B.F.A. in Digital Art and Design

Courses

ART 1 Introduction to Visual Arts 

This course covers world art from the beginnings of human culture to today. The aim is to explore why art is the product not only of its creator, but also of the historical, political, economic, and social forces that shaped the artist. Students are introduced to the language and concepts of visual analysis and historical contextualization, with the goal of increasing their understanding of world cultures and the role of artistic representation in society. This course fulfills the Creativity, Media, and the Arts thematic cluster requirement in the core curriculum.
Credits: 3.00 

ART 6 3D Visualization &  Production 

3D printing is revolutionizing the production and distribution of objects world wide. It all begins with an idea. This course introduces students to the design skills and techniques they need to conceptualize, visualize, communicate and produce three-dimensional concepts with an emphasis on sustainable and humanitarian solutions. This course fulfills the Creativity, Media, and the Arts thematic cluster requirement in the core curriculum.
Credits: 3.00 

CGPH 5 Computer Layout I 

This introductory course will primarily focus on instructing students how to use Adobe Indesign as a creative design tool. Through a series of demonstrations, students will gain a knowledge of page layout and typography as well as be given a technical and aesthetic foundation for creating successful page layouts. Emphasis will be on simultaneously developing the student¿s technical skills and design sensibility as they compose and design a variety of graphic design projects. These projects include creating business cards and letterheads, book cover jackets and infographics. Through a series of assigned readings and lectures this course will stress the importance of basic design principles and students will also become familiar with the varied functions of graphic design and how to discuss and critique it. Other aspects of desktop publishing such as scanning and pre-production considerations are also covered.
Credits: 3.00 

CGPH 6 Advanced Computer Layout 2 

This advanced layout course focuses on both the design and production capabilities of Indesign. While students will predominantly work in Indesign they will be expected to integrate Illustrator and Photoshop into their designs. Students will gain knowledge of professional graphic design and production as they see their projects move through the entire process; from the conception of ideas, to the design execution, and finally through the production of three-dimensional prototypes. Emphasis will be equally placed on developing the students technical skill, speed, and accuracy and also on developing their personal aesthetic sensibility and emerging design style. Students will design and compose a variety of graphic design projects which include brochures, menus, and CD packages.
Credits: 3.00 

CGPH 7 Digital Illustration 1 

This introductory course will introduce the student to Digital Illustration using Adobe Illustrator. Through a series of computer demonstrations students will be introduced to a wide range of tools and techniques commonly used in illustration. The primary focus of the course is to first provide the student with a fundamental technical overview of how to use Illustrator. Students will then will apply this knowledge to create a wide variety of graphic design and illustration projects which include logos, postage stamps, package design, and label design. Emphasis will be placed on developing technique, style, and accuracy.
Credits: 3.00 

CGPH 8 Digital Illustration 2 

This advanced digital illustration course introduces student to more sophisticated techniques using Adobe Illustrator. This course will reinforce and encourage use of basic design principles that students have been previously exposed to. As they continue to enhance their technical and conceptual illustration skills, students are expected to create a wide variety of complex design projects that include event logos, technical renderings, and editorial illustrations. Emphasis will be on developing technique, style, and accuracy. Students will also be introduced to digital drawing tablets.
Credits: 3.00 

CGPH 9 Digital Typography 

This advanced typography course provides the student with a comprehensive understanding of the usage, design, and aesthetics of type through a series of projects which incorporate both traditional techniques and digital creation. These projects include creating a set of typographic dingbats/icons, an all type poster design, and a distressed type treatment. The objective of this course is to provide the student with a technical and aesthetic foundation for creating successful typographic designs. The history of typography and traditional typographic techniques will also be covered. The course will incorporate different software packages depending on the project requirements. Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop will be the predominant software applications used to create a range of typographic treatments. Students will also learn how to properly work with display type as they create typographic designs in Indesign.
Credits: 3.00 

CGPH 10 Digital Graphics Production Lab 

This is an advanced course in methods for preparing layout designs and digital graphics for commercial printing. Students are required to have basic knowledge of Adobe InDesign, Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator for this class. Students will acquire technical expertise in creating digital press-ready mechanicals for commercial output. Coursework examines preparation guidelines for different color models and custom printing techniques. Print industry standards and vocabulary terms are emphasized.
Credits: 3.00 

CGPH 11 Interaction Design 1 

This course is an introduction to Interaction Design. Course instruction will focus on using Adobe XD and Adobe Creative Suite to design mobile app prototype wireframes. Students will gain knowledge of all forms of interaction requirements including information, education, promotion and entertainment arenas. Emphasis will be on developing an understanding of various interactive techniques for user experience. Students will learn how to create artwork components necessary to complete an interaction design concept to wireframes containing audio, video animation, and basic scripting techniques.
Credits: 3.00 

CGPH 12 Desktop Video 

In this class, students will acquire a foundation in editing and compositing digital animation and video with Adobe After Effects and Premiere. Emphasis will be placed on the design and integration of motion graphics, text and sound to create a compelling coherent vehicle for communication.
Credits: 3.00 

CGPH 14 Interaction Design 2 

This course addresses advanced Interaction Design and User Interface and Experience. Course instruction will focus on using Adobe XD and Adobe Creative Suite to design mobile app prototypes. Students will gain knowledge of all forms of interactive publications and presentations dealing with the areas of information, education, promotion and entertainment arenas. Emphasis will be on developing an understanding of various interactive techniques and protocol. Students will compose a variety of sample interactive presentations. Students will learn how to create artwork and all the components necessary to complete an interactive presentation, via audio, video animation and scripting techniques.
Credits: 3.00 

CGPH 15 Desktop Video II 

This course gives students the advanced skills necessary to design, animate and integrate video projects. Students will be introduced to video acquisition and editing with industry standard equipment and software. Students will further develop the necessary creative skills and aesthetic decision-making from storyboards through post-production techniques. Students will be introduced to stop frame animation, intermediate and advanced video editing and compositing techniques using industry standard equipment and software. Students will also be introduced to location and studio video recording techniques. Emphasis will be placed on exploring effective ways to communicate with cohesive, integrated original video, motion graphics, text and sound for distribution across various media platforms.
Credits: 3.00 

CGPH 16 Digital Imaging 

This course introduces the student to Adobe Photoshop for creating graphic designs and digital imagery. Students learn how to use Adobe Photoshop as a graphic design tool for various applications. Students also learn image editing and manipulation techniques. The course also covers industry standards on resolution and colors models. Emphasis is placed on technical proficiency and creative expression.
Credits: 3.00 

CGPH 18 Digital Imaging Synthesis 

This course explores advanced aesthetic and technical concepts in Digital imaging using Adobe Photoshop. Creation and assemblage of source materials, complex montage making and development of a personal style are emphasized. Advanced photo retouching and typography special effects are also covered.
Credits: 3.00 

CGPH 20 3-D Modeling & Animation 1 

This course is intended for advanced students who wish to create three-dimensional moving objects utilizing modeling and animation script techniques. Using a three-dimensional modeling/animation program, students build objects, view the model from any angle and then render it with a palette of 16 million colors. Students will gain a basic proficiency in the industry standard software, Autodesk Maya 3D. Emphasis will be placed on principles of 3D design techniques for animation and illustration. Maya¿s relationship to peripheral software such as Photoshop CC and Adobe After Effects CC will also be explored. This course will conclude with an introduction to 3D character development and animation for both the movie and gaming environments.
Credits: 3.00 

CGPH 21  3-D Modeling & Animation 2 

This course explores advanced techniques in three-dimensional modeling and animation with the current version of Maya. Emphasis will be placed on character development, modeling, and animation scripting within the three-dimensional environment.
Credits: 3.00 

