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CDGD201 Typography 3cr
Students take a close look at how to design and use basic letterforms, and build skills in typesetting and typographic layout, and in expressive typography and conceptual thinking. Topics include typographic contrast, information hierarchy, major type families, the history of design, and typographic grids.
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CDGD202 Intermediate Typography 3cr
Students apply typographic principles to communication design projects of moderate complexity. They strengthen skills in building typographic relationships and detail, creating sophisticated typographic layouts, including dynamic use of the grid, and employing type use and choice for creating expressive, conceptually based typographic design.
Prerequisites: CDGD-201 and CDGD-203
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CDGD203 Foundations of Graphic Design 3cr
Students are introduced to visual principles as the basis of graphic design communication, and elements and issues of visual language. The course covers the manipulation of graphic form to convey meaning, strategies for idea generation and development of unique concepts, and the designer’s role as visual storyteller.
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CDGD218 Graphic Design I (PCE) 3cr
Students learn the formal elements of design, concept, and typography, and builds skills for integrating these elements into effective graphic design communication.
Prerequisites: CDGD203
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CDGD219 Graphic Design 1 2cr
The course focuses on creative concepting/design process, research, and the development of each student’s unique design voice as essential aspects of creating visual communications that make a strong emotional connection between audience and subject matter. Students bring knowledge of the principles and elements of design and apply them with various research and visual-exploration methods to create a suite of unique and memorable brand materials.
Prerequisites: CDGD-203
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CDGD310 Graphic Design II 3cr
Application of design and typographic principles to projects of significant scope and complexity for print and screen-based formats. Students will be challenged to develop content, effective concept, and user-centered approaches to effectively communicate with defined audiences.
Prerequisites: Prerequisites: Foundations of Graphic Design, Typography, GD I, Intermediate Typography and a
working knowledge of InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator. GDC program students should take
Interaction Design before or at the same time as GD II.
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CDGD328 Print Production 1.5cr
This practical class teaches how to take a project from the design stage to printed product. Topics include: how to get print estimates, “preflighting”, font management, and color for print production. Includes a tour of a printing press.
Prerequisites: Must first complete Foundations of GD, Typography, GDI, Int. Type and GDII
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CDGD337 Advanced Interactive Projects 3cr
Students bring advanced skills for concept, design, and design thinking to planning, designing and prototyping dynamic screen-based interactive experiences. We investigate complex systems of information emphasizing organization, navigation and usability. We focus on designing a valuable experience for the user while creating portfolio-quality prototypes for the web.
Prerequisites: Prerequisite: Interaction Design and an
advanced-level design course such as Graphic
Design 3, or permission of the instructor:
Working knowledge of Adobe Photoshop and Adobe
Illustrator.
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CDGD365 Information Design 3cr
This course will explore and build skills for visualising and presenting information to the public in a clear, concise, and attractive way for both print and interactive media, addressing user centered systems of information with an emphasis on organization, navigation and management. This course is suitable for advanced design students and/or professional designers.
Prerequisites: PREREQUISITES: Graphic Design II; Interaction Design or other basic UX course; (GDC students: Intermediate Portfolio). Proficiency in Photoshop and Illustrator, and familiarity with Excel.
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CDGD371 Intermediate Portfolio 4cr
Students build an entry-level production portfolio based on studio assignments and visits by working professionals demonstrating a synthesis of program learning thus far: application of design and typographic principles,
and type/image integration. Emphasis on portfolio presentation and verbal presentation skills. Final panel presentation determines whether the student progresses to the next level of the certificate program.
Prerequisites: Open only to certificate students who have completed all six prerequisites for Interaction Design.
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CDGD376 Information Design 2cr
This course builds skills for visualizing and presenting complex information in a way that is clear, concise, and tailored to both subject matter and audience. Through in-depth research students explore a subject or question of their choice, and build a data set for trying out various methods for information design. Finally, each student crafts their information into a unique, in-depth user-centered project that provides an informative and engaging experience for their audience.
Prerequisites: CDGD-371 Or Permission of Instructor
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CDGD471 Final Portfolio 4cr
Students prepare a portfolio for a job search that demonstrates professional competence in
design, concept, technical skills, and craft and meets high standards of excellence.
Prerequisites: Open only to certificate students who have completed all other design courses.
