Graphic Design

Graphic Design  - Undergraduate Courses

GD 109 Introduction to Graphic Design (back to previous page)
An introduction to the various aspects of graphic design communication.  This course will cover a brief history of graphic design, concept development and understanding of graphic design principles using typography, layout, and developing students' skills.  Weekly assignments investigate basic problems in graphic form and composition, with emphasis on developing visual literacy and technical skills using both traditional and digital media.  3 credit hours.

GD 110 Applications of Graphic Design Production (back to previous page)
Today's graphic artists are required to have technical skills and printing knowledge.  This is a basic introductory course on how to use the Macintosh computer and the basic skills using the industry's standard computer applications.  This course also explores various aspects of production as it relates to the print process.  3 credit hours.

GD 211 Intermediate Graphic Design (back to previous page)
Prerequisites: GD 109, GD 110 or permission of instructor.  In this course, students will further their knowledge of graphic communication and concept development as well as use the computer to execute class projects for presentation.  The course will focus on utilizing design principles, typography, grid systems, and layout and learning the graphic language used to communicate to other design professionals.  Problem solving related to design and analysis of client needs are addressed in relation to projects covering logo design and stationary systems, corporate brochures, poster design, book cover design, and CD packaging.  3 credit hours.

GD 212 Website Creation (back to previous page)
Prerequisites: DAD 101, AT 209 or permission of instructor. A comprehensive investigation of website creation and design.  This course will address some of the most important topics for website designers:  site evaluation and design, content, structure, layout, industry best practices, and audience.  Current applications such as HTML editors will be discussed with the course culminating in the implementation of an interactive website that is uploaded to the Internet.  3 credit hours.

GD 213 Typography I (back to previous page)
Prerequisite: GD 109 or GD 110 or permission of instructor.  Type is everywhere around us and acts as the primary visual component of our language.  This course introduces fundamental elements and appreciation of letterforms, language, terminology, and use of typography in graphic design communications, and examines how typographic choices affect the meaning and reception of a message.  Projects focus on problem solving through implementing basic design principles of typography to develop and sharpen skills required for the graphic design profession.  3 credit hours.

GD 214 Typography II (back to previous page)
Prerequisite: GD 213, GD 110 or permission of instructor.  This course is a continuation of GD 213, dealing with advanced techniques and understanding of typographic concepts as they relate to graphic design.  It examines the continuing history of typography, graphic design, the design process, text, and layout.  It emphasizes the practical use of technology and industry standard computer software to execute class projects for portfolio consideration.  Projects are designed to generate a further understanding of the graphic design process using type.  3 credit hours.

GD 311 Advanced Graphic Design (back to previous page)
Prerequisite: GD 211 or GD 213 or permission of instructor.  This studio course examines the techniques necessary for preparation of art and copy for professional offset printing.  Projects will be designed using traditional and page layout methods.  Historic development of printing technology is also examined.  Laboratory fee; 3 credit hours.

GD 312 Illustration (back to previous page)
Prerequisite: AT 105 or permission of instructor.  This course introduces the skills associated with the illustration profession: providing black and white and full color artwork for books, magazines, posters, the movie industry, art directors, and designers.  This is a basic foundation in preparing students to understand what an illustrator does and how to approach assignments for publications.  Students will explore the various styles and techniques used in illustration including pen and ink, pencil, watercolors, painting, and other mediums to execute the projects.  3 credit hours.

GD 313 Digital Illustration and Information Design (back to previous page)
Prerequisite: GD 312.  This course explores conceptual approaches and visualization methods using vector and pixel-based applications.  Students will develop their analytical skills exploring word and image relationships alongside diverse graphic conventions.  Class projects will be augmented with in-class exercises, demonstrations, lectures, and critiques.  3 credit hours.

GD 316 Studies in Design History (back to previous page)
This course is an exploration of the graphic arts beginning with early printing practices to modern design masters and trends.  This lecture-based course examines the foundations of visual communications.  Through examples, the course provides an understanding of how to create effective design and elements to avoid in creating visual communications.  3 credit hours.

GD 411 Capstone Seminar in Graphic Design (back to previous page)
Prerequisite: GD 313 or permission of instructor.  Drawing on development through previous study, students will concentrate on major projects in the graphic design industry that span all of the media associated with the profession of graphic design.  Projects will incorporate digital, print, and 3-D design.  3 credit hours.

GD 412 Graphic Design Professional Practices (back to previous page)
Prerequisite: GD 411 or permission of instructor.  This course focuses on the final preparation for entering the professional graphic design environment.  There is an emphasis on providing practical knowledge of business practices in graphic design, marketing, contracts, estimating, and developing requests for proposals.  Projects will emphasize portfolio and resume preparation, professional practices, presentations, particular approaches to the portfolio, and making use of discipline-based resources.  3 credit hours.

GD 598 Internship in Graphic Design (back to previous page)
Prerequisite: GD 312 or permission of instructor.  Students will have an opportunity to intern within a graphic design, publishing, advertising, or other type of firm associated with the design field.  Students may seek their own internship or the program will match students with firms appropriate to their interests and skills.  Mentors within the firms provide students with a broad range of learning opportunities.  In addition, students maintain weekly email journals and research career opportunities.  3 credit hours (135 internship contact hours).

GD 599 Independent Study (back to previous page)
Prerequisite: GD 313 or permission of instructor; consent of the instructor and department chair.  Opportunity for the student, under the direction of a faculty member, to explore an area of personal interest associated with graphic design.  1-3 credit hours with a maximum of 6 hours.