Courses
Degree Courses: Communication Design
DS200 Communication Design I
Fundamentals of communication design are introduced to the student with theoretical and applied studies in communication (graphic) design, problem solving, communication and presentation.
This course will explain and ask students to demonstrate the skills and techniques involved in the process of creative problem solving related to communicating ideas. CD I introduces the relationship between typography and image and how they can work together to create clear messages. Emphasis is on tools, techniques and their proper use, including the organization of elements into clear hierarchies and creating harmonious compositions. Taken concurrently with Typography I and Computer Studio II.
Credits: 3.0
Prerequisites: Sophomore Standing
DS201 Communication Design II
This course is a continuation of study of the basic elements and principles of 2D design and their application to the practice of communication design.
Coursework enables the student to further develop critical thought and aesthetic response and further explore the tools of visual communication. The class will continue to stress typographic form and introduce a review of historical influences in the field of visual communication. Studio projects and exercises will include assignments involving various typographic explorations and studies, a poster, and the development and implementation of an expansive short-term identity system. Taken concurrently with Typography II and Computer Studio II.
Credits: 3.0
Prerequisites: DS200
DS202 Typography I
Typography courses provide the students with an understanding of the integral use of typography in the overall design concept. Type as a communicative and creative element is explored. Students become familiar with the organizational skills necessary for clear communication as well as the formative aspects of typographic symbols and arrangement.
Typography I is an introductory course that focuses on the history and practice of using typography in design. This course will familiarize students with several methods for structuring type so that they might gain an understanding of how typographic variables and the principles of legibility and readability affect visual communication. Each student will be encouraged to develop their own personal awareness of and appreciation for typography; so that they will become equipped with the terminology, theory and practice necessary for making design decisions that facilitate understanding among their intended audience.
Credits: 3.0
Prerequisites: Sophomore Standing
DS203 Typography II
This course provides students with the continued use of typography within more specific design assignments. Type as a volume of text and the collaboration between text and image in print and digital media is explored.
Coursework will enable the student to participate in an advanced study of typographic design. Concentration will be placed on exercises in and the analysis of the perceptual aspects of communication, the ways in which we derive meaning from and contribute meaning to our cultural environment through type. In other words, to explore and clarify the relationships between the spoken word and the published visual language of print and digital words.
The continuum of Typography I and Typography II offers an advanced understanding of how typographic variables (placement, order of chronology, size, weight, leading, column width, alignment, style, orientation, and choice of typeface) and principles of legibility and readability affect visual communication. Logistical issues of planning and organizing paginated systems, information systems, and type in motion will also be presented. Each student will continue to develop the personal awareness necessary for making design decisions that facilitate understanding amongst their intended audience.
Credits: 3.0
Prerequisites: DS202
DS230 Computer Studio I
This course is an introduction to the use of the computer and essential software as tools for the visual communicator. In Computer Studio 1, students become acquainted with the Mac computing platform by engaging in an intensive and thorough exploration of the software/hardware commonly used by designers and artists. Through demonstrations and experimentation, students will learn the fundamentals of Adobe Illustrator, InDesign and Photoshop (as well as other design/utility applications) and their roll in print media and digital pre-press.
This one semester, three credit course is designed to introduce sophomore level communication design students to basic file management, terminology, and document structuring methods. Directed projects will introduce students to the most recent version of Adobe Creative Suite. Students will gain a clear understanding of how the software programs differ, as well as how they are alike, when deciding which application is best suited for each component of their design.
Credits: 3.0
Prerequisites: None
DS231 Computer Studio II
Computer Studio II will build upon skills and techniques developed in Computer Studio I. Through demonstrations and exploration of tools available in Photoshop, students will develop a thorough understanding of photo manipulation software and some of its uses for the visual communicator. In addition to Photoshop, students will learn basic skills associated with Adobe Flash and ImageReady.
The course will include demonstrations, exercises, quizzes, and projects. Though texts will be used to supplement student learning, this course is not a self-guided tour and instruction on a day to day basis is a necessary component of the class.
Along with the teaching of the software application, course content should allow for the integration of basic design principles, including hierarchy, compositional arrangement and typographic form. Critiques will be an integral component of these classes and grading should consider how the students integrate the design principles discussed.
Credits: 3.0
Prerequisites: DS230
DS300 Indentity Graphics
In this course students reinforce skills introduced during Communication Design I and Il. The visual language of design as expressed through the understanding of professional design techniques, mechanics and practices will be examined through assignments related to identity design and environmental graphics.
