Course content.
The “Publishing” minor considers publishing to be a concerted interaction between designers, authors, programmers, artists, curators and other knowledge producers. It is suitable for students whose artistic, design or educational practice addresses a wide audience and who are interested in approaches to publishing within a variety of media contexts.

In the course, you will consider the requirements that arise from specific constellations of content, media, actors, situation and intention. During the project, you will learn about explorative methods and design processes – from content-based research to collecting, commissioning or generating material to the selection and design of possible editorial formats. Other areas of focus include issues relating to narration, representation, articulation and collaborative work, which are then combined with debates on access, criticism, interaction and referentiality.

The “Publishing” minor, offered by the Subject Area Visual Communication, is taught in German and English and is aimed at Bachelor’s and Master’s students.

Skills acquired in the course.
–  Defining, planning and executing a complex publishing project;
–  Working through conceptual and design phases from researching content to generating material, and from drafting ideas to editorial implementation;
–  Understanding the interaction of conceptual, editorial and design activities;
–  Collaborating with different actors and developing a joint position;
–  Developing an independent approach to hone your role as a critical actor;
–  Critically reflecting on historical and contemporary issues of publishing, authorship, and editorship; 
–  Locating and articulating the inter- and transdisciplinary potential of publishing practices.

Admissions requirements.
The “Publishing“ minor is open to all ZHdK students who have language skills in German and English, are interested in design issues, have basic technical knowledge of working with text and images, and are open-minded and able to work in a team. Specific admission requirements for the minor are checked by means of a self-declaration.

Language skills required.
You need the following languages to take this minor:
–  German and English: to be able to follow a discussion
–  German and English: to actively participate in a verbal exchange
–  German and English: to understand a text
–  German and English: to write a text

Benefits of studying this minor.
Various teaching and project partners within and outside ZHdK are involved in the “Publishing” minor. Regular contact with these partners offers you insight into different perspectives, positions within and understandings of publishing practice. Seminars, lectures and accompanying formats provide space to position your projects and relate them to the current discourse.

Time structure.
Autumn Semester:
From calendar week 38, Friday afternoons between 1pm and 5pm until calendar week 51
Minor block during calendar weeks 02–04, Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm

Spring Semester:
Minor block during calendar weeks 08–10, Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm
From calendar week 11, Friday afternoons between 1pm and 5pm until calendar week 24

→ More information about this minor (PDF download)

Minor Coordination

At ZHdK, students choose a Major. In addition to this core subject, they can choose one or two Minors to deepen or expand their major skills and knowledge across various disciplines. This wide choice of courses is unique in Europe and enables students to develop and sharpen their individual profile.