Graphic Design (BS) Courses

GRA212 Introduction to Typography

[2–2, 3 cr.]

This course introduces students to the principles of typography. Through presentations, demonstrations and projects students are introduced to all aspects of typography as well as exposed to the historical influences on type, both aesthetically and technologically. Students develop a series of exercises including: the anatomy of letterforms, the basics of type design, and typographic studies in expression, composition and communication. The course examines both Latin and Arabic type, and the typographic translation from one to the other.

Prerequisite: FND 281 Design Culture / FND236A Design Studio II - Visual Dynamics, FND236B Design Studio II - Formal Tectonics, or FND236C Design Studio II - Anatomy and Space, and FND251 Digital Media

GRA301 Intermediate Computer Graphics

[2–2, 3 cr.]

This intermediate-level computer graphics lab course teaches applications that are fundamental to the field of graphic design. Emphasis is placed on technical proficiency and creativity through the manipulation of vector graphics, raster graphics, color, text, layout, grid and die-cuts through an advanced understanding of Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop and Adobe InDesign. The division of the course is based on demonstrations, presentations, exercises, discussions and critiques.

Prerequisite: FND236A Design Studio II - Visual Dynamics, FND236B Design Studio II - Formal Tectonics, or FND236C Design Studio II - Anatomy and Space, and FND251 Digital Media

GRA302 Advanced Computer Graphics

[2–2, 3 cr.]

This advanced level computer graphics lab course teaches various animation techniques and software. Animation development is explored through the manipulation and integration of image, graphics, sound, and typography in motion. The division of the course is based on demonstrations, presentations, projects, discussions and critiques.

Prerequisite: GRA301 Intermediate Computer Graphics

GRA306 Sketching for Animation

[1–2, 2 cr.]

Examination of concepts and techniques for animation with emphasis on developing the drawing and sketching skill sets particular to the practice of animation both 2D and 3D. It is designed to build a solid foundation in drawing the human figure in motion and to develop a strong draftsmanship of traditional drawing skills. These skills and knowledge will be necessary and beneficial in the creation of animation projects in the advance animation courses. 

GRA307 Design for Animation

[1–2, 2 cr.]

This class focuses on the process of shot design. Building on a solid foundation of research, this class teaches students how to work within a brief to create designs for characters, props, and locations. Students gain first-hand experience of how to visualize, communicate an idea, and create design documents. 

GRA308 Motion Graphics

[1–2, 2 cr.]

This course is designed to teach students how to successfully use After Effects and Cinema 4D. Motion Graphic Design introduces students to the principles and elements of motion design through studio practices at beginning and advanced levels. Both the beginner and seasoned user can benefit from the course, starting with the basics of the program, continuing on to more advanced features including animation and working in 3D. 

GRA309 Visual Storytelling

[0–2, 1 cr.]

Storyboarding is the art of working out story problems and determining which camera angles give the most impact to a scene. It is a visual format of the story idea and serves as a “blueprint” throughout the animation and/or film process. Students express their ideas visually using proper film terminology, labeling, and presentation. They study basic storytelling principles, and learn to illustrate camera angles through drawing, composition, and perspective in order to create a mood in a scene or emotion in a character. Students use storyboards as a tool to further develop an idea and as a comprehensive communication device in teamwork. 

GRA310 Character Design

[0–2, 1 cr.]

In this course, students discover and practice the fundamental character design principles, professional techniques, procedures, and terms used in the creation of characters and model sheets. Students study the various disciplines of character design, including the importance of turnarounds and silhouette, the use of different proportions to visualize archetypes, poses that define action and personality, character design analysis, developing complementary and contrasting characters, and exploring different character design styles. 

GRA312 Printing variables

[3–0, 3 cr.]

Various printing processes, principles and techniques are integral to print media studies in graphic design. This course is taught through lectures, assignments, and fieldtrips to print industries. Emphasis is placed upon the vocabulary of the print industry and hands-on experience through the study of printing specification, quotations and pricing, file preparation and professional printing.

Prerequisite: GRA352 Graphic Design II

GRA324 Intermediate Typography

[1–2, 2 cr.]

This is an intermediate studio course that introduces students to the history and current practice of type in various areas of communication design. Projects in this class range from typography applications in simple publication to more advanced information graphics and screen-based interactive media projects. The course addresses the grid and modular type systems in editorial and bi-lingual typography. Students learn to manipulate typography as a powerful communicative tool. This class provides students with an understanding of the properties of typefaces and their use in different contexts. The class investigates the history of type and printing, principles of spacing, the use of typographic contrast in composition, legibility, and hierarchy.    

Prerequisite: GRA212 Introduction to Typography and Co-requisite: GRA301 Intermediate Computer Graphics

GRA325 Thematic Workshop I

[0–2, 1 cr.]

This is an intermediate-level workshop that provides students with specialized skills and techniques in the production of their projects. The theme of this workshop varies and is set depending on the visual communication mainstream trends and market demands.

GRA331 Design Management

[2–2, 3 cr.]

This course aims to develop strategic management skills with a focus on the role of design in the creation and management of strategic and sustainable business practices. Classes are structured to replicate real- world industry scenarios providing a hands-on experience in designing, managing, and improving design- intensive and creative firms. The course integrates research with design-centered studio work. Perspectives on business, operations, sustainability, management, leadership, entrepreneurship, design innovation, and design research are explored. Students develop their capacity to inspire and lead creative teams.

Pre-requisite: FND281 Design Culture

GRA2341 Art of Calligraphy

[2–2, 3 cr.]

This elective studio course teaches the art of beautiful handwriting. Simultaneously, the study, research and history of calligraphy as well as its development into a contemporary art form is explored. Importance is placed on the understanding of proportions to enhance legibility combined with the ability to communicate a feeling. This course is taught through projects, discussions and critiques.

GRA342 Art of Illustration

[2–2, 3 cr.]

This studio course teaches drawing skills through the use of diverse media and assigned research on the history of illustration. Emphasis is placed on the development of personal style in illustration through research, projects, discussions and critiques.

Prerequisite: ART222 Drawing II

GRA345 Silkscreen and Binding

[2–2, 3 cr.]

This elective studio course introduces the students to silkscreen, printmaking and book binding methods. Through hand-drawn separations, photographic film, digital separations and Xeroxed images, a range of silkscreen techniques are implemented. Various book binding techniques including Japanese binding, accordion folds, and signature binding are explored. This course is taught through project development, demonstrations, studio sessions, discussions and critiques.

GRA351 Graphic Design I

[2–2, 3 cr.]

This studio course explores the principles, problem solving methodology and techniques of graphic design. It investigates visual identity systems applied to printed materials that integrate typography, image, graphics, color and composition for logo and promotional materials design. Emphasis is placed on the process of graphic design, research, concept development and the production of bilingual designs. This course is taught through projects, discussions and critiques.

Prerequisite: GRA324 Intermediate Typography and GRA301 Intermediate Computer Graphics and Co-requisite: GRA431 History of Graphic Design

GRA352 Graphic Design II

[2–2, 3 cr.]

This studio course is an in-depth exploration of publication and editorial concept design. It makes use of all previously acquired skills of color, illustration, photography, typography, and layout, allowing the student to conceive, design and produce state of the art publications, which include a variety of printed applications such as newsletters, magazines, fanzines… This course also covers the technical issues in the design and execution of a publication: format, paper, binding, software(s), …

Prerequisite: GRA301 Intermediate Computer Graphics, GRA351 Graphic Design I and GRA431 History of Graphic Design

GRA361 Designing for Social Change

[2–2, 3 cr.]

In this studio course students actively engage in the design of a community-based project. The aim of this course is to facilitate collaborations between student designers and the community. Emphasis is placed upon design thinking and participatory design as a means to engage audiences within design towards positive social change. In this class students work as a group of active citizen designers that guide and shape critical aspects of their community. The course addresses the ethical implications, role of visual communication and cultural integrity of design in society. This course is taught through discussions, projects, workshops and on-site research.

Pre-requisite: FND281 Design Culture

GRA391 GD International Studio

[1–4, 3 cr.]

This course involves a study abroad experience in which student explore contemporary graphic design on an international level. The course is supported by a preparatory series of discussions on the subject of study. Observation, documentation, analysis and design are each integral to the course. The outcome of this learning experience is first compiled into a sketchbook and then designed as and interactive interface or a book project. The course is taught primarily through studio, gallery and exhibition tours.

Pre-requisite: FND281 Design Culture

GRA408 Digital Painting

[2–4, 4 cr.]

Students learn how to create story-driven worlds through the interplay of characters, objects, and their environments. They enhance their color theory, design, and research-based skills through expressing the mood or theme of a script. This course culminates in the development of compelling environment paintings in service to story. The majority of class time is structured around digital painting and sketchbook studies.

- Embedded Workshop: Life Drawing. Life drawing is the backbone of any art-related field, and animation is no exception. Regular practice at life drawing improves artistic performance in all stages of animation production. Through gesture drawing students gain an opportunity to further their animation skills by focusing on what’s most important in the pose. Basic anatomy is the focus, along with exploring different elements of the human body and how they relate to each other. Students also discuss and practice additional techniques for improving proportions and simplifying gesture lines. 

GRA409 2D Animation

[2–2, 3 cr.]

Animators breathe life into characters and make them come alive on screen. Regardless of the medium used, the animation principles required to make characters believable are the same. With a focus on traditional, hand-drawn character animation, students learn key industry terminology and practice production procedures including how keys, breakdowns, and in-betweens, all combine to make fluid action. In interactive lectures and hands-on exercises, instructors stress basic principles as students explore squash and stretch, anticipation and settle, the wave principle, and overlapping action. Students also have the opportunity to develop skills in clean-up, the technique of producing a polished drawing from a rough animation.

- Embedded Workshop: Color Theory. Color is often an overlooked, underestimated, and misunderstood basic element of visual design. This is usually due to a number of factors: limitless possibilities, seeing color as an afterthought, and over- simplification of color schemes. The aim of this course is to break down the complexities of color theory into basic elements within the greater context of design. Instructors build upon the importance of color in design and guide students through more sophisticated approaches to color mixing in lectures, examples, discussion, and – most importantly – practical application. Outcomes include a basic understanding of colour theory and corresponding terminology, which students can use to analyze, reference, and create their own color schemes. With continued exploration of these powerful tools, they begin to create personal color “signatures” that give their work confidence and power. 

GRA410 Advanced 2D Animation

[2–2, 3 cr.]

This course is designed to allow classically trained animators to gain a fundamental and functional understanding of two of the major 2D digital animation software: Flash and Toon Boom. Students work in a simulated production environment to create a short animated film in Flash. Special attention is given to the pipeline, specifically as used in studio production rather than for web application. Collaboration between students is encouraged. Following their short films, students learn more about the Toon Boom interface through an exercise in which they create and animate a character.

- Embedded Workshop: Effects Animation. Just as the animation course centers on character action, the Effects Animation course concentrates on animating the environment – features such as fire, smoke, water, and bubbles. Natural elements have their own physical laws to guide their actions and consequently require a unique discipline of their own. Students study natural laws through the use of stop-frame examples and put these techniques to use on their assignments. They apply the correct principles to perform animation tasks such as flame and smoke, water drop, explosion, bubbles, curtains, pixie dust, and water bucket. 

GRA411 Advanced Typography

[2–2, 3 cr.]

This advanced-level studio course explores the intricacies of typography. It focuses on typeface development and typographic experimentation as well as typography as an expressive visual form and as a functional vehicle of communication. Emphasis is placed on bilingual typography, specifically the structural differences between Arabic and Latin typography. This course is taught through projects, discussions and critiques.

