GDSN - Graphic Design

GDSN 223 Typography Principles: 4 Credits (2 Lec, 2 Lab)

PREREQUISITE: MART 122 and ARTZ 105IA and MART 145RA and ARTZ 110RA and ARTZ 109IA or ARTZ 109RA. (F) This course introduces fundamentals of typography, as a technical skill and an expressive medium. Projects progress from letter, to word, to paragraph to page — emphasizing typography as a design process through exploration, experimentation, selection, critique, and refinement. (Fall semester only)

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Use tools and materials to construct letters, both physically and digitally
Analyze the expressive potential of type through iteration, creative exploration, and manipulation of typefaces
Develop typesetting skills that aid in visual communication intentions specifically legibility and readability \\n
Demonstrate advanced interactions with fundamental computer-based design tools—specifically Adobe Illustrator and InDesign
Converse using type vocabulary and terminology—realized in formalized critiques to help refine design decisions \\n

GDSN 224 Form and Content: 4 Credits (2 Lec, 2 Lab)

PREREQUISITE: GDSN 223. (Sp) This course incorporates further exploration of design principles with an increased refinement of typographic skills and visual communications through the visual organization, typography, and image-making techniques. (Spring semester only)

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Practical experience in conceptual thinking and design through typography, illustration, visual composition, and layout
Analyze design elements to critically facilitate effective design solutions
Develop typographic foundation skills to visually communicate a variety of applications through visual organization/composition, information hierarchy, and the creation of meaningful images.
Critique of conceptual underpinnings of peer work and increasing vocabulary of design principles

GDSN 265 Quickfire Course: 1 Credits (1 Lab)

PREREQUISITE: ARTZ 109IA, ARTZ 105IA, ARTZ 110RA. (F, Sp) In this fast-paced course, students explore specific design themes within the graphic design profession. After completion, students will be able to efficiently translate their own ideas and concepts into graphic design as they relate to each course topic
Repeatable up to 3 credits.

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Describe why and how to use and incorporate specific aspects of the course’s theme
Develop proficiency in concepts which follow through from idea to digital or physical form surrounding the themed topic discussed in class
Describe how this course’s topic can have an impact on their design education—incorporating and building upon this topic as it appropriately ;fits into the student’s interests and creative project undertakings in other undergraduate courses
Be able to provide critical feedback to peers during in-class and final projects based on successful resolution of assigned theme
Describe each topic based on course content during the four session meeting times–information may be presented via lecture, demonstrations, hand-on interactions, or even peer-to-peer learning through group assignments

GDSN 291 Special Topics: 1-5 Credits (1-5 Other)

PREREQUISITE: Course prerequisites are determined for each offering. Offered as needed based on student demand. Courses not required in any curriculum for which there is a one-time need, or given on a trial basis to determine acceptability and demand before requesting a regular course number
Repeatable up to 15 credits.

GDSN 352 Letterpress Research Trip: 1 Credits (1 Other)

PREREQUISITE: ARTZ 109IA and ARTZ 105IA and ARTZ 110RA. (Su) Majors only. This quick-fire research trip is an experience in the history, practice, and exploration of letterpress related to place. Students will be immersed in a five-day research trip and will be exposed to letterpress at multiple levels through various outlets to help inform professional practicum after school
Repeatable up to 2 credits.

GDSN 365 Professional Development & Practice: 4 Credits (1 Lec, 3 Lab)

PREREQUISITE: GDSN 224 and passing portfolio review. (F, Sp) Majors only. Offered in rotation with other GDSN 300 level 4 credit courses. Experience with professional development related to Graphic Design, specifically focusing on freelance practice, business structures, client pitches, communication skills with clients and potential businesses, and post-graduate career options

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Demonstrate the business side of graphic design—how to write a contract and create a client invoice
Identify various post-graduate career options
Apply professional standards and timelines to prepare and deliver a strong client pitch
Examine design norms and realizations like budget and licenses
Research business structures, tax needs, and cost justifications
Writing skills for professional communication as it relates to graphic design

