Abstract Content (up to 300 words recommended)
This paper analyses and discusses the cultural and socio-economic implications of curriculum development within Arts and Design education in Muslim countries. Initially, the paper summarizes a literature review of general education and curricula in Saudi Arabia and other Muslim countries, with a special focus on Arts and Design courses, and more specifically on female-only design courses. Secondly, the planning and research process to propose and develop one of the first Industrial Design course curricula for female students in Saudi Arabia (that the authors of this paper are undertaking) is discussed, mainly focusing on aspects such as religious, cultural, gender and linguistic implications of our project. Finally, we will present and discuss selected methods of our exploration of this particular Saudi Arabian context, such as observations during site visits, online discussion with partners, and more focused methods like interviews and focus groups with students, teachers and other stakeholders at the partner institution in Saudi Arabia. Given the long-term nature of the project we will conclude by offering first results and evidence of the effectiveness of this curriculum project based on our partners’ evaluation of this ongoing project. The development of a curriculum for an Industrial Design course at a female-only college in Saudi Arabia offers a unique opportunity to explore and understand not only what capabilities are required from these young female students but also to explore the students’ own perceptions and expectations. Such insights will feed into the curriculum thus ensuring that graduates are well-equipped professionals and able to respond and adapt to the changing environment.
Addressing the theme/s of the Conference (up to 200 words recommended)
This showcase addresses sub-theme 1 ‘Educating graduates to be responsive and adaptable professionals’. The development of a curriculum for an Industrial Design course at a female-only college in Saudi Arabia offers a unique opportunity to explore and understand not only what capabilities are required from these young female students as adaptable professionals in a very specific cultural and socio-economic context, but also to explore the students’ own perceptions and expectations. Such insights will feed into the curriculum thus ensuring that graduates are well-equipped professionals and able to respond and adapt to the changing environment, as well as to the needs of their local and global industries.
Due to the nature of Industrial Design as a profession, university connections with industry are of vital importance. Lifelong learning is essential for Industrial Design professionals living and working in a complex world with changing technologies and work practices. As well as the necessary qualifications, today’s professionals must maintain their skills and knowledge necessary for their professional practice. The challenge of this project is to propose a curriculum that is in line with current developments of the discipline as well as local cultural and socio–economic needs and that also promotes lifelong learning skills.