Graphic Design
Graphic Design Course Descriptions
GRDS 200 - Intro to Graphic Design- 3 hrs
Intro to Graphic Design provides the student with a comprehensive overview of the design field including principles, techniques, and practice. Projects and exercises encourage the exploration of a wide range of design applications. Throughout the course, the student will hone problem-solving skills, comprehend the design process, and learn craft-making techniques.
Corequisite: ART 140 Visual Thinking I
GRDS 300 - Typography I - 3 hrs
This course introduces students to the history and technology of one of
the most integral components of visual communication—letterforms.
Topics covered include typographic vocabulary, terminology, classification,
measurement, syntax, communication and legibility. The expressive potential
of letterforms and words are explored, as well as the relationship between
type and image. Students develop an appreciation of the subtleties of
typographic form through projects that incorporate both traditional and
digital methods and techniques.
Prerequisites: ART 140 & GRDS 320.
GRDS 320 - Digital Studio I - 3 hrs
Digital Studio I introduces the student to using the Macintosh computer
as a tool for image-creation and manipulation. Both vector and raster-based
software are explored, with a focus on digital drawing tools and scanning
software, and the preparation of files for successful use in both print
and multimedia applications. Technical proficiency and aesthetic judgment
are emphasized. Naming, saving, printing, organizing, emailing and archiving
digital files is addressed.
Prerequisites: ART 140 & GRDS 200..
GRDS 340 - Intermediate Design - 3 hrs
This course introduces students to the communication challenges of a client-driven profession through projects that demand conceptual thinking and visual problem-solving skills, and which require strict adherence to specifications, deadlines and presentation standards. Topics covered include: interdependency of form and content; information hierarchy and visual unity; and economic, social and cultural impact of design. The importance of research, ideation, process, documentation and craft are stressed.
Prerequisites: ART 140 & GRDS 320.
GRDS 360 - Digital Studio II - 3 hrs
Digital Studio II introduces students to using the Macintosh computer
as a tool for design, page-layout and production. Grid, document structure,
pagination and basic typographic hierarchy are explored, as well as the
use of master pages, style sheets, libraries, layers and color models
in the construction of both single- and multiple-page documents. Technical
considerations in the design and production process are presented such
as working with image files and preparing documents for successful output
to print and PDF. Through lecture and critique, students develop an awareness
of how design decisions impact the cost of production and distribution.
Prerequisites: ART 140, GRDS 300, GRDS 340.
GRDS 380 - History of Graphic Design - 3 hrs
This course provides students a survey of the field of graphic design
from its prehistoric origins to contemporary practice, focusing on pivotal
events and achievements that have shaped the evolution of visual communication.
Students explore the relationship between design and its audience, analyze
the evolution of formal attributes, and study the social and economic
impact of design activities. Significant stages in graphic design are
explored in relation to both technological advances in the field as well
as change and innovation in related disciplines.
Prerequisites: GRDS 360.
GRDS 410 - Typography II - 3 hrs
This course expands on the fundamentals of typography and challenges the
student to organize and produce complex typographic designs and layouts.
Students learn to analyze, edit and organize information and to create
dynamic, clear communication for business, literary or instructional purposes.
Legibility, readability, hierarchy, structure, pacing and sequencing are
covered. Students are encouraged to consider content, interpretation,
audience and appropriateness when approaching assignments.
Prerequisites: ART 208 & GRDS 380.
GRDS 430 - Advanced Design - 3 hrs
Advanced Design offers students an overview of the many specializations in the diverse field of graphic design. Projects demand extensive research, analysis and creative conceptualization. Students are expected to generate sophisticated design solutions that reflect a high level of expertise and achievement. Critical thinking in graphic design is stressed, with readings and discussions on contemporary issues in the profession, both domestic and international.
Prerequisites: GRDS 410.
GRDS 400 - Special Topics in Graphic Design - 3-9 hrs
This course provides the student an opportunity to explore, in-depth,
a specialization in the graphic design industry. Topics may include: identity
design and guidelines, branding and packaging design, publication design,
environmental design, information architecture and systems design, and
signage and wayfinding design. Other topics address critical thinking
in graphic design and may include such issues as design and social responsibility,
design for democracy and design for global audiences, among others.
Prerequisites: 18 credits in graphic design.
GRDS 440 - Interactive Design - 3 hrs
This course is designed to educate students in interaction design for on–screen experiences. Students will learn the latest software techniques and be introduced to concepts of interactivity. Investigation will include the integration of concept, story, event, and content. This course will focus on the principles of user experience in relation to content and meaning. Students will explore the changing roles of designers in the environment of the World Wide Web, learning processes, and languages to create dynamic interactive experiences. Students will learn to analyze conventional and unconventional network experiences; to identify principles in action and develop strategies for interactive design.
Prerequisite: GRDS 360 and ART 208 with a C or higher
GRDS 442 - Website Design - 3 hrs
This course is designed to educate students in web and interface design for on-screen experiences. Students will learn the latest software, gain fluency in WYSIWYG programming and be introduced to web accessibility guidelines. The class will review current visual communication practices on the web, consider the basic concepts of information architecture, develop core technical and design competencies, and focus on developing a user-centered website. The class encourages a critical examination of net culture and challenges students to expand the creative potential of the medium.
Prerequisite: GRDS 360 and ART 208 with a C or higher
GRDS 450 - Annual Report Studio - 3-6 hrs
This course challenges a student team to the design, photography and production
of a highly visible publication for the National Capital Region of the
U.S. National Park Service. Collaborating with a client communications
director, design students learn to generate imaginative creative concepts
from editorial content and to communicate those concepts through effective
art direction and design. Student photographers travel extensively throughout
the greater Washington, D.C. area to capture images that satisfy specific
content, format and technical requirements. Client contact, project management,
team-building and presentation skills are sharpened in this unique, real
world experience. Annual Report Studio is offered each semester, generating
conceptual design and photography in the Fall, and production design and
imaging in the Spring. A two-semester commitment is expected of students
to ensure continuity in the creation of this critical document.
Prerequisites: 18 credits in graphic design or photography; a minimum
3.0 GPA; interview & portfolio review; and permission of instructor.
GRDS 460 - Internship in Graphic Design - 3-6 hrs
Internships offer students an opportunity to expand their knowledge and
understanding of the field by working in a professional design setting.
Client-oriented projects expose the student to multiple aspects of the
professional design process: client meetings, cost estimates, presentation,
design and production. 200 hours of documented work (about 12 hours a
week per semester) is required to complete this course. Summer internships
are strongly encouraged.
Prerequisites: 24 credits in graphic design and minimum 3.0 GPA.
