Digital Media Degree Curriculum

This course is an exploration of the foundational elements and principles of design through application and iteration. The application of color theory and elements of composition in the production of 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional works will be a primary focus.

Drawing is an essential skill for visual communication. The primary goal of this course is to encourage the development of skill, confidence, dexterity, and speed through practice and exploration of drawing. Content includes contemporary drawing methods, composition and observation, and an introduction to the figure in space. Both traditional and technology based media will be explored in the pursuit of the course objectives. Related information on health and safety will be discussed. This course requires no previous computer experience.

Design at its most effective solves problems and is created through a creative process based in thoughtful exploration, research, theory, and iteration. This course encourages students to refine creative problem-solving skills through the practice and application of design thinking processes, research methods, and prevalent theories of art and design.

An introduction to vector and raster graphics, page layout software, and the general tools and technologies of graphic design. Students will explore and apply fundamental principles of art and design utilizing industry standard software (Adobe Suite). This course requires no previous computer experience.

An introduction to the practice, language, and purpose of graphic design. Through completing a variety of projects, students explore and apply the elements and principles of visual communication in pursuit of crafting their creative process, understanding theory and practice, and refining visual and technical skills.

This course introduces students to typography (history, anatomy, function, and contemporary rules) and grid systems (hierarchy and organization). Students will pursue understanding of type and grid through the production of a variety of visual communication exercises and projects.

Students pursue understanding through the creation of visual systems utilized to represent concepts, brands, and organizations. The principles and elements of simplification, abstraction, iconography, and design systems are emphasized. With focus on icon and logo design, students utilize research and creative ideation to create visual systems in a variety of contexts.

This course concentrates on the creation of meaningful and engaging visual communication through digital illustration. Students pursue advanced ability to create computer graphics as they continue to build their technical, creative, and visual communication skill sets. This course primarily focuses on 2D vector and raster graphics.

An introductory exploration of motion as an element of visual communication. Students will pursue understanding of the fundamental principles and techniques supporting animation and motion graphics as well as develop the technical skills to apply them using industry standard software.

The course will focus on the art and science of visual intelligence through the mastery of the photographic image and advanced color management in Adobe Photoshop. Assignments will be both based in technical and theoretical skill sets.

This course provides an introduction to the visual, theoretical, and technical considerations of front end web development. Students pursue introductory ability to utilize HTML and CSS, apply fundamental development concepts, create graphics for interactive media, and apply elements and principles of design and usability in context of interactive media.

Building upon Introduction to Motion Graphics, students will continue to pursue understanding of motion as an element of visual communication. Students will seek advancement of skills and knowledge through the creation of refined examples of motion graphics that engage, persuade, inform, and inspire.

An introduction to the process and principles of designing video games for entertainment and education. Students will apply principles of game and user experience design as they conceive, design, and pitch video game concepts targeted towards various platforms and experiences through the production of design briefs, wireframes, storyboards, simulated prototypes, and formal presentations.

This course’s purpose is to advance students’ understanding of the specialized disciplines, user experience and user interface design. Students will pursue advancing visual and interactive communication skill sets as they complete application focused projects that seek to create effective user experiences. Focus is placed on principles, processes, and practices specific to user experience and user interface design and include topics such as usability, user interaction, iconography, mapping, and prototyping.

Sequential art, synonymous with the mediums of comic books, graphic novels, cartoons, Manga, and storyboards is defined by the use of imagery deployed in a specific sequence to tell stories or convey information. Students will pursue understanding of the fundamental principles and techniques supporting this powerful art form.

This course challenges senior students to develop and produce a significant visual communication design project that culminates the skills, knowledge and understanding acquired throughout the program. The project's scope should encompass research, concept development, content development, design development, prototype testing, final production and process reflection. As the culminating project of the interactive design degree, this project should meet the highest standards of design. This semester-long process also includes a formal review of each student's project by design professionals and a public show.

Capstone challenges senior students to develop and produce a significant visual communication design project that culminates the skills, knowledge, and understanding acquired throughout the program. Part two of a two-part course – this phase includes the design development, testing, refining, final production and process reflection of a student’s capstone experience. This experience also includes a formal review of each student's project by design professionals and a public show.

During this culminating experience, students will begin transitioning focus from student to professional designer. The primary targeted outcomes are assessment and preparation of a high-quality portfolio presentation, and evaluation of interests and aptitudes. While making final preparations for beginning a professional career, emphasis is also placed on the communication aspect of the profession. This course includes visits to professional design studios, portfolio reviews with professional graphic designers, and visiting lecturers.

Exposure to a professional environment is a critical component in the education of a designer. This required experience guides students in preparing for and acquiring an internship position. Preparation includes developing materials such as a professional design resume and portfolio, identifying internship opportunities, conducting formal business communication, and internship acquisition. In addition to attending three workshops held throughout the school year, thirty contact hours are required for every 1 credit hour earned. B.F.A. Graphic and Interactive majors are required to complete 3 internship credits. Internship opportunities should be within a professional design environment, ideally under the mentorship of at least one design professional, and be approved by the internship coordinator/instructor. Internship credits are issued after the submission of required forms and a designed experience journal or formal presentation.

This course is a historical survey which presents a global view of art from prehistoric art in Europe through the 14th century. Content introduces beginning students to the works of all artists, including women and artists of color.

From the beginning, humans have used myths and symbols to structure and understand the visible and unseen forces that shape the physical world. This course surveys the visual representations of these myths and the use of symbols in art form the Paleolithic period to the present. Students will gain an understanding of how images manipulate and define or redefine mythologies and how meanings are embedded within visual culture. This course is designed to provide students with no previous background in art or art history with the knowledge and ability to read and comprehend meaning within works of art from western and non-western cultures.

This course surveys the history of graphic design from the origins of ancient writing systems through the development of modernism in Europe and the States. The work and philosophies of historically significant design movements, designers, and design firms will be studied in-depth. The influence of technology, culture, and socio-political factors on the evolution of graphic design will also be explored.

This course, a continuation of ADAH 330 Graphic Design History I, focuses on specific topics with an emphasis on late 20th century to contemporary issues. Topics include: Beyond Modernism, the Shift to America, Pluralism and Postmodernism, Digital and Typographic Revolution, the Social Role of the Designer: A Global View, and Multimedia Today.

This course is a survey of communication from interpersonal to mass media, with an emphasis on understanding the current environment created by communication and technology. Assignments help students understand the media influence in their own lives regardless of major as well as explore communication as a career.

This class explores what is new about the new media landscape and why we should care about these changes in the media landscape. Starting with social implications of the new media, the course will delve into how the new media landscape influences aspects of public relations, advertising, and journalism. New and social media are transforming communication for individuals, organizations, and society and this course focuses on the way language, discourses, and meaning have been and continue to be created and altered within the interdisciplinary area of social media. Students will become familiar with many current social media tools during the course of the class and they will also learn to think critically about how individuals and organizations talk about and create meanings within the world of new and social media.

Data-driven digital media strategies provide crucial information for modern brands to make marketing decisions supported by new technologies. Students will learn how to measure the effectiveness of digital media strategies including online listening and monitoring, website traffic analytics, search engine optimization, search and display ads, affiliates, email marketing, and social media. Students will develop, evaluate, and execute a comprehensive strategy-driven digital marketing plan and justify the effectiveness of the marketing plan as indicated by return on marketing investment (ROMI) data. This course is a pre-requisite for MKT 491-Marketing Analytics

This course explores the psychological theories and principles that influence the discipline/industry of design. Color, consumer and social behavior, games, gambling, story, decision making are a few areas of study as students seek to discover why we tweet, buy products, play games, and have favorite colors.