2026-2027 Academic Catalog

Author: Tanecia Nunlee

  • CDS-285 =GLITCH & GRAIN

    The Special Project class is offered on an,occasional basis, with course content specific to,the area(s) being explored.,document.,

    ,WINTER 2027,

    ,Glitch & Grain: Hybrid RISO Publications,,

    ,This course explores the intersection of analog,printmaking and digital generative art through the,lens of independent publishing. Students will,master RISOgraph printing techniques while,learning creative coding with P5.js, culminating,in hybrid publications that merge computational,creativity with tactile printing processes.,Through three progressive projects, students will,engage with the history of fanzines and,DIY/self-publishing culture while developing,contemporary approaches to collaborative and,conceptual making.,Open to all majors

    Credits: 3

    Prerequisites:

  • CDS-311 BRAND STRATEGIES

    In the first branding course, students learn about,the interconnected nature of modern branding and,the wide range of media used to reach target,audiences. They explore how branding applies to,local or small businesses through hands-on,projects. The course highlights the important role,of design in shaping, managing, and expressing a,brand’s identity. Collaboration is encouraged, and,students also learn about qualitative and,quantitative research, defining target audiences,,developing visualizations, creating brand,strategies, and presenting out to the class. Prior,knowledge of design principles, historical,context, organizational systems, and,human-centered concepts will be essential for,success in this course. Students interested in,this field may consider pursuing additional,courses such as Motion Branding, CDS Practicum, or,Independent Studies starting in their third year.

    Credits: 3

    Prerequisites: CDS 212 (formerly DGD-212)

  • CDS-312 CAMPAIGN STRATEGIES

    In this brand campaign course, students discover,the systemic nature of contemporary brand,visual/verbal messaging, and the diverse media,landscape used to inform or persuade target,demographics. Students learn to differentiate,between local and national campaign strategies to,understand the best practices in campaign,development. The course emphasizes the crucial,role of design in defining strategy and managing,language (visual and verbal) to communicate a,brand’s ethos. Projects encourage collaboration,which is essential for future professional,endeavors. This course evolves methods to include,qualitative and quantitative research, audience,definition, iterative visualization, and,presentation skills. Prior knowledge of design,visual languages, historical context,,organizational systems, and human-centered,concepts will be crucial for success in this,course.

    Credits: 3

    Prerequisites: CDS-212

  • CDS-317 PROFESSIONAL STUDIO PRACTICE I

    This first course, the first in a series of two,courses, explores contemporary design practice in,Communication Design and Strategy. Students gain,an understanding of different forms of design,practice, from independent contracts to,junior/senior positions and studio ownership. They,also participate in on-site or virtual studio,visits with BIPOC business leaders to learn about,professional expectations. The course covers,business tools used by design professionals and,guide students in creating materials to prepare,for the design market. This includes crafting,resumes, writing design briefs and project,proposals, using time management platforms,,understanding taxes and copyright policies, and,developing a junior-level portfolio. The second,course, Professional Studio Practice II, is taken,in the senior year to further prepare students for,the professional design market.

    Credits: 3

    Prerequisites: CDS 212 (formerly DGD 212)

  • CDS-324 MOTION 3D

    This third motion design course is an elective. It,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 into 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 message structures, and,editing choices to meet the needs of the project,goals.

    Credits: 3

    Prerequisites: CDS 224 AND CDS 311 (or CDS 312)*,*formerly DGD 224, DGD 311 (or DGD 312)

  • CDS-344 MOTION DESIGN

    This motion design course is an elective that,expands on the concepts and methods presented in,previous required motion courses. This course,develops graphic languages for designing dynamic,digital communications that rely on typography,,image, video, message, and sound. Students,integrate 3D/4D concepts into a system of kinetic,design solutions that consider more complex,applications of digital and analog tools, while,also focusing on the different audiences/users,,editorial message structures, and editing choices,to meet the needs of the project goals.

    Credits: 3

    Prerequisites: CDS-224 and CDS-311 (or CDS-312)

  • DFN-132 PROCESS & MAKING

    This course will familiarize students with the,basic construction and fabrication techniques of,design model construction. Through the completion,of a hand-held power tool model, students will be,introduced to the majority of tools, machines and,best practices needed to achieve successful models,and projects within the Model Shop. Special,emphasis is placed on a high level of,craftsmanship required in models for industry. ,This course will familiarize students with,surfacing techniques appropriate to model making,and painting processes. Students learn a wide,variety of methods and techniques needed to safely,complete future projects. Safety is the MOST,essential function of this course.

    Credits: 3

    Prerequisites:

  • DFN-139 COLOR AND LIGHT STUDIES

    Students will be introduced to the theory and,practice of color through observation,,experimentation, readings, screenings, discussion,,and creative projects. They will develop a,working color vocabulary considering sensory,experience, the psychology of color, personal,preference, as well as historical and symbolic,meanings of color. Students will also gain a,basic and practical understanding of mixing color,through traditional and non-traditional materials.,This class is experiential and open ended, an,attempt to arrive at an understanding of color as,an evolving scientific, philosophical, and,cultural phenomenon.

    Credits: 3

    Prerequisites:

  • DMA-211 DIGITAL ANIMATION TECHNIQUES I

    This course introduces students to time-based,animation through basic concepts and theories of,compositing, digital workflow, sequencing,,rendering, file management and organization.,Students also communicate through motion graphic,design, compositing ‘puppeting,’ and other digital,animation practices.

    Credits: 3

    Prerequisites:

  • DMA-212 2D DIGITAL ANIMATION II

    This course introduces students to time-based,animation through basic concepts and theories of,compositing, sequencing, editing, digitizing,,rendering, file management and organization.,Students also learn how to communicate ideas and,information through the use of these elements.

    Credits: 3

    Prerequisites: DMA 211