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:

DGR-790 GRAD STUDIES INDEPENDENT STUDY

Independent Study is available to graduate,students with a cumulative grade point average of,3.00 or above. The student may receive approval to,work in an area or on a project that is not,otherwise offered or addressed in the regular,curriculum. An Independent Study should include,opportunities for individual student voice and,provide a space for diverse perspectives. Students,may receive credit toward graduation for no more,than 6 credit hours. The student must,submit to the chairperson of the department in,which they wish to study, an Independent Study,Proposal of 150 words (no less) of the student’s,plan for study and her/his reason for choosing to,study,independently. Once the department chairperson,provides approval and the instructor for the,Independent Study is determined, the faculty,member must write an Independent Study Syllabus,with,education goals, learning outcomes, meeting dates,,course expectations, timelines, and due dates.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites:

DGR-500 GLOBAL LEARNING EXPERIENCE

(This is a faculty led study abroad course *,syllabi will differ per destination) ,,On a Global Learning Experience course, students,are brought outside the typical classroom, for a,24/7 learning experience in varying locations,outside the USA. The course will provide students,with tools for analyzing your learning process and,identifying cultural patterns, differences,,similarities and values encountered during the,journey. Students develop a sense of,cross-cultural understanding, and navigate towards,becoming a global citizen. Students develop a,heightened sense of confidence, and leadership as,they plan, and execute this excursion. In,addition students discover the role of becoming an,ambassador for their own culture. Practical issues,about studying abroad (safety, money, packing,,etc.) are delivered via pre-departure sessions,with the International Student Services Office.,
,

, SUMMER 2024,
,COSTA RICA,
,There’s nothing quite like the rain forests of the,”Rich Coast.” At its heart, the,Central American country boasts an epic landscape,that is home to nearly 5 percent of,the world’s biodiversity. Discover how fragile,these endangered ecosystems are as you,travel through different rainforest preserves and,unearth dazzling displays of color and,sound. Explore also the unique art and culture of,some of Costa Rica’s most vibrant,cities and towns.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites:

DGR-601 GRADUATE COMMUNICATION

Strong English language skills are essential for,success at CCS and in a future career as an,international designer. In this course, students,will develop and improve English communication,skills. Using a wide range of tools and,assignments, students will talk and write about,design with focus on planning and organization,,visual aids, audience, appropriate vocabulary,,revising based on feedback, and presenting before,a group. The skills acquired in this course will,enable students to produce a presentation on,design research conducted throughout the semester.

Credits: 1

Prerequisites:

DGR-613 GRADUATE SEMINAR

The Graduate Seminar course brings together the,full cohort of CCS graduate design students to,discuss and debate key contextual issues in and,around design, and advance critical thinking,skills. Students explore how engagement with key,contextual themes informs and enriches the design,process and design leadership. Students attend,lectures and seminars and undertake visits to key,exhibitions, galleries and/or public talks.,Graduate Seminar serves to advance both critical,inquiry and critical writing skills of students,,and enable the cross-referencing of theory to,practice. Weekly classes are led by debates in,areas including climate change, economics, social,justice, globalization and emerging technology.,This course involves extensive reading, research,,group presentations, short written assignments and,one longer written assignment.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites:

DGR-620 GRADUATE RESEARCH METHODS

The Graduate Research Methods course equips,students with the knowledge and skills required to,undertake a range of advanced research methods,appropriate to practice and critical inquiry in,art and design. The course covers primary research,methods, including design ethnography, field,research, case studies, interviews, reflective,practice, and practice-based methods. The,knowledge acquired throughout the course will,support students in the formulation of,sophisticated, reflective and fully reference,proposals for research-led creative practice, and,a rigorously informed critical discourse.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites: DGR 613 GRADUATE SEMINAR