 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Bachelor of Fine Arts | Master of Arts | Master of Fine Arts | Minor | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Bachelor of Fine Arts Core Curriculum --105 hoursFoundation Studies -- 40 hours
General Education -- 65 hours
** Natural Sciences/Mathematics Requirement§§ ** Social/Behavioral Sciences Requirement§ ** General Education Elective§ Major Curriculum -- 65 hours
Electives** -- 10 hours Total Course of Study -- 180 Hours
Undergraduate Course Descriptions GRDS 201 Introduction to Graphic Design This survey course combines studio work with classroom instruction. Fundamental components of design theory are incorporated with problem definition to provide students with valuable experience in the ideation, execution and presentation of projects. Students are expected to use creative thinking to solve communication problems. Lectures and visual media provide a broad introduction to professional opportunities. Prerequisites: DRAW 101, DSGN 101. GRDS 203 Graphic Design Techniques This studio course fully explores hand skills by using tools, techniques, procedures and presentations to produce professional graphic design. Students are required to set a standard of quality design work that continues throughout the graphic design program in each specialized course that follows. Prerequisite: GRDS 201. GRDS 205 Typography I Lectures, demonstrations and studio work cover all aspects of typography. Creative thinking is encouraged, along with prescribed techniques and media. Strong emphasis is placed on the history of type and the technical, problem-solving and aesthetic use of display and text type. Prerequisites: CMPA 100 or CMPA 110, and GRDS 201 or BCST 130. GRDS 229 History of Graphic Design This course surveys the pivotal events and achievements that led to the current state of graphic communication. The unceasing quest to give form to ideas is traced from the pictographs painted on cave walls to the latest imaginative designs. Through lectures, videotapes, discussions, research and studio projects, students are introduced to the creative thinkers, important innovations and breakthrough technologies that have shaped the evolution of visual communication. Prerequisite: ARTH 110.
GRDS 312 Vector Graphics for Designers This course covers the most popular illustration programs in use today by graphic designers. The potential applications for these programs are explored, from fine-tuned illustrations to successful typographic studies. Emphasis is placed on both technical and artistic mastery. Prerequisites: GRDS 190, GRDS 205. GRDS 333 Photoshop for Designers This course is designed to help graphic designers achieve professional studio techniques—including custom typographic treatments and special photographic effects—in Adobe Photoshop. Emphasis is placed on technical proficiency and aesthetic judgments. Prerequisite: GRDS 205. GRDS 343 Digital Page Design This course fully explores the industry standard applications for digital page design. Features such as master pages, style sheets, H&J, libraries, layers and color models are presented in relationship to single- and multiple-page documents created for print. Prerequisites: GRDS 312, GRDS 333. GRDS 348 Graphic Design Studio I In this course, students develop creative strategies for problem solving and investigate market-related design issues. Focus is on establishing effective design methods and reinforcing previous graphic design knowledge and skills. Students are expected to demonstrate effective project management skills. Prerequisite: GRDS 343. GRDS 353 Typography II This course expands on the fundamentals covered in Typography I. Technology is used to organize and produce complex typographic designs and layouts. Projects involve utilizing text in varied representations to create dynamic, clear communication. Students analyze, edit and configure copy that may be for business, literary or instructional purposes. Prerequisite: GRDS 348. GRDS 358 Production Design This course focuses on technical proficiency and the business components of production. Students produce projects from comprehensives to print-ready digital mechanicals. Prerequisite: GRDS 348. GRDS 370 Information Design This course provides an overview of this important graphic design subspecialty. Selected studio projects emphasize visual problem solving. Students are expected to translate complex data—including statistical content, which represents sequences occurring in space and time—into clear, visually dynamic solutions. This course complements study in topics of corporate communication systems, publication, way finding and Web page design. Prerequisite: GRDS 358 or permission of department chair. GRDS 372 Corporate Design In this course, students design a corporate logo that is then implemented in marketing, packaging, architecture, stationery, advertising, forms and miscellaneous projects. Prerequisite: GRDS 358. GRDS 374 Publication Graphics This course examines the graphic designer's role in the layout and design of publications. Lectures and studio work cover historical as well as current practices and technologies used to produce multipage publications. Students produce visualizations for several publications using the elements of layout with typography and art. Prerequisite: GRDS 358. GRDS 376 The Business of Graphic Design Through lectures, demonstrations, research and studio work, this course presents an in-depth study of the business aspects of the graphic design profession. Common design problems are emphasized, including pricing, estimates, invoices, client relations and professional business conduct. Prerequisite: GRDS 358.
