This seminar aims to contextualize design within the larger social, political, and economic forces that are currently shaping both the theoretical and practical dimensions of the field. Class discussions and readings will reflect current developments, themes, and debates, offering an introduction to selected concepts derived from anthropology, cultural studies, design entrepreneurship, ethics, and the ongoing development of media technology. The class will focus on developing diverse critical frameworks with which to understand the current state of design, and the evolving role of the designer. As an upper-level seminar, the class is also intended to help students develop critical thinking and research skills to aid them in their final thesis semester.