GRAPHIC DESIGN
GD 101:
Computing for Graphic Design I 3 credits
Prerequisites: admission to program
This course will provide students with an essential understanding of the three main design software programs, their purpose, interrelationship, and limitations. Knowledge of each program’s toolbox and tool function will introduce the almost unlimited usefulness of these core programs. In addition, students will learn to understand the computer conceptually, its strengths and limitations, computer housekeeping, and computer colour spaces.
GD 113:
Materials and Processes 3 credits
Prerequisites: admission to the Graphic Design program
Students will be immersed in the nature and application of a broad variety of media and materials in a hands on studio environment. Media will be examined individually and in mixed combination. The impact of surfaces, both traditional and experimental, will be investigated throughout the semester.
GD 114:
Life Drawing 3 credits
Prerequisites: admission to the Graphic Design program
“The first step to creation is to see everything as it really is and that demands a constant effort.” — Matisse
Students will draw from the model, developing a high-focus approach to the pose being studied. The complexity of the human form offers the design student an opportunity to develop keen observational and drawing skills.
GD 115:
Drawing I 3 credits
Prerequisites: admission to program
The methodologies, materials and media required for visual images within the design process will be systematically introduced and explored. Students will be immersed in basic illustrative techniques and practise and refine their observation skills. The course will also introduce pictorial perspective and anatomical configuration.
GD 116:
Drawing II 3 credits
Prerequisites: admission to program
Students will be encouraged to actively explore and experiment with images, techniques, and materials in order to heighten their observation and communication skills. Projects will relate directly to line, form, composition, perspective, anatomy, and colour. Based on capabilities acquired in GD 115, students will be required to work cooperatively in teams. Aesthetic sensibility, individual and group initiative, together with research will prepare students for more effective visual solutions.
GD 124:
Painting 3 credits
Prerequisites: admission to the Graphic Design program
Students will concentrate on the paint medium in isolation and in relation to a variety of surfaces. How the successful painting “mark” is made will be discovered through a variety of methodologies including the traditional paint brush. The emphasis is on experimental and hands-on procedures in an active studio environment.
GD 125:
Colour I 3 credits
Prerequisites: admission to the Graphic Design program
This course covers the theory and application of colour as a design element. Various mediums and techniques will be utilized through studio exercises. Students will explore the physical characteristics, psychological effects, and cultural implications of the use of colour.
GD 127:
Introductory Printmaking 3 credits
Prerequisites: admission to the Graphic Design program
Students will be introduced to making images using a variety of printing surfaces. Students will creatively use metal and computer generated images. Woodcuts, linocut, and photopolymer plates will be combined with text and printed on a variety of paper surfaces using the letterpress and etching press.
GD 154:
Typography I 3 credits
Prerequisites: admission to program
The anatomy and history of letterforms will be examined from metal type through to the current use of the computer. A strong emphasis on classical traditions will be emphasized as a solid precursor to digital typography. Typographic design assignments will allow for the distinction between modern and old style types as well as their legibility and emotive power.
GD 155:
Computing for Graphic Design II 3 credits
Prerequisites: admission to the Graphic Design program
Electronic or digital prepress refers to the computerized method by which final art is designed, produced, and made ready for the printer. The basics and software of electronic prepress, introduced in GD 101, will be reiterated and developed further for accurate digital file preparation, rip ready, for printing.
GD 161:
Graphic Design I 3 credits
Prerequisite: admission to program
An introduction to the process of developing visual communication pieces for specified audiences. Students will become familiar with the methodology of concept, both written and visual, design, and presentation. Achieving dynamic, original solutions will be emphasized throughout all stages of an assignment. The various elements of design will be practised to help students to build a visual vocabulary. This vocabulary will be applied to realistic assignments. During the design process students will explore their creative potential and learn techniques of presentation.
GD 162:
Graphic Design II 3 credits
Prerequisites: admission to program
The course further investigates the elements of design discovered in GD 161. Assignments will continue to expose students to realistic problems. The process of concept design and presentation will be reinforced with more emphasis on the typographic element of design together with more sophisticated presentation skills.
GD 163 (formerly GD 253):
Typography II 3 credits
Prerequisites: completion of first year
A further investigation into the range of typefaces together with their aesthetic, communicative, and emotive qualities will prepare students for solutions that are contingent upon typography alone. Students will be immersed in realistic assignments where graphic imagery will be treated as a secondary accent.
GD 183:
Photography I 3 credits
Prerequisites: admission to the Graphic Design program
Graphic design students will be introduced to the function and capability of the 35mm camera. This course will introduce students to the operation of the camera in the context of photography used in graphic design projects. Students will explore shooting with E6 colour transparency film and lighting solution for indoor studio and outdoor location projects.
GD 207:
Digital Photography 3 credits
Prerequisites: admission to the Graphic Design program
The digital camera, although operating on the same principles as traditional photography, has a unique advantage in its immediacy and downloading capacity. Emphasis will be placed on digital camera operation and processes. Camera to computer conversion, studio lighting, and manipulation of digital imagery will be constantly addressed.
