GD 101
3 credits
Fundamentals of Design
Prerequisite(s): None
This course begins with an introduction to the practice of graphic and digital design, progressing into the fundamentals of design. Students will explore critical thinking, elements and principles of design, and the basics of typography.
GD 102
3 credits
History of Graphic Design
Prerequisite(s): None
The history of graphic design is an evolution in aesthetics, technology, and style. This course is designed to give a broad overview of the diverse and rich history in the development of graphic design. The lectures will provide a survey of the major movements in the field from the perspective of the social and political realities from which they developed. The studio component will enable students to create graphic images which reflect the design characteristics of the various movements.
GD 154
3 credits
Typography
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
This course introduces digital design applications for image making in both vector and raster formats. Content-driven projects combined with workshops will focus on creating images for different types of media and using the right tool for the right task.
GD 159
3 credits
Digital Design Media II
Prerequisite(s): GD 154. GD 157 is recommended
This course introduces professional layout applications for print and digital publishing. Students will produce comprehensive communication projects while gaining a working knowledge of layout software including font and file management, colour systems, a digital glossary, and file formats.
Note: Students with credit for GD 156 cannot take this course for further credit.
GD 202
3 credits
Interactive Design I
Prerequisite(s): GD 157
Interactive mediums are integral to communication today, and this course focuses on the fundamentals of the interactive experience. It focuses on information architecture, interface design, and usability. The emphasis is on computer screens, but other types of digital screens will also be introduced.
GD 203
3 credits
Dynamic Media I: Motion Graphics
Prerequisite(s): GD 157
In this course students study and produce interactive graphics. Students learn to design and to critique graphic time changes for the web and for video. Design is studied in relation to techniques for editing and composing time lapses, sound, typography, and media integration.
GD 204
3 credits
Interactive Design II
Prerequisite(s): GD 202
In this course students will be introduced to designing interactive pages for the Web. Emphasis will be on the role of the designer in the creation of websites using a professional web-authoring tool.
GD 216
3 credits
Drawing and Illustration II
Prerequisite(s): VA 113
This course is a continuation of VA 113, Introduction to Drawing, and further explores perceptual and expressive drawing, traditional mediums, and perspective drawing. It introduces illustration for graphic and digital design (2D and 3D), the process of illustration, and professional practice. Students create illustrations from concept through to final compositions while exploring style, voice, storytelling, and emotional context.
GD 231
3 credits
Dynamic Media II: Animation and Character Modeling
Prerequisite(s): GD 203
This course introduces students to computer animation and modeling as forms of artistic expression, including character design, rigging, texturing, lighting, and compositing. Design will be explored within the context of the history of 3D graphics and computer animation.
GD 260
3 credits
Graphic & Digital Design I
Prerequisite(s): GD 101 and GD 154
This course 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, composition, and the visual solution.
Note: Students with credit for GD 161 cannot take this course for further credit.
GD 303
3 credits
Dynamic Media II: Storytelling
Prerequisite(s): GD 203
Dynamic Media II covers 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 also begin to integrate live motion video into their projects.
GD 317
3 credits
Graphic and Digital Design II
Prerequisite(s): GD 157, GD 159 (formerly GD 156), and GD 260 (formerly GD 161).
This course presents the field of communication design, the process of problem solving, and how to design effective visual communications solutions. Students focus on strategy, research, and target audience analysis in the development of comprehensive visual communications projects.
GD 332
3 credits
Virtual Space Design
Prerequisite(s): 9 credits from any of the following: CIS 104 or higher, GD 101, GD 156, GD 157, GD 203, GD 204, GD 231, GD 258
In this advanced course students learn how to think in 3D and how to design and model for a 3D environment. Students learn how to simulate multidimensional spatial environments by learning modeling techniques, surface, texture, and lighting animation, rendering techniques and advanced animation of 3D objects. These methods and techniques are suited for, among other applications, the web, television, film, and gaming.
GD 358
3 credits
Interactive Design for Portfolio
Prerequisite(s): GD 204
This course supports students with the design and development of an interactive portfolio for digital screens. Students will be introduced to current trends in web visual and experience design, front- and back-end development, and open-source content management systems (CMS).
GD 361
3 credits
Portfolio Development for Graphic and Digital Design
Prerequisite(s): 15 GD credits including one 300-level or higher GD course.
Building a professional portfolio requires the integration of knowledge, technology, and skills. In this course, students have the opportunity to demonstrate a culmination of their professional development through self-directed projects. Exercises in critical analysis, creative problem solving, and presentation skills further enhance their abilities.
GD 369
3 credits
Professional Practices I
Prerequisite(s): 15 GD credits
This course introduces basic business practices, ethics, studio management, and marketing for self-promotion, providing essential knowledge for working in the freelance environment. Students will create a résumé, self-promotion collateral, and necessary business documents to prepare them for career opportunities.
Note: Students may only take one of either GD 269 or GD 369 for credit.
GD 374
3 credits
Brand Identity
Prerequisite(s): GD 157 and GD 260 (formerly GD 161).
This course introduces students to the specialized field of visual brand identity in the context of professional design practice. Students create a comprehensive brand identity design project that involves design research and strategy, logo design, collateral, presentation materials, and graphic standards.
Note: Students with credit for GD 164 cannot take this course for further credit.
GD 375
3 credits
Packaging
Prerequisite(s): GD 374
This course is an introduction to packaging. Students are introduced to 3-D graphic design, packaging for different types of products and food processing, government regulations, and manufacturing constraints. Projects will focus on designing packaging for local industries, innovation, environmental impact, and sustainability.
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.
