Curriculum & Classes

Concentrations

Branding and identity systems  

This concentration focuses on graphic design through the lens of visual identity and brand experiences for individuals and institutions, connecting people and brands in meaningful ways. Emotionally engaging and relevant identities that adapt fluidly to societal demands and technological advances are researched, developed and implemented across a range of media from print to online. Technical, aesthetic, conceptual and professional methods include market and audience research, brand differentiation, brand guidelines, unique visual languages, cross-media applications, traditional and virtual marketing techniques and emergent trends in branding and identity systems. In addition to the core graphic design curriculum, four dedicated courses culminate in the degree project. 

Information and interaction systems

This concentration focuses on the visualization of information and interaction with data through time and space. Through planning and management of complex information systems, students learn to construct engaging and educational audience interactions that clarify and visualize complex information. Key methods include information architecture, data and process visualization, Web interaction and usability, print environments, 3-D and digital spaces, online experience and navigational functionality. In addition to the core graphic design curriculum, four dedicated courses culminate in the degree project.

Communication design systems

This concentration develops a well-rounded perspective on the graphic design profession and prepares students to practice in a broad spectrum of communication design settings. Students move between information/interaction systems and branding/identity systems, selecting studios from both concentrations. This broad curricular sequence can include print communications, 3-D and digital spaces, online experiences, data visualization and information graphics, brand differentiation, creation of brand guidelines, creation of unique visual language, cross-media applications, and marketing techniques. In addition to the core graphic design curriculum, four student-selected courses culminate in the degree project.

Class descriptions

Typography

Four sequential studios stress the crucial role of typography in graphic design. These courses address all aspects of typography, including letterform anatomy and design, typographic composition, legibility, hierarchy, expression, history and text/image relationships. The studios increase in complexity and detail, investigating both formal and theoretical aspects of typography.

Image making

Students are introduced to methods for creating meaning and communication through the digital photographic image and developing image creation skills tailored to graphic design practice. Narrative, documentation, temporal qualities and the cultural roles of photographic imagery are explored and analyzed.

Communications design theories

Theories including semiotics, rhetoric, narrative and communications models are integrated throughout courses beginning in the sophomore year. The junior level visual language course focuses on how meaning is made through projects that bridge theory and practice and stress both generative and analytical methods.

Multimedia, sound, motion, interactivity, information architecture

The program weaves interactivity and information architecture throughout most studio courses. A focused upper-level course sequence provides an in-depth grounding in theory and skills, such as narrative theory, non-linear interactivity, mapping, etc. Students are encouraged to be open and flexible regarding specialization and to make appropriate tool choices for their assignments to prepare them for the media integration found in contemporary professional practice.

Design advocacy, social/cultural/political impact

Design’s persuasive power and its role as a social and cultural force is explored and analyzed at all levels through projects that integrate contextual and audience-based factors. Visual advocacy is a required senior level course exploring ethics, responsibility, sustainability and the designer’s relationship to corporate culture.

Class schedules and other downloads

Major course requirements worksheet
Fall 2011 class schedule
See all class schedules
Laptop requirements and recommendations