Courses


AR 240 Graphic Design Processes (3 HRS.)
(Prerequisites, AR 102 and AR 305.) Introduction level graphic design
course to be concerned with fundamental issues and topics in graphic
design. Basic, traditional and contemporary (digital) aspects of
profession-oriented design composition, design preparation, and design
production will be included in the course.

AR 340 Type and Design (3 HRS.)
(Prerequisite, AR 240.) Application of design and type principles to the
development of symbology. Selected topics in design; i.e. perception,
figure ground, shape, visual dynamics, Gestalt Principles, and
fundamentals of design.

AR 341 Web Design (3 HRS.)
(Prerequisites, AR 240, AR 305 and AR 340.) This course will develop
an understanding of digital technology as it relates to Visual
Communications, as well as an understanding of web terminology,
language, and process related to current design applications.

AR 440 Advanced Typography (3 HRS.)
(Prerequisites, AR 341.) Advanced-level graphic design studio course to
be concerned primarily with issues and topics in professional typographic
conceptualization, composition, and execution. The course, building
upon course work from Graphic Design Processes, Graphic Design
Systems, and Graphic Design Formats will cover a very basic history of
graphic design with special application to typographic design and visual
communication design.

AR 441 Art Direction I (3 HRS.)
(Prerequisite, AR 341 and AR 440.) Advanced, team-oriented graphic
design studio course, concerned primarily with professional issues and
topics in visual communication. Part I of a sequential year-long capstone
project. Coursework will necessarily build upon both conceptual and
pragmatic understandings developed in the courses Graphic Design
Processes, Web Design, Type and Design, and Advanced Typography.
Coursework will involve design studio business issues and topics.

AR 540 Art Direction II (3 HRS.)
(Prerequisites, AR 440 and AR 441) Advanced, senior-level Graphic
Design studio course to directly follow Art Direction I, as the second
half of a yearlong capstone project. It will necessarily build upon both
conceptual and pragmatic understandings developed in the previous
graphic design courses. Each student will propose and develop an
approved, in-depth, professional quality visual communications
concept. This course is to be taken concurrently with AR 599 Capstone
in Professional Practices. Not for graduate credit.

AR 490 Internship in Graphic Design (3 HRS.)
(Prerequisites, AR 340 and AR 341) Advanced level graphic design
course concerned with fundamental issues and topics in the professional
world of graphic design. Basic, traditional and contemporary
(digital/web) aspects of profession-oriented design composition,
preparation, and production will be applied in real-world projects.
Students will work under the supervision of a representative from the
partnering agency hosting the internship and/or a professor. The work
may be independent or collaborative but always to serve the client and
art director.

*AR 495 Independent Study in Graphic Design (1, 2, or 3 HRS.)
(Prerequisite, permission of instructor.) Advanced work in a field of
specialization for which the student can show sufficient background.
Prior to enrollment, student must obtain approval of the instructor under
whom they wish to work, and together should devise an agreeable plan
for the semester’s outcomes.

*Coming Fall 2023: Courses in Motion Graphics (3 HRS.)

*Optional courses, counts as an art elective