Category: Academic Programs & Courses

GRT-605 DIGITAL VISCOM I

This course introduces multiple 3D modeling and rendering tools, techniques, and processes required for both analyzing and realizing complex formal design expressions. These are then executed as final, technical digital 3D model data sets that are capable of further engineering assessment and fabrication. Special attention is given to the rapid exploration and development of 3D vehicle exterior form through extensive use of a range of 3D digital modeling and rendering software including Zbrush, Alias, VRED, Keyshot, Blender &/or Unreal Engine.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites:

IXD-605 USER INTERFACE DESIGN

This course introduces the fundamental concepts, methods, and practices of UI design, emphasizing the crucial interconnection between User Experience (UX) and User Interface (UI) design. The course covers the step-by-step process of creating a user interface, including ideation, prototyping, iteration, and implementation. It will familiarize its students with technical aspects, design tools, methodologies, and techniques commonly used in the industry. Students delve into the UI development process through a blend of individual exploration and collaborative teamwork. They gain hands-on experience and refine their abilities to express and communicate their ideas through narrative media and deliver visual mockups and prototypes. The User Interface Design course adopts an in-studio format that cultivates an environment supportive of group discussions, constructive critiques, and compelling presentations. This structure ensures that students understand the complexities within UX and UI Design and prepares them to thrive in this dynamic and constantly evolving field.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites:

MAE-702 ARTISTIC REASEARCH: THE RESEARCHER

Conceptualized to span across the three summer residencies as a connective thread, the course introduces relevant theory and practice that directly intersects with the core art education courses. Student will explore questions inspired by and directly connected to their teaching contexts through a visual lens. A/R/Tography will serve as a methodology for research development and identity exploration, and its impact on artistic and personal classroom practice. The three studio explorations are designed as a series that can be taken in any order. Each summer emphasizes theoretical frameworks contextually relevant to contemporary art and art education. EMPHASIS: THE RESEARCHER: Artistic and theoretical investigations are put into practice in the studio through a research lens designed to provoke critical questions related to visual literacy and art education.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites:

CLA-605 DESIGN FOR SUSTAINABILITY I

This is the first of a series of studio courses that allow students on the MA and MFA Design for Climate Action programs to develop their skills and knowledge in live design briefs with industry and community partners. By their nature, these courses include socio-economic and political considerations. The studio courses are designed to challenge students with projects of increasing complexity and progressively strengthen the students’ problem-solving skills. Students will solve design problems requiring substantive research, concept ideation and realization, and implementation. In conjunction with the Zero-Waste Materials and Processes course, Climate Action Studio I uses creative practice to focus on life-cycle analysis: manufacturing cycles, materials cycles, and distributions systems.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites:

CMD-685 SPECIAL PROJECT

The Special Project course is offered on an occasional basis, with course content specific to the area being explored.
WINTER 2024
TEXTILES FOR CMF DESIGN
, In this course, students will explore the potential of textile design and practices to gain expertise in making informed decisions for Color and Materials Design strategies, including textile provenance, construction, science and dye chemistry, sustainable practices, appropriateness, and specification for a broad range of industries. Students will research, source, make, and test a library of samples that include wovens, non-wovens, knits, sewn goods, adjacent materials, and finishing techniques. Students will apply their knowledge to user scenarios within the context of CMF strategies appropriate for the identified industries, including identifying relevant trends, sourcing and making physical material samples, and applying material concepts to 3D-rendered products, environments, and experiences.

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

GRT-606 DIGITAL VISCOM II

As a continuation of Digital Visual Communication I. this course focuses on advanced 3D modeling and rendering tools, techniques, and processes required for both analyzing and realizing complex formal design expressions with a special focus on vehicle interiors. In addition to continuing to build competency in rapid 3D form exploration and development, this course expands into the refinement of a technical digital 3D model data set of a fully integrated exterior and interior vehicle design. This 3D model is then animated to evaluate final product execution, communicate conceptual intent, and demonstrate technical component articulation. 3D digital modeling and animation software such as Zbrush, Alias, VRED, Keyshot, Blender &/ or Unreal Engine are extensively used.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites: GRT 605

IXD-606 UX RESEARCH (USER TESTING)

Students learn the principles of UX (user experience) design, enabling them to conduct comprehensive research, analyze user behavior, and apply their findings to create user-centric designs in various digital contexts. Students learn how to map user journeys and prototype meaningful scenarios informed by research and iterative modeling and testing. Students utilize and apply user-centered research and co-design methods. They learn various research methods, such as user interviews, surveys, usability testing, and data analysis. They also explore techniques for collecting and interpreting user data. Furthermore, the course will cover prototyping techniques to translate research findings into tangible designs, allowing students to work on projects where they can apply their acquired skills in real-world scenarios. By the end of this course, students will have a solid grasp of UX research principles, be able to conduct research independently, and make design decisions based on user insights.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites:

MAE-703 ARTISTIC RESEARCH: THE ARTIST

Conceptualized to span across the three summer residencies as a connective thread, the course introduces relevant theory and practice that directly intersects with the core art education courses. Student will explore questions inspired by and directly connected to their teaching contexts through a visual lens. A/R/Tography will serve as a methodology for research development and identity exploration, and its impact on artistic and personal classroom practice. The three studio explorations are designed as a series that can be taken in any order. Each summer emphasizes theoretical frameworks contextually relevant to contemporary art and art education. EMPHASIS: THE ARTIST: Artistic and theoretical investigations are put into conversation with contemporary issues and topics at the forefront of studio practice as they relate to art and art education.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites:

CLA-612 INTRODUCTION TO EARTH SCIENCE

This course introduces scientific theories, methodologies, and findings used to explain anthropogenic climate change. It provides designers and those from other disciplines with a clear understanding of processes, terminology, data and statistics that can reliably inform and support problem solving and systems intervention with multidisciplinary perspectives; it enables credible and transparent shaping of strategic narratives and communication.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites: