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.
Introduction to 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.
Note: This course uses tools and technology that vary according to current industry practice.
GD 159
3 credits
Digital Design Media II
Prerequisite(s): None
Introduction to professional layout applications for print and digital publishing. 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.
GD 202
3 credits
Interactive Design I
Prerequisite(s): GD 157.
Introduction to interactive mediums and the fundamentals of the interactive experience. With a focus on information architecture, interface design, and usability students will explore digital screens for web sites, mobile applications, and data-driven information systems.
Note: This course uses tools and technology that vary according to current industry practice.
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
Prerequisite(s): GD 202.
Introduction to designing interactive and responsive pages for the web. Emphasis is on current industry standards and the role of the designer in the creation of websites using a professional web-authoring tool.
Note: This course uses tools and technology that vary according to current industry practice.
GD 216
3 credits
Illustration I
Prerequisite(s): VA 113.
This course explores perceptual and expressive drawing illustration for design projects (print and web), the process of illustration, and professional practice. Students create illustrations from concept through to final compositions while exploring style, voice, storytelling, and emotional context.
Note: This course uses tools and technology that vary according to current industry practice.
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 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 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 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): CIS 145 or GD 204.
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).
Note: This course uses tools and technology that vary according to current industry practice.
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.
