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Course Category: Graphic Design

This course is an introduction to the theories and principles of graphic design. Student learners will explore the role of visual elements and design practices in various cultural, historical and material contexts, and will learn to evaluate design critically. This course requires use of professional editing software that may need to be purchased by students or accessed via lab fee.
An introduction to creating images using the computer digital tools.  Students will learn basic imaging skills through the use of industry standard Adobe software programs (Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign).  Assignments will stress specific criteria related to the software programs and incorporate design objectives that will enhance the understanding of the programs.  Students will produce original art work on the computer.
This is an introduction class about contemporary photographic image-making, digital methods of output, and the basic theory of photography. The course will expose and explore basic visual ideas to help the student develop a visual language based on contemporary, cross-disciplinary and cross-cultural artistic strategies. Through a series of self-directed projects and class-assigned exercises, students will be encouraged to experiment with line, composition, scale, text/type, performance, collaboration, narrative, design, software and with materials in order to develop strong tools for further awareness and visual expression in photography.
The history of graphic design is an evolution in aesthetics, technology, style and visual communication. This course identifies the key movements within the history of graphic design from the Graphic Renaissance throughout today and highlights how these movements have mirrored and changed the course of our society and the field of graphic design. Lectures, images and texts will be used in each of the following periods: Graphic Renaissance, the Industrial revolution, Mid-Century Modernism, Late-Modernism, Post-Modernism and the Digital Age.
Special Topics courses are studies of selected problems, periods or movements in the subject area not otherwise included in the curriculum. They are typically chosen from a faculty member’s particular expertise and field of scholarly inquiry, and offered to a student or group of students forming an interest in the particular subject matter. The 250 designation denotes a General Education level of instruction and may include an appropriate General Education task to be completed. The 450 designation denotes a senior level degree of sophistication expected in both learning and instruction. A single course may be offered at both levels simultaneously, in which case the syllabus will clearly differentiate the course expectations and assessment measures for students enrolled at each of the two levels.
Every digital interface/interaction (e.g. web and mobile application, car dashboard, smart appliance) was designed to solve a problem or to make our lives better, easier, more successful. Every time you use your phone, the buttons you push, the gestures to swipe up, down, left right, the font choices, the color scheme—all these were designed by a UI/UX designer. In other words, UI/UX is the communication layer between the computer software and the user. This hands-on, projects-based course, explores the principles and practice of user interface and user experience design for digital platforms.
Digital video processes and techniques that include HD video capture with digital cameras, digital editing, and presentation in web-based and HD formats. Fieldwork emphasizes capturing artistic subjects in natural light and natural settings. Lab work includes editing for content and aesthetics. Students must provide their own cameras with HD video capability (other than cellphones). Students create and share individual portfolios of original work that meet professional standards. This course requires use of professional editing software that may need to be purchased by students or accessed via lab fee.
This course is an introduction to the field of illustration. The focus will be placed on process work and professional practices, presented within a contemporary and historical context. The course includes projects and lectures in a variety of illustration genres including product design and advertising, storyboard, and book illustration. Various materials will be introduced through lectures and demonstrations for use on assignments such as vector graphics design, color pencil drawing, digital brush painting, and collage making. Critical concepts such as: Conceptual Development, Working on Assignment, Composition, Contrast, Value, Point of View, and Color theory will be included.
Students learn to use appropriate materials, tools and techniques needed to show effective idea development and presentation methods required at the various stages of design problem solving. Students develop style guides to completed comprehensive presentations of several multi-page projects. Students create and share individual portfolios of original work that meet professional standards. This course requires use of professional editing software that may need to be purchased by students or accessed via lab fee.
Prerequisites
At least one 100-level or 200-level art or graphic design course
Essential experience in the craft of typography and type specification. Students develop a full understanding of the terminology used by typographers and learn to work with type intelligently and creatively. Research into the history of type design and exploration of the symbolism inherent in different typefaces and their relationship to other graphic elements. Students may not receive credit for both ART 251 and GRAF 355. Students create and share individual portfolios of original work that meet professional standards. This course requires use of professional editing software that may need to be purchased by students or accessed via lab fee.
This course provides students with the opportunity to explore the world of advertising, focusing on how to develop a visual identity and branding guidelines. Learning to create a successful advertising concept with an understanding of thought processes and problem-solving techniques which include brainstorming, critical thinking, and identifying patters, sequences and cycles.
Prerequisites
GRAF 112
This course emphasizes digital techniques used to create web-based animated illustrations and graphics in an artistic context. Students create a portfolio of work that demonstrates competency in drawing, storyboarding, managing layers and timelines, digital formats, conceptual thinking, and refinement of design..Students create and share individual portfolios of original work that meet professional standards. This course requires use of professional editing software that may need to be purchased by students or accessed via lab fee.
Prerequisites
At least one 100-level or 200-level art or graphic design course
Special Topics courses are studies of selected problems, periods or movements in the subject area not otherwise included in the curriculum. They are typically chosen from a faculty member’s particular expertise and field of scholarly inquiry, and offered to a student or group of students forming an interest in the particular subject matter. The 250 designation denotes a General Education level of instruction and may include an appropriate General Education task to be completed. The 450 designation denotes a senior level degree of sophistication expected in both learning and instruction. A single course may be offered at both levels simultaneously, in which case the syllabus will clearly differentiate the course expectations and assessment measures for students enrolled at each of the two levels.
Readings, discussion, presentation and writing on historical and contemporary graphic design that emphasizes analysis of the observed tendencies concerning materials, presentation and concept in art and graphic design fields. Students will complete a senior thesis paper that functions as a framework for their portfolio through this examination. Students will also engage in learning best professional practices in the graphic design field. Senior Thesis documentation and evaluation, revision, and editing of student work as well as the exhibition itself. Students will also construct a body of cohesive work for their graphic design portfolio.
Prerequisites
Successfully complete all or all except one of the other required studio courses