GD 215:
Illustration I 3 credits
Prerequisites: completion of first year
Students will be introduced to new media and techniques and asked to apply drawing skills acquired in GD 115 and 116. An experimental attitude towards materials and process is encouraged to help students to understand and display the emotive qualities of illustration. Emphasis will also be placed on the communication of both abstract and concrete ideas.
GD 216:
Illustration II 3 credits
Prerequisites: completion of first year
This course will apply drawing skills and conceptual thinking required for a variety of problems that demand illustration. A wide range of media is actively encouraged along with the ability to choose the correct medium including mixed media. A renaissance/experimental approach to the content and technical aspects of illustration is stressed. Research and reference material is emphasized as a basis for the student’s creative approach.
GD 255:
Computing for Graphic Design III 3 credits
Prerequisites: completion of first year
The shift to pre-press technology has revolutionized the responsibility of the graphic designer. However, not all artwork is contingent upon the computer. Students will learn and practise more sophisticated techniques in order to prepare their design work for the printing medium.
GD 257:
Digital Design Processes 3 credits
Prerequisites: completion of previous year of the Graphic Design program
The variety and changing nature of software and computer processing speeds demands that a designer be able to follow the changes with a strong awareness of how to use these advanced technologies. Students will learn how digital files are prepared and used on the World Wide Web, how analog to digital film production is accomplished, and how to design interactive presentations.
GD 261:
Graphic Design III 3 credits
Prerequisites: completion of first year
This course accentuates alternate forms of expression — collage, photography, digital design, or any creative avenue that is viable for the printing medium. Realistic assignments will continue to emphasize problem-solving techniques as well as the student’s personal style.
GD 262:
Three-Dimensional Design 3 credits
Prerequisites: completion of first year
The proliferation of visual materials generated by the information age has meant graphic designers have sought alternate avenues of expression in order to be seen. This course introduces students to the experience of solving problems in three dimensions. Students will experience how the medium affects communication together with conventional modes of package design.
GD 263:
Typographic Design 3 credits
Prerequisites: completion of the previous year of the Graphic Design program
This class will approach design using typography alone without the aid of illustrative or photographic imagery. Typography becomes imagery. Students will confront the problem of designing and communicating with a variety of type styles with the additional of graphic motifs and colour. There will be strong emphasis on the emotive use of type and how it can be relied on for salient communication.
GD 264:
Illustration in Context 3 credits
Prerequisites: completion of first year
The skills of an illustrator are required in many different contexts, some of which are unpredictable. This course will demonstrate the versatility that is required to meet these demands. Assignments will allow students to understand and experience the creative impact illustration can have on any given design problem. Assignments will be approached as finished portfolio pieces.
GD 362:
Graphic Design IV 3 credits
Prerequisite: completion of first year
It is expected that all assignments will serve the purpose of a finished portfolio. Fresh, original concepts, together with an innovative design approach and skilled presentation, will prepare students to enter employment. Emphasis will be placed on communication through the individual’s unique creative style. Professional standards and industry requirements will be constantly reiterated.
GD 364:
Multimedia Design 3 credits
Prerequisites: completion of previous year of the Graphic Design program
The digital format enables great flexibility in combining media. Animation, three-dimensional imagery, sound, and typography will all be used in a creative and experimental environment. The web will be critiqued and used as a source for understanding the use of HTML. File preparation using HTML and a variety of software will be investigated for their strengths and limitations.
GD 365:
Environmental Graphics 3 credits
Prerequisites: completion of previous year of the Graphic Design program
This class involves
graphic design problems that demand a three-dimensional solution. Students will learn to
conceptualize three-dimensional structures whereby “form follows function”.
The importance of human scale and motion in relation to visual communication will be
emphasized throughout the semester. The application of text imagery, and design, together
with music and voiceovers, will be explored.
GD 366:
Interactive Portfolio 3 credits
Prerequisites: completion of previous year of the Graphic Design program
This course will explore the potential of presenting material in digital media. The focus will be on building a conceptual resolution to interactive presentation. Students will use their own body of work as content and produce a functioning digital portfolio. The portfolio can then be used as a website, interactive CD-ROM, or DVD. The instructional intent is to facilitate the process of developing a presentational concept into an experientially appropriate form.
GD 367:
Publication and Book Design 3 credits
Prerequisites: completion of previous year of the Graphic Design program
This course will include cover design and function, table of contents, chapter openers, headers and footers, and the grid. Students will be expected to use these time-honoured elements, take them to their limits, and design innovative and dynamic portfolio pieces. The structure of the book, and method of binding, will be addressed as a creative opportunity as opposed to a mechanical restriction.
GD 368:
Graphic Design V 3 credits
Prerequisites: completion of previous year of the Graphic Design program
This course will require students to complete a broad and varied body of work that will constitute a hard copy finished portfolio, ready for prospective employment. Emphasis will be placed on the written and verbal rational for a prospective client base together with the clear informed voice and style of each individual student.
GD 369:
Business Essentials for Graphic Designers 3 credits
Prerequisites: completion of previous year of the Graphic Design program
Graphic design students who plan to own their own design consultancy will learn the theory and practise of running a design business. Areas to be investigated include marketing your business, pricing/estimating/invoicing, business planning, sales projections, contracts, and capital and equipment financing.
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