2026-2027 Academic Catalog

Tag: CDS Elective Course

  • CDS-201 COMM DESIGN & STRATEGY FOR NON-MAJORS

    This non-major course is designed to,introduce/develop two-dimensional design skills in,the context of typographic environments to,students outside of the major of Communication,Design and Strategy. Projects introduce students,to the principles of typography and image in order,to develop skills related to organizing,typographic and image environments to achieve,clear communication based on an understanding of,typographic hierarchy, message, and aesthetics, as,well as spatial relationships of the page/screen,such as grid, column and margin. Students develop,the ability to make typographic design decisions,that consider taste, audience/user, content,,concept, and sequence, by employing process,methodologies used in the creation of unique,visual communication solutions that speaks to,their own art and design practice, or cultural,,social lens.

    Credits: 3

    Prerequisites:

  • 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-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)

  • CDS-352 TYPE DESIGN

    Students work in the creative process of original,typographic design, emphasizing exploration,,historical research, and synthesis of these,variables in typographic design. Students will,consider and explore various design process,methodologies 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: CDS 311 OR CDS 312*,*formerly DGD 311 or DGD 312

  • 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