2026-2027 Academic Catalog

Tag: CDS Major Course

  • 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-365 EXTENDED REALITY (XR) DESIGN

    This XR design course is the third in a series of,required courses exploring the role of digital,technology in communication design and strategy,systems. Students learn about immersive,technologies such as augmented reality (AR),,virtual reality (VR), and mixed reality (MR).,Students explore how these technologies blend the,physical and virtual worlds and consider the,narrative complexities of communicating between,these spaces. The course emphasizes hands-on,learning through a human-centric lens, focusing on,understanding different users and user groups.,Students prototype, user test, perform, bodystorm,,and play, while applying critical methods,,iterative design processes, and digital UI and UX,techniques as they pertain to spatial computing.,Students are encouraged to think about the future,of digital communication systems and consider,these emerging technologies as opportunities for,experimentation. Additional courses to consider,are Data Visualization, Experience Design, and,Mobile App Development.

    Credits: 3

    Prerequisites: CDS 264, CDS 211, CDS 212*,*Formerly DGD 264, DGD 211 and DGD 212

  • 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