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COMMST 149Introduction to Critical Design Practices

Units
0.50
Faculty
Arts
Subject
Communication Studies
Cross-listed
THPERF 149, DAC 209

When it runs

  1. F24
  2. W25
  3. S25
  4. F25
  5. W26
  6. S26
  7. F26
  8. W27
  9. S27

Ran in 7 of the last 7 terms. Winter 2027: scheduled. Spring 2027: schedule not out yet.

How does design help us think? This studio course introduces students to practice-based methods for generating knowledge. Topics may include prototyping, performance as research, material thinking, multi-modal representation, and experience design. Students will test and explore how we learn differently through creative practices.

Prerequisites

None listed.

Antirequisites

None listed.

Leads to

No course lists it as a requisite.

Fall 2026 sections

Enrolment from UW Open Data, which can trail Quest by up to two days. Instructors and rooms: Schedule of Classes.
SectionClassEnrolledMeets
WSP 001388114 / 14Online or by arrangement
WSP 002388214 / 16Th 13:00–14:20

Winter 2027 sections

Enrolment from UW Open Data, which can trail Quest by up to two days. Instructors and rooms: Schedule of Classes.
SectionClassEnrolledMeets
WSP 00137080 / 17Th 14:30–17:20
WSP 00238200 / 17W 13:00–14:20
WSP 701143417 / 9999Online or by arrangement
WSP 70216643 / 9999Online or by arrangement

Reviewed on UW Flow

100% liked it75% easy63% useful

From 9 ratings and 2 comments on UW Flow. The most helpful comments, quoted as written, without names. Read them all on UW Flow.

  • COMMST 149 was a studio-based, evening course focused on practice-based and creative design methods. The class was very hands-on and project-oriented, with a strong emphasis on Indigenous and First Nations perspectives, land, reconciliation, and community-based design. Classes were generally relaxed and laid-back, with a calm studio environment.
    The structure of the course was well-organized. Most of the learning happened in-class rather than through online modules, with assignments explained through documents and hands-on demonstrations rather than readings or lectures. Projects included live drawing and critique at the Canadian Clay and Glass Gallery, beadwork with a reflective…

    Dec 2025 · liked it · 1 found this helpfulOn UW FlowRemove this

  • This course is a great mix of critical thinking and hands-on studio work, and it stays balanced between synchronous activities and asynchronous independent work. You move through many types of making, including audio, video, zines, games, crafting, and short written pieces, so it’s ideal for students who want to experiment with different media instead of sticking to one format. The asynchronous work focuses on research and understanding design principles, while the in-class time is more collaborative, with group discussions and whiteboard sketching. The grading is split between participation (40% combined), a major Redesign Project mid-term (30%), and a Maker Project at the end (30%). If…

    Jan 2026 · liked itOn UW FlowRemove this

Check it elsewhere for Fall 2026

Calendar versions

Undergraduate Calendar