Introduction to Visual Communication

In this course through series of lectures are themes of contemporary culture and history of visual communication introduced. Students are well prepared to follow up their studies in the Graphic Design Specialization. This course is design for broader audience to teach how to percieve the complexity of images, to be critical to their messages, to understand their meaning and context.

Lectures explain various topics related to visual communication. First, the definition of the visual communication and its forms - non-verbal  communication, media, simulation of human behavior and appearance, followed by the complex issue of representation, mimetic and symbolic depiction, construction of space, concept of the world and its reproduction in image is presented. In this context the topics of graphic and digital design, typography and type design are presented. Semiotic theories are explained, cultural conventions, methods of communicating ideas as well. The border between applied and fine art is demonstrated on examples.

Other presented topic discuss changes in cultures, which were determined by the invention of various media, shaping the paradigma of the time.  The problematic specifics of today informatin culture where digital media became active participant in our communication and social interaction, where image acquire new functions.