Towards a “Glocal” Teaching of the History of Graphic Design

Abstract

This article examines the teaching of graphic design history in Lebanon and other Arab countries, with a focus on the incorporation of a local perspective in the curriculum. The study brings attention to overlooked elements of culture, identity, and heritage in the teaching of this topic. It advocates for the inclusion of local designers’ voices as a means to challenge the prevailing Western-centric approach found in major institutions across the Arab region. By offering recommendations derived from the author’s personal experience as a design educator in Beirut, alongside empirical research conducted in Lebanon and other Arab countries, the article presents insights and addresses the impact of colonial encounters that have resulted in the assimilation of Western-inspired methods and perceptions of modernity. It further advocates for the incorporation of local and peripheral narratives to foster a more inclusive design history and provide a broader perspective. By conducting this research, this article contributes to the broader understanding of graphic design history education and its impact on the field in the Arab region.