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CDGD497 Print Production Workshop 0cr
Print is alive and well, and the graphic designer of today has never had it better. This workshop will open up the vast world of possibilities available in print today. New digital presses are allowing designers unprecedented control of the printed surface, including custom inks, varnishes, foils and other advanced finishing techniques. As well, traditional and ‘do-it yourself’ processes are experiencing grand revivals. This, along with a massive array of paper and other substrates, bring the print designer of today a vast playing field to work in. Students will gain an understanding of the history of print and how traditional and digital printing processes work. They will learn what processes are available and how to access them, and even do it themselves.
Non-Credit
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CDGD498 Tools for Web & App Development 0cr
If you’re wondering what goes on behind the scenes of a website or app to make it work, or you’ve heard terms such as HTML, CSS, Java Script, Wordpress, web fonts, etc. and want to better understand what they mean and how they function for interactive designers and developers, this workshop offers an opportunity to take a peek “under the hood” of some common features of web sites and apps, get your terminology questions answered, and get a little hands-on with some of the key tools web and app developers use. This workshop is great for designers who want to better understand the technology employed by developers that bring interactive designs to life, or for those potentially interested in taking a deeper dive into interactive development in the future to get a basic introduction.
Non-Credit
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Communication Design |
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CDGD206 Sophomore Graphic Design Studio 6 cr.
This sophomore-level required course meets twice per week for 5 hours; it is a 6-credit course. Sophomore Studio provides a foundation in the methods of concept, image, and form development. Students are introduced to the language of design; working in both traditional and digital media, students will explore issues of form, color, texture, image, sequence and narrative, learning how to harness these elements to communicate concepts clearly, effectively and expressively. Mind-mapping and the sketching of ideas as a part of the process of inquiry and design problem solving also will be covered. Faculty will collaborate and share lectures and demonstrations across all sections.
Prerequisites: SFDN185
Double Hybrid Studio
Departmental Requirement
Fall
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CDGD210 Typography I 3 cr.
A study of the design and use of basic letterforms, typographic contrast, hierarchy of information, major type families and their characteristics, typographic grids, and legibility.
Prerequisites: SFDN185
Hybrid Studio/Critique
Departmental Requirement
Fall
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CDGD214 Lettering in Design 3 cr
This course will cover the fundamentals of brush
lettering and design from a sign painting
perspective.
In the first section, we’ll study and execute
four key alphabets that are central to hand
lettering and commercial design. The alphabets
will first be formed by pencil and chalk, then
crafted by brush as the lesson advances.
The second section will cover lettering layout.
Here we will examine principles of natural
layout, format, negative space, line value,
rhythm, and color. These principles will then be
utilized in the creation of painted show
cards-advertising signs that are intentionally
temporary and often painted on paper.
The third section will explore the use of “bells
and whistles” in letterform and design. Here we
will learn how to alter the traditional
letterform to create a more expressive cousin.
We’ll also look at other forms of ornamentation
including dimension, convex, pinstripes, and
flourishes.
The final project will entail creating a
hand-painted design for a mock client. You will
be responsible for interpreting the client’s
requests and creating a design that utilizes the
skills you’ve learned throughout the semester.
Prerequisites: CDGD210
Critique
Departmental Elective
Fall/Spring
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CDGD220 Graphic Design I 3 cr.
Basic design principles and skills are applied to graphic design projects. The course presents the formal elements of typography, color, and idea generation in the context of design responsibility and the development of professional attitudes and approaches to problem solving.
Prerequisites: CDGD210
Hybrid Studio/Critique
Departmental Requirement
Spring
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CDGD230 Typography II 6 cr.
In this sophomore level required course, students continue their typographic education by looking at issues of text type, typographic structure and hierarchy. They develop their sensitivity to type at both a macro and micro level, and explore issues related to typography for print and screen environments. The course meets twice a week.
Prerequisites: CDGD210 Typography I
Double Hybrid Studio
Departmental Requirement
Spring
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CDGD300 Letterpress Printing 3 cr.
An introduction to hand set metal and wooden type, letterpress printing techniques, and limited edition printing on fine papers. Emphasis on typography rather than pictorial elements.
Prerequisites: CDGD210 or by permission of the instructor with equivalent class, or printmaking courses
Critique
Departmental Elective
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CDGD304 Web Design I 3 cr.
An introduction to the planning, organizing, designing and building usable, accessible and beautiful web sites using industry-standard design methods and modern, semantic development techniques. Students are exposed to a user-centered design process that will aid them in balancing aesthetics with user experience. Participants learn to build their designs for the web using HTML5, CSS3 and jQuery.
