In this seminar, we will study the origins of modern design and the major schools and philosophies of 20th Century furniture design. This will range from the 19th-century roots of the Industrial Revolution, the Arts and Crafts movement, to contemporary studio art furniture, and contemporary conceptual design. The social, economic, and cultural context of furniture will be emphasized, and we will discuss the evolution of the domestic realm and the role of furniture within it. These topics will be presented in a series of lectures with focused reading and discussions. Students will develop a concept and catalog for an exhibition of furniture design and complete several short written exams as part of their assessment.