Art & Graphic Design Minor

VIS 112 Two-Dimensional Design

This course is an in-depth examination of the elements and principles of design and how they influence the creation of two-dimensional compositions. Students will acquire vocabulary and concepts that will be used throughout their careers. Individual visual expression will be emphasized through design assignments that allow the exploration of a variety of media and tools. Contemporary and historically significant works of art and design will be utilized. This will help students recognize the successful application of the elements and principles of design for evaluating their own work and that of their peers.

VIS 110 Drawing I

Drawing is the foundation for all other applications of design. To that end, this course explores the principles of freehand drawing, and emphasizes the use of line, light and shade, perspective, proportion and pictorial composition. Subject matter in class will include both still-life (natural and fabricated) and an introduction to drawing the figure. Students will experiment with a variety of black and white media as they learn about drawing and all its possibilities, both creative and analytical.

VIS 116 Digital Media and Methods

The concepts and techniques of digital media are essential for the modern graphic designer. This course serves as an essential foundation for all subsequent courses in computer graphics. Students will gain an understanding of how this evolving technology applies to the visual communications industry and will be introduced to the hardware and software utilized within the field. The terminology that we use as designers when dealing with technology will also be stressed.

VIS 260 Graphic Design for Non-Majors

Graphic Design for Non-Majors introduces the principles and processes of graphic design. Emphasis will be on conceptual development, organization of information and effective communication with the formal integration of type and imagery. Students will learn to think critically, make aesthetic judgments, and become familiar with a variety of tools and techniques used to produce work in the fields of design.

ART 200 History of Graphic Design

Graphic design has great power and has both reflected and influenced our society and culture throughout history. This course identifies the key movements within the history of graphic design from the Graphic Renaissance throughout today and highlights how these movements have mirrored and changed the course of our society and the field of graphic design. Lectures, images and texts will be used in of each of the following periods: Graphic Renaissance, the Industrial Revolution, Mid-Century Modernism, Late-Modernism Post-Modernism and the Digital Age. NOTE: Students cannot earn credit for ART 200, ART 200W or ART 200*D ART 200*D can be used to fulfill the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Social Justice requirement. Prerequisite(s): EGL 101

ART 201 Survey of Art History: Prehistoric Times through The Middle Ages

A survey of the history of the visual arts from their beginnings in prehistoric times to the end of the Middle Ages. Works of art are studied both as monuments of intrinsic aesthetic value and as expressions of the needs, ideals, and aspirations of the societies in which they were created. Note: Students cannot get credit for ART 201 and ART 201W; ART 201W can be used to fulfill the writing intensive requirement. Prerequisite(s): EGL 101

ART 202 Survey of Art History: Early Renaissance to the Present

A survey of the history of the visual arts from the Early Renaissance to the Present. Works of art are studied both as monuments of intrinsic aesthetic value and as expressions of the needs, ideals, and aspirations of the societies in which they were created. Note: Students cannot get credit for ART 202 and ART 202W; ART 202W can be used to fulfill the writing intensive requirement. Prerequisite(s): EGL 101

ART 203 History of Interaction Design

The foundations of interaction design preceded the invention and use of the first computers and have evolved with the constant changes in technology. From punch cards to voice recognition, from the earliest computers to the mobile platforms of today, the need for a formal definition and definitive history of Interaction Design has increased as quickly as the technology has changed. This class will provide an over view of the history of the relationship between human beings and the tools and technology they use. The evolution of the computer and other digital devices will be explored with the emphasis on the events that lead to the formalization of Interaction Design into a vibrant and growing discipline. Prerequisite(s): EGL 101

ART 302 Art History: Survey of American Art

A survey of the development of painting, sculpture, and architecture in the United States from the early colonial period to the present. Lectures, supplemented by slides and textbook illustrations, will provide the basis for an analysis of the "schools" styles, and influences that determined and are affecting the direction of American Art. Note: Students cannot get credit for ART 302 and ART 302W; ART 302W can be used to fulfill the writing intensive requirement.

ART 303 MesoAmerican Art History

This course is designed to expose students to the art, culture and history of Mexico and Central America from the first peoples of the Americas to the Spanish Conquest, Colonial Period, Revolution, Modern and contemporary eras. The class will introduce the student to visual works of art including sculpture, painting, architecture and other applied arts. The course begins with prehistoric art of the Clovis peoples of the American Southwest and concludes with the contemporary era. The class covers Clovis, Olmec, Maya, Zapotec, Mixtec, Aztec, Mexican and Guatemalan art and touches on significant imported Spanish influences. The history, mythologies, politics, religions, and philosophical thought of the periods are introduced in order to provide a context for the visual art.

