Prepares students to enter the professional world as new media producers and writers, graphic designers, public relations, visualization experts, communication professionals and social media strategists. The degree also prepares them for graduate work in related academic disciplines. Students will develop proficiencies in industry-standard software and emerging technologies.
Studio Courses
ART 110 • Principles of Two Dimensional Design
A foundation studio course focusing on the visual dynamics of the two-dimensional picture plane, with special attention to the application of basic design principles to problem-solving in the fine and applied arts. Explores a variety of hands-on techniques pertaining to image creation, manipulation, and construction including space, line, shape, value, texture, color, and their design relation to one another. Combining technical and artistic skills, students will create 5-8 portfolio pieces. Meets General Education Arts requirement.
* Formerly ART 210. Students who have completed ART 210 may not receive credit for ART 110.
COM 295 • Topics: Explorations in Graphic Design
Students will be introduced to the fields of graphic design and visual communication, and the use of InDesign and other Adobe tools. Intended for Sophomores in the CMD program.
COM 311 • Public Relations Writing
Designed to teach students the basic concepts of effective public relations writing and to give them a solid foundation in the use of multiple communication tools that are used in the public relations industry. The emphasis is on media techniques, preparation of materials, and the dissemination of them through appropriate channels. Meets Upper Division writing requirement.
COM 320 • Information Design
Students will be exposed to the nature of visual language and how designers use and readers process such information. Theories and research that relate to visual communication will be covered. Students will analyze and evaluate selected readings and examples; and students will use modern desktop publishing techniques to design and produce printed material. Additionally, the theory of design of online material will be discussed with particular emphasis on publication of World Wide Web home pages. Projects will include home page design and publication. Concepts covered earlier in the course will be applied to computer screen design. Prerequisite: Knowledge of basic computer skills.
COM 340 • Writing and Production in Digital Media
Develops skills in writing, editing and producing digital media, including commercial Web, blogging and micro-blogging, video and audio scripting, and non-linear texts. Emphasis on peer review, editing and revision. Exploration of current tools and techniques used for the production and distribution of digital media, including social networks, collaborative systems, and interactive platforms. Meets Upper Division Writing Requirement.
* Formerly COM 240. Students who have completed COM 240 may not receive credit for COM 340.
COM 350 • Visual Thinking and Writing
Teaches students think visually and convert complex written subjects and processes into visual designs and models. Students works in stages from writing assignments and revisions to final visualizations of the complex writing materials. Meets Upper Division Writing requirement.
COM 400 • Computer Software Documentation
Explains how to write professional computer documentation, from writing a proposal, to gathering data, to designing a document and related visuals, to running a usability test on the material, to revising style and polishing the final reference. Discusses the nature of visual language and considers the utilization of modern desktop publishing techniques to develop communication ideas and transfer them onto the printed page. Student teams develop a software documentation package using the school’s desktop publishing hardware and software. Meets Upper Division Writing requirement.
COM 414 • Advanced Digital Graphic Design
Designed to increase the student’s ability to creatively design within the digital domain. Major topics include: essentials for successful digital design, color and color accuracy in the digital world, symmetric and asymmetric layout techniques, creative use of shapes and space, large file management techniques, theoretical and applied typography, professional production methods to increase workflow, and stereographic imagery. Prerequisite: Basic Photoshop knowledge.
COM 417 • Digital Identity & Branding
A studio course in visual communication. Brand identity is the use of design to project a memorable graphic image of brands, services, corporations, institutions, organizations or other groups. Branding experiences include brand identity, promotion and advertising. The course will include logos, multiple design, and advertising applications with coordinated visual elements. Prerequisite: COM 320
