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Design Ethics unit (ZAD225)

Introduction

In this unit, you will consider a range of ethical problems that are commonly encountered by design practitioners. This can include questions relating to borrowing and acknowledging the ideas and intellectual property of other designers, the impact of design activities on resources and the environment, and the possible influences and effects of design-led change on people and society in general. You will develop an awareness of ethical design practice, and learn to consider your own design practice and decision-making in the context of broad ethical considerations, such as gender equality, human rights and the ‘social contract,’ environmental responsibility, and fairness, honesty and transparency in commercial and client interactions.

Summary

Unit name Design Ethics
Unit code ZAD225
Credit points 12.5
College/School Arts and Society
Creative and Performing Arts
Discipline Arts
Coordinator Associate Professor Niklavs Rubenis
Available as an elective? Yes
Delivered By University of Tasmania
Level Intermediate

Sustainable Development Goals

The Unit Coordinator has identified that this unit aligns with the following UN Sustainable Development Goals. We welcome your thoughts and feedback on the alignment of the unit with these goals.

Availability

Specific information on 2027 unit availability will be available in August

Learning Outcomes

  • Identify key ethical challenges for designers and design industries
  • Differentiate between ethical and unethical design practice in a professional context
  • Apply ethical practice in dynamic practice situations
  • Reflect on how ethical awareness influences personal design practice

Fee Information

2027 fee information will be available in August.

Requisites

Mutual Exclusions

You cannot enrol in this unit as well as the following:

ZAD205

Teaching

Teaching Pattern

3 hour tutorial/workshop weekly.
 

AssessmentAT1: Essay: Copyright Conflicts (30%)|AT2: Making Ethical Decisions (30%)|AT3: Presentation: Expanded Ethics and Practice (40%)
TimetableView the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required

Required readings will be listed in the unit outline prior to the start of classes.

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