This course is designed to identify the broad issues that are shaping material culture in the 21^st century.  It focuses on the concept of culture and its dynamics in light of the radical changes brought about by globalization. 

Globalization brought about a connected world that is constantly changing as a result of the unprecedented rapid movement of people and information than ever before.

In this course we study the resulting cultural fusions and collisions as source of new understandings, not just as a catalyst for conflict. 

We begin with an introduction to cultural theory, the course proceeds to an examination of the ways in which material culture informs the state of contemporary culture and the ways in which they critique and change culture. 

We will become acquainted with the dynamics of culture through lectures and readings by artists, designers and social scientists.

we will also become familiar of how those dynamics operate in the realm of art and design practice, through a series of case studies presented by guest speakers.