Graphic and Media Design Course Descriptions

A hands-on introduction for new users to the features and capabilities of digital design software. Explore and learn introductory technology skills and tools used for today’s digital world. Students will acquire basic skills for Mac OS, iOS, Windows and Android, Adobe Creative Cloud applications. A minimum grade of C is required to continue in the Art, Fashion Design, Fashion Marketing, Graphic and Media Design, and Interior Design programs. (3)

An introduction to the fundamentals ofdigital design and publishing, visual communication and presentation skills using Adobe Creative Suite software. Students integrate type and images to produce business publications for print and online presentation. Graphic and Media Design majors must earn a minimum grade of a C to count towards major. (3)

An exploration of various illustrative techniques and technology for graphic application. Emphasis is on illustrative style and an introduction to digital illustration. Liberal Arts Core/University Requirements Designation: DSINQ. (3)

An exploration of various photographic techniques and technology for graphic communications. Emphasis is on photographic style and an introduction to digital photography. (3)

This course explores various techniques, digital technology, and equipment for video production. Students experience hands-on preproduction, production, and postproduction techniques. Students plan and produce promotional video presentations. The course focuses on real-world solutions to video public relations and marketing communications needs for businesses, nonprofits, organizations, and institutions. (3)

An introduction to the dynamics of digital typography for use in visual communication and design. Emphasis is on the historical evolution, typographic rules, letterform, and the application of type. Prerequisites: GMD 200 or permission of instructor. (3)

A study of graphic design history from the invention of writing to the digital revolution. This course examines the innovation in semantic and syntactic aspects of visual communications. The impact of individual designers and stylistic approaches to visual communications will be covered. Prerequisite: EN 102. Liberal Arts Core/University Requirements Designation: WI. (3)

An intermediate study of the development and production of magazines, newspapers, and other serial and/or multipage publications. Emphasis is on narrative, consistency, structure, and clarity. The course covers information design issues and reinforces conceptual skills and integration of imagery and text. Prerequisites: GMD 200 and GMD 255. (3)

An introduction to the fundamentals of web and social media design and technology. Students write, design, and produce web and social media sites for organizations and promotions. Emphasis is placed on UX/UI design, content, navigation, audience instructiveness, and design, including the effective use of navigation, copy, visuals, typography, color, page layouts and branding. Course activities focus primarily on the development of integrated organizational promotional web and social media sites. Working with internet service providers and computer programmers is also covered. Prerequisite: EN 102. (3)

The course allows students to apply learned theories and methods for communication and media design in a working communication and design studio. Students write, design, and produce projects, including branding, publications, and marketing and promotional campaigns for print, web, YouTube, and social media for NGOs, nonprofits, and Marymount departments, programs, and organizations. Students create graphics, photographs, illustrations, and video productions. Repeatable course for up to six (6) credits. Prerequisite: a grade of C or better in GMD 305 and GMD 308 or permission of the instructor. Liberal Arts Core/University Requirements Designation: DSINQ. (3)

The course allows students to apply learned theories and methods for communication and media design in a working communication and design studio. Students write, design, and produce projects, including branding, publications, and marketing and promotional campaigns for print, web, YouTube, and social media for NGOs, nonprofits, and Marymount departments, programs, and organizations. Students create graphics, photographs, illustrations, and video productions. Repeatable course for up to six (6) credits. Prerequisite: a grade of C or better in GMD 305 and GMD 308 or permission of the instructor. Service Learning Designation: SL (approx. 20 hours of service). Liberal Arts Core/University Requirements Designation: DSINQ. (3)

Senior students may register for a field experience or an internship in a cooperating research or media communication agency in the Washington metropolitan area under the supervision of an instructor. Prerequisites: senior status and permission of the dean of the School of Design, Arts, and Humanities. Liberal Arts Core/University Requirements Designation: EXP. (3-6)

Senior students may register for a field experience or an internship in a nonprofit organization or community-based service agency, or for a community-based research, scholarship, and creative activity, in the Washington metropolitan area or another location under the supervision of an instructor. Prerequisites: senior status and permission of the dean of the School of Design, Arts, and Humanities. Service Learning Designation: SL (approx. 20 hours of service). Liberal Arts Core/University Requirements Designation: EXP. (3-6)

The fundamentals of preparing an entry-level online portfolio and the supporting social media for entry into the job market of communication and media design. Self-branding will be emphasized. Business cards, letterhead, and résumés will be created. Developing leads for employment and interviewing techniques will be covered. Prerequisites: senior status, including the completion of 36 credits in the communication or media design major. (1)

An investigation of a selected topic in the major discipline. The project is intended to demonstrate the ability to conduct independent research and present the results as a communication and media design project with writing of commendable quality. Repeatable course for up to six (6) credits. Prerequisite: permission of the dean of the School of Design, Arts, and Humanities. (1-6)

A student in this course will conduct collaborative research (scholarly work leading to new knowledge) under the direction of a faculty member. Repeatable course for up to six (6) credits. Prerequisite: application and approval of department chair. Liberal Arts Core/University Requirements Designation: EXP. (1-6)