Prerequisites: CDGD220
Critique
All College Elective
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CDGD322 Information Architecture II 3 cr.
Advanced course in information architecture focused on exploring large and complex, user-centered systems of information with emphasis on organization, navigation and management. Subjects of study include printed and interactive media. The course content represents professional problem-solving methods in interface design.
Prerequisites: CDGD342 Information Architecture I
Hybrid Studio/Critique
Departmental Requirement
Spring
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CDGD340 Graphic Design II: Making Meaning 3 cr.
In this junior level required course, students explore how meaning is created through design by looking at visual communication strategies, communication theory, and the roles of message senders and receivers in the communication process. Coursework includes both print and simple time-based applied projects.
Prerequisites: CDGD220 Graphic Design I
Hybrid Studio/Critique
Departmental Requirement
Fall
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CDGD341 Typography III: Designer and Content 3 cr.
In this junior level required course, students continue their study of typography, focusing on issues of authorship and editing, and the designer’s relationship to text content. Projects are more experimental in nature, and move beyond the single project to simple systems. Additionally, the course involves a research component which prepares students for their degree project research the following semester.
Prerequisites: CDGD230
Hybrid Studio/Critique
Departmental Requirement
Spring
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CDGD342 Information Architecture I 3 cr.
This is an introductory course covering basic concepts, methods, and procedures of information architecture with a focus on managing information complexity. This course addresses issues of information structures developed for various contexts and audiences. Subjects of study include print and interactive media, and both static and dynamic approaches to information design.
Prerequisites: CDGD210 & CDGD220
Hybrid Studio/Critique
Departmental Requirement
Fall
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CDGD343 Poster Design 3 cr.
This junior/senior course continues to develop skills in creativity and graphic design focusing on the poster’s utilitarian goal. The course emphasizes conceptual, visual and technical aspects of the medium, its history and impact on society emphasizing persuasive communication and education.
Prerequisites: CDGD220
Critique
Departmental Elective
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CDGD353 Type Design 3 cr.
This introductory elective course for junior and senior graphic design majors explores the drawing and spacing of collections of digital letterforms. Students will develop original typeface designs with the goal of enhancing their sensitivity to the shapes and uses of letters within print and electronic media. Particular emphasis will be placed on developing better insight into the history and classification of typefaces through the exploration of the influence that traditional and digital design tools have had as shapers of form. Projects will include designing typefaces in response to particular design challenges, the creation of expressive and decorative letterforms, and the consideration of the possibilities within on-screen dynamic typography.
Prerequisites: CDGD210 Typography I
Critique
Departmental Elective
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CDGD357 Branding 3 Cr
Branding is an integral part of professionalpractice. It goes far beyond logo design to
engage all elements of a designer’s skill set,from critical anaylsis and strategic thinking, to
exacting typography and color theory. Branding establishes systems that allow an organization to
visually express its values and aspirations, and creates a clear and consistent voice across
materials, including business papers, websites,brochures and interfaces.
In this class we will explore the branding process from the ground up. We will create
research-based identity systems that include refined logos, color palettes, typography suites,
and image guidelines, all of which will be fleshed out in print and digital samples. We will
discuss branding’s historical precedents, and how those models are evolving in an increasingly
digital environment. [Fomerly titled Identity Systems]
Prerequisites: CDGD-220 and CDGD-230
Hybrid Studio Critique
Elective
Fall/Spring
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CDGD368 Disobedient Design:From Activist Posters to Augmented Reality 3cr
Start a revolution. Make your own protest poster.
Break the internet with digital resistance .
Inspired by the protests that started in November
2016, this course looks at the power of public
activism as it has evolved from the letterpressed
broadside to today’s acts of technological
interventions. Students examine criteria for
successful acts of resistance through a variety
of project deliverables, ranging from letterpress
posters, websites, digital installations,
augmented reality experiences, and more.
Hybrid Studio Critique
Spring
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CDGD369 Experimental Book Arts 3cr
Go beyond thinking about the book as two covers
and a spine! Learn several basic bookbinding
methods then adapt them to create experimental
book structures using alternative materials and
methods. Make books that move, books that change
with time, and books that challenge the definition
of what a book can be.