GDSN 366 History of Graphic Design: 3 Credits (3 Lec)

PREREQUISITE: GDSN 224. (F) This course is a historical perspective of technological breakthroughs, social achievements, and both theoretically and visually-driven movements pertaining to the field of graphic design

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Explore the history of graphic design and its impact on the United States.
Critically assess graphic designer processes and their outcomes.
Practice debate of design-related topics through writing initiatives and presentations.
Broaden technical vocabulary related to graphic design.
Explain the influence graphic designers have on culture.
Demonstrate the social ramifications of design decisions.\\n

GDSN 367 Identity Systems: 4 Credits (1 Lec, 3 Lab)

PREREQUISITE: GDSN 224 and passing portfolio review. (Su) Offered in rotation with other GDSN 300 level 5 credit courses. Development of identity systems focusing on logo design and the systematic approach for the logo's application across a range of media including packaging, advertising collateral, stationery, and web development. Special focus on conceptual thinking and research

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Demonstrate conceptual thinking, iteration, and design through logos, brands, and identities
Apply design research methodologies that help inform and rationalize design decisions
Recognize influential logo designs, identity designers, and identity systems through precedent studies
Design collateral material in a variety of forms including mark making, stationery, product packaging, advertising, and web development

GDSN 368 Art Direction: 4 Credits (1 Lec, 3 Lab)

PREREQUISITE: GDSN 224 and passing portfolio review. (Su) Offered in rotation with other GDSN 300 level 5 credit courses. This course is an examination of art direction as a skill, as it relates to contemporary advertising and marketing. Students evaluate current advertising platforms such as posters; magazines; outdoor boards and existing new media platforms

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Demonstrate ability to pair copywriting and visuals in order to communicate both effectively and memorably\\n
Apply different strategies, using the power and diversity of visual communication to communicate compelling information and ideas to specific audiences. \\n
Evaluate current advertising platforms such as posters; magazines; outdoor boards and existing new media platforms such as websites; mobile devices and social networking sites. \\n
Examine and practice processes for researching; planning; writing and designing content for these platforms.

GDSN 369 Publication Design: 4 Credits (1 Lec, 3 Lab)

PREREQUISITE: GDSN 224 and passing portfolio review. (Su) Offered in rotation with other GDSN 300 level 5 credit courses. This course explores the research, design, and presentation of complex print communication documents using Adobe InDesign and other software. Students will explore multi-page layouts, such as books, magazines and other professional projects

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Explore Adobe InDesign as a creative tool.
Practice utilizing page layout and cover design.
Experiment with the application of grid systems and style sheets.
Demonstrate the ability to create pre-press files using InDesign.
Experience creating design-centered professional projects.
Develop practices that support senior portfolio.

GDSN 371 Motion Graphics: 4 Credits (1 Lec, 3 Lab)

PREREQUISITE: GDSN 224 and passing portfolio review. (Su) Offered in rotation with other GDSN 300 level 5 credit courses. This course explores design issues unique to contemporary time-based digital media to articulate and construct conceptual solutions utilizing visual narrative, motion, and sound

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Use motion and animation principles to articulate conceptual solutions to experience emerging digital design trends, tools and resources.
Recognize the functional understanding and ability to use narrative, non-narrative, and other information/language structures to construct content in time-based media.
Demonstrates the ability to organize and present content in a way that responds to technological, social, and cultural systems.
Convey time-based visual communication related to design composition, typography, timing, generative graphics, and interactive engagement

GDSN 372 Interaction Design: 4 Credits (1 Lec, 3 Lab)

PREREQUISITE: GDSN 224 and passing portfolio review. (Su) Offered in rotation with other GDSN 300 level 5 credit courses. This course explores making interactive experiences for mobile and web design through research, content development, with a focus on user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) design. Incorporates prototyping with Adobe XD CC, highlighting UX design workflows and best practices

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Use digital interaction design through research, conceptual thinking, content development, wireframe, and prototyping.
Utilize UX/UI tools to demonstrate creative and systematic design processes.
Design functional and interactive prototyping solutions.
Create interaction design experiences to convey digital media concepts.
Test assumptions and navigate interfaces on various devices.

GDSN 373 Illustration: 4 Credits (1 Lec, 3 Lab)

PREREQUISITE: GDSN 224, and passing portfolio review. (Su) Offered in rotation with other GDSN 300 level 5 credit courses. This course investigates specialized illustration techniques and concepts to create artwork in both emerging and traditional formats using Adobe Illustrator along with other media

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Explore Adobe Illustrator as a creative tool.
Practice interpreting creative briefs.
Experiment with the application of several illustration styles.\\n
Demonstrate the ability to scan original artwork and apply digital elements.
Experience creating design-centered professional projects.
Develop practices that support senior portfolio.

GDSN 374 Digital Visualization: 4 Credits (1 Lec, 3 Lab)

PREREQUISITE: GDSN 224, and passing portfolio review. (Su) Offered in rotation with other GDSN 300 level 5 credit courses. This course examines computer-based image generation techniques including Adobe Photoshop along with other digital imaging apps. Students explore digital mock-up presentation methods and professional-level projects

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Explore Adobe Photoshop and Procreate as a creative tool.
Practice utilizing the Mac iPad as a digital drawing device.
Demonstrate the ability to optimize efficiency and workflow.
Experience creating design-centered professional projects.
Develop practices that support senior portfolio.

GDSN 375 Letterpress: 4 Credits (1 Lec, 3 Lab)

PREREQUISITE: GDSN 224 and passing portfolio review. (Su) Offered in rotation with other GDSN 300 level 5 credit courses. This course utilizes movable type and hand-operated platen and cylinder printing presses to design and print several creative projects, including posters, artist books and postcards evaluated through formal critique and visual communication strategies

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Develop a working knowledge of type, presses, and equipment used in letterpress printing\\n
Address letterpress history, type anatomy, and terminology to effectively describe materials, tools, and processes
Evolve and maintain a clean print process from make ready to final clean up
Explore design solutions through creative concepts and ideas that are relevant to the medium and project expectations
Contribute to a clean and organized working studio through typecase responsibilities, identifying misplaced lead type, and labeling type cases \\n

GDSN 376 Screenprinting: 4 Credits (1 Lec, 3 Lab)

PREREQUISITE: GDSN 224 and passing portfolio review. (Su) Offered in rotation with other GDSN 300 level 5 credit courses. This course explores screenprinting techniques utilizing drawn, monotype, digital, and photo-generated processes with the goal of translating visual communication strategies into multi-layered printed editions

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Use various printing techniques including stencil and drawing fluid, monotypes, hand-made positives, and photo-generated imagery.
Engage in conceptual image composition using an active sketch process, designed thorough iteration, layering, registration, and final editioning.
Examine how screenprinting is used within visual communication as tool and a medium to express ideas and concepts.
Develop a proper studio working practice including time management, respecting communal working areas and tools provided, and investing in a clean and safe working environment.
Converse using vocabulary appropriate to the process and medium— evident in formalized critiques of each student's work at various points within semester projects.

GDSN 377 Design for Society: 4 Credits (1 Lec, 3 Lab)

PREREQUISITE: GDSN 224 and passing portfolio review and Consent of department. (Su) Offered in rotation with other GDSN 300 level 5 credit courses. This course is an examination of the role of design for the social good. Students will interact with local, national, and/or global communities through a series of professional projects

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Define and practice design citizenship.\\n
Examine the changing role of graphic design and graphic designers in context with the needs of society.\\n
Experience solving problems which serve the public good.\\n
Practice how design can be used to educate different communities.\\n
Strengthen writing skills and experience working in a team dynamic.\\n
Expand creative problem-solving methodologies beyond print by exploring other disciplines.

