GRA 205 - Computer Graphics
3 credits; Offered fall and spring This course is an introduction to the use of the Macintosh computer as a design tool for the creation of visual communication. Students will learn the basic skills necessary to produce computer-generated images for advertising and graphic design. This includes the computer design and production of projects that utilize both four-color process and spot-color models. GRA 210 - Digital Imaging
3 credits; Offered fall and spring Students will learn digital imaging techniques for applications in photography, advertising, graphic design and multimedia. Using professional editing software and scanners, students will digitize photographs, 35mm transparencies and negatives. These scanned images can be retouched, modified and combined to create exciting new visual images.
Assignments range from monitor displays to hard-copy printing for newspapers and magazines. Students must spend much time outside of class to master skills in this modern visual communication technique. GRA 215 - Typography
3 credits; Offered fall; Prerequisite: GRA 205 The focus of this course will be on the language of line, structure, and tone in developing a drawing. Students will learn how to draw what is seen and communicate through employment of basic techniques. Students will complete assignments concentrating on spatial relationships, pictorial organization, tone, as well as the conventions of perspective. GRA 253 - Computer Publication Design
3 credits; Offered fall and spring; Prerequisites: GRA 210 & 215 This course is designed to explore the Macintosh working environment used in publication design. Students will experiment with creative problem solving through the use of grids, typography and imagery. These concepts will be applied, using professional page layout and graphics software, to design and produce several comprehensive publication layouts. GRA 305 - Digital Color Theory
3 credits; Offered fall; Prerequisites: GRA 205 & 210 The importance of Color Management is essential to the designer. Learning how to manage your color workflow, adjusting colors and calibrate different devices to achieve your expectation. Fundamental color theory principles will also be addressed using the computer. Mastering color corrections, spot colors, and printer calibration will be just some of the exercises reviewed. GRA 310 - User Interface Design
3 credits; Offered fall; Prerequisites: GRA 210 & 215 This course is an introduction to the user-interface from a design principles perspective. Students will study how site architecture, navigational systems, color, typography, and layout are used to enhance usability. Emphasis is placed on the development of projects that demonstrate effective use of these concepts. GRA 318 - Graphic Design I
3 credits; Offered fall; Prerequisites: GRA 205, 210, & 253 This course is an introduction to the elements and principles of graphic design. Stdudets will begin to develop a visual vocabulary and a working knowledge of the basic creative problem-solving process.
Through assignments, students will learn techniques necessary to produce successful and creative designs. Emphasis is placed on visual communication through conceptualization and technical proficiency in the handling of traditional tools and materials. The relationship between graphic design and computer graphics will be discussed. GRA 319 - Graphic Design II
3 credits; Offered spring; Prerequisite: GRA 318 This course covers the study of the relationship between research, concept, image, typography, and color within fields of advertising and graphic design. Projects emphasize the use of research techniques, design principles, and terminology for use in professional design studios. GRA 358 - Web Graphics Design
3 credits; Offered spring; Prerequisite: GRA 310; Lab Fee The purpose of this course is to introduce the student to visual design techniques as applied to the World Wide Web. It provides an overview of the graphic design principles and methodologies necessary in creating successful websites. The course material will include exercises and projects focusing on planning and execution, as well as necessary technical skills. Assignments will allow practical application of principles and skills, while providing students with potencial portfolio pieces. GRA 400 - Multimedia Design
3 credits; Offered fall; Prerequisite GRA 358; Lab Fee Students learn to intergrate digital audio, graphics and video together with test to create interactive presentations using multimedia-authoring software. This Macintosh-based course requires students to have previous experience with computer graphics and digital imaging software porgrams. Introduction to digital video and audio software and current examples of interactive CD-ROMs will be presented. Projects will include the production of an interactive multimedia computer presentation. GRA 408 - Graphic Design III
3 credits; Offered fall; Prerequisite: GRA 319 This course introduces students to corporate identity and branding. Students will use the principles of brand identity to research, design, and develop a graphic identity system. This system will include logo design and examples of its use for all applications in the form of a graphic identity manual. GRA 409 - Graphic Design IV (Capstone)
3 credits; Offered spring; Prerequisite: GRA 408 Students will propose a senior project that demonstrates advanced proficiency in any of the following areas print, Web and/or mulltimedia. The project will be a comprehensive exploration of the students' topic, which includes design and production. The resulting project will be presented in a final group presentation. GRA 435 - Portfolio Prep & Exhibition
1 credit; Required for all senior Graphic Design majors This course is a study of the presentation of students' artwork in portfolio and exhibition format. Exhibition is held for spring graduates only. GRA 488 - Internship in Graphic Design
Credit to be arranged; Senior art majors only; Offered as needed Students are offered the opportunity for internship in cooperation with outside agencies to acquire on-the-job learning in a professional medium and under the guidance of a professional supervisor. GRA 499 - Independent Study
Credit to be arranged; Senior art majors only; Offered fall and spring; Lab fee
Prerequisite: approval of instructor, department chair, and Dean for Academic Affairs Students are able to work in special areas of interest under faculty direction. |