Prerequisites: Open to Juniors and Seniors Only
Critique
Fall
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CDGD392 GD Course Assistantship
A course assistantship allows qualified
sophomores, juniors, and seniors to assist a
faculty member with whom they have studied
previously. Duties may include set up, assisting
with demonstrations and critiques during class
meetings. Course assistants may not grade
students. Students may register for only one
3-credit course assistantship each semester, and
no more than two such assistantships may count
toward degree requirements.
Students selected by faculty to be course
assistants submit a Course Assistantship form
with the faculty and chair’s signatures to the
Registrar during registration and no later than
the end of the Add/Drop period. Students who are
performing a Teaching Assistantship should follow
Independent Study procedures
Prerequisites: By Permission of Instructor
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CDGD398 GD Internship
An internship is a supervised professional
experience that allows you to use classroom
training in a real work environment, develop your
skills, focus your career goals, and make
professional contacts.
MassArt offers students enrolled in a degree
program the opportunity to register an internship
for credit. An internship counts as 3 studio
elective credits. To receive credit, the
internship must meet our basic internship
requirements, be approved by a faculty advisor,
and registered before you start the internship.
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CDGD399 GD Independent Study
Juniors and seniors who have a specific studio
project which cannot be accomplished within the
structure of a course may arrange to work with a
faculty member on an independent basis. The
Independent Study form (available in the
Registrar’s Office) includes a description of the
project. Students may take only one 3-credit
independent study each semester, and no more than
four independent studies will count toward the
degree.
Independent Study forms, with faculty and the
chair’s signatures, should be submitted to the
Registrar during registration and not later than
the Add/Drop deadline.
Prerequisites: By Permission of Instructor
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CDGD403 Professional Practice 3cr
Professional Practice is a deep dive into the
business of graphic design: how it works, how
it’s structured, and how best to prepare yourself
for a successful career. We’ll look at the
different career opportunities available to you
in design studios and what you can expect when
you’re hired. We’ll explore everything it takes
to be a freelancer from writing proposals and
setting prices to managing clients and delivering
work. We’ll investigate what it takes to start
your own studio, how to finance it, how to market
and sell your services, and how to win repeat
business. And we’ll see how entrepreneurial
designers are launching innovative new businesses
and services.
Prerequisites: CDGD-230
Lecture
Spring
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CDGD411 Graphic Design IV 3 cr.
Students work on complex projects, researching and developing content. Finished work is portfolio quality, and conceptual thinking, problem-solving, and formal design principles are explored in each critique. Projects allow opportunity for discussion concerning professional business practice and design ethics.
Prerequisites: CDGD340 & CDGD341
Hybrid Studio/Critique
Departmental Requirement
Fall
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CDGD414 Advertising and Art Direction 3 cr.
This course is an introduction to advertising and explores the kinds of problems that advertising agencies deal with on a day-to-day basis. The interrelationship of the art director, the client, and the consumer is emphasized with the focus on solutions to typical agency problems. When possible, informal talks with art directors and visits to Boston agencies are arranged. [Formerly titled Advertising Design]
Prerequisites: CDGD220 or CDIL220
Critique
Departmental Elective
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CDGD416 Advanced Projects I 1.5cr
Advanced Project I, a senior-level required
course, is an advanced study in areas of special
inquiry within the field of communication design.
Students focus on projects that involved design
research reflect current industry expertise.
Students are expected to perform at an advanced
conceptual and formal level.
Prerequisites: CDGD-340 and CDGD-341
Fall
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CDGD417 Advanced Projects II 1.5cr
Advanced Project II, a senior-level required
course, is an advanced study in areas of special
inquiry within the field of communication design.
Students focus on projects that involved design
research reflect current industry expertise.
Students are expected to perform at an advanced
conceptual and formal level.
Co-requisites: CDGD-340 and CDGD-341
Fall
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CDGD420 Graphic Design Portfolio 3 cr.
Preparation of an entry-level portfolio demonstrating professional competence in design, concept, and craft with an emphasis on the student’s particular area of interest. Students pass a review panel, produce a resume, and interview in the professional design community.
Prerequisites: CDGD-411 and CDGD-416 and CDGD-417
Critique
Departmental Requirement
Spring
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CDGD430 Senior Degree Project 3 cr.
A continuation of the research began in GD 303X, in this course students synthesize the research, document the design process, and produce a final project based on the chosen subject of their research. At the end of the course, process documentation and design projects are exhibited at a departmental showing.
Prerequisites: CDGD-411 CDGD-416 CDGD-417
Critique
Departmental Requirement
Spring
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