GDSN 378 Guerrilla Advertising: 4 Credits (1 Lec, 3 Lab)

PREREQUISITE: GDSN 224 or consent of instructor. (Sp) This course asks students to stretch the boundaries of traditional advertising solutions by placing their work in unusual contexts for maximum impact. The workshop-like atmosphere involves quick-fire problem solving sessions, working outdoors, guest critiques and socially-driven solutions

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Ability to practice and execute appropriateness of “place” in terms of target audience; message delivery and client personality/brand.\\n
How to troubleshoot unexpected problems (weather, time of day, equipment failure, relying on volunteers)\\n\\n
Practice and analyze complexities of merging type and image for clear, \\nrelevant communication.
Enhanced ability to critically assess advertising design processes and their outcomes.

GDSN 379 Packaging: 4 Credits (4 Lab)

PREREQUISITE: GDSN 224 and passing portfolio review and consent of department. (F, Sp) This course explores 3D design as a narrative in packaging, focusing on brand identity, research, critical thinking, and advanced fabrication techniques to craft compelling brand stories. This course is offered in rotation with other GDSN 300 level 4 credit courses

GDSN 381 Advanced Typography: 4 Credits (4 Lab)

PREREQUISITE: GDSN 224 and passing portfolio review and consent of department. (F, Sp) This advanced typography course builds on foundational skills, exploring meaning, hierarchy, and legibility through experimental design, combining digital and hand-made processes for print, web, and motion applications. This course is offered in rotation with other GDSN 300 level 4 credit courses

GDSN 391 Special Topics: 1-4 Credits ()

(Su) Offered as needed based on student demand.
Repeatable up to 15 credits.

GDSN 465 Professional Studio: 5 Credits (2 Lec, 3 Lab)

PREREQUISITE: GDSN 223, GDSN 224, passing portfolio review, completion of GDSN junior year. (F) This capstone course requires completion of a self-directed project through in-depth research, writing and making—offering an opportunity to specialize prior to entering the job market. Includes a professional field trip to a metro area. (Fall semester only)

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Explore trends within the profession
Research potential and diverse career paths
Gain a more comprehensive understanding of the design industry companion industries
Develop presentation skills both in person and across digital formats
Practice design research and apply research techniques to both sprint and capstone projects

GDSN 491 Special Topics: 1-5 Credits (5 Lec, 5 Other)

GDSN 492 Independent Study: 1-5 Credits (1-5 Other)

PREREQUISITE: Junior standing in Graphic Design. (F, Sp) This course facilitates students working on a self-directed basis with a faculty mentor in developing projects with a graphic design focus. A written and signed contract in collaboration with the student and their faculty mentor is required prior to registering for this class
Repeatable up to 15 credits.

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Learning outcomes vary depending upon student-directed projects.

GDSN 498 Internship: 2-12 Credits (2-12 Other)

PREREQUISITE: Junior standing, consent of instructor, and approval of the faculty liaison. (F, Sp) An individualized assignment arranged with an agency, business, or other organization to provide guided experience and mentorship in the profession. A written and signed contract with the student, business contact and the faculty liaison is required prior to registering
Repeatable up to 12 credits.

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Learning outcomes vary depending upon the scope of each business or organization.

GDSN 499 Senior Portfolio: 5 Credits (2 Lec, 3 Lab)

PREREQUISITE: GDSN 465. (Sp) This course will prepare students for professional job positions as they transition from student to designer outside of the university. The course will provide directed undergraduate research and creative activity, which culminates in a professional portfolio. (Spring semester only)

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Develop job finding tools that include professional resume, business cards, Linked-in profile\\n\\n
Design a personalized portfolio which demonstrates both research and creative skills in design
Involvement with contemporary design practice through discussions, reading, writing, guest speakers and studio research
Exposure to freelance professional practices including communication with client and supporting documents