The late twentieth century was a time of great change. The advent of Internet connectivity and the World Wide Web dramatically redefined the way all humans live and communicate. Where cross-cultural interaction, relationships, and business practices once existed primarily for the wealthy and powerful, we now find these opportunities readily available to all. One major area that has been greatly affected by this transformation is the field of graphic design. Practitioners in graphic design, for the first time, find themselves in a position to work with an international clientele and to design for global audiences. As a result of these expanding horizons, the need to integrate cultural studies with graphic design curricula has become increasingly apparent. To ensure designer success in this newly globalized world, we must make certain that students are leaving the academy equipped with the proper tools and education needed to relay accurate and appropriate visual messages to intended audiences.

This research explores how cultural variances and dimensions affect many major components of graphic design, including diverse social spectra, aesthetic appeal, and purchasing habits. These findings then serve as the basis for a new pedagogic model and proposed learning outcomes. The proposed curriculum works to integrate cultural studies into graphic design education through a writing intensive seminar paired with a comprehensive semester studio course.