COMM 102 - Foundational Design

3 Credits: (3 lecture)

Course Description
This course explores the elements and principles of design through hands-on studio projects. Students learn color theory, the psychology of color, composition, and visual communications while working with traditional art tools and basic computer graphics software. Emphasis is placed on creativity, craftsmanship, and skill development for future visual communications coursework.

Note This course meets the General Education competency of Critical Thinking (CT).

Objectives
The student will be able to:

A. Identify the Gestalt principles of design, as well as the principles and elements of design.

B. Utilize the principles and elements of design concepts visually through abstraction and
    structure.

C. Identify major font categories and their anatomical parts.

D. Apply color theory and the psychology of color in layouts.

E. Incorporate basic layout techniques and proper presentation to projects.

F. Demonstrate fundamental skills using professional-grade, industry-standard drawing software

G. Evaluate a diverse collection of visual materials related to a specific case study. (CT)

H. Synthesize the materials and draw conclusions. (CT)

I. Compile a series of visual representations applicable to a case study that acknowledges alternative explanations and views. (CT)

J. Create visually compelling compositions using both traditional and digital methods.

Content
A. Applying the Gestalt principles of design, as well as, the principles and elements of design.

B. The basic anatomy of text, and major type categories.

C. Applied abstraction of objects and concepts.

D. The application of color theory and the psychology of color in layouts.

E.  The use of thumbnail sketches, rough sketches, comprehensives, detailed layouts, and mock-ups.

F. Proper tool usage and demonstration of appropriate project presentation.

G. Basic skills using professional-grade, industry-standard drawing software.

H. Law and copyrights as pertaining to graphic designer.

I. Researching and interviewing a client and competitors to fulfill design needs.

 

Student Evaluation
Evaluation will be based upon tests, classroom participation, reading homework, case studies (specifically objectives G-I), and creative projects.