Massachusetts College of Art and Design

Graphic Design Basics is an elective course developed specifically for freshmen who are interested in graphic design as a major. It is a "primer" to the Graphic Design program - a rigorous introduction to the fundamentals of visual communication and design.

Prerequisites:

None

Type:

critique

The understanding of other cultures is a prerequisite for effective communication and design. Some of the most vital moments of cultural exchange come when engaging in a true dialogue with one's peers. With this in mind, "West Meets East" is sixteen days experiencing China's most dynamic cities: Beijing; Guangzhou; and, Hong Kong. This in-depth tour will lead a select group of American communication design students to experience first hand how a Chinese designer lives and works, to discover the sources of his/her inspiration, and to learn how he/she communicates in this rapidly changing global environment. In addition to discovering some of China's greatest architecture, art and cultural riches, our itinerary will take us to a few leading design education programs as well as into the studios of some of China's top designers.<br />

Prerequisites:

None

Type:

travel

This sophomore-level required course meets twice per week for 5 hours; it is a 6-credit course. Sophomore Studio provides a foundation in the methods of concept, image, and form development. Students are introduced to the language of design; working in both traditional and digital media, students will explore issues of form, color, texture, image, sequence and narrative, learning how to harness these elements to communicate concepts clearly, effectively and expressively. Mind-mapping and the sketching of ideas as a part of the process of inquiry and design problem solving also will be covered. Faculty will collaborate and share lectures and demonstrations across all sections.

Prerequisites:

SFDN185

Type:

double hybrid studio

A study of the design and use of basic letterforms, typographic contrast, hierarchy of information, major type families and their characteristics, typographic grids, and legibility.

Prerequisites:

SFDN185

Type:

hybrid studio/critique

Written for visual thinkers with little to no prior experience in computer programming, this elective course will focus upon the development of systems for design and the translation of those systems into algorithm. Assignments will include using generative systems to create graphic form, studies in interactivity and motion, and creatively transforming and visualizing abstract data.

Prerequisites:

SFDN185

Type:

critique

Basic design principles and skills are applied to graphic design projects. The course presents the formal elements of typography, color, and idea generation in the context of design responsibility and the development of professional attitudes and approaches to problem solving.

Prerequisites:

CDGD210

Type:

hybrid studio/critique

In this sophomore level required course, students continue their typographic education by looking at issues of text type, typographic structure and hierarchy. They develop their sensitivity to type at both a macro and micro level, and explore issues related to typography for print and screen environments. The course meets twice a week.

Prerequisites:

CDGD210 Typography I

Type:

double hybrid studio

An introduction to hand set metal and wooden type, letterpress printing techniques, and limited edition printing on fine papers. Emphasis on typography rather than pictorial elements.

Prerequisites:

Typography I or equivalent, or printmaking courses

Type:

critique

An introduction to the field of packaging design, covering branding, graphics, materials, technology, and typography. This studio course focuses on design phases from concept to three-dimensional comprehensives, and includes field trips and guest lecturers. The goal of this class is to engage the five senses in the consumer experience with the product/package and create memorable packaging that sells product.

Prerequisites:

CDGD220

Type:

critique

Advanced letterpress printing class demonstrating setting type and images in forms for two and three color printing, printing in registration, embossing, integrating linoleum cuts and wood cuts with text, producing and ordering photo engravings, specifying and ordering linotype and monotype composition, creative paper selection.

Prerequisites:

Letterpress I, or printmaking and letterpress experience demonstrated by portfolio

Type:

hybrid studio/critique

Introduction to web development skills through the use of Dreamweaver and Flash. Design for the web and multimedia through the use of assignments, examples, and discussion.

Prerequisites:

CDGD220

Type:

critique

This introductory elective course for junior and senior graphic design majors explores the drawing and spacing of collections of digital letterforms. Students will develop original typeface designs with the goal of enhancing their sensitivity to the shapes and uses of letters within print and electronic media. Particular emphasis will be placed on developing better insight into the history and classification of typefaces through the exploration of the influence that traditional and digital design tools have had as shapers of form. Projects will include designing typefaces in response to particular design challenges, the creation of expressive and decorative letterforms, and the consideration of the possibilities within on-screen dynamic typography.

Prerequisites:

CDGD210 Typography I

Type:

critique

This course explores almost every area involved in print production for graphic designers, including offset printing, printing estimates and working with a printer, binding and finishing, paper, pre-press, color separation and color proofing, and halftones and scanning issues.

Prerequisites:

CDGD220, CDGD230

Type:

critique

In this graphic design elective course, students will explore the process of designing publications (such as books) and periodicals (such as newsletters, magazines, newspapers), both for print and digital publication.

Prerequisites:

CDGD210, CDGD220

Type:

critique

This course will focus on encouraging students to develop a personal vision and means of photographic expression coupled with the technical skills and confidence to work in digital media to improve the content of their individual communication through print or the web. By introducing students to the language and tools of digital photography, they will understand how to create, import and transform images into digital format as well as alter them using a graphics program. Students will also explore some of the fundamental principles of photography and its uses.