CGPH 22 Website Design 

This is an introductory course in Website design. Students will learn how to use Adobe Dreamweaver as an HTML5 and CSS editor to design and publish Websites. Students will also learn how to use the Bootstrap 4 framework to develop a professional portfolio Website from a mobile responsive template. This course provides students with a foundational understanding of Web design including: the ability to use Adobe Dreamweaver as an HTML and CSS editor, the ability to use Adobe Creative Suite to develop content for Websites, and how to employ Bootstrap to develop ¿mobile friendly¿ responsive Websites. Basic SEO (Search Engine Optimization) and Website promotion will also be covered.
Credits: 3.00 

CGPH 24 Website Development 

This course provides students the opportunity to further advance to their skills in Web design and development. Students will learn how to use WordPress to develop and publish interactive mobile responsive Websites. Advance CSS topics and aesthetics trends of Web design will also be explored.
Credits: 3.00 

CGPH 85 History of VIsual Communications 

This course covers the evolution of the concepts and technologies of visual communication from early handcrafted manuscripts, through the invention of printing and the consequent expansion in the production and dissemination of texts and graphic material and up to issues of design and cultural meaning in modern and contemporary typography, illustration and advertising.
Credits: 3.00 

CGPH 97 Internship 

This course offers the opportunity for students in their senior year to supplement classroom instruction with on-the job experiences. The objective of this course is to serve as a bridge between the college experience and the professional design world. Students will be placed at a professional design internship where they will work in an art department within a design studio. Students may be placed at a wide range of different type of companies. Some of the areas that students may work in include interactive and web design, advertising, publishing or other related businesses that incorporate design. Students will gain insight as to what it is like to work within an art department and what will be expected of them once they enter the design field after graduation. Students must have a 3.5 GPA to enroll in this class or be approved for enrollment by program director.
Credits: 3.00 

PROJ 3 Fine Art Senior Project II 

Intensive independent work designed to assist the student in attaining a more professional level in his/her media under the direction and criticism of a member of the Fine Art faculty. This project culminates in an exhibition of the student's work.
Credits: 3.00 

VISL 1 Introduction to Graphic Design 

A basic graphic design studio course that deals with communicating ideas through the use of type and image. The principles of graphic design are taught through a series of design problems intended to train the student to think as a designer when solving problems. This class focuses on the development of the student as a graphic designer. Topics to be covered are the elements and principles of design such as color, shape relationships, thematic design, typography, etc. Students will utilize Adobe Illustrator and will develop all work through sketching first. Using these design techniques and programs students will develop a body of images directed towards graphic design both print and new media. The emphasis is on creativity, exploration and the development of a working knowledge of graphic design and how it is integrated into all forms of print and new media.
Credits: 3.00 

VISL 2 Publication Design 

This advanced design course deals with the use of type, images and layout to design publications. The principles of typography are reinforced through a series of design problems and selected readings intended to teach the student about publication design. The objective of this course is to familiarize the student with numerous aspects of publication design. Emphasis will be placed on designing clear and interesting page layouts for a variety of publications. The design principles taught will involve grids, layout/composition, type and image, visual hierarchy, and typographic space. Particular attention will be given to designing the numerous elements that comprise a magazine article such as sidebars, eyebrows, timelines, and annotated photos.
Credits: 3.00 

VISL 3 Advertising Design 

This class focuses on the development of the student as an advertising designer. Topics to be covered are the elements and principles of design such as color, shape relationships, thematic design, typography, etc. Students will utilize several software programs and will develop all work through sketching first. Using these design techniques and programs students will develop a body of images directed towards graphic design both print and new media. The emphasis is on creativity, exploration and the development of a working knowledge of graphic design and how it is integrated into all forms of print and new media.
Credits: 3.00 

VISL 4 Digital Industries: Student Run Agency 

In this "studio/agency" environment students will gain a perspective on the creative process for the design and development of actual projects for non-profit clientele in: advertising, video production, 3D animation, web development, print/package design as they relate to the client/industry needs. Emphasis is placed on client relationships and industry experiences that are reflected via innovative solutions for diverse clientele: arts, information, education, entertainment, and commerce.
Credits: 3.00