Plan of Study – Graphic Design for Non-Art Majors

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 for Non-Art Majors: Minor

Minor Courses (Minimum of 27 semester hours required.)

AHIS4260 History of Modern Design (3 s.h.)

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 1010 Drawing Foundations for Art and Design (3 s.h.)

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.

ART 1030 Painting Foundations for Art and Design (3 s.h.)

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.

ART 1060 Printmaking Foundations for Art and Design (3 s.h.)

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.

GDA 1710 Graphic Design I (GDA*/JRN) (3 s.h.)

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.

GDA 1720/1730 Option (Choose from: GDA 1720 or GDA 1730.)

GDA 1720 Digital Imaging (3 s.h.)

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.

GDA 1730 Digital Layout (3 s.h.)

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.

GDA 2710 Graphic Design II (3 s.h.)

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.

GDA 3740 Graphic Design III (3 s.h.)

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.

GDA 4740 Graphic Design IV (3 s.h.)

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.