Prerequisite: GRA212 Introduction to Typography, GRA324 Intermediate Typography and GRA351 Graphic Design I

GRA431 History of Graphic Design

[3–0, 3 cr.]

This course serves as a comprehensive survey of the history of graphic design from prehistoric visual communications to the proliferation of digital technology and contemporary design. This course teaches the evolution of graphic design through the impact of technological advancements, critical events and innovations by historical figures in the field of graphic design. Emphasis is placed on the analysis linking historical events to current graphic design debates. The course is taught through presentations, research paper, writing, readings and discussions.

Co-requisite: ENG102 Academic English II

GRA432 Visual Perception

[2–2, 3 cr.]

How designers decode visual information and audiences encode them is fundamental to the discipline of graphic design. This course approaches the study of visual culture and its theoretical framework. It investigates the production, form and reception of images as well as introduces theoretical strategies to understand how meaning is produced by and through images within their historical context. This course is taught through presentations, discussions, projects and critiques.

Prerequisite: GRA271 History of Design and ENG102 Academic English II.

GRA451 Graphic Design III

[2–2, 3 cr.]

The generation of three-dimensional package design solutions is an integral component within print media. This course examines the multi-faceted problem solving methodology of three-dimensional graphic design. Importance is placed on the development of innovative, economical, sustainable, functional and aesthetic package design. This course is taught through exercises, demonstrations, projects, discussions and critiques.

Prerequisites: GRA352 Graphic Design II, GRA431 History of Graphic Design and GRA411 Advanced Typography, Co-requisite: GRA462 Graphic Design Seminar

GRA455 Advertising Design

[2–2, 3 cr.]

This advanced-level studio course investigates the relationship between creativity and sales. Emphasis is placed on new directions of creative, intelligent, ethical and persuasive skills for the layout of advertisement and copyright. This course is taught through projects, discussions and critiques.

Prerequisites: GRA352 Graphic Design II, MKT201 Introduction to Marketing

GRA462 Graphic Design Seminar

[2–2, 3 cr.]

This course serves as an in-depth seminar on subjects of current interest in graphic design and new media. The integration of theories from related disciplines in recent graphic design debates is introduced and critical thinking is encouraged. Emphasis is place on methodological research and the role of the graphic designer. This course is taught through presentations, exercises, research paper, writing, readings and discussions.

Prerequisite: GRA431 History of Graphic Design, GRA432 Visual Perception, GRA352 Graphic Design II and ENG102 English II

GRA465 Thematic Workshop II

[0–2, 1 cr.]

This is an advanced-level workshop that provides the students with specialized skills and techniques in the production of their final projects. The theme of this workshop varies and is set depending on visual communication mainstream trends and market demands.

Prerequisite: GRA451 Graphic Design III (Print emphasis) / GRA482 Motion Design (Digital emphasis)

GRA482 Motion Design

[2–2, 3 cr.]

This advanced-level studio course explores the conceptualization of, methodological procedures for, and applications of design in motion. Emphasis is placed on time-based media combining typography, image, sound and video. This course is taught through projects, discussions and critiques.

Prerequisites: GRA302 Advanced Computer Graphics, GRA484 Web Design Co-requisite: GRA462 Graphic Design Seminar

GRA484 Web Design

[2–2, 3 cr.]

Web design is integral to digital media studies in graphic design. This course introduces web design development and serves as an extensive exploration of website navigation and interactivity. This course is taught through projects, discussions and critiques.

Prerequisite: GRA302 Advanced Computer Graphics

GRA486 Advanced Interactive Design

[2–2, 3 cr.]

This advanced interactive computer graphics lab course teaches the concepts and techniques of interactive media design. Multimedia, navigation systems and information design are introduced. Emphasis is placed upon advanced Flash scripting, advanced interactive web design, interactive media and video game development. This course is taught through projects, discussions and critiques.

Prerequisite: GRA302 Advanced Computer Graphics and GRA484 Web Design

GRA487 3D Animation Techniques

[2–2, 3 cr.]

This advance-level animation course explores various animation techniques of three-dimensional modeling and rendering. Emphasis is placed on virtual design environments, imaging for animation and character development. This course is taught through projects, discussions and critiques.

Prerequisite: GRA302 Advanced Computer Graphics

GRA488 Graphic Design Portfolio

[1–0, 1 cr.]

This portfolio course provides students with the guidance and advising needed to develop their individual graphic design portfolio, CV, cover letter, references sheet and business card. Emphasis is placed on the development of a cohesive, well-presented printed and digital portfolio as a personal marketing tool. This course is taught through critiques, discussions and lectures.

Prerequisites: GRA451 Graphic Design III and GRA482 Motion Design

GRA490 Graphic Design Internship

[0–0, 1 cr.]

This internship course introduces students to the professional world of graphic design. Students have to choose a printing press and a design firm, a web design firm or an advertising agency to complete the required hours.

Prerequisite: GRA352 Graphic Design II

GRA499 Senior Study

[2–2, 3 cr.]

In this senior level course students develop their final year project based upon a previously approved topic proposed in GRA462 Seminar course. Emphasis is placed on students’ ability to translate their cumulative knowledge into effective visual communication developed by a team working in digital and print media. This course is taught through a multi-faceted in-depth design project, critique sessions, a series of juries and culminates in an end-of- year exhibition.

Prerequisites for print students: GRA411 Advanced Typography, GRA432 Visual Perception, GRA451 Graphic Design III, GRA455 Advertising Design, and GRA462 Graphic Design Seminar

Prerequisites for digital students: GRA432 Visual Perception, GRA462 Graphic Design Seminar, GRA482Motion Design, GRA484 Web Design, and GRA486 Advanced Interactive Design

GRA508 3D Modeling

[2–2, 3 cr.]

This course covers the fundamental tools and techniques of character and hard body modeling within Zbrush and Maya. Students learn the importance of matching reference, and how to leverage reference to convey story ideas and contexts. Students examine the process of creating various characters and learn the importance of line flow for deformation and shape. Students study modeling tools, including lattice deformation, enveloping objects, character rigs, point pulling, and expressions. These tools are applied to a series of modeling exercises and assignments to prepare students for the industry production.

- Embedded Workshop: Rigging. Students work through the process of rigging a proxy character. Emphasis is on creating a solid skeletal structure, including position, freezing and orienting joints, and building on top of this. The end result is the creation of a proxy rig that students use for their later on animation course and assignments. 

GRA509 3D Animation

[2–4, 4 cr.]

This course is divided into 2 part. Part 01 covers the basic principles of animation, and provides students with the basic understanding of timing. Students learn the fundamentals of weight and its direct relation to timing. They also learn to animate basic bouncing, wave motion, and a simple jump. Part 02 students go through all of the steps involved in creating an animated sequence for a short film. Students work in groups to find a 10- to 15-second piece of dialogue to use for a short animated piece. Students go through thumbnailing the shots, blocking, posing, splining, and then polishing the shots.

- Embedded Workshop: Visual Effects. This course introduces students to the fundamental skills used in the Visual Effects (VFX) industry. Students learn basic compositing and how the VFX field integrates computer graphics and 3D components with live action plates. It includes comprehensive practical exercises which simulate current industry pipelines. Students have access to experienced mentorship for discussion and feedback. 

GRA510 Postproduction

[2–2, 3 cr.]

This course expands on the principles and techniques of illumination using Maya and vray, with an emphasis on using light to create mood. Students gain an understanding of how to simulate indirect illumination, as well as how to separate a render into different layers, to be composited back together in Nuke or After Effects. Students are exposed to different lighting scenarios and light, render and composite a complex animated shot.