Plan of Study – Graphic Design
Note: A Semester Hour (s.h.) is a unit of academic credit representing an hour of class (such as lecture class) or three hours of laboratory work each week for an academic semester. Most courses are two, three or four semester hours.
Graphic Design: Bach Arts Major Courses (Minimum of 45 semester hours required.)
All Art Department majors complete their programs with Senior Seminar research, critical reflection, and planning for professional presentation of creative work. Course includes preparation of portfolios, presentation of a body of creative work, and required participation in producing the senior art exhibition.
Overview of the field of graphic design, with emphasis on basic terminology, process, and procedure. The elements and principles of successful graphic design are introduced and practiced through hand-rendered and digital projects. Corequisite: GDA 1720, GDA 1730.
An introduction to the uses of Adobe Illustrator. Students master key Adobe Illustrator program functions, including tools and palettes, in creating digital images. In this course students create projects that demonstrate a clear understanding of these digital visual communication tools.
An introduction to and use of Adobe InDesign for creating clear, creative layouts of visual communications. Students master key program functions, including tools and palettes, in creating digital layouts using Adobe InDesign.
Exploration of the printing process and formats for graphic design. The elements and principles of successful graphic design are developed to an intermediate level of proficiency through projects that include editorial design, book design, identity branding, environmental design, and packaging design. Prerequisite: GDA 1710; corequisite: GDA 1720 or GDA 1730.
Introduction to a variety of image processing capabilities, with an emphasis on the development of original raster images related to art, design and motion graphics. Students learn various components of Adobe Photoshop including, image conversion, compositing, color correction, manipulating layers, working with paths, and print preparation.
Examination of advanced terminology, processes, procedures and collaborative work in graphic design. Special emphasis on advertising design formats, including ad campaigns, guerilla advertising, and promotional advertising. Prerequisite: GDA 2710.
Students build on previous computer and design skills to master key program functions, including tools and palettes, in constructing websites. Course addresses uses of specific web-design programs such as Flash or Dreamweaver. Recommended prerequisite: GDA 1720, GDA 1730, GDA 3150.
An introduction to UX/UI design concepts, practices, and software. The course will explore experience and interface prototype creation for websites, mobile apps and other digital products. Prerequisites: GDA 2710; GDA 3150; GDA 3800, or permission of instructor.
Advanced-level exploration of processes and procedures in graphic design. Special emphasis on branding and identity design is achieved through individual and collaborative projects using research and conceptual skills. Development of professional quality student portfolio. Prerequisite: GDA 3740.
AHIS Option (Choose 2 courses from: AHIS 3240, AHIS 3270, AHIS 3350, AHIS 4160, AHIS 4260)
Investigation of art making across cultures from over 250,000 years of prehistory through the time of the early Renaissance. Multicultural artistic innovations across the world are charted chronologically. Using art history as a framework, human history is reflected back to us.
Investigation of innovations in artwork across world cultures from the time of the Renaissance in Italy to art made across the globe in the early 20th century.
Focused study on the paintings, sculpture, buildings, and landscape architecture of India, China, and Japan. Artifacts and aesthetics are correlated with historic, social, and cultural forces. Emphasis is on investigation of continuing traditions and new stylistic content.
Investigation of international art breakthroughs from the 20th century to the present day. Beginning with art movements that influenced the development of modernism and other “avant-garde” concepts, continuing through to contemporary expressions in the visual arts, emphasis is placed on understanding historical and cultural contexts.
Investigation of the development and impact of modern design as it emerged through the Industrial Revolution of the 19th century and progressed through 20th century modernism, post-modernism, and the design trends of the 21st century. Aesthetics of modern design are analyzed, as are the philosophies and theories of the designers creating these. Students look at the relationship of design to technology, the needs of society, the environment, and industry.
Art Foundation Option (Choose 2 courses from: ART 1010, ART 1030, ART 1060)
Introduction to drawing and two-dimensional design with a variety of media and approaches. Students explore observational and expressive drawing along with the elements and principles of art and design. No prior experience needed.
Introduction to painting with a variety of acrylic and watercolor media. Students explore observational and expressive painting techniques and learn color theory along with the elements and principles of art and design. No prior experience needed.
Introduction to printmaking with relief printing, silkscreen and intaglio. Students explore creative expression with each printmaking process, along with the elements and principles of art and design. No prior experience needed.
Major electives (Minimum of 3 semester hours required. Choose 1 course from: ART 1040, ART(JRN*) 3130, ART(JRN*) 3140, ART 4410, ART 4400, GDA 2050, GDA 2100, GDA 3210, Any AHIS course numbered 3100 or higher, Any drawing, painting, ceramics or printmaking course.)
Introduction to hand building clay vessels and sculptural forms using a variety of expressive methods. Students explore forming and glazing techniques along with art elements and design principles. No prior experience needed.
ART 3130
ART 3140
Independent guided work in an expanded art discipline, experimental media or new techniques. Artistic challenges and creative goals are determined with instructor. Permission of Art Department Chair and instructor required.
Independent guided work in an expanded art discipline, experimental media or new techniques. Artistic challenges and creative goals are determined with instructor. Permission of Art Department Chair and instructor required.
An exploration of the history and current use of typography within the graphic design community. With introduction to terminologies, letterforms, and the uses of typography as an art form, these aspects are explored through the creation of hand-rendered and digital projects. Students are encouraged to use typography to meet specific graphic needs for specific target audiences. Recommended prerequisite: GDA 1720 or GDA 1730.
An overview of the field of Illustration, with introduction of the use of research and reference materials. Projects explore composition and use of different media. Students are encouraged to develop conceptual solutions to specific needs and visually communicate those solutions to target audiences. Prerequisite or corequisite: ART 1010, ART 1030.
An introduction to motion graphics and animation in which students explore tools, concepts, and practices, with a focus on research, character design, basic sequencing, and visual storytelling. Prerequisites: GDA 1720, GDA 2710, GDA 3150.
