22 courses with the subject DSGN, 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.
DSGN 170Digital Techniques3
This course introduces students to foundational techniques and workflows used in Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. Through a series of short exercises and guided projects, students will learn the core functions and applications of Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. Emphasis is placed on developing technical proficiency. Students will produce a range of digital artifacts that build familiarity with industry-standard software and establish essential skills for future coursework in the Design program. 6 Studio.
Principles of visual communications including structure, typography, color, and semantics; emphasis on developing an understanding of the scope of graphic design including theory, practice, and technology. 6 Studio.
Pass Portfolio Requirement or permission of instructor. Credits: 3
DSGN 210Typography I3
Typography I is an introduction to typography as it relates to the field of design. This course will cover the historical study of type, aesthetics and development of letterforms, the use of software and other technology in relation to typography, typographic information and classifications, relationships between image and information, and the overall syntax of letterforms. 6 Studio.
Pass Portfolio Requirement or permission of instructor. Credits: 3
DSGN 251Interactive Design3
This course will focus on learning to design interactive products and experiences. We will consider user needs and goals, plan for sets of behaviors, design interfaces, and bring digital artifacts to life using a wide range of tools & technology. Students will create research documents, wire frames, physical objects, games, applications, and other interactive artifacts. 6 Studio.
A grade of C or better in both DSGN 171 and DSGN 210. Credits: 3
DSGN 261Illustration I3
This course is designed to introduce students to the broad and ever changing field of illustration. Students will learn how to compose original images with both analog and digital materials. Students will also begin to understand what illustration is and how it relates to design as a whole. 6 Studio.
Survey of the development of graphic design from prehistory through contemporary visual communications; topics include typography, photography, illustration, and current conceptual and art historical issues.
This class investigates contemporary graphic design theory, design process and design thinking. Emphasis is on analysis and form-making through investigations of design artifacts as components of larger systems: social, cultural, and technological. 6 Studio.
A grade of C or better in DSGN 251 or permission of instructor. Credits: 3
DSGN 340Motion Design I3
An introduction to working with type, image, sound, and animation using time-based digital media. Emphasis is on complex problem solving through multiple modes of communication. 6 Studio.
A grade of C or better in DSGN 370 or permission of instructor. Credits: 3
DSGN 352UX Design3
This course guides students through the entire process of a user-focused experience design project, starting with research and persona development and moving through phases of sketching, wireframing, digital prototyping, and final presentation. We will also discuss theory and principles behind UX design and explore best practices when conducting user-focused research. The goal of the course is to deepen and expand upon skills developed in DSGN 251: Interactive Design while also introducing more advanced prototyping techniques. Students will primarily work in Figma for this course. 6 Studio.
A grade of C or better in DSGN 251 or permission of instructor. Credits: 3
DSGN 370Professional Practice3
This class is designed to provide students real-world experience while also expanding their knowledge of the graphic design field. Students will hear from visiting experienced designers about their work and careers. Course work will also include projects that prepare students for their required internship. 6 Studio.
C or better in DSGN 251 or permission of instructor. Credits: 3
DSGN 411Typography II3
Typography II is an advanced level course that will apply and expand on the information covered in Typography I. We will engage in a wide range of industry specific as well as experimental typographic application. Additionally, this course is intended to provide the student with necessary knowledge and skills to perform at a high level in advanced design courses and to solve professional problems. 6 Studio.
A grade of C or better in both DSGN 330 and DSGN 370, or permission of instructor. Credits: 3
DSGN 431Design Studio II3
This course will focus on learning to design for a range of products, experiences, and other outcomes based on an empathetic understanding of user/audience needs and the problems they face. With a focus on research and exploration, students will be introduced to multiple approaches to analysis and ways of seeing, including: semiotics, speculative thinking, and user research techniques. Research and investigation within and beyond the processes introduced in this class is encouraged. 6 Studio.
A grade of C or better in both DSGN 340 and DSGN 411, or permission of instructor. Credits: 3
DSGN 441Motion Design II3
Motion Design II is an advanced course on the visual grammar and language syntax of time-based communication. It addresses multidisciplinary concepts and explores techniques for integrating multiple modes of communication in time-based media for effectively communicating ideas. Assignments include multidisciplinary collaboration. 6 Studio.
A grade of C or better in DSGN 340 or permission of instructor. Credits: 3
DSGN 442Sequential Narrative3
This introductory course is intended to use sequential narrative to help solve a wide range of design problems related to visual storytelling. Students will engage with comic history, methodologies, techniques, and contemporary practices. Students will gain a formal understanding of how comics operate and how to apply those elements into their own design work. 6 Studio.
This course introduces the conceptual and technical foundations of 2D game development using sprite-based assets. Students will learn the core principles behind designing and building interactive 2D games, focusing on the creation, implementation, and management of sprites, animations, and tile-based environments. The course develops fundamental skills in using game engines, content creation tools, and user interface devices to produce interactive experiences. Emphasis is placed on visual storytelling, gameplay mechanics, and creative expression within the context of sprite-based 2D games. 6 Studio.
This course introduces the conceptual and technical foundations of 3D game development and 3D asset creation. Students will learn the core principles behind designing and building interactive 3D games, focusing on the creation, modeling, texturing, and implementation of 3D assets and environments. The course develops fundamental skills in using game engines and industry-standard 3D content creation tools to produce interactive experiences. Emphasis is placed on environment design, spatial gameplay mechanics, visual storytelling, and creative expression within the context of 3D game worlds. 6 Studio.
This course introduces product design through prototyping, testing, and iterative development. Emphasis is placed on cultivating individual vision and experimentation throughout the design process. We will begin with demonstrations and exercises in 2D drafting, 3D modeling, and programming for interactive systems. Students will then propose two original projects that apply these skills in alignment with their personal goals and creative direction.
This course is intended to respond to the definition of illustration: An illustration is a decoration, interpretation, or visual explanationof a text, concept, or process. The course asks students to use a variety of analog and digital materials to create expressive images that respond to specific prompts found within the professional realm of illustration. 6 Studio.
This class discusses topics relating to accessibility, disability studies, inclusive design, and design theory. The main portion of the course is dedicated to introducing students to the history of disability activism and how it intersects with the world of design. Students will complete studio projects that expand their knowledge on accessibility and how to best incorporate accessible features into their works.
This course serves as the capstone for senior BFA students in Design and Visual Communication. It is intended to prepare students for an informed and successful engagement with the design profession as well as entry into graduate programs. 6 Studio.
