COURSE DESCRIPTION
Instruction to the principles and language of graphic design and media. Students engage in lectures, studio work, and critiques to explore visual communication theories and methods within social and cultural contexts. Course emphasizes design thinking, studio practice, and professional presentation skills.

​

LEARNING OUTCOMES
Over the course of the semester, students: 

• Develop Graphic Design Proficiency: Build skills in layout, typography, color, and composition to create effective visual solutions.

• Explore Visual Communication Theories: Understand how context shapes design through lectures and applied exercises.

• Engage in Studio Work: Apply theoretical knowledge through hands-on projects and design experimentation.

• Use Industry-Standard Design Tools: Gain practical experience in Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign to produce professional-quality visual work.

• Participate in Critiques: Learn to give and receive constructive feedback to improve design choices.

• Analyze Contextual Influences: Explore how social, cultural, and historical contexts inform design decisions.

As a result, students should leave the course with the ability to:

• Create Professional-Quality Visual Designs: Apply foundational design principles and industry-standard software tools to produce polished, effective visual work.

• Communicate Effectively Through Visual Media: Develop designs that clearly convey messages to intended audiences across print and digital formats.

• Critically Analyze and Refine Design Work: Evaluate, iterate, and improve visual solutions through structured critique and feedback processes.​