Graphic Design

BFA Thesis

Course No. GDS465.2  Credits: 3
Faculty Mari Hulick

This is the core class for the Senior year of study in the major. The class meets weekly for presentations and to develop research skills and strategic practice. This is the research and idea-phase of the BFA thesis presented in the spring. Presentation, research, and ideational skills are stressed. Offered fall. 3 credits.

Communication Des: BFA Statement & Exhibtion

Course No. CDS466.2  Credits: 3
Faculty Mari Hulick

This is the second half of core class for the Senior year of study in the major. This is the realization phase of the BFA thesis presented at the end of the semester. Prerequisites: Students must be working toward a BFA in one of the Design Environment departments. Other students may be admitted with permission of the instructor. Offered spring. 3 credits.

Communication Design: Advanced Studio

Course No. CDS366.1  Credits: 3
Faculty Larry O'Neal

This is the core class for the second year (junior) of study in the major. The class works on client-based projects. All students work on the projects, all students present to clients, and one design is chosen to be realized. During the course, iterations and presentation skills are stressed as students learn how to navigate the crucial relationship with the client. Students work within realistic industry deadlines and adhere to specific current production requirements. Students will realize a number of presentations for clients throughout the year. They practice and realize both hard-copy and digital presentations. Research, empathy, and design skills are stressed. =

Contemporary Marketing & Art Direction

Course No. GDS367.1  Credits: 3
Faculty Chris Jungjohann | Tim Zeller

Focuses on using communication design and visualization skills to communicate ideas in print and in new media. Heavy emphasis on conceptualization. Classroom discussions along with critiques set up to mimic actual creative department environment. Offered fall. 3 credits.

Design for Communication I

Course No. GDS265.1  Credits: 3
Faculty Mari Hulick

This is one of the two central classes in the first year of study in Communication Design (alongside Typography). In the first semester, students become familiar with the broader discipline of the field through the construction of abstract design concepts, layout, symbols, and sequential systems. Conceptual thinking and the integration of typography with imagery are explored throughout the course. In the 2nd semester, students investigate projects that follow the various sub-fields of the profession; projects include Identity, Web/Interactive, Information and Wayfinding. Students will be assigned multiple projects throughout the year. Each project begins with a lecture and demonstration of techniques. Each week, students practice presentation to the larger group in formal and informal critique and brainstorming sessions. Faculty will work one on one with students to answer questions and assist in the process. Reviews will be held at key points during each project. Offered fall. 3 credits.

Design for Communication II

Course No. CDS266.1  Credits: 3
Faculty Mari Hulick

This is one of the two central classes in the first year of study in Communication Design (alongside Typography). In this course, students investigate projects that follow the various sub-fields of the profession; projects include Identity, Web/Interactive, Information and Wayfinding. Students will be assigned multiple projects throughout the year. Each project begins with a lecture and demonstration of techniques. Each week, students practice presentation to the larger group in formal and informal critique and brainstorming sessions. Faculty will work one on one with students to answer questions and assist in the process. Reviews will be held at key points during each project.

Design Research Methods: Prod Dev & User Ex

Course No. DES353.1  Credits: 3
Faculty Kaja Tooming Buchanan

The goal of this course is to explore the methods by which designers come to understand user needs, feelings, expectations, and values. These methods are a preparation for developing breakthrough products - tangible and intangible - as well as interactions and services. We will explore several methods and their practical application in the design process to develop new products and test their usability and efficiency. Understanding user experience has become a central, distinguishing feature of the best product development, and our goal is to survey some of the best methods in current use. For example, we will learn how to build scenarios, interpret needs, generate and test ideas, visualize information and choreograph solutions. This involves interdisciplinary understanding, because many of the methods come from other fields. The growing complexity of products in our lives requires a wider understanding of how the social and behavioral sciences, together with the humanities and cultural science, are of deep value in the work of design. It requires, for example, an understanding of case study methodology, a matrix of methods of value for designers. It also requires deeper understanding of the underlying principles that give meaning, create value, and direct the whole design process. The course will be based on readings, exercises, and a variety of practical projects that support studio work. Apply as studio elective or as art/craft/design history/theory liberal arts distribution requirement. 3 credits. Grading Criteria Final grades will be based on two components: o Class participation will account for ? final grade o Individual and team projects will account for ? of the final grade. Participation will be evaluated by readiness for discussion (evidence of having read the assigned materials), response to questions and effort to contribute to class discussion.

Emotion & Aesthetic Expression

Course No. DES350.1  Credits: 3
Faculty Kaja Tooming Buchanan

The goal of this course is to explore the concepts of emotion and aesthetic expression. We will seek to understand how and why emotion and aesthetic expression are central concepts in the theory and practice of art and design. We seek a strategic perspective on art and design with particular attention to the concepts and methods of liberal arts. We seek to balance theory, practice and production and encourage innovation and creativity. We will investigate concrete examples of emotional and aesthetic expression in a variety of traditional and new media in art and design, exploring different subject matters, materials, forms and purposes. Final grades will be based on two components: class participation and written assignments. 3 credits.