In this course, students are taught the basics of two-dimensional design as related to graphic design and digital multimedia design. The basic vocabulary of visual form is taught, and materials and board skills necessary for these projects are explored. Overall, the development of students’ visual creative skill is emphasized. Students will produce projects which reflect their understanding of the concepts and skills taught.

In this course, students’ knowledge of basic design is extended into the area of graphic communication and typography in order to develop a framework on which to do professional graphic and web design. The course explores the following concepts: visual form as communication; the relationship of content and visual form; typography as a visual form; basic technical typography; a brief history of graphic communication and typography; and a working methodology for problem solving. The course requires students to produce projects which reflect their cumulative understanding of the concepts and skills taught.

Prerequisite: GCD 150

In this course, students study how human "markings" evolved from the earliest times to the present digital era, focusing on how letterforms began and how they've changed over time. Class projects concentrate on analyzing the structure of type form and how to use it effectively for creative visual communication. The course also highlights how to achieve visual effectiveness in the relationship of text to images on a page or screen.

Prerequisite: GCD 150

This course uses camera and photographic processes as vehicles for artistic expression, perceptual discovery and design, and explores traditional and experimental use of photographic processes. Students provide their own cameras and basic materials.

This course introduces students to the principles of digital multimedia design, graphic design, page layout and typography. The relationship of typography to images and graphics in a full-color environment are explored through the assignment of various projects. Output requirements and the correct preparation of files are discussed. Good design and appropriate solutions for the problems presented are also encouraged. The software introduced to students is monitored and adjusted to reflect constantly changing technologies in the field.

This course focuses on advanced features of page layout software. Students build upon previous knowledge of the software by designing material for a business or advertising environment, including stationery, business cards, corporate identity, logos and brochures. This class includes a workshop/lab; topics covered include scanning, color separation and setting up files for pre-press. Lab time is necessary for class assignments and students present their work during class critiques. The software introduced to students is monitored and adjusted to reflect constantly changing technologies in the field.

Prerequisite: GCD 230 and 235

This course introduces students to the use of vector-based software, to create illustrations, use typographic design principles, create logos, and incorporate images with graphics. The focus is on understanding the use of software as an illustration tool and on beginning to develop original ideas. Design principles, use of color and composition are also emphasized. Lab time is necessary for class assignments.

This course introduces students to working with images in a digital environment. Students receive an overview of tools, scanning, color correction, image size resolution, and digital compositing. Students work on projects that simulate “real world” design concepts and then present their work during class critiques. Lab time is necessary for class assignments.

Prerequisite: GCD 230 and 235

Page layout and the implementation of images and illustrations into a multipage document are the major focus of this course. The pre-press process, the preparation of images for output, and the use of crop marks, bleeds, and color separation are discussed. Students are expected to work independently on projects in addition to class meetings. Lab time is necessary for class assignments, and students present their work during class critiques.

Prerequisite: GCD 155, GCD 231, 236

Introduction to webpage design; students will learn the skills needed to author and publish documents using HTML and authoring software. Design skills will be applied towards webpage construction. Students learn to apply their knowledge of print design and computer software to webpage design. Lab time outside of class will be necessary for class assignments.

Prerequisite: GCD 155, GCD 231 and GCD 236

This course covers topics such as client interactions, case studies, marketing strategies for websites, navigation design, SEO, responsive design, team projects, project planning and user testing. Students are required to create a minimum of one fully functional website for review. Advanced web design features are also explored.

Prerequisite: GCD 263

In this course, students use advanced software tools to create, correct, and manipulate images on a professional level. Emphasis is placed on developing visual literacy in color and image manipulation. The development of the sequential thinking required to do advanced work is stressed. Lab time is necessary for class assignments.

Prerequisite: GCD 236

This course explores the modern techniques and applications of 2-D animation and its technological implementation. Students study animation with emphases on production techniques, both technological and artistic, and on motion analysis, with an eye toward producing realistic/believable motion and performances.

Prerequisite: GCD 236

This course covers advanced techniques in website design focusing on the functionality of interactive sites and effective use of text, graphics, and animation. Students are required to upload their original, functional websites for evaluation.

Prerequisite: GCD 264 and 267

The visual display and interpretation of quantitative information are increasingly critical in the information age. This course is concerned with the graphic designer’s contribution to the handling of complex quantitative data, both in printed designs and on the internet.

Prerequisite: GCD 262

This course thoroughly acquaints students with traditional design skills necessary for the creation of professional-level designs. An emphasis is placed on mechanical techniques, conceptual thinking, and expanding students’ visual vocabulary. Thumbnails, roughs, and mechanical layouts are taught, including the use of typography, hand lettering, color usage, audience research and targeting, and copy writing.

Prerequisite: GCD 262 and GCD 267

In this course, students use a vector-based computer drawing program as a visual thinking tool, with experimental approaches to a variety of applied illustration problems. The focus is on conceptualizing and executing illustrative designs appropriate to a number of media formats (advertising, editorial, informational). Students are encouraged to use innovation while honing skills in conceptualization, technique, design and presentation of computer illustrations. Projects completed in this course add significantly to the student designer’s portfolio.

Prerequisite: GCD 236

This class is an introduction to shooting and editing digital video. Students create projects composing multilayered videos for DVD and the web. Sound editing, transfer of analog to digital, video graphics and streaming media are explored in this course. Pre-production planning and storyboarding will be stressed.

This course will cover topics of current interest in digital multimedia design. Possible offerings include the business of graphic design, digital 3-D design, streaming technology for webcasting, or multimedia presentation.

Prerequisite: Department Approval

This is an advanced studio course devoted to individual portfolio-quality projects. Students choose one field of design in which to concentrate in developing a portfolio project for the semester. Areas of focus may be multimedia design, website print design (advertising, corporate, information, etc.) or other related design fields, with faculty approval.

Prerequisite: Department Approval

Students design professional pieces that will enhance their chances of attaining a position in fields related to digital multimedia design. Magazine and catalogs, book cover design, package design, web design, and corporate identity are among the projects required for this course. Discussions on effective resumes and how to prepare for job interviews, as well as the job search, are also explored. Students will present portfolios to faculty members of the Digital Multimedia Design Program for critique and evaluation throughout the semester. Presentation skills, such as mounting and matting work, will be covered. Lab time will be required for class assignments.

Prerequisite: GCD 262,264,267 and 335. Co-requisite: GCD 302

This course requires students to complete an internship in a digital multimedia design or web-related field. Weekly logs and design work are required for internships and are reviewed by members of the Digital Multimedia Design Department faculty at the completion of the internship. The purpose of the internship is to provide students with practical experience to complement their coursework.

Prerequisite: Departmental approval