GD 101
3 credits
Fundamentals of Design
Prerequisite(s): None.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
Students use design fundamentals in visual communication practice. Through applied projects, students explore elements and principles of design, implement creative processes, apply compositional theories, and critically reflect on their designs.
Note: The differential tuition fee includes an Adobe CC subscription for the class duration at no additional cost.
GD 102
3 credits
History of Graphic Design
Prerequisite(s): None.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
Students explore the evolution of graphic design through the lens of its social, political, economic, and technological backdrop. Students engage in practical projects to analyze the styles, aesthetics, and contexts of major design movements spanning from the 18th century to contemporary times.
Note: The differential tuition fee includes an Adobe CC subscription for the class duration at no additional cost.
GD 154
3 credits
Typography I
Prerequisite(s): None
Corequisite(s): None
Pre- or corequisite(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.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
Students are introduced to digital image-making with a foundation in creating and using digital imagery for various design-related outcomes. Students practice using industry-standard software, tools, and techniques while discerning the appropriate process for each task. Students engage in purposeful, content-driven projects and hands-on workshops designed to enhance their image creation and utilization skills, critical analysis of cultural appropriation, and respectful uses of imagery in visual communication.
Note: Basic computer knowledge is recommended.
Note: The differential tuition fee includes an Adobe CC subscription for the class duration at no additional cost.
GD 159
3 credits
Digital Design Media II
Prerequisite(s): GD 154.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
Introduces professional layout applications for print and digital publishing. Students will produce comprehensive communication design projects while gaining knowledge of layout software, including font and file management, colour systems, and file formats.
GD 202
3 credits
Interactive Design I: Foundations in Web Design
Prerequisite(s): GD 157.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
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.
Corequisite(s): None
Pre- or corequisite(s): None
Students learn dynamic media tools and processes that emphasize animation principles, technical skills, and storytelling. Students develop creative content and produce motion graphics using professional software.
Note: This course uses tools and technology that vary according to current industry practice.
Note: The differential tuition fee includes an Adobe CC subscription for the class duration at no additional cost.
GD 204
3 credits
Interactive Design II: Web Development for Designers
Prerequisite(s): GD 157.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
Students use basic web coding to create responsive web pages that adhere to contemporary industry standards. Students also explore the designer's role in the evolving landscape of online content and best practices of interactive development for inclusivity.
Note: This course uses tools and technology that vary according to current industry practice.
Note: The differential tuition fee includes an Adobe CC subscription for the class duration at no additional cost.
GD 216
3 credits
Illustration for Visual Communication
Prerequisite(s): GD 157 and one of VA 101 or VA 113.
Corequisite(s): None
Pre- or corequisite(s): None
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 222
3 credits
Design Inquiry: Ethos
Prerequisite(s): None.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
Explore and experience the role of the designer in the marketing process and as an agent of change. Discover how persuasion brings value to products, services, causes, or events. Implement purpose-driven campaigns in the field using a pluralistic approach.
Note: Students with credit for MEDA 222 cannot take this course for further credit.
GD 254
3 credits
Typography II
Prerequisite(s): GD 154.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
Students develop advanced skills in typography for transmedia design solutions and 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
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
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.
GD 281
3 credits
Applied Photography and Video
Prerequisite(s): GD 157.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
In this course students learn art direction in photography and videography. Students develop skills in camera operation, lighting techniques, composition, and project management and practice the basics of video production, editing, and post-production, with an emphasis on creating art-directed images for diverse media platforms.
Note: This course uses tools and technology that vary according to current industry practice.
Note: The differential tuition fee includes an Adobe CC subscription for the class duration at no additional cost.
GD 302
3 credits
Interactive Design III – Applied Web
Prerequisite(s): GD 204 or CIS 145.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
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.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
Students explore design for motion with the emphasis on storytelling through script development, character design, and animation. Students also learn technical skills such as integration of 3D elements, coding, and live motion video with dynamic media.
Note: This course uses tools and technology that vary according to current industry practice.
Note: The differential tuition fee includes an Adobe CC subscription for the class duration at no additional cost.
GD 304
3 credits
User Experience Design
Prerequisite(s): GD 202.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
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.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
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.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
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 including 3 credits at the 300 level or higher.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
Students manage digital design projects by applying Digital Project Management (DPM) strategies and tools. Students navigate multifaceted deliverables by defining team roles, employing best practices for client/stakeholder communication, executing efficient discovery processes, ensuring clear accountability, fostering networks, optimizing workflow systems, and implementing effective scheduling techniques.
Note: The differential tuition fee includes an Adobe CC subscription for the class duration at no additional cost.
GD 358
3 credits
Interactive Design for Portfolio
Prerequisite(s): GD 202 and one of GD 204 or CIS 145.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
Examines current web, interactive, and experience design trends for screen-based media. Students design a portfolio website or expand on portfolio project(s) and create a case study for a design project intended for an online portfolio.
GD 361
3 credits
Portfolio Development for Visual Communication
Prerequisite(s): 15 credits of GD including one 300-level or higher GD course.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
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 problem-solving, 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.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
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.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
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.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
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.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
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.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
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.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
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.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
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.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
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.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
Introduction to planning practice, from design challenge and problem definition to data collection, analysis, drafting of a design concept, and participating in a community partner presentation. Through the application of human-centered design planning theory and design techniques, students will study urban precedents and critically consider alternatives to address 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.
Note: This course will be offered under different letter designations (e.g. C-Z) representing different topics. This course may be repeated for credit, provided the letter designation differs.
GD 466
5 credits
Community Planning and Development: International Studio
Prerequisite(s): 45 university-level credits.
Corequisite(s): None
Pre- or corequisite(s): None
Introduction to planning practice, from problem definition to data collection, analysis, creating a design concept and participating in a client presentation to stakeholders. Through the application of planning theory and human-centered design methods, students will study urban precedents and critically consider design 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.
Note: This course is an intensive 1-3-month session with a portion of the time based in an international locale.
GD 469
3 credits
Design Inquiry: Practice
Prerequisite(s): 45 university-level credits. GD 222 is recommended.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
Design inquiry is a process used to approach challenges, social issues, and for discovery. Students engage in participatory design research methods and work together on real-world projects to empathize, assess, ideate, prototype, and test solutions while discovering their creative leadership potential.
Note: Field trips outside of class time may be required.
Note: Students with credit for MEDA 469 cannot take this course for further 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.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
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.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
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.