ART 304 Global Art History

This course is an introduction to the art practices in various cultures specifically "Non-Western" cultures which includes Asia, Africa, Mesoamerica, the Middle East as well as Native America and Oceania. In this course students will examine examples of painting, sculpture, architecture, calligraphy, printing, carving, weaving and other forms of art that have been created around the world from pre-history to contemporary times. The lectures, discussions, presentations and projects will help the students develop an understanding of the arts of various cultures in the past and the contemporary times in relationship to religious, social, economic, and political contexts. NOTE: Students cannot earn credit for ART 304 and ART 304*D ART 304*D can be used to fulfill the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Social Justice requirement. Prerequisite(s): EGL 101

VIS 101 Introduction to Drawing

Students will be introduced to basic observational freehand drawing techniques, including line, form, light and shade and composition. Students will study examples of work from various artists and have an opportunity to apply this knowledge in the studio and in outdoor settings.

VIS 103 Introduction to Watercolor

Students will be introduced to basic watercolor techniques, including color, value, shape and composition. Students will study examples of work from various watercolor artists and have an opportunity to apply this knowledge in the studio and outdoor settings.

VIS 104 Introduction to Calligraphy

An introduction to the history and technique of the calligraphic arts. Students will gain insight into the origins and development of hand-lettered communication throughout history. Topics will range from illuminated manuscripts to contemporary calligraphic artists. Students will apply this knowledge to their own calligraphy projects.

VIS 105 Introduction to Photography

This course is an introduction to the history, art and technique of photography. By utilizing their own cameras and commercial processing, students will acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to produce well-composed and properly exposed creative photographs. The estimated student cost for materials, including film, processing and other supplies is approximately $200 (not including camera).

VIS 114 Principles of Color

This course will explore the vast visual language of color including its characteristics, properties, and schemes, as well as its expressive and symbolic usage. An understanding of the rich vocabularies of both color and design will be enforced. Students will increase their skills in the identification and interpretation of design principles in contemporary and historically significant works of art. Students will experiment with color in many mediums as an avenue to recognizing the power of color.

VIS 115 Three-Dimensional Design

Three-dimensional is the foundation for many of the specialized areas of graphic design, including package design, product design, environmental graphics, animation and three-dimensional modeling. Thus, this course stresses the application and appreciation of the principles and elements that make successful three-dimensional designs. Study will include: mass, volume, line, surface, plane, space, time and motion. In the design and construction of three-dimensional objects, students will explore a variety of materials and construction methods. Constructions will be made typically of wood, paper, bristol board, foam core, corrugated board, plaster and other three-dimensional materials. The course will also stress the efficient and safe use of tools and materials.

VIS 120 Drawing II

This course furthers the investigations of drawing as the foundation for all other applications of design. Students will expand their understanding of perspective and structural drawing, and continue the development of the perception, skill and knowledge necessary to draw the human figure. In addition to working in graphite and charcoal, students will also experiment with a variety of drawing surfaces and media, including ink wash and watercolor. Prerequisite(s): VIS 110

VIS 216 Painting I

This course will introduce students to the basic principles of painting. All students will work in the medium of oil paint. Because drawing is the basis of all visual means of expression, this course will incorporate an analytical approach to seeing and drawing from life and will quickly progress to working with paint. This course will be conducted through lectures, demonstrations, critiques and predominantly through the interaction between instructor and student. Each student will be asked to complete approximately seven paintings by the end of the semester.

VIS 217 Introduction to Printmaking

This mixed–media course introduces the student to the basic fundamentals and concepts of non-toxic printmaking: the development of an image on a printing plate, the transfer of the image to paper, edition printing, matting and presentation. Media will include photo and digital transfer, woodcut prints, silkscreen, intaglio, collagraphs and monoprints. Emphasis is placed on the student’s exploration of this creative process to produce and develop exciting prints.