GRDS 378 Trademark and Logo Design This course explores the use of type and symbols to develop identifying long-term marks for large and small companies. Conceptualizing and developing designs is expected to lead to finely tuned, finished, print-ready marks. Prerequisite: GRDS 358. GRDS 380 Alternative Design Approaches This course explores innovative solutions to graphic design problems. Unusual design problems are addressed, promoting creative use of graphic design tools and concepts in final presentations. Prerequisite: GRDS 358. GRDS 382 Design for Multimedia This course concentrates on training students to develop effective graphic design interfaces for electronic media. The class explores CD-ROM interactive packages to create design solutions for electronic books and magazines, as well as interactive information and learning sequences, presentations, interactive television, and increasingly popular online services and graphic interfaces. Prerequisite: GRDS 358. GRDS 384 Web Design This course concentrates on training students to develop effective graphic design interfaces with Web design. The class explores new software and technical information for links, image maps, hot spots and site management. Current and future directions, online services, search engines and Web development are addressed. Prerequisite: GRDS 333. GRDS 386 Package Design This course explores 3-D form and surface graphics by designing containers for a variety of products. Students construct 3-D prototypes. Prerequisite: GRDS 358. GRDS 388 Interactive Web Animation This course focuses on training design students to develop complex graphical user interfaces (GUIs) and animations using advanced Web development applications. Students explore new software and the ActionScript Programming language while working with navigational elements, animated graphics and rich multimedia content, including sound and video. Current and future directions of Web interactivity and Web animations are addressed, with a focus on cross-platform development, dynamic content integration, browser compatibility, bandwidth limitations and the online distribution of interactive Web content. Prerequisites: GRDS 384 or ANIM 342 or ELDS 325 or ITGM 353 or ITGM 355. GRDS 390 Web Site Management This course is designed to train students to develop and manage large, complex Web sites. Students explore new software and a variety of programming languages. Information architecture, site mapping and navigational development are introduced, with an emphasis on managing dynamic Web content. Current and future directions of Web site management and information architecture are covered, with a focus on application development, dynamic content management, cross-platform compatibility, online transactions, Internet security, and the online distribution and updating of Web content. Prerequisite: GRDS 384 or ELDS 325 or ITGM 353. GRDS 392 Exhibit and Environmental Graphics This course emphasizes the value of trade show marketing and the role the graphic designer plays in the process. The course explores trade show and point of purchase merchandising design from the perspective of the graphic designer. Students are expected to develop skills in creating and evaluating trade show and P.O.P. design concepts. Working in teams, students develop a complete trade show marketing package, including booth graphics, pre- and post-show promotions, and related ancillary support materials. Prerequisites: GRDS 353, GRDS 358. GRDS 400 Graphic Design Studio II This course consolidates previous graphic design knowledge and skills, offering students the opportunity to focus on a major, self-initiated design project. The course emphasizes research analysis and design process that lead to creative conceptualization and final design solutions. Students are expected to demonstrate sophisticated design decisions and produce design solutions that reflect a high level of expertise and achievement. Prerequisites: Two GRDS electives. GRDS 406 Special Topics in Graphic Design The topic of this course varies from quarter to quarter. Each seminar focuses on various issues in the field of graphic design and allows students to pursue individual projects related to the subject of the course. Prerequisites: Vary according to topic. GRDS 407 Advertising Design Through lectures, research and studio work, students develop an advertising campaign to meet client needs, including all phases of concept and planning through market research and final execution. Effective presentations in a competitive advertising environment result from using a variety of media. Emphasis is placed on market research, goals and objectives, problems and opportunities, target audience, creative strategy, competition, media strategy and media used. Prerequisite: GRDS 353.
GRDS 408 Graphic Design Portfolio This course focuses on students' job-seeking portfolios through lectures, demonstrations and studio work. Existing projects are refined and gaps are filled with new projects. All projects must meet the most professional standards with emphasis on quality and job-related subject matter. Prerequisites: Two GRDS electives. GRDS 451 Graphic Design Seminar This course is conducted as a study trip to some of New York's top design firms, which have made important contributions to the design field and to the profession, both nationally and internationally. Exceptional graphic design is viewed throughout Manhattan, particularly at the gallery of the American Institute of Graphic Arts. Students keep journals on all activities and participate in end-of-day discussions. Prerequisite: GRDS 348. back to top Master of Arts Curriculum -- 40 hours
Elective** -- 5 hours Total Course of Study -- 45 hours ** Consult your faculty adviser in selecting elective courses. + Choose one of these two courses. Master of Fine Arts Curriculum -- 70 hours
Electives** -- 20 hours Total Course of Study -- 90 hours ** Consult your faculty adviser in selecting elective courses. + Choose one of these two courses. GRADUATE Course Descriptions GRDS 703 Digital Imaging This course addresses advanced techniques in digital image creation and manipulation. Students are encouraged to explore advanced topics and techniques being utilized throughout the design industry. The students experience challenging topics such as 3-D imaging and vector and raster issues including the creation of textures, backgrounds, complex visual environments, perspective rendering and information graphics. GRDS 705 Design Methodologies This course focuses on developing creative problem-solving methodologies for graphic design. Students explore the relationship between theoretical constructs of creativity and the pragmatics of client-identified parameters. The course facilitates student development of a personal visual communication style in both 2-D and 3-D space through rapid visualization techniques. GRDS 709 Typography Studio I This course introduces students to the role of typography in various print communication contexts. Critical analysis of message, meaning and context prepares students to design print-based typographic solutions. Students also develop their own display typeface in response to criteria established through analysis of existing historic type design.
GRDS 715 Print Studio I This course explores the theories, strategies and processes of designing a complete corporate brand image, with a focus on business-to-business. Through a series of lectures, demonstrations and studio work, students are expected to develop an image-building strategy and produce a variety of projects including logo design, an identity system, publication and collateral design, and direct mail. Prerequisite: GRDS 709. GRDS 720 Digital Studio I This course focuses on Web site design and management. It assumes students' facility with basic HTML, XHTML and industry-standard Web authoring and imaging applications. Students review and critique Web sites for design and functionality, as well as exploring the assessment and development techniques that facilitate the design of Web sites for overall usability. To gain a broader appreciation of Web site ethics and aesthetics, students reorganize content structures and revise image formats to optimize download times. They are also introduced to accessibility guidelines and are expected to revise site structures, scripted actions, text and media objects to adhere to recommended standards. Prerequisite: GRDS 709. GRDS 726 The Role of Graphic Design in Social Awareness This course examines the designer's role in presenting various social issues to the public. Students examine several types of pro bono and PSA communications about social issues including health, environmental, political and spiritual programs. Projects may range from grassroots efforts with small budgets to substantial programs for national associations with larger budgets. Solutions require innovative thinking and alternative design approaches with creative and inventive use of otherwise traditional media vehicles. Prerequisite: GRDS 705. GRDS 730 3-D Graphics Studio This course introduces students to all aspects of graphics as applied to or found in 3-D environments. Students analyze, design and produce mockup and scale models of packaging, point-of-purchase merchandising units, signage and trade show booths. Students also explore materials and manufacturing processes to discover their creative possibilities. Prerequisite: GRDS 705, GRDS 709, GRDS 715. GRDS 735 Typography Studio II This course is an extension of Typography Studio I. Critical analysis of message, meaning and context prepares students for the use of type in digital media settings. Students develop typographic solutions in new media applications. Prerequisites: GRDS 705, GRDS 709. GRDS 739 Print Studio II This course is directed toward creating and marketing a consumer product personality. The focus is on business to consumer: establishing a product identity; promoting and building a brand through print advertising, outdoor and commercial photography; art buying; and package design. Students experience the network of ideas and research necessary to reach the consumer. The class emphasizes personal development and exposure to team building as students begin to explore creative partnerships, with fellow classmates and other departments such as photography and illustration. Prerequisite: GRDS 705, GRDS 715. GRDS 744 Digital Studio II This course builds on the conceptual and technical practices acquired in Digital Studio I. It develops students' knowledge of and skill at handling a variety of media objects (animation, audio, video) in Web environments while focusing on the production of at least one media type and its production