Category: Communication Design

This required course, is the second in a sequence of junior year courses, that develops an understanding of theories, processes, and methods associate with Communication Design practices. Through assigned projects, students develop the ability to research content that translates into concept, for an intended audience(s). Design writing, research, presentation, and critical thinking is included in this studio course, which centers inquiry around concepts of social, cultural, ethical and business implications of strategic design thinking. Students utilize creative problem-solving methodologies to design solutions that demonstrate a greater understanding of a broader world view, while considering the role design can have in translating challenges into opportunities that positively impact intended users, in the creation of well-crafted informed design solutions intended for different audience/users.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites: DGD 212 OR DGD 277

The goal of the course is to expand the student’s understanding of how messages are created as dynamic experiences using sound, physical or proximity interaction, typography, image and sequence. Projects develop the student’s ability to create messages that function as dynamic narrative and as clusters of data points experienced in time and space. The practical application of these concepts can be seen in exhibitions for museums and corporations, public spaces and as integrated components of retailing and way-finding.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites: DGD 378, DGD 311 OR DGD 312

This required course, the first in a series of two courses, examines concepts of contemporary design practice within the area of Communication Design. In this course students will develop an understanding of various forms of practice, from independent contract to junior/senior positions to studio ownership. Through on-site/virtual studio visits that includes BIPOC business leaders, students will learn first hand professional expectations. Students develop an understanding of business tools used by professionals. Students create a kit of materials to prepare them for the design market, including resume, writing design briefs, project proposals, time management platforms, preliminary understanding of taxes and copyright policies, and junior level portfolio. The second course, Professional Studio Practice II will be taken in their senior year, as preparation for entering the professional design market.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites: DGD 212, DGD 277

The Special Project course is offered on an occasional basis, with course content specific to the area being explored.
WINTER 2024
MOTION BRANDING This motion design course is an elective and expands on the concepts and methods presented in previous motion design courses. Students will develop their understanding of how messages are created in a time-based context using typography, image, sound, and semiotics. Projects will integrate 2D animation concepts and digital tools and techniques relevant to communication design majors to explore the important role of motion graphics in branding and video creation. Projects consider appropriate messaging structures with audience(s)/User(s) needs and intents as a primary focus.
DESIGN ENTREPRENEUR
This elective ?course expands on a student’s understanding of design studio practice by introducing the concept of designer as entrepreneur. Research into markets, and capacity will be presented, along with expanded design methodologies to help move solutions from concept to marketplace. Students will design a small edition of objects that work as a set with a market(s) or user(s) in mind. Students will be exposed to alternative models of making that include but are not limited to publishing, authorship, curation and product development. Students will explore alternative tools, techniques, and substrates that will expand their prototyping capabilities low-fi to high fidelity, will be utilized to aid in the creation of well-crafted design solutions

Credits: 3

Prerequisites: DGD 311

This third motion design course is an elective, and expands on the concepts and methods presented in designing dynamic digital communications that rely on the use of typography, image, video, message, and sound that were introduced in Motion I and II. Students will integrate 3D/4D concepts to a system of dynamic design solutions that consider more complex applications of digital and analog tools, while also focusing on the different audiences/users, editorial messages structures, and editing choices to meet the needs of the project goals.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites: DGD 224, DGD 311 OR DGD 312

Independent Study is available to students who are at Junior or Senior level standing 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. Art Education candidates must pass DAE 490 with a grade of ‘C’ (2.00) or higher to qualify for certification.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites: DGD 311 OR DGD 312

This motion design course introduces concepts and methods used in designing dynamic digital communications that rely on the typography, image, video, sound, and message. The language of motion design and its associated meaning(s) are presented through a series of dynamic projects, where students select the narrative content they explore. Students learn relevant techniques and concepts, associated with both analog and digital tools in order to aid in the creation of well-crafted dynamic sequential solutions. Students may elect to take additional courses, Motion Design II and III, starting in the junior year.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites: DGD 151 OR DGD 201

Students will work in the creative process of original typographic design which will emphasize exploration, historical research and synthesis of these variables in typographic design. Students will consider and explore various design process methodology related to type design. Students are encouraged to use technology and media that reflects the project outline and student’s skill level. Students will revisit and review typographic nomenclature relevant to type design and consider the important role of graphic design history in the context of type design. An inclusive historical lens is encouraged.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites: DGD 311 OR DGD 312

(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.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites: SLP 007

This required typography course, the first in a sequence of three, develops an understanding of two-dimensional design space and the unique nature of typographic communication principles. Through a series of projects centered around the role of type in communication design, students develop an understanding of typographic aesthetics, concepts of organization, understanding nuance of language based messages to achieve a particular hierarchy, while emphasizing the role of analog and digital tools to achieve well-crafted solutions with specific communication intent. Content used in this course present design’s complex history, while also providing students the opportunity to lend their point of view in content analysis.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites: