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A Bachelor of Science Degree Program

The revised curriculum in Graphic Design requires 54 credits in the major (39 studio, 15 art history)


Core Courses (Total of 36 credits):

ARTS 171 Color and Design I. 4 hr.; 3 cr.
Basic color theory and two-dimensional design fundamentals taught with an emphasis on its application for design students.

ARTS 191 Desktop Publishing. 4 hr.; 3 cr.
Basic instruction of design and layout computer software, including Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator
and Quark Express.

Arts 241 Graphic Design I. 4 hr.; 3 cr.
Prerequisite: ARTS 191. Graphic design is the process of using words and images to communicate with, inform, and persuade individual persons and audiences. This course presents a survey of introductory-level exercises in representative graphic design fields such as publishing, advertising, corporate identity, signage, and packaging. A working knowledge of page layout and imaging software (ARTS 191 or equivalent) is assumed. Graphic design majors should have taken ARTS 171 and ARTH 101 and should be taking ARTS 242 and 243 concurrently with ARTS 241. Offered Fall semester only.

ARTS 242 Typography I. 4hr.; 3 cr.
Prereq: ARTS 191. The use of type to express an image or brand, with a focus on historical and contemporary letterforms, logos, and typeface design. In addition to the pre-requisite (ARTS 191), graphic design majors should concurrently be taking ARTS 241 and 243. Offered Fall semester only.

Arts 243 Color and Design II. 4hr.; 3 cr.
Prereq: ARTS 171 A continuation of ARTS 171, intended primarily for graphic design majors. Offered Fall semester only.

ARTS 245 Typography II. 4hr.; 3 cr.
Prereq: ARTS 191. Text intensive projects involving typographic grid systems, the organization of typographic hierarchies, and the use of type in charts, graphs and diagrams. Assignments will include a series of experimental and practical projects in a variety of media. In addition to the prerequisite (ARTS 191), graphic design majors should have taken ARTS 241 and 242. Offered Spring semester only.

ARTS 246 Graphic Design II. 4hr.; 3 cr.
Prereq. ARTS 241. A continuation of ARTS 241 with a new emphasis on the use of research methods, critical thinking, oral presentation, and writing skills as part of the design process. Assignments may include three-dimensional, time-based, and large-scale projects. In addition to the prerequisite, graphic design majors should have completed ARTH 102 and ARTS 242 and 243. Offered Spring semester only.

ARTS 345 Graphic Design III. 4hr.; 3 cr.
Prereq. ARTS 246. A continuation of ARTS 244 with an increased recognition of the designer's personal style and working methods, and of specific audiences, commercial contexts, and production issues. In addition to the prerequisite, graphic design majors should have completed ARTS 245 and 277. Offered Fall semester only.

ARTS 277, 278, 279 Photoshop, Illustrator, Flash, Dreamweaver, Maya, 2D Animation, iStopMotion, iMovie, 3D animation May be taken in any order. A variety of topics and software will be offered on a rotating basis. Topic will be announced before pre-registration. Each of these course numbers may be taken three times for credit if the topic or software is different.

ARTS 277 VT: Pixel-based Imagery. 4hr.; 3 cr.
Introduction to scanner- and camera-derived, pixel-based imagery. Basic knowledge of the Mac operating system and graphic software (ARTS 191 or equivalent) is assumed.

ARTS 278 VT: Vector-based Imagery. 4hr.; 3 cr. Introduction to vector-based imagery and web technology. Knowledge of the Mac operating system and graphics software (ARTS 191 or equivalent) is assumed.

ARTS 279 VT: Animation and 3D Modeling. 4hr.; 3 cr. Introduction to animation and 3-D modeling. Knowledge of the Mac operating system and graphics software (ARTS 191 or equivalent) is assumed.

ARTS 289 Publication Design. 4hr.; 3 cr.
Prereq: ARTS 241 The design of magazines, newspapers, and other printed periodicals considered from theoretical, practical, and technical aspects. Class assignments include the design of a simple newsletter as well as more complicated projects involving color; information graphics; branding; working with writers and editors; as well as scheduling, production, and printing considerations. Offered occasionally.

ARTS 290 Motion Graphics. 4hr.; 3 cr.
Prereq: ARTS 241 Motion graphics can move an audience emotionally and have a significant impact on society through its affect on our senses of sight and hearing. This course examines how graphic designers use sound, moving images, and type to communicate a message in a variety of media including cinema, commercials and websites. Offered occasionally.

ARTS 291 Interactive Design. 4hr.; 3 cr.
Prereq: ARTS 241 The graphic design of online services, multimedia presentations, and electronic kiosks. Class assignments begin with the research and planning for a interactive project and continue on to design and implementation, as well as to issues arising from working with content providers and technical support staff. In addition to the prerequisite, ARTS 278 is recommended. Offered occasionally.

ARTS 296 Advertising Design. 4hr.; 3 cr.
Prereq.: ARTS 241. Design for the promotion and marketing of consumer products, business services, and not-for-profit organizations. Offered occasionally.

ARTS 365 VT: Special Project in Design. 4hr.; 3crs. Offered occasionally.

ARTS 370 VT: Special Topic in Design. 4hrs. 3crs.
Offered occasionally according to student interest and availability of faculty. Topic will be announced before pre-registration. A strong knowledge of the Mac operating system and graphics software (a minimum of ARTS 191 or equivalent) is required. May be taken three times for credit if topic is different.

ARTS 387 Technical Workshops. 4hr.; 3 cr.
Prereq: Instructor's permission. Advanced work with software where a student has already demonstrated a high level of skill and where a suitable instructor is available. The student will, in general, meet with the instructor during a regularly scheduled section of an appropriate course. May be taken up to 3 times for credit if the subject is different.

ARTS 395 Senior Portfolio. 4 hr.; 3 cr.
Prereq.: ARTS 345 Senior graphic design majors will create portfolio pieces demonstrating their acquired skills and personal interests in graphic design. Documentation of process and a final presentation are required. Enrolling students should have completed all major and non-major credits necessary for graduation with the possible exception of 1 or 2 design electives which may be taken concurrently. Offered Spring semester only.

Additional classes for the old Graphic Design curriculum:
For class descriptions, please see the studio art page.

 

Courses

Program