Identity Design and Environmental Graphics is a multi-disciplinary course that combines architecture, branding and Industrial Design. This course introduces students to forms of 2- and 3-dimensional communication for a variety of environments including; retail stores and trade shows sports venues, hospitals and schools; interpretive places such as museums and parks, and public spaces such as downtown areas and small neighborhoods. In this class emphasis is placed on the students' abilities to promote their ideas and reasoning. This is required through research, project briefs, documentation of process, and classroom participation and discussion.
Credits: 3.0
Prerequisites: DS201, DS202
DS302 Information Graphics
Information Design is communication design. It focuses on conveying clear messages to an intended audience. This objective can be applied to many forms of communicationâ€"from charts and graphs to instructions, from maps and way-finding to interface problems.
Information Design solutions should integrate previously acquired skills in design, typography, and image making. To be effective, they must use carefully considered elements, rather than complex gratuitous ones.
This course will help students develop a strong design process. Students will effectively and efficiently research and assimilate information in order to understand and ultimately interpret what they have gathered. They will explore several ideas during the sketching phase that follows. They will edit content, create appropriate imagery and combine the two in harmonious compositions that are simple, effective and engaging.
Students are expected to think critically about the content, their work, and the work of their classmates. They will participate in a dialogue about design in order to improve their work and their ability to talk professionally about the big ideas addressed through the class assignments.
Credits: 3.0
Prerequisites: DS201, DS202
DS303 Package Design
Students are introduced to the process of designing three-dimensional containers, individually or as systems for the mutual benefit of the end user and the manufacturer. Emphasis is placed on the graphics application of symbols, shape, color, illustration and typography and how they relate to three-dimensional packaging structures as well as the point of sale application of the packaging.
Credits: 3.0
Prerequisites: DS201, DS202
DS305 Advertising Design
This course is designed to familiarize the student with art direction within an advertising agency. Students learn the fundamentals of advertising, from a history of advertising, to lectures and seminars on marketing, research, account service, copyrighting, illustration, photography and self promotion. The focus will be the role of an art director or designer within an agency environment.
Credits: 3.0
Prerequisites: DS201, DS202
DS330 Computer Studio III
Students will be introduced to the interactive design and deployment workflow of todays web-standards based workspace. Students will then be initiated into fundamental tool and function based experiences with an emphasis on rapid design prototyping within the Adobe Fireworks environment.
Interactive design principals, structural organization of information and professional presentation skills are introduced and expounded upon as the gateway to creating and delivering captivating user interface experiences for today's demanding end user.
Traversing from design to development, students will be introduced to the current web-standards based coding techniques of HTML and CSS while utilizing Adobe Dreamweaver as the main design implementation tool. Additional interactivity experiences will be driven by JQuery libraries. Students will learn how to upload and test their work on a live web server while being mindful of web browser compatibilities.
Course projects are progressively based. Each project will build upon concepts and skills developed from previous course work.
Credits: 3.0
Prerequisites: DS231
DS331 Advanced Computer
Building upon the web-standards based skills derived from DS330 Computer Studio III, students will begin to explore the possibilities and opportunities of driving design through the intentional use of interactivity and behaviors. Adobe Flash is introduced as one of the many interactive options for creating custom online applications and presentations. Students will learn to drive their designs and interactive experiences through the introduction and utilization of ActionScript 3.0. Beginning with tween-based animations and ending with code-based animations, students will be able to create lean user experiences that will hand off alternate content when Adobe Flash is not supported.
Moving forward with alternative interactive options that are supported on today's most popular mobile devices; an introduction to HTML5 and Canvas are also explored. Students are given the opportunity to design, develop and compare between the advantages and drawbacks of Adobe Flash, JQuery and the emergence of HTML5.
An introduction to video editing and video based motion graphics are introduced through the use of the Final Cut Pro suite from Apple. Kinetic design experiences are explored and created through the utilization of these tools for deployment across today's most utilized media channels.
Students will also explore the effects that interactive design has on website and social media marketing analytics.
Credits: 3.0
Prerequisites: DS330
DS400 Publication Design: Print & Digital
This course engages students in critical thinking about contemporary issues for society and design. It builds upon and integrates learning from previous courses. Mastery of design principles is expected. Publication Design reflects best practices in a professional setting with multiple assignments, current software, and collaborative experiences.
Students enrolled in Publication Design will address the issue of cross media content delivery. They will assess the similarities and differences in approach when information migrates from one medium to another. They will work collaboratively and develop an effective problem solving methodology. Complex hierarchies will be made clear through the development of original and flexible design systems that are concept driven.
Through research and reflection, there will be an opportunity to propose a self directed project in which the student takes ownership of his or her learning in a capstone experience for the communication design major.
Credits: 3.0
Prerequisites: DS203. DS330
DS401 Communication Design Thesis
This course is the capstone experience for the Communication Design major. Students will propose and pursue self-defined projects in which they take ownership of their learning. They will demonstrate an ability to do in-depth research, engage in critical thinking, and create original, professional level, applied or theoretical projects. They will be encouraged to take risks with their work, commit to significant change if needed, and forgo a vision of the final product before the design process provides avenues for growth.
Students enrolled in the Communication Design Thesis will develop a communication design system or concept that leads to a solution to the problem/problems they've identified. This entails developing an idea through the marriage of communication design theory and the practical synthesis and application of visual principles. The result will convey a message clearly to the intended audience. Its scope will be comprehensive, and its execution will be of the highest professional caliber.
The completed projects are presented in a collaborative exhibition open to the public at the end of the semester. The College provides guidelines for this group show. Students use those parameters to develop a display of their projects by demonstrating an understanding of exhibit design and user behavior.
Students will document and reflect upon their design process. They will also assess the challenges and successes of their solutions. They will read broadly and research deeply. Periodically they will analyze each other's work so that they may gain critical insight from the investigations of their peers. The course will provide an opportunity for students to create a portfolio level project and demonstrate the depth of their learning in communication design.
Credits: 6.0
Prerequisites: DS400
DS405 Professional Portfolio / Practice
This course gives each student an opportunity to assemble her/his work from both school and professional practice experiences into a professional presentation format for review by prospective employers, clients, or graduate school admissions committees.
This course is a culmination of study in communication design at MIAD. It is an opportunity to assemble a body of work that represents the student's understanding, approach and practice of the chosen discipline. A study of anticipated career paths, their expectations and the transition from student to working professional will be explored. The class will help to finesse presentation skills and methods, address employment opportunities and approaches to finding them utilizing current technologies and avenues. Presentations by practicing professionals and recent graduates will be a part of this course offering. Studio projects and exercises will include assignments involving various typographic explorations and studies, improvements and revisions to existing work and, the creation of new work. The class will end with each student finalizing work to be included in a professional portfolio review with contacts from local agencies and design firms.
Credits: 1.5
Prerequisites: DS400
DS480 Communication Design Internship
The internship is a structured off-campus learning experience that provides students the opportunity to apply knowledge, theories, skills, and techniques learned in the classroom in a professional environment.
Junior and Senior level students are employed by businesses where they work on projects; gaining experience in the practical application of design problem-solving skills, business procedures, and the fundamentals of designer client relationships. Internships are comprised of a minimum of 90 hours.
Credits: 3.0
Prerequisites: Second-semester junior or senior standing with a 3.0 GPA or Insturctor Approval and portfolio review
DS499 Visual Resources and Applications
In this course students will encounter opportunities to apply their theoretical and practical training as communication designers and illustrators to professional projects. The projects intended for actual publication (print and digital) are completed for a variety of non-profit "client" organizations. Students who wish to enroll in this course must apply to the Chair of 2D/4D Design.
This one semester course is open to juniors and seniors in Design or Fine Arts who can meet the prerequisites of: 1) a portfolio demonstrating an excellent assimilation of skills and problem solving methods related to design communication and illustration in their prior coursework, 2) schoolwork demonstrating a mature intent in achieving professional objectives, 3) a thorough understanding and working knowledge of Mac computers (digital knowledge/prepress preferred.) Students must be proficient with Adobe Creative Suite and have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher (except with the instructor's and Chair of 2D/4D Design's consent).
Students in this course will encounter diverse opportunities to apply theoretical and practical training, as communication designers and illustrators, to professional projects. The projects will be intended for actual publication and will include MIAD promotional materials.
The projects will be screened by the instructor to ensure a wide range of learning applications in professional practices. Students will engage in the projects from conception through production of the finished product. This includes making client presentations, developing job specifications, designing photographic and visual images, art direction, preparing digital pre-press art and establishing professional relationships with printers and other suppliers, operating within stated budgets, and learning to work with deadlines/timetables. Students will work singly or in design teams depending on the nature of the specific project, will receive credit lines on published pieces, and will potentially, throughout the course, acquire one or more professionally produced work for their graduating portfolio. Students will acquire and be able to demonstrate self-critical design and time management skills analogous to those encountered by working in/for professional studios, agencies, and firms under an art/creative director (faculty instructor).
Credits: 3.0
Prerequisites: Second-semester junior or senior standing with a 3.0 GPA or Insturctor Approval and portfolio review