ART 021 | Digital Media
An introduction to Macintosh OS based computer applications for design and production providing students with the basic technical knowledge and skills necessary for a contemporary artist or designer. This course will focus on the development of visual thinking skills while learning current raster-based image-editing and vector-based drawing applications. Students will be expected to develop professional working habits and skills while being supervised in the classroom. PREREQ: Must be first-year or sophomore to enroll and an Art & Design major, or consent of instructor.
ART 051 | Typography
Introduction to the fundamentals of typography, and particularly on how typographic form and visual arrangement support content. Through a series of projects, critiques, and lectures, students develop technical skills and sensibilities. Class lectures will include an introduction to letterforms and typefaces, typographic terminology, and a historical and contemporary overview of typography. PREREQ: ART 013, ART 015, and ART 021.
ART 052 | Form & Concept
Introduction to the basic formal and conceptual proficiencies necessary for the design of visual communications. Lectures, projects, and critiques develop the students' skills through the critical evaluation of conceptual, formal, and technical ability. Students develop a visual and verbal design vocabulary and the requisite skills needed for making and thinking about form and concept. PREREQ: ART 013, ART 015, and ART 021.
ART 101 | Graphic Design History
Graphic Design History is a comprehensive overview of the events, ideas, movements, designs, and individuals that have significant historical influence on the practice of contemporary graphic design. The course focuses not only on the individuals who developed and established the graphic design profession but also the designers who are currently redefining it. Course activities will include lectures, discussions, readings, writings, videos, projects, quizzes, and tests. PREREQ: Sophomore standing and ART 021.
ART 102 | Theory & Practice
An examination of the theoretical and critical practices that shape graphic design. This course covers the theoretical idea 20th century from early modernism to post-structuralism and links them to the ethical, cultural and social issues of contemporary graphic design practice. This course will consist of videos, readings, discussions, quizzes, exams, written evaluations and presentations. PREREQ: Art & Design Major and Sophomore status or permission of instructor.
ART 114 | Web Design
This course provides both a hands-on introduction to contemporary technical practices employed in web design and a conceptual framework with which to solve web-based communication problems. By developing basic understanding of coding, working knowledge of styling, familiarity with current programs, and fluency with relevant terminology, students will become able to conceptualize, organize, construct, and design for the web. PREREQ: ART 051 or ART 052, or permission of instructor.
ART 115 | Advanced Typography
This advanced course expands upon the foundations of typography, its theory, practics, technology, and history. Studies focus on the exploration of compositional systems, relationships to structural form and materiality to solve complex visual communication problems. Projects reflect applications with specific audiences, contexts, and production criteria. Relevant aspects of design history and theory are examined in relation to course projects. PREREQ: ART 051 and ART 052.
ART 116 | Content & Audience
This advanced course expands upon the design skills acquired in the introductory courses by emphasizing conceptual thinking as the basis of the design process. Students are asked to develop their conceptual, formal, and technical abilities through projects that explore the creation of meaning through form, image, methodology, and experimentation. Projects involve research and analysis in relation to specific audiences, contexts, and production criteria. Relevant aspects of design history and theory are examined in relation to course projects. PREREQ: ART 051 and ART 052, or permission of instructor.
ART 150 | Special Topics / Graphic Design
This course examines specific topics not otherwise coveredin the graphic design curriculum. Specific section numbers and course titles will designate these courses. Students may repeat the course if the topics of the course differ. Prerequisites will vary depending on the course offered.
ART 151 | Publication Design
This course covers a variety of topics central to the design of long format publications. Through the development applied projects students will attain a strong foundation in the technical and conceptual skills utilized to design publications. Course activities will include readings, lectures and discussions of techniques, instruction in the use of software and hardware, a series of design projects and critiques and discussions of these projects. PREREQ: ART 115 or ART 116.
ART 154 | Advanced Web Design
This course provides the opportunity for students to build on their introductory web design experience in order to conceptualize, organize, and execute more complex projects and more dynamic interactivity. Projects may be collaborative and/or interdisciplinary in nature. PREREQ: ART 114 or permission of instructor.
ART 155 | Research & Application
Advanced professional projects are introduced, including identity and logotype design, editorial design, posters, and advertising. Emphasis is given to research, critical evaluation, presentation, and production techniques. PREREQ: ART 115 and ART 116.
ART 156 | Context & Process
This advances course provides the opportunity for students to apply their design capabilities to more complex projects with more independent processes. Students will be expected to develop content within given contexts prior to making decisions about media and format, thereby enabling deeper and broader consideration of conceptual possibilities for visual communication. Given that students will be making individual choices about media, there could be additional costs for materials. PREREQ: ART 115 and ART 116, or permission of instructor.
ART 191 | Design Practicum
This course is a requirement for all BA and BFA graphic design majors and satisfies the Drake Curriculum capstone requirement for these majors. Students will develop both a presentation and online portfolio, collateral items, and a resume and other business communication documents as well as develop skills useful in seeking employment. Secondarily, this course prepares students for the day-to-day activities of a graphic designer, including project development and management. Students are introduced to all required projects on the first day of class and are responsible for developing briefs and managing diverse projects throughout the semester. This course should be taken the last spring semester before graduation. PREREQ: ART 115 and ART 116.