VIS 252 Drawing and Painting Techniques

This course will offer an advanced study and exploration of painting and drawing techniques. Students will be expected to enter the course with a proficiency of drawing skills having completed Drawing I, Drawing II and Figure Drawing as prerequisites. Students will acquire a wide range of skills related to drawing and painting. Advanced techniques and media will enable students to attain a higher level of artistic self-expression. Prerequisite(s): VIS 120

VIS 380 Illustrative Style I

Students explore new styles and media. Reference and support material coursework will be acquired though research of reading materials pertaining to illustration techniques. In and out of class research will be applied through recreating the process and procedures utilized by illustration professionals to solve specific problems. Prerequisite(s): VIS 252 or 256

IXD 101 Design Thinking

Creativity does not need to be a mystery. The development of creative skills can help students in all disciplines develop the confidence to approach problems imaginatively. Building on the creative process that designers use to generate and visualize unique, human-centered solutions, this course will teach students empathy, definition, ideation, prototyping, and testing. Each interdisciplinary team project's aesthetic result will be a well-crafted, elegantly designed solution to a complex problem. The problems presented will dictate the tools, techniques, and processes needed to create the final artifacts.

IXD 102 Design for Game Play

Game design and play is a form of artistic expression that permeates 21st-century society. The visual impact of games has changed how we play, think, and interact with the world. In this class, students will experience the creative process inherent in the creativity of visual game design concepts. Class assignments will develop creative thinking skills, visual literacy, and an understanding of gaming and society. Students will learn the theoretical and artistic principles that make game play fun, addictive, and engaging. Social gaming, 8bit - 4K consoles, immersive games, digital and physical games will be covered. Projects will favor the cultivation of awareness and reasoning over technology, limiting the use of gaming tools to the imagination of game design and the gamers who play them. No programming knowledge or formal computing skills are expected or required.

VIS 122 Typography I

Typography is the formal study of letterform. Each typeface has qualities that allow it to be identified, classified and appreciated for its own individual beauty. In this course, students will gain perspective into this important field by starting with a focus on early visual communication, symbols handwritten letterforms, calligraphy and the development of movable type. Students will then explore ways to categorize type into families and identify and define the similarities and subtle differences in classical typeface. Class discussions, projects, critiques and lectures will focus on typographic terminology and vocabulary, as well as the aesthetic discipline of using type effectively as a designer. An emphasis will be placed on typography as an essential element of graphic design. Prerequisite(s): VIS 112 and 116

VIS 215 Introduction to Animation

The course will provide an exploration of animation techniques and applications from early development through digital media. Students will study selected traditional and electronic animation techniques from storyboard through the final animated production. The course will concentrate on storytelling using different animation methods in a digital environment.

VIS 225 Photography I

This course introduces photographic principles with the primary emphasis on the technical issues of photography in studio and natural lighting conditions. Students will learn the concepts and techniques for proper lighting, exposure, focus, depth-of-field, and creative composition. The methodology for the creation of compelling and original photographic images will be covered as it applies to graphic design projects. Image management software, archival storage solutions, and presentation techniques will be explored. Students must supply their own digital camera (see department web page for current specific equipment requirements). Prerequisite(s): VIS 112 and 116

VIS 240 Publication Design I

A survey of the concepts and applications of graphic design, typography and page layout as they pertain to publication design. This course is intended for students enrolled in the Professional Communications curriculum. Emphasis will be placed on effective communication, aesthetics, and conformity to corporate identity guidelines. Prerequisite(s): BCS 102

VIS 242 Publication Design II

The continuing exploration of graphic design, typography and page layout as they pertain to publication design. This course is intended for students enrolled in the Professional Communications curriculum. Students will apply the concepts learned in prerequisite coursework to a variety of publication projects utilizing professional page layout software. Prerequisite(s): VIS 116

VIS 254 Package Design

This course applies the principles of graphic design, typography and three-dimensional design to the specialized area of package design. Students may design labels, boxes, containers and other types of consumer packaging materials, in addition to point-of-purchase displays. Factors influencing the designs will include manufacturing, printing, digital technology, consumer appeal and tampering and label regulations. Prerequisite(s): VIS 112, 122 and 210

VIS 265 Web Design for Non-Majors

Web design encompasses many different skills and disciplines in the production and maintenance of websites. This course will introduce students to the planning, designing and constructing of layouts in web development and interactive design for the internet and screen devices. Course content includes discussions of layout, composition, planning, constructing and maintaining a website.

VIS 353 Editorial Design

Emphasis in this class will be on the creation of multiple page documents for the editorial design market. Students will explore numerous avenues for editorial design including, magazine, catalog, newspaper and book design, while gaining the advanced software skills needed for the creation of these documents. Prerequisite(s): VIS 370

VIS 354 Corporate Identity

This course will explore the visual components behind creating and establishing a corporate identity. Corporations require logos, signs and symbols as part of an elaborate identification system. Visual imagery related to the corporation projects a positive image and public perception of a corporation's identity. This class will explore creative solutions that define and present "corporate identity" through visual imagery. Prerequisite(s): VIS 222 and 230 or Chair approval

VIS 118 Creative Concepts Seminar

This course will be presented by instructors and guest lecturers in a seminar format that will integrate a series of topics and contemporary issues pertaining to creativity. The objective of this course is to further develop each artist's ability to conceptualize and creatively apply solutions to visual arts projects.

VIS 280 Introduction to Illustrator

Adobe Illustrator graphic design software is used by graphic designers, web designers, and artists to create vector drawings and imagery for use in different media and platforms. This course will introduce students to the creation of original vector images and artwork, and explore digital illustration techniques to create imagery for a variety of projects and products. These skills will enable the student to properly use the industry's premier vector drawing program. This course runs for five (5) weeks. Registration must be completed during normal registration period.

VIS 281 Introduction to Photoshop

Adobe Photoshop is the industry standard photo editing software used by photographers, graphic and web designers, videographers, and artists to enhance and manipulate photos and create original digital artwork. This course will introduce students to the use of this software to create original artwork, edit, restore and retouch existing photography, correct and modify color and explore different digital image techniques to create composites and simulating a variety of special effects. This course runs for five (5) weeks. Registration must be completed during normal registration period.

VIS 284 Introduction to InDesign

Adobe InDesign is a design and layout program used to create publications for print, interactive pdf documents, digital magazines, and EPUBs. By combining text, imagery, and graphic elements created from a variety of sources InDesign allows you to create engaging layouts from single pages to multiple page documents and publications. In this introductory course, you will discover the flexibility and outstanding typography features of this program, work with color, imagery and graphics, and prepare professional-level publications for output for multiple platforms. This course runs for five (5) weeks. Registration must be completed during normal registration period.

VIS 328 Industry Topics Seminar

Presented by instructors and guest lecturers in a seminar format that will integrate a series of relevant topics and issues that students will encounter in their career. The objective of this course is to provide varied perspectives and insights to supplement the learning experiences the students have encountered throughout the curriculum.

VIS 338 Illustration for Graphic Designers

Illustration for Graphic Designers gives students the opportunity to create professional conceptual and narrative illustrations that combine design, drawing, typographic and technical skills. This studio-based course focuses on problem-solving methodologies, constant observational sketching, imaginative drawing and typography. Students develop many ideas, the tools to evaluate them, and the ability to judge the value and clarity of those ideas. Projects are solved through the integration of traditional design skills with illustrations created in a variety of media. It provides insight into the language and practice of illustration while offering graphic design students the opportunity to develop a personal approach to illustration that can become integral to their design work. Note: Students cannot receive credit for both VIS 238 and VIS 338 Prerequisite(s): VIS 120 and 222

VIS 350 Photography II

This studio-based course gives students a chance to master the skills learned in previous design and photography classes and develop advanced conceptual and technical skills into the study and practice of commercial art photography. Students will explore the expressive, emotional and physical characteristics of different types of light in real-world scenarios. Emphasis will be placed on dramatic and cinematic lighting techniques as well as advanced lighting techniques such as multiple source lighting, natural light, strobes, filters and gels. The logistics of studio and on-location lighting will be considered. Students will recognize, analyze, and apply different characteristics of light and learn to control light for proper exposure and creative expression. Consistent post-processing, retouching, color control, and professional file management workflow will be instilled. Portraiture inside and outside of the studio, product photography, narrative photography, and other topics will be explored. Students will gain a deeper and broader understanding of photographic techniques and apply these techniques with an emphasis on developing their own style of creative expression. Note: Students cannot receive credit for both VIS 250 and VIS 350 Prerequisite(s): Department Approval or VIS 225

VIS 200 Survey of Graphic Design

A survey of the history of graphic design from the Graphic Renaissance to the Digital Age. Special attention will be paid to how this history both reflects and influences our society and culture. Lectures, slides and texts will be used in the exploration of each of the following periods: Graphic Renaissance, The Industrial Revolution, Mid-Century Modern, Late-Modernism, Post-Modernism, and the Digital Age.