Prerequisites:

CDGD 210 or CDIL 205

Type:

critique

This course for juniors/seniors/graduates aims to introduce students to addressing issues related to the design of communications in the social/humanitarian arena. Emphasizing the designer's responsibility, ethics, culpability and awareness of the messages the world really needs shared, coursework will include projects and exercises to convey messages for the betterment of the world, via political, personal expression and/or social environmental change, where design becomes responsive and an active and positive force in visual culture and therefore an integral part in the well-being of our communities local and global.

Prerequisites:

CDGD220

Type:

critique

Brand Identity: good brands tell a story. This course will focus on the fundamentals of developing (brand) identity, both formally and conceptually. Students will learn how to generate and convey ideas and concepts and "tell the story" visually. The class will explore brand factors, such as positioning, audience, and market analysis. Students will study the formal nuances of logo design including typographic and color choices to create marks and visual systems that are distinct and meaningful. Open to Graphic Design juniors and seniors.

Prerequisites:

CDGD220

Type:

critique

This introduction to the design of graphics for the built environment is for junior/senior Graphic Design and Architecture students. Through a combination of lectures and studio-based projects, the course will introduce students to wayfinding, branded environments, and interpretive displays.

Prerequisites:

CDGD230, CDGD220 or EDAD223, EDAD227

Type:

critique

Advanced course in information architecture focused on exploring large and complex, user-centered systems of information with emphasis on organization, navigation and management. Subjects of study include printed and interactive media. The course content represents professional problem-solving methods in interface design.

Prerequisites:

CDGD342 Information Architecture I

Type:

hybrid studio/critique

The UK is recognized internationally for cutting edge and innovative communication design - Illustration, Design, Advertising, Motion Graphics and Animation. This course, culminating in a two-week trip to London, will investigate all areas of graphic communication as they give shape, form and content to contemporary British culture.

Prerequisites:

None

In this junior level required course, students explore how meaning is created through design by looking at visual communication strategies, communication theory, and the roles of message senders and receivers in the communication process. Coursework includes both print and simple time-based applied projects.

Prerequisites:

CDGD220 Graphic Design I

Type:

hybrid studio/critique

In this junior level required course, students continue their study of typography, focusing on issues of authorship and editing, and the designer's relationship to text content. Projects are more experimental in nature, and move beyond the single project to simple systems. Additionally, the course involves a research component which prepares students for their degree project research the following semester.

Prerequisites:

CDGD230

Type:

hybrid studio/critique

This is an introductory course covering basic concepts, methods, and procedures of information architecture with a focus on managing information complexity. This course addresses issues of information structures developed for various contexts and audiences. Subjects of study include print and interactive media, and both static and dynamic approaches to information design.

Prerequisites:

CDGD210 & CDGD220

Type:

hybrid studio/critique

This junior/senior course continues to develop skills in creativity and graphic design focusing on the poster's utilitarian goal. The course emphasizes conceptual, visual and technical aspects of the medium, its history and impact on society emphasizing persuasive communication and education.

Prerequisites:

CDGD220

Type:

critique

In Dynamic (pertaining to, or caused by motion) Typography (process of arranging type) students explore visual narratives in reference to time-based media. The course emphasizes conceptual, visual and technical aspects of typography in motion.

Prerequisites:

CDGD210

Type:

critique

Prerequisites:

None

Prerequisites:

None

Prerequisites:

None

In this studio/seminar course, students will explore multiple goals and methods of design research in the context of communication design practice. Through case studies and studio projects, multiple creative strategies and tactics in design research will be investigated. The course will make a strong argument for performing rigorous experimentation and analysis as creative practice that makes designers' way of thinking and communicating so unique. Additionally, the course involves a student-defined research project in preparation for degree project course.

Prerequisites:

CDGD340, CDGD341

Type:

lecture/seminar

Students work on complex projects, researching and developing content. Finished work is portfolio quality, and conceptual thinking, problem-solving, and formal design principles are explored in each critique. Projects allow opportunity for discussion concerning professional business practice and design ethics.

Prerequisites:

CDGD340 & CDGD341

Type:

hybrid studio/critique

This course is an introduction to advertising and explores the kinds of problems that advertising agencies deal with on a day-to-day basis. The interrelationship of the art director, the client, and the consumer is emphasized with the focus on solutions to typical agency problems. When possible, informal talks with art directors and visits to Boston agencies are arranged.

Prerequisites:

CDGD220 or CDIL220

Type:

critique

This is an advanced course in advertising that builds on the skills and issues introduced in GD 414.

Prerequisites:

CDGD414

Type:

critique

Preparation of an entry-level portfolio demonstrating professional competence in design, concept, and craft with an emphasis on the student's particular area of interest. Students pass a review panel, produce a resume, and interview in the professional design community.

Prerequisites:

CDGD410 & CDGD402

Type:

critique

A continuation of the research began in GD 303X, in this course students synthesize the research, document the design process, and produce a final project based on the chosen subject of their research. At the end of the course, process documentation and design projects are exhibited at a departmental showing.

Prerequisites:

CDGD402

Type:

critique