DGR-631 WRITTEN THESIS

The Written Thesis is a self-directed,,academically rigorous and fully referenced,8,000-10,000 word document providing a critical,appraisal of primary and secondary research,sources, and theoretical discussion and debate on,the over-arching context of the Final Project. It,runs concurrently with the Final Project 1 course,in semester 1.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites: DGR 613 DGR 620

DGR-635 DESIGN THINKING

Students learn to use Design Thinking as a,cross-disciplinary method for problem solving. ,Design Thinking is characterized by a non-linear,,creative, playful, and collaborative approach for,generating and testing ideas through rapid,ideation and prototyping. Students learn to,challenge assumptions, take risks, and adopt,unconventional perspectives in the process of,problem solving. The class teaches students to,take a human-centered approach, led by user,empathy to (re)define problems, generate ideas,,prototype, model, and test concepts and ideas for,new products, services, processes, and strategies.,Students do not need any formal design training to,take this course, but will be required to,visualize, map, enact, and document thinking and,ideas in collaborative spaces.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites:

DGR-640 MINOR PROJECT

“On average, it takes a (design) graduate two,years to get their first job, but 76% of Student,Award winners walk into a job or placement within,3 months.” The minor project is an opportunity,for students to diversify their portfolios and,broaden career opportunities with a project(s),taken from national and international student,design competitions. By working on briefs set,outside of the college, students can widen their,scope for employment and evidence successful,team-working on their resume and in portfolios.,It enables students to assess their professional,skills, redefine ideas and strategies for art,,media and design and provide quickly visualized,outcomes in response to creative briefs.,Students are encouraged to take risks, but also,work to their strengths. However, while there is,a range of project briefs to choose from, students,are cautioned not to venture into creative,disciplines that are beyond their skillset.,Students are required to work in teams of two or,three, and interdisciplinary groups drawn from,across programs and year groups* are strongly,encouraged.,*NOTE: The course is also offered as an elective.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites:

DGR-644 RAPID PROTOTYPING: PLA-Y

In this course, students will acquire a working,knowledge of the main 3D printing methods using a,range of basic equipment and PLA Filament. ,Turning ideas into objects and swatches, students,will become familiar with the software and related,tools that are used for prototyping with 3D,printers. Students will explore producing their,own 3D filament, with a focus on creating,sustainable and environmentally friendly material,options.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites:

DGR-650 FINAL PROJECT

This course is a self-directed project that forms,the capstone of the MA degree. Students will,critically situate the project in a specific,context and it will be informed by robust,contextualization. Students will develop a body,of well-documented iteractive Ideation, leading to,thematically relevant creative outcomes evidencing,practical impact and/or a critical provocation.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites: DGR 613

DGR-685 SPECIAL PROJECT

The Special Project course is offered on an,occasional basis, with course content specific to,the area being explored.,, WINTER 2024,BIODESIGN CHALLENGE,
,This course will introduce graduate students to,the ideas of working with biomaterials in the,context of their properties and aesthetics with a,focus on developing ideas that offer new ways of,using materials for solving larger problems.,Through engagement, collaboration, and,experimentation, classroom discussions will look,at the ethics and human impact of materials from,sourcing, manufacturing, and transporting to the,end user. Sustainability, environmental impact,,and life cycle will be recurring themes during the,idea development process.,Open to Graduate and Undergraduate Junior and,Seniors.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites:

DGR-711 THESIS PROJECT I

Thesis I is part one of a self-directed major,project that will be the culmination of the,graduate study experience. Students will,critically situate the project in a specific,context and will be informed by robust research,methodologies. Students will develop a body of,well-documented research and development work,,that will underpin thematically relevant creative,outcomes in part two, evidencing practical impact,and/or a critical provocation.

Credits: 6

Prerequisites:

DGR-712 THESIS PROJECT II

This course is designed to help students,articulate and execute a body of work that is the,culmination of his/her graduate study experience.,Students should be able to synthesize external,factors – such as technological, global,,environmental issues and trends, including social,change – translate them into a form that is,meaningful in a business setting, and create,relevant design solutions. “Relevant” in this,context requires that students’ design solutions,resonate with an identified market segment, from,all design and functional standpoints.

Credits: 6

Prerequisites: DGR 711

DGR-721 PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE

Professional Practice I runs in two concurrent,modules, A and B.,Part A (weighted 60%) provides a,cross-disciplinary overview of the arts and,creative industries and their importance to GDP,and the economy overall, i.e. the creative,economy. It examines and the value artists,,designers, and other creative practitioners bring,to economic and socio-cultural advancement. ,Students will strengthen their understanding of,the broader business of creativity and arena of,culture in which they will operate professionally.,Students will also gain an understanding and,empathy towards the working practices of others,,which may differ from their own and develop,themselves as “T-shaped” individuals.,Part B (weighted 40%) allows students to assess,their own role and potential in the creative,economy, and appraise their “hard” and “soft”,skills. Students will make a plan to address gaps,in their resume. Drawing up a list of potential,employers, students will prepare their portfolios,(both print and online) for gaining work,experience during their studies.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites:

DGR-775 GRADUATE STUDIES INTERNSHIP

Participation in an internship experience allows,students to use classroom-learned skills in a,related employment experience. Students must work,a minimum of 135 hours over the course of the,entire semester. Students must have a minimum,cumulative GPA of 3.0. All internships must be,approved by the graduate program department,chairperson.,

Credits: 3

Prerequisites: