Faculty Syllabus

Course Description:
This is a 3-credit, online synchronous foundation course in Visual Communication. Students are introduced to 2D design fundamentals with emphasis on the visual communication design process. Topics include design terminology, basic principles, and visual language. Students will explore form, balance, structure, rhythm, and harmony through both black-and-white and color projects. The course builds a strong foundation for advanced study in design.

Course Rationale / Objectives:
This course introduces students to a set of design tools and visual problem-solving techniques that will help them become prolific creative problem solvers. Beginning with basic shapes and tools, each assignment increases in complexity and integrates the principles and elements of design.

Policies and Expectations:

• Keeping Current: Design is constantly evolving. Students are encouraged to research current design trends and may benefit from resources like Communication Arts magazine (student discount available: https://store.commarts.com/studentlookup).
• Online Platform: Projects (except the first) will include the usage of an online platform for critiques. 
• Groups: Students may be assigned to small design teams for collaboration and peer support.
• Deadlines: Projects are due as listed in the weekly work schedule. Work turned in more than one week late will not be accepted.
• Quizzes: This is a project-based course; no quizzes are required.

Required Text:

• Graphic Design School, 8th Edition, Dabner–Stewart–Zempol. John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Additional Readings:

• Assignment instructions and links posted in Blackboard under "Read It" or "Watch It."

Course Outline

Below are the projects for the semester. For actual due dates refer to Blackboard under calendar.

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to 

• Familiarize the student with basic principles and elements in visual art and design.
• Develop basic skills using tools and theory in design process.
• Develop techniques and methods of creative problem solving.
• Create computer-based projects using Illustrator and/or Adobe Photoshop.
• Analyze creative work and work of others