For current class offerings, times, and additional information, visit the Office of the Registrar.
Graphic Design Course Descriptions
Course Level: Undergraduate
Design Literacy (3)
This course introduces students to the ubiquity and multiplicity of purpose of graphic design and the applied arts in general. Students discover the cultural dimensions of visual and verbal elements and learn to appreciate international issues related to the globalization and localization of design messages. Students carry out hands-on projects to explore aesthetic and communicational aspects of design. Usually offered every term.
Course Level: Undergraduate
Introduction to Graphic Design (3)
A studio design course integrating materials, visual principles, and the design process to solve graphic communication problems. Students develop fluency in visual language to form a basis of aesthetic judgement and develop methods of analysis and inquiry which underlie creative thinking. Studio practice combines with class critiques and site visits. Usually offered every term.
Course Level: Undergraduate
Introduction to Typography (3)
Theory and analysis of letter forms as design and symbol. Study of typefaces, arrangement, and setting. Exploration of the use of typographic resources to create hierarchy, enhance communication, and support meaning. Usually offered every term.
Course Level: Undergraduate
Computer Literacy for Design (3)
Concentration on the development of technical skills by enabling students to use the computer as a tool for solving design problems. The course is geared towards foundation knowledge in using desktop publishing, illustration, digital imaging, and new media software, along with other technical and hardware computer issues. Usually offered every term.
Course Level: Undergraduate
Graphic Design History (3)
Graphic images have been used from prehistory to the computer age. A lecture-discussion format presents the historical context for the graphic arts of calligraphy, typography, book design, diagramming, and illustration. Emphasis on the relationship of these applied arts to the fine arts, technology, and social history, as well as the application of this visual language to contemporary design problems. Usually offered every term.
Course Level: Undergraduate
Intermediate Typography (3)
Exploration of complex typographic problems, information organization, and project development and presentation. Students rely on typography as a primary expressive tool to resolve design problems and explore relationships between type and image. Usually offered every fall. Prerequisite: GDES-200, GDES-210, GDES-220, and COMM-330.
Course Level: Undergraduate
Print Design and the Computer (3)
Emphasis on the technical procedures that translate graphic design from an idea to a printed piece and proficiency in the use of print-related software. Includes development of comprehensive sketches, pre-press preparation, color separation, and printing procedures. The class format includes lectures, studio projects, and local field trips. Usually offered every term. Prerequisite: GDES-200, GDES-210, GDES-220, and COMM-330.
Course Level: Undergraduate
Experience Design and the Computer (3)
Emphasis on the processes that translate graphic design from an idea to a digital-supported experience and advanced proficiency in the use of new media and interactivity-related software. Includes preparation of comprehensive sketches and development, storage, and distribution procedures. The class format includes lectures, studio projects, and guest speakers. Usually offered every term. Prerequisite: GDES-200, GDES-210, GDES-220, and COMM-330.
Course Level: Undergraduate
Design and Photography (3)
Through a combination of digital and analog media, students integrate photography as an image-making tool for solving design problems and to generate original images. Emphasis is on the sketching, planning, and realization of photo-shoots and on the development of art direction skills. Usually offered every spring. Prerequisite: GDES-300.
Course Level: Undergraduate
Kinetic and Sequential Graphics (3)
Application of typographic and design principles to the environment of the moving image. Kinetic typography, identity, and other presentation graphics as they apply to linear or interactive sequential design. Usually offered every spring. Prerequisite: GDES-300.
Course Level: Undergraduate
Illustration (3)
Students explore illustration as a communicational concept delivery tool. From basic black-and-white techniques, including representational drawings and pictograms, to complex color, collage, and mixed media. Usually offered every spring. Prerequisite: graphic design major or minor.
Course Level: Undergraduate
Independent Reading Course (1-6)
Prerequisite: permission of instructor and department chair.
Course Level: Undergraduate
Cooperative Education Field Experience (3-9)
Prerequisite: permission of department chair and Cooperative Education office.
Course Level: Undergraduate
Course Level: Undergraduate
Selected Topics:Non-Recurring (1-6)
Course Level: Undergraduate
Advanced Design I: Systems Design (3)
Concentration on the research, design, and production of complex design projects implemented through diverse applications. Emphasis on professional, organizational, and presentation skills. Includes corporate identity, environmental graphics, promotional graphics, and other multiple design systems. Usually offered every fall. Prerequisite: GDES-320.
Course Level: Undergraduate
User Experience Design I (3)
Exploration of design for user-defined media. Concentration on interface design, interactivity, and information architecture issues as they pertain to design. Students develop solutions for different audience-selected experiences and non-linear design problems. Usually offered every fall. Prerequisite: GDES-325.
Course Level: Undergraduate
Advanced Design II: Narrative Design (3)
Practical consideration and execution of complex design projects with concentration in publication, book, and other comprehensive print-based projects. Students also devote time to preparation of portfolios. Usually offered every spring. Prerequisite: GDES-400.
Course Level: Undergraduate
User Experience Design II (3)
Practical consideration and execution of projects in design with concentration in interactive and other digitally-based and technology-related problems. Students also devote time to preparation of portfolios Usually offered every spring. Prerequisite: GDES-405.
Course Level: Undergraduate
Packaging Design (3)
Development of three-dimensional design solutions related to the presentation of objects and products. Students explore structural, production, and communicational aspects of packaging. Usually offered every spring. Prerequisite: GDES-300 or permission of department.
Course Level: Undergraduate
Independent Study Project (1-6)
Prerequisite: permission of instructor and department chair.
Course Level: Undergraduate
Internship (1-6)
Prerequisite: permission of instructor and department chair.
