2026-2027 Academic Catalog

Author: Watson Peacock

  • CDS-373 PUBLICATION DESIGN

    This elective course expands on sequential,narrative concepts explored in previous,typographic courses. The student’s understanding,of the unique conditions related to the design of,digital and analog publications includes,unconventional publications that can be serial or,systemic in nature. Assignments require students,to analyze the nature of the intended audience,,the publication content, the author’s intent,,design writing, the goals of the publication,,materiality, and the intended exchange with the,reader in developing a visual response that can be,multi-platform when appropriate.

    Credits: 3

    Prerequisites: CDS 311 or CDS 312*,*formerly DGD 311 or DGD 312

  • CDS-374 DATA VISUALIZATION

    This elective course develops presentation methods,that help students take complex data sets and,transform them into expressive graphic contexts,that,are accessible and readable. Concepts of,information,logic, hierarchy, semiotics, biases relative to,narrative,constructions identified in complex data and how,different audiences may read content are concepts,integrated into project briefs. The historical and,contemporary nature and function of data,visualization within design studio practice will,be,highlighted. Solutions integrate the breadth and,depth of communication design visual language(s),to,develop static or dynamic solutions that can be,experienced on screen, in print, or in a,performative,space

    Credits: 3

    Prerequisites: CDS-311 or CDS-312

  • CDS-376 MOBILE UI/UX

    This elective course expands students’ ability to,use marketing strategies to identify mobile,opportunities for targeted and diverse consumer,and user groups. Students utilize knowledge of,human-centered user interfaces and experiences to,create digital apps that respond to a particular,consumer need. Projects consider the role of,current trends, and how they can be visually,manifested,in type, language, color, image, sound, and,motion. The research will inform mapping,,wireframing,,high-low prototyping, performative usability,testing, logic, and unique smartphone,applications.

    Credits: 3

    Prerequisites: CDS-264

  • CDS-378 EXPERIENCE DESIGN

    This elective course expands the required UxD,course content to include emerging technology and,concepts in the area of immersive spaces. Projects,will require the knowledge of advanced,interaction, UX principles and usability, a,familiarity with code and code-based applications.,Group projects will expand on concepts around user,testing and prototyping processes, along with how,the project is presented, built in physical,spaces, and documented with video using,voice-over, or typographic storytelling.

    Credits: 3

    Prerequisites: CDS 365, CDS 311 (or CDS 312)

  • CDS-400 EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING STUDIO

    Students acquire practical experience that,parallels the processes and methods used in,professional studio practice. Students work on,client-based projects with the assistance of a,faculty supervisor. Projects follow all the steps,in the design process, including client contact,,concept development, client presentations, and the,resolution of an appropriate communication,response developed in the client brief.

    Credits: 3

    Prerequisites: CDS 311 or CDS 312

  • CDS-411 INTEGRATED BRAND STRATEGY

    In this advanced branding course, students explore,the systemic nature of contemporary branding and,the diverse media landscape used to engage target,audiences. Students learn to differentiate between,local and national brand strategies through,practical projects. The course emphasizes the,crucial role of design in defining strategy,,managing, and communicating a brand’s ethos.,Projects encourage collaboration, essential for,future professional endeavors. Additionally,,students expand their methods to include,qualitative and quantitative research, audience,definition, iterative visualization, brand,strategy, 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 311, CDS 312, CDS 317 and CDS 365*,*Formerly DGD 311, DGD 312, DGD 317 and DGD 365

  • CDS-412 DESIGN THEORY

    In this final senior year course, students analyze,design theories that focus on their definition of,design practices. The course strengthens skills in,design writing, advanced research methods, and,critical thinking. Students explore design theory,and practice, delving into design history,,methodologies, processes, practices, materials,,and specific topics to inspire the development of,their capstone thesis projects. Projects allow,students to demonstrate their unique application,of design languages and explore the role of,personal voice. Throughout the course, students,create a research bibliography, write a thesis,statement, study case benchmarks, manage,timelines, create presentations, and develop their,final project with the guidance and support of,faculty.

    Credits: 3

    Prerequisites: CDS 311, CDS 312 and CDS 317*,*Formely DGD 311, DGD 312 and DGD 317

  • CDS-418 PROFESSIONAL STUDIO PRACTICES II

    The final required course builds on the first,,Professional Studio Practice I, and expands on,concepts of contemporary design practice within,the Communication Design and Strategy field. In,this course, students’ understanding of various,forms of their professional life can be,envisioned, from independent contracts to,junior/senior positions, and studio ownership.,Students and faculty critically curate their,graduating portfolio to align with the,professional goals they have established. Students,integrate contemporary tools and media platforms,relative to best practices within the design,industry. Differentiating the role of resumes,,websites, social media, and interview,presentations to create a kit that prepares,students for their post-CCS careers. This course,includes on-site/remote visits that include BIPOC,studio practitioners as guest critics to provide,additional insights as they transition to the,professional design industry.

    Credits: 3

    Prerequisites: CDS 312, CDS 317*,*Formely DGD 312 and DGD 317

  • CDS-475 COMMUNICATION DESIGN STRATEGY INTERNSHI

    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. To participate students must be,of junior or senior status with completion of,freshman and sophomore studios. Students must,have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.8. Seniors may,not be eligible to participate in an internship,during their final semester. Transfer students,must have attended one semester at CCS in addition,to meeting the other eligibility criteria.

    Credits: 6

    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,Sustainability 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, Design for Sustainability I,uses creative practice to focus on life-cycle,analysis: manufacturing cycles, materials cycles,,and,distributions systems.

    Credits: 3

    Prerequisites: