34 courses with the subject DES, each shown exactly as we captured it from the college's catalog, with every element we hold. Where the wording looks broken, that is our reading of the catalog, not the college's text.
DES 2150Drawing as Narrative Process3
Explores how graphic representation can enhance or transform the meaning of a subject. Students will investigate observed and abstract subject matter; develop a visual vocabulary of mark, gesture, and spatial organization; examine the impact of these on figure and field for storytelling; and use drawing as a method of research and invention to control the conceptual content of an image. PREREQ: VIS1060
Students become familiar with hot-type technology and relief printing, together with their contemporary aesthetic possibilities in both the applied and fine arts. Hands-on experience with handset, moveable type is provided, and traditional and experimental techniques are explored. No previous typographic experience is required.
Focuses on developing technical and practical skills in digital typesetting, image making, composition, and layout. Students are introduced to software applications (InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator), digital fonts, and techniques for creating print output. Topics include digital literacy and the influence of digital tools on contemporary graphic design. Required for graphic design majors.
Students explore the broad visual possibilities of digitally-delivered, time-based interactive media. The course builds on foundational skills in web development and introduces motion graphics. DES 2460 continues the work of DES 2450 and is a required course for Graphic Design majors. COREQ: DES2600 PREREQ: DES2450
An introduction to the professional program in graphic design and visual communications. Emphasis is on skill development in controlling the performance of elements within a field; generation, refinement, and analysis of graphic forms and representations through a variety of drawing techniques; development of symbols and icons; and composition, variation, and discovery of word/image relationships through experimentation and play. Historical typographic distinctions are also explored. Require COREQ: DES2450
This continuation of DES 2500 examines the representation of ideas through typography and images, with intensive explorations of typographic and type/image hierarchy (through placement, scale, weight, juxtaposition), theme and variation, and problem-solving techniques. Students also explore a range of image-making techniques as a means of expressing ideas. Projects evolve from theory-based exercises to applied campaigns (brochures, posters, on-screen messaging). Required for graphic design m COREQ: DES2460 PREREQ: DES2500
As a counterpart to Word and Image I, Visual Storytelling delivers some related investigation in sign and symbol; but, as a continuation of Drawing as Narrative Process, this course begins focused training in illustration-specific concepts and considerations such as mise en scène, i.e. framing and staging and their relationship to storytelling. Investigates narrative and sequential structures as well as analog and digital media/processes. PREREQ: VIS1060
Directs understanding of conceptual approaches to depiction encountered in Visual Storytelling toward visualization of specific topics (e.g., fashion, medicine, finance, lifestyle) while cultivating individual formal and stylistic approaches to visualization. Students engage notions of stylistic convention, communicative considerations relevant to focused areas of practice, and advanced analog and digital (software-based) drawing techniques. PREREQ: DES2700
This course treats drawing as a language of intentional mark-making and perceptual clarity. Students develop expressive perspective, compositional intent, and fluency through deliberate observational practice. Emphasis lies in the thinking hand—drawing as translation rather than replication. Studio-based projects, critiques, and readings—using analog and digital tools—cultivate visual fluency and conceptual confidence in illustration. PREREQ: VIS1060
This hands-on intensive bookbinding workshop investigates the relationship between content and book structures. Students follow the development of the book from scrolls to case-bound sewn books from the perspective that the way a book is made structures what it communicates.
A focused inquiry into the nature of interaction for entertainment, persuasion, recreation, or human enrichment. Discussions and readings include sociology, anthropology, game theory and urgent topics such as developments in artificial intelligence. Students gain an understanding their role as creator, participant, viewer, and user. Adafruit’s Circuit Playground Express and Python are introduced as the technological substrate for their investigative work. PREREQ: (DES2460 And DES3510 ) And DES3200
Builds on the principles and skills of time-based and interactive design introduced in DES 2460. Technique, theory, and practice are further explored through projects using time, on-screen spatiality, transition, kinetic typography, narrative, and sound. Projects address linear and nonlinear environments such as film and television titling, DVD menus, web splash pages, and graphics for mobile devices. PREREQ: DES2460
Students are encouraged to further explore and develop individualized approaches to typographic problems, with emphasis on experimentation, communication, and advanced application of typography. Projects focus on letterforms as image, typographic metaphor, and text typography. Areas of investigation include the shape, texture, and division of text; typographic grid, layout, and systems; book design and advanced problems of word/image relationships. Required for graphic design majors. PREREQ: DES2600
Design issues are world issues. Areas of study include architecture, fashion, urban planning, industrial design, visual, and social media. Issues range from historical to contemporary and from individual to societal concerns, both domestic and global. Curated documentaries followed by student-driven discussions and faculty presentations fill the first dozen weeks. The course culminates with student presentations on design issues of interest.
A combined lecture/studio course that examines ethical and social issues in contemporary artistic production and design. The goal is to develop active research about such urgent issues as ecology, body politics and gender, race and urban justice, and human rights, with respect to new futures. Projects incorporate art installations, visualizations, websites, performances, and public campaigns by focusing on creative public engagement. PREREQ: NME2100 Or (DES2600 And DES2460 )
Focuses on print communication, primarily graphic design, in the Western world from the late 19th century to the present. A brief summary of important historical precedents launches a chronological series of lectures on significant movements and individuals and the economic, political, and technological developments that have influenced modern and contemporary print communication.
Students are introduced to considerations and practice of designing type. Techniques taught include emerging technologies like variable type, and perennial skills such as calligraphy. Participants learn critical decision-making skills and sensitivities inherent to developing typefaces for print and screen. Topics include legibility, critical theory, systems, and information design. Software includes Glyphs (Mac) and FontForge (PC). Materials include pen and ink. PREREQ: DES3200
Emphasizes the development and evaluation of word and image through advanced studies and pragmatic applications. Development of an identity system, applied printed and electronic matter, issues of imagery, relationship to audience, ethics, information theory, and research methods are explored. Students are encouraged to explore the balance between individualized approaches, vision, and appropriateness. Required for graphic design majors. PREREQ: DES2600
Explores the possibilities and realities of design practice. Students develop a portfolio and a personalized identity package, including a website, modular digital portfolio, letterhead, cover letter, and résumé. Discussions revolve around current issues in the field, professional options, the business of design, and freelancing. Includes guest speakers and field trips to design studios, museums, and related events. Required for graphic design majors. COREQ: DES3610 PREREQ: DES3510 And DES3200
Focusing on applications of 3-D visual communications (e.g., packaging, exhibition, signage design), students explore problems of human and environmental scale, display typography, interactivity, object containment and reflection, visual systems, and color through a variety of applied projects. Construction techniques, model making, and familiarity with materials are balanced with concerns for relationship of form, function, and idea. Required for graphic design majors. PREREQ: DES3510
Elaborates on the exploration of visual systems in Graphic Design’s Word and Image, focusing solely on the cohesion of form, style, and narrative across multiple images as may be applied to families of communication media: informational icons, a series of covers or product labels, ads in a campaign, sequential literary storytelling, visualization of processes (e.g., instruction manuals), and brand identity programs. Credits: 3 PREREQ: DES2705
Continues advanced training in illustration-specific concepts and skills around sequentially-first explored in Series + Sequences now extended to time-based expression in both print and digital application: flip books and folding/pop-up media, AR (Augmented Reality) static image manipulations, stop-motion approaches, and extended motion-based animation. Visualization strategies, such as storyboarding, and integration of analog and digital techniques are explored. PREREQ: DES2705
An introduction to the considerations surrounding screen-mediated design spaces. This course includes industry standard research methodologies, as well as an introduction to the conceptual and technical issues involved in the design and production of dynamic documents and environments. This course focuses on how to research, map, visualize, share, and play with self-generated content, while investigating how current technology, software, and hardware can assist (and hinder) the way in which PREREQ: DES2460 And DES3510 And DES3200
Students gain technical professional experience by helping provide a safe and well-functioning studio environment for their fellow students. Studio assistants are expected to have advanced standing in their media area and a thorough understanding of current professional practices. Duties include basic maintenance and demonstrations of equipment, independent or group tutorials and workshops, weekly meetings, and other responsibilities assigned by the sponsoring instructional technician. A max
Brings senior graphic design students together in a collaborative design studio, simulating a “real world” professional studio situation. Students work directly with on-campus and nonprofit off-campus clients. Under the supervision of the faculty member, the students assume complete responsibility for the concept and development of multiple design solutions, production, printing, scheduling, maintaining client relationships, billing, etc. Required for graphic design majors. PREREQ: DES3550 And DES3610
Students are encouraged to reconsider what a book is and expand the boundaries of the traditional codex book through workshops in experimental formats, integration of word and image, form and content, sequencing, and physical structure. This may include a variety of projects and the study of video and film structure, historical and contemporary artists’ books, and innovative trade books.
The ideas and skills inherent in visual arts and literature are combined toward an integrated expression in this interdisciplinary course. Students confront issues of physical format, word and image relationships, sequence, storytelling, semiotics, visual/experimental literature and publishing as an artistic practice. Skills are developed through examining the workings of narrative and story, modes of writing (continuous, automatic, multiple points of view); titling objects; building a visua
