2026-2027 Academic Catalog

Tag: CDS Major Course

  • CDS-124 MOTION ESSENTIALS

    This motion graphics course introduces concepts,and methods used in designing dynamic digital,communications that rely on typography, graphic,form, visual hierarchy, sound, and message. The,language of motion design and its associated,meaning(s) are presented through a series of,projects. Students learn relevant techniques and,motion semiotic concepts, associated digital tools,in order to aid in the creation of well-crafted,dynamic sequential solutions. This course,introduces students to concepts that are,foundational to the department and the skills,required for success.

    Credits: 3

    Prerequisites: CDS 151 (formerly DGD 151) or CDS 201 (formerly DGD 201)

  • CDS-151 TYPOGRAPHY I

    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 presents design’s complex history,,while also providing students the opportunity to,lend their point of view in content analysis. This,course introduces students to concepts that are,foundational to the department and the skills,required for success.

    Credits: 3

    Prerequisites:

  • CDS-152 TYPOGRAPHY II

    This required typography course is the second in a,sequence of three, that develops an understanding,of 2D design space and the unique nature of,typographic communication principles. Building on,Typography I, students expand their ability to,work with typographic form, understanding the,nuance of language-based messages, and,organization through projects that introduce,organizational systems, grids, and the associated,nomenclature. Classifications, and anatomy of,letterforms, are integrated into projects,,language hierarchy, image, and rhetorical elements,in order to develop sequential narrative,communication. This course helps students apply,the role of analog and digital tools to achieve,well-crafted solutions with specific intent.,Content used in this course presents design’s,complex history, while also providing students the,opportunity to lend their point of view on content,analysis. Students may elect to take additional,typography courses, Publication Design, Type IV,,and Type Design in their junior year.

    Credits: 3

    Prerequisites: CDS 151 (formerly DGD-151)

  • CDS-211 DESIGN SEMIOTICS

    This required second-year course, the first of,two, students are introduced to semiotic theory,and its intricate relationship with Communication,Design studio practices. Through assigned,projects, students apply theories, iterative,design processes, and critical methods to make,design decisions that define content, concept,,audience, and messaging. The course focuses on,creating informed design solutions that,incorporate typography, writing, and images, with,an emphasis on play and practice. Students develop,digital skills, basic photographic knowledge, and,design techniques to create a system of,well-crafted design solutions across dynamic and,static media platforms.

    Credits: 3

    Prerequisites: CDS 124 and CDS 152 (or CDS 201)*,*Formerly DGD-124 and DGD 152 (or DGD-201),CDS 251, CDS 263*,*Formely DGD 251 and DGD 263

  • CDS-212 DESIGN RESEARCH

    This course is the second in a series that focuses,on design theories, iterative design processes,,and critical methods related to Communication,Design. Students work on projects that reinforce,how to translate content into concepts that,consider the audience. The course also emphasizes,the role of writing and introduces research,methods that focus on Communication Design,history. Prior knowledge of typographic systems,,around aesthetics, organizational systems, and,terminology, is expected to be applied and,developed in this course. Similarly, students will,enhance their digital skills and design techniques,while learning about the visual language of,design, both past and present, to create,well-crafted narratives for design solutions,across different media platforms.

    Credits: 3

    Prerequisites: CDS 211, CDS 251 and CDS 263*,*Formerly DGD 211, DGD 251 and DGD 263

  • CDS-224 MOTION NARRATIVES

    In this second motion design course, students,build on the concepts and methods introduced in,the Motion Essentials. They gain practical,experience in creating dynamic digital,communications using typography, graphic elements,,sound, and motion semiotics. The course also,covers the importance of image and video creation,and production in the context of dynamic digital,communication systems. Students further develop,their knowledge of contemporary digital tools and,relevant techniques for Communication Design and,Strategy majors. They work on projects that,involve creating well-crafted dynamic motion,solutions through appropriate writing and,visual/verbal narrative structures tailored to,specific audiences. Students interested in this,area of CDS may elect to take additional courses,,Motion Design starting in their third year.

    Credits: 3

    Prerequisites: CDS 211, CDS 251 and CDS 263*,*Formerly DGD 211, DGD 251 and DGD 263

  • CDS-251 TYPOGRAPHY III

    This required typography course, the third in the,sequence of three, applies an understanding of,two-dimensional design space and the unique nature,of typographic communication principles. Building,on experiences in Typography I & II, students,expand their ability to work with typographic,sequential systems of communication. Students,expand the ability to use various methods,,techniques and materials in the creation of a,large scale typographic prototype. Content used,in this course presents design’s complex history,,while also providing student the opportunity to,lend their point of view in content analysis. ,Students may elect to take additional courses,,Typography IV and Type Design, starting in the,junior year.

    Credits: 3

    Prerequisites: CDS 152 (formerly DGD-152) or CDS 201 (formerly DGD-201)

  • CDS-263 UI DESIGN

    This required user interface course, the first in,a sequence of three, develops an understanding of,basic design principles, code language, and,software used in the creation of web-based,communications. Through assigned projects,,students will understand the complexity of screen,based communication systems while applying an,understanding of typographic form, image, color,,writing, and organizational systems in the context,of dynamic user interface. The role of the user is,introduced and concepts of understanding their,needs are defined. Critical methods and digital,techniques associated with appropriate hardware,and interface software are integrated into project,based learning. Final outcomes demonstrate,application of principles to create well-crafted,visual/verbal messages applied to informed design,solutions. This course introduces students to,concepts that are foundational to the department,and the skills required for success.

    Credits: 3

    Prerequisites: CDS 124, CDS 152 (or CDS 201)*,*Formerly DGD 124, DGD 152 (or DGD 201)

  • CDS-264 UX DESIGN

    This user experience design course is the second,in a series of three. It reinforces basic design,principles, coding languages, and software used in,creating dynamic and responsive web-based,communications. Building on previous knowledge of,UI, motion design, typography, and image-making,,this course introduces the systemic nature of,digital solutions across various media spaces.,Through assigned projects, students explore the,complex nature of responsive digital experiences,with a greater focus on human-centered design,solutions in evolving environments and media,platforms. Student’s ability to apply critical,methods, iterative design processes, and digital,techniques associated with contemporary hardware,and software is expected in a project-based,learning studio. The outcomes will demonstrate,well-crafted visual and verbal messages applied to,informed design solutions. Students interested in,this field may choose to pursue additional,courses, such as UxD Design starting in their,third year.

    Credits: 3

    Prerequisites: CDS 211, CDS 251 and CDS 263*,*Formerly DGD 211, DGD 251 and DGD 263

  • 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)