Academic program

The UC Davis Department of Design offers the Bachelor of Arts in Design with discipline areas including Visual Communication and Exhibition Design; Fashion and Textiles; Interior Architecture with Furniture, Lighting Design options. Design also offers the Master of Fine Arts Degree.

Design learning outcomes

Students will-

• Utilize knowledge gained in classroom to develop discipline-based skills in materials and techniques.
• Demonstrate discipline-based design ideas verbally, visually and digitally.
• Develop creative discipline-based problem solving strategies in the design process.
• View design in broader historical and environmental contexts.

Where are learning outcomes published?

Learning Outcomes are published in course syllabi; in UC Davis general catalog; UC Davis Department of Design website: http.design.ucdavis.edu and campus-program review process materials.

Other than GPA, what data/evidence is used to determine that design graduates have achieved stated outcomes for the degree?

Students must demonstrate proficiency in design by taking prerequisites to upper division design courses. (Des 1, 14 (or 21), 15 and 16, either Des 40A, B, C or D)

Students gain knowledge or global design history through 12 units of upper division Design courses.

Students apply theory and techniques learned in the classroom to create individual projects.

Students submit portfolios in select upper division studio classes to demonstrate 4 areas of proficiency in discipline-based acquisition of skills in materials, techniques, elements of design and design problem solving.

The faculty may compare a sampling of students’ lower division course portfolios (Des 14, 15) to their upper division portfolios to evaluate learning progress.

Students may assess the work of their peers through participation in vetted activities such as inclusion in annual student fashion show and other student-run activities that include an evaluative component.

Who interprets the evidence? What is the process?

The instructor evaluates and grades students’ performance in class by providing feedback to students in class, through individual and group critiques, or in exams as appropriate for subject matter. Individual projects and portfolios are presented by communicating ideas verbally and visually through appropriate design terminology and approaches.

The faculty may collaborate or participate as a group in critiquing upper division course work portfolios, capstone or individual projects.

Students provide feedback on their learning outcomes through course evaluations and UC Davis senior survey.

Students reflect on their learning outcomes by competing in juried competitions, applying for grants and presenting research at undergraduate research conferences.

Students will provide information through on-line or mail surveys describing current employment or advanced studies.

How are the findings used?

To provide feedback to foster students’ academic and professional development.

To inform faculty members’ course development, teaching methods and to inform evaluations for faculty merit and promotions.

To assess whether departmental learning outcomes are being met, to ensure continuity of performance standards and to inform curricular development.