This course will provide candidates with the opportunity for further investigation of the history/theory of design. Attention will be paid to a critical analysis of design history as cultural signifier for a range of cultures including European, American, Asian and Australian examples: a detailed discussion of the cross-cultural connections international design history represents: a comparative analysis of the influence of design philosophers and practitioners on the history of design styles and practice both, nationally and internationally: analysis and application of historical research methodologies to the further elaboration of pre-20th Century design history. Specific attention will be paid to the impact on design of the philosophy of aesthetics with critical analysis and application (to design) of the aesthetic theories of a range or theorists including Benjamin, Foucault and Derrida. The import for design of an in depth sociological analysis of a range of design cultures, including Europe, America, Asia and Australia; the critical analysis of research in the sciences and technologies and their impact on design theory and methodologies.