Curriculum Development

This course presents the foundation for understanding the discipline of graphic design. Students will gain an understanding of fundamental terminology and technical issues in graphics and design. Presentations and discussions will introduce the incorporation of digital imagery into the disciplines of graphic design, illustration and photography. In addition, students will survey other design disciplines such as product design, industrial design, architecture, etc. This course will utilize Adobe® InDesign® and Illustrator® software applications.

This course will investigate the fundamentals of digital photography and imaging. Students will learn to photograph, manipulate digital photography, and learn the use of basic cameras and photographic equipment. In addition, this course will emphasis development of basic and creative shooting skills. This course will utilize Adobe® Photoshop®. DSLR required for MEDIA ART + DESIGN majors.

Survey of the historical trends cultural events, art and design movements and technical innovations related to advertising, visual communication, graphic design, illustration and photography from the 16th century through the present. Influence of past, current and future trends in the design and advertising are covered.

Introduction to terminology, typeface anatomy, style, specification and use of typography. Concentration is on the aesthetic and communicative aspects of typography. The application of techniques are used to integrate type, images and layout. The first half of this course will emphasize basic design principles and the fundamentals of typography. The second half of this course builds upon the fundamental typographic skills and techniques acquired in first half. Emphasis in the second half is on experimentation with type-centric design as a strong communication tool. Exploration includes the integration of type and images through innovative conceptual thinking.

This course will explore advanced concepts of digital photography and lighting. Students will learn the operation of advanced still cameras and photographic equipment. In addition, advanced shooting techniques and production methods such as wireless off-camera flash, HDR and panoramic photography are introduced as well.

This course is a comprehensive packaging design and production course. Students develop packaging from initial concept to production and presentation of 3D designs. Typography, photography and illustration are integrated into complete packaging designs. Various substrates, materials, methods, practical and production considerations are explored in this course.

This course focuses on the design and production process of corporate identity systems and brand identity. This course utilizes a systematic approach to comprehensive corporate identity from concept development through design and production. Students will learn the value and how to create a memorable, sustainable identity. Students will create various components including logos, signage, fleet graphics, stationery packages, and identity manuals.

This course concentrates on combining visual elements from a variety of sources into a composite, kinetic graphics for film, video and web. Projects include video and animated film titles, logos and broadcast graphics. Emphasis is on the interaction of graphics, typography, video and sound. Students experiment with time-based applications in a time and space environment.

In this course students will explore various advanced topics in design including; publication design and advertising campaigns. Publication design will focus on the layout, design and production of multi-page documents. Examples of multi-page documents include; magazine, catalog, newsletter and brochure layouts. In the study of advertising, students will implement a project from initial concept through client presentation to production. Multiple means of commercial advertising are explored including; newspaper, magazine, broadcast and web integrated advertising campaigns. Students will experience the advertising agency team concept including creative direction, art direction, design, and copywriting. In addition, students will experience research, analysis, planning, and presentation.

This course concentrates on the fundamentals of 3D modeling and animation. Emphasis is on the basics of 3D modeling and keyframe animation of objects. Rapid prototyping methods such as 3D printing and subtractive machining will be used to produce prototypes. Animation basics covered in this course include; understanding keyframing, moving objects on a path and deformation of objects over time.

This course will introduce students to the pre production aspects of video and cinema. Topics included in this course are: scheduling/budgeting, working with talent, basic set construction, locations, safety training, etc. Students will go into pre-production for their Minor and Major projects in MA 410.

In this course students will gain hands-on experience in digital video and cinema production. Emphasis is on learning to use cameras and associated video/cinema equipment. In addition, students will also learn cinematography techniques, lighting, grip, and rigging equipment. Students will go into production for their Minor and Major projects in MA 410.

Focus on directing and technical aspects of digital video and filmmaking. Students will learn how to tell the art of storytelling through directing and cinematography procedures and techniques. Students will continue production for their Minor and Major projects.

Students will learn to edit single and multiple video and audio sources. Techniques such as transitions, titles and multi-camera edits are explored along with synchronization of video and audio tracks. In addition, distribution of finished video and cinema video will be examined.