GD 101
3 credits
Fundamentals of Design
Prerequisite(s): None.
An introduction to design fundamentals and visual communications practice. Through applied projects, students explore elements and principles of design, implement creative processes, apply compositional theories, and critically reflect on their design solutions.
GD 102
3 credits
History of Graphic Design
Prerequisite(s): None.
Historical survey of graphic design from the perspective of social and political realities within which it developed. Through applied projects, students investigate the styles, aesthetics, and contexts of the Industrial Revolution, avant-garde movements, modernism, post-modernism, and the information age.
GD 154
3 credits
Typography I
Prerequisite(s): None
This course explores the history and foundation of typographyfrom the 15th century to the present. Students will gain an understanding of typographic best practices, and an appreciation for the expressive qualities of type through lectures, projects, and presentations.
GD 157
3 credits
Digital Design Media I
Prerequisite(s): None.
Introduction to digital image making in both vector and raster formats, using Adobe software, and the use of the right tool for the right task. Content-driven projects combined with workshops focus on image creation, image use, and critical reflection in visual communication contexts.
Note: This course uses tools and technology that vary according to current industry practice.
Note: Basic computer knowledge is recommended.
GD 159
3 credits
Digital Design Media II
Prerequisite(s): None.
Introduction to professional layout applications for print and digital publishing using Adobe software. Students will produce comprehensive communication design projects while gaining a working knowledge of layout software, including font and file management, colour systems, a digital glossary, and file formats.
Note: This course uses tools and technology that vary according to current industry practice.
Note: Basic computer knowledge is recommended.
GD 202
3 credits
Interactive Design I: Foundations in Web Design
Prerequisite(s): GD 157.
Introduction to interactive mediums and the fundamentals of the interactive experience. A focus on information architecture, interface design (UI), and user experience (UX). Students will design for digital screens.
GD 203
3 credits
Dynamic Media I: Motion Graphics
Prerequisite(s): GD 157.
Introduction to the production of motion graphics with an emphasis on design and graphic time changes for web and video. Design is studied in relation to techniques for editing and composing time lapses, sound, typography, and media integration.
Note: This course uses tools and technology that vary according to current industry practice.
GD 204
3 credits
Interactive Design II: Web Development for Designers
Prerequisite(s): GD 157.
Introduction to designing interactive and responsive pages for the web. Emphasis is on current industry standards and the role of the designer in the development of websites using a professional web-authoring tool within the context of a content management system (CMS).
Note: This course uses tools and technology that vary according to current industry practice.
GD 216
3 credits
Illustration for Visual Communication
Prerequisite(s): GD 157 and one of VA 101 or VA 113.
Explores conceptual drawing across a variety of media using digital and traditional tools and techniques. Students are introduced to the process and craft of illustration for visual communication, learn how to apply visual principles, and integrate style, emotion, and storytelling.
Note: This course uses tools and technology that vary according to current industry practice.
GD 254
3 credits
Typography II
Prerequisite(s): GD 154 and GD 204.
Develop advanced skills in typography for transmedia design solutions. Analyze the conceptual and communicative aspects of typographic composition. Master typographic grids and hierarchies, explore expressive form and visual language, and integrate advanced typographic systems.
GD 260
3 credits
Graphic and Digital Design I
Prerequisite(s): GD 101 and GD 154
Introduces visual communication and the design process. Students gain an understanding of the fundamentals of perception and design thinking. Exercises and projects emphasize conceptual development, the process of inquiry, and communication design practice.
Note: Students with credit for GD 161 cannot take this course for further credit.
GD 281
3 credits
Applied Photography and Video
Prerequisite(s): GD 157.
Introduction to art direction, ideation, and execution of photography and video. Gain technical skills in camera use, lighting, composition, and file preparation for product, figure, portrait, and location photography and video. Projects emphasize shooting art-directed images for multi-platform media applications.
Note: This course uses tools and technology that vary according to current industry practice.
GD 302
3 credits
Interactive Design III – Applied Web
Prerequisite(s): GD 204 or CIS 145.
With a focus on web design and digital brand narratives, learn how to develop strategies and apply technological knowledge to customize a WordPress (WP) theme and content management system (CMS) for users to navigate in a multi-screen ecosystem. Integrate targeted user interactivity and measure success rates.
GD 303
3 credits
Dynamic Media II: Storytelling
Prerequisite(s): GD 203.
Advanced motion graphics techniques for design projects. Skill development includes applying and controlling virtual cameras, 3-D layers, and applied effects. Students will be introduced to character design and begin to integrate live motion video into their projects.
Note: This course uses tools and technology that vary according to current industry practice.
GD 304
3 credits
User Experience Design
Prerequisite(s): GD 202.
Develop strategies for designing web interfaces with a focus on user experience and digital brand narratives. Integrate targeted user testing and interactivity using human-centered design (HCD) principles.
GD 316
3 credits
Print and Digital Production
Prerequisite(s): GD 157, GD 159, GD 260, and one of CIS 145 or GD 204.
Prepare and manage print and digital design projects across a variety of media for production and development. Engage in best practices for file preparation for print, digital, and packaging production, including graphic standards, e-publications, social media, and web. This course uses tools and technology that vary according to current industry practice.
Note: Field trips outside of class time may be required.
GD 317
3 credits
Graphic and Digital Design II
Prerequisite(s): GD 157, GD 159, and GD 260.
