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Laura Franz headshot

faculty

Laura Franz she/her

Professor

Art & Design

Contact

508-999-9285

508-910-6977

College of Visual & Performing Arts 204A

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Education

1997Carnegie Mellon UniversityMDes
1991Western Michigan UniversityBFA

Teaching

  • Graphic Design History
  • Introduction to the History of Art
  • Typography (print, web, screen, typeface design)
  • Digital Essentials

Programs

Courses

A study of the history of art and visual culture from the ancient world to the present. This course consists of a chronological study of painting, sculpture and architecture as well as photography, film and digital media, with an emphasis on the historical, cultural and social forces that shape these artifacts.

A study of the history of art and visual culture from the ancient world to the present. This course consists of a chronological study of painting, sculpture and architecture as well as photography, film and digital media, with an emphasis on the historical, cultural and social forces that shape these artifacts.

A study of the history of art and visual culture from the ancient world to the present. This course consists of a chronological study of painting, sculpture and architecture as well as photography, film and digital media, with an emphasis on the historical, cultural and social forces that shape these artifacts.

A study of the history of art and visual culture from the ancient world to the present. This course consists of a chronological study of painting, sculpture and architecture as well as photography, film and digital media, with an emphasis on the historical, cultural and social forces that shape these artifacts.

A study of the history of art and visual culture from the ancient world to the present. This course consists of a chronological study of painting, sculpture and architecture as well as photography, film and digital media, with an emphasis on the historical, cultural and social forces that shape these artifacts.

A study of the history of art and visual culture from the ancient world to the present. This course consists of a chronological study of painting, sculpture and architecture as well as photography, film and digital media, with an emphasis on the historical, cultural and social forces that shape these artifacts.

Study under the supervision of a faculty member in an area covered in a regular course not currently being offered. Conditions and hours to be arranged.

Open to all University Students Chronological survey of Graphic Design from pre-writing to present. This course examines graphic design within the context of technological, political, social, and economic developments ¿ and occasionally its relationship to other visual arts. Emphasis is on the story of Graphic Design ¿ how it changed over time, and some of the forces that played a part in that change.

Open to all University Students Chronological survey of Graphic Design from pre-writing to present. This course examines graphic design within the context of technological, political, social, and economic developments ¿ and occasionally its relationship to other visual arts. Emphasis is on the story of Graphic Design ¿ how it changed over time, and some of the forces that played a part in that change.

A forum to present contemporary themes in art and design. This course will focus on conceptual and formal themes in order to explore influences that define contemporary art and design. Students will develop a keener comprehension of issues in contemporary art, explore majors with in CVPA, and be introduced to the intellectual community of CVPA and the University. Students will practice writing, critical thinking, collaborative learning and social/civic activities. This course is designed for first semester art majors. Course is designed for first-year art and design students.

Research

Research activities

  • "Expanding the First-Year Survey without Breaking First-Year Students" (with Dr. Anna Dempsey). Expanding Art History Discourse panel, SECAC Conference, Baltimore, MD, Fall 2022.
  • "Graphic Design History + Research + Student Agency." UCDA Design Education Summit. Johnson City, TN, Spring 2022.
  • “Using Categorical Analysis to Identify Underrepresentation in Graphic Design History” as part of "Hidden Histories: Gender in Design: Historiography and Methodology" -- one of a series of lectures organized by the Design History Society, London, UK, Spring 2022.
  • "Who Wore it Better: Augustus Prima Porta or Daniel J. Levy? Identity, Power, and Protection" as part of the LGBTQ+ lunch series sponsored by the Center for Women, Gender, and Sexuality, UMassD, Spring 2021.
  • "Dangerous" a collaborative text sculpture installation (with Stacy Savage) as part of the exhibition "Intolerance as Violence" Hera Gallery, Wakefield, RI, Spring 2018. Juror: Ian Alden Russell Ph.D., Curator of David Winton Bell Gallery, Brown University.

Research interests

  • Research & Writing & Student Agency in Graphic Design/Art History
  • Reframing the story of Graphic Design/Art History
  • (TL:DR) Redefining Reading: the history and mechanics of reading to better understand how and why people read.
  • Web Typography: traditional typographic practice and theories applied to web typography
  • Typography & the Body: Identity, Power, and Protection

Select publications

Biography

Inspired by the intersection of tradition and technology, Laura's research interests include how we can use theory from established media to inform our understanding of new media and contemporary messages. She writes, presents, and makes art related to typography, how and why people read, and art/design history.

Presenting
book
This is a webpage
Sabbatical work
NB4 Jimmy
historic type
gwf homepage
lynda.com presents
Transition and Technology

Additional links