application. Prerequisite: GRDS 720, GRDS 735. GRDS 749 Portfolio Design This studio course explores various ways in which designers can best promote their talents. All possible vehicles including portfolio, résumé and promotional materials are addressed with the result being a substantial body of work to be used as a job-seeking tool. Experimentation and unique approaches are encouraged during this process, but clarity of message and technical proficiency are the top priorities. Prerequisite: GRDS 739. GRDS 756 Corporate Identity This class focuses on the importance of instant name recognition for national and international corporations. After learning the distinction between long-term and short-term design, students explore the various forms, media and design efforts that constitute the full scope of a corporate identity program. The tangible outcome of this class is a corporate graphics or visual standards manual. GRDS 758 Publication Design Students explore the history and methods of publication design and examine the processes involved in coordinating art and typography with verbal and visual content. The roles of the designer and art director are discussed. GRDS 760 Poster Design Students explore the specific skills necessary to design posters as a unique means of communication. Working with large formats, advanced students develop skills in critical thinking, research, development of concepts and content, analysis and editing, and technical execution. GRDS 767 Advertising Campaigns This course emphasizes teamwork and group effort to create effective advertising campaigns. Students experience the network of ideas and research necessary to reach the public targeted by the manufacturer or service organization. Students assume roles including copywriter, account executive and artist in order to produce creative and marketable ideas. GRDS 768 Environmental Graphics By examining the history of graphics, students are expected to develop an understanding of the role of environmental graphics in the life of the average citizen. Design projects include coordinated transportation graphics, posters, outdoor advertising, international and architectural signage and graphics, and materials specifications. Also addressed are the legal implications of regulatory ordinances and zoning restrictions. GRDS 770 Package Design This course focuses on 3-D design as it applies to product containers. Type, layout, design and form are fully explored to create commercial packaging. All design problems are carried through from concept to 3-D packaging. GRDS 772 Graphic Design Self-promotion This course focuses on each student's personal design vision and the many ways students can promote their design abilities beyond the singular design problem. An emphasis on appropriate and successful self-promotion highlights the individual design approach. Students are also expected to learn to develop a professional portfolio. GRDS 780 Special Topics in Graphic Design Working with a faculty adviser, students pursue a graphic design project of particular interest and significance. Students must present a proposal supported by research for approval. The course involves group instruction and critiques as well as individual projects.
GRDS 789 Final M.A. Project in Graphic Design This course focuses on each student's personal design vision and the many ways students can present their work beyond the traditional portfolio. Students develop a professional portfolio that includes design narratives and a substantial body of work. Students also participate in mock interviews and develop a résumé and an introduction portfolio. All M.A. candidates are required to prepare this final project in a printed and/or digital form. Prerequisites: GRDS 715, GRDS 720. GRDS 790 Graphic Design M.F.A. Thesis All graphic design M.F.A. students develop an original body of work, culminating in a final exhibit accompanied by a written component. back to top MINOR Curriculum -- 40 hours
Minor Course Descriptions GRDS 201 Introduction to Graphic Design This survey course combines studio work with classroom instruction. Fundamental components of design theory are incorporated with problem definition to provide students with valuable experience in the ideation, execution and presentation of projects. Students are expected to use creative thinking to solve communication problems. Lectures and visual media provide a broad introduction to professional opportunities. Prerequisites: DRAW 101, DSGN 101. GRDS 205 Typography I Lectures, demonstrations and studio work cover all aspects of typography. Creative thinking is encouraged, along with prescribed techniques and media. Strong emphasis is placed on the history of type and the technical, problem-solving and aesthetic use of display and text type. Prerequisites: CMPA 100 or CMPA 110, and GRDS 201 or BCST 130. GRDS 312 Vector Graphics for Designers This course covers the most popular illustration programs in use today by graphic designers. The potential applications for these programs are explored, from fine-tuned illustrations to successful typographic studies. Emphasis is placed on both technical and artistic mastery. Prerequisites: GRDS 190, GRDS 205. GRDS 333 Photoshop for Designers This course is designed to help graphic designers achieve professional studio techniques—including custom typographic treatments and special photographic effects—in Adobe Photoshop. Emphasis is placed on technical proficiency and aesthetic judgments. Prerequisite: GRDS 205. GRDS 343 Digital Page Design This course fully explores the industry standard applications for digital page design. Features such as master pages, style sheets, H&J, libraries, layers and color models are presented in relationship to single- and multiple-page documents created for print. Prerequisites: GRDS 312, GRDS 333. Course numbers and titles are subject to change. back to top |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