Expand design research methods and visual literacy skills for persuasive communication design. Develop creative strategies and visual systems for specific design contexts using a pluralistic approach.
GD 357
3 credits
Digital Project Management for Creative Practitioners
Prerequisite(s): (GD 204 or CIS 145) and 12 additional credits of GD, of which 3 credits must be 300-level or higher.
Manage digital design projects in creative environments using Digital Project Management (DPM) strategies and tools in the field. Navigate complex deliverables: define digital team roles, engage in best practices for client/stakeholder communication, the discovery process, communication, accountability, networking, systems, workflow, and scheduling.
GD 358
3 credits
Interactive Design for Portfolio
Prerequisite(s): GD 204 or CIS 145.
Design a portfolio website, expand on portfolio projects, and examine current trends in web, visual and experience design. Create a case study for a digital design solution intended for open-source content management systems (CMS) and/or prototype tools.
GD 361
3 credits
Portfolio Development for Visual Communication
Prerequisite(s): 15 credits of GD including one 300-level or higher GD course.
Curate, build, and present a visual communications portfolio reflecting a culmination of design skills, professional development, and
creative practice through self-branding and refinement of past projects. Develop critical thinking skills, articulate creative problemsolving, and gain presentation skills for professional contexts.
Note: Students must have a substantive body of work attained in their studies that can be included in a visual communication portfolio
GD 369
3 credits
Professional Practices for Graphic Design
Prerequisite(s): 15 credits of GD.
Prepares students for professional practice. Students identify their goals, create a résumé, develop self-promotional strategies, engage with industry professional associations, network, and develop business documents for design projects.
GD 374
3 credits
Brand Identity I: Design
Prerequisite(s): GD 157 and GD 260.
Introduces the specialized field of brand identity in the context of communication design practice. Students create a comprehensive brand identity system that involves design research and strategy, visual language, narrative, collateral, and presentation materials.
GD 375
3 credits
Brand Identity II: Packaging
Prerequisite(s): GD 374.
Introduces the design of packaging, government requirements, and manufacturing constraints. Projects will focus on designing packaging for local industries, physical form making, innovation, environmental impact, and sustainability.
GD 403
3 credits
Dynamic Media III: Titling and Video
Prerequisite(s): GD 303.
Explore dynamic brand stories, the art of the title, and portfolio video reels using sequence-based graphic design. Projects focus on brand positioning, narratives, visual voice, and communication. Students develop skills in motion-based software, timing, storytelling, image-making, typography, and sound.
GD 450
3 credits
Design Systems I: Experiential Graphic Design
Prerequisite(s): GD 317 and GD 374.
Experiential graphic design (XGD) focuses on human interaction with physical space and objects that emphasize personalized designed experiences in built environments. Critical thinking and user-centered design (UCD) principles are applied to environmental design systems, wayfinding, augmented reality, and digital interfaces (apps).
GD 460
3 credits
Design Systems II: Transmedia Solutions
Prerequisite(s): GD 317 and GD 374.
Centering on responsible design practice and sustainability principles, students integrate critical thinking, voice, and ideas to develop branded experiences, advertising, and multi-platform solutions to design problems. Projects emphasize visual systems design, audiences, the process of inquiry, and social purpose.
GD 461
3 credits
Advanced Portfolio for Graphic and Digital Design
Prerequisite(s): 90 credits including 15 upper-level GD credits.
Development of an advanced portfolio for future professional and academic engagement. Students will demonstrate deep disciplinary competency in creative practice, integrative skills, research abilities, and collaborative processes through a compilation of design projects, industry assessments, and external presentations.
GD 462
6 credits
Visual Communication Capstone Project
Prerequisite(s): GD 450 or GD 460.
Students produce and present a major design project and case study that demonstrates disciplinary competency in visual communication, research, and collaborative processes.
GD 464
4 credits
Community Planning and Development: Local Applied Studio
Prerequisite(s): 45 university-level credits.
Introduction to planning practice, from problem definition to data collection, analysis, drafting of a design concept, and participating in a client presentation. Through the application of planning theory and design techniques, students will study urban precedents and critically consider alternatives for a local planning challenge.
Note: Field trips outside of class time will be required. Please refer to the department website for field trip scheduling information.
Note: This course is offered as GEOG 464 and GD 464. Students may take only one of these for credit.
GD 466
5 credits
Community Planning and Development: International Studio
Prerequisite(s): 45 university-level credits.
Introduction to planning practice, from problem definition to data collection, analysis, drafting of a design concept, and participating in a client presentation. Through the application of planning theory and design techniques, students will study urban precedents and critically consider alternatives for an international planning challenge.
Note: This course is offered as GEOG 466 and GD 466. Students may take only one of these for credit.
GD 498
3 credits
Directed Study in Graphic Digital Design I
Prerequisite(s): 9 credits 300-level or higher, including 6 credits of 300-level or higher GD.
Demonstrate professional knowledge of visual communication practice by applying a culmination of skills, conceptual abilities, and processes to self-directed capstone projects and/or experiential learning. Students must submit a detailed proposal outlining a project, mentorship, or internship for approval.
GD 499
3 credits
Directed Study in Graphic Digital Design II
Prerequisite(s): 9 credits 300-level or higher, including 6 credits of 300-level or higher GD.
Demonstrate professional knowledge of visual communication practice by applying a culmination of skills, conceptual abilities, and processes to self-directed capstone projects and/or experiential learning. Students must submit a detailed proposal outlining a project, mentorship or internship for approval.
