May 13, 2024  
Academic Catalog 2017-2018 
    
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Academic Catalog 2017-2018 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Courses

 

Graphic Design
  

  • 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
    Culturally Diverse Content
    Departmental Requirement
    Fall
  

  • 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
  

  • 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
  

  • 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
  

  • 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
  

  • 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
  

  • CDGD304 Web Design I 3 cr.

    Introduction to web development skills through the use of Dreamweaver and Flash. Design for the web and multimedia through the use of assignments, examples, and discussion.

    Prerequisites: CDGD220

    Critique
    All College Elective
  

  • CDGD305 Community Partnership Design 3 cr.

    This course explores almost every area involved in print production for graphic designers,
    including offset printing, printing estimates and working with a printer, binding and finishing
    paper, pre- press, color seperation and color proofing, and halftones and scanning issues. The
    course centers around a community service- based print project that is designed and produced by
    students.[Formely Print Production]

    Prerequisites: CDGD220, CDGD230

    Critique
    Culturally Diverse Content
    Departmental Elective
  

  • CDGD306 Digital Photography 3 cr.

    This course will focus on encouraging students to develop a personal vision and means of photographic expression coupled with the technical skills and confidence to work in digital media to improve the content of their individual communication through print or the web. By introducing students to the language and tools of digital photography, they will understand how to create, import and transform images into digital format as well as alter them using a graphics program. Students will also explore some of the fundamental principles of photography and its uses.

    Prerequisites: CDGD 210 or CDIL 205

    Critique
    All College Elective
  

  • 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
  

  • 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
  

  • 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
  

  • 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
  

  • 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
    Culturally Diverse Content
    Departmental Elective
  

  • CDGD347 Advanced Web Projects 3 cr

    Students will apply their knowledge of web design
    to create advanced applications that deal with
    the manipulation and display of data. The course
    will cover a range of technologies essential to
    modern web design and development including
    HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript, jQuery, PHP and MySQL.

    Prerequisites: CDGD304

    Critique
    Departmental Elective
    Spring
  

  • 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
  

  • CDGD357 Identity Systems 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.

    Prerequisites: CDGD-220  and CDGD-230

    Hybrid Studio Critique
    Elective
    Fall/Spring
  

  • CDGD362 Communication Design in the Global Village: Tokyo and Seoul 3cr

    Communication Design is an umbrella term
    describing multiple design disciplines at the
    service of information. Examples of Communication
    Design include graphic design, information
    architecture, typography, illustration,
    animation, interaction design, user experience
    design, environmental design, service design,
    service design, design strategy and many others.
    The role of communication design is constantly
    changing. It is no longer what once was described
    as a problem-solving industrial art. We are
    currently witnessing the designer’s urge to
    establish his or her own voice which includes the
    creation of autonomous work or creating and
    editing content, therefore the difference between
    the self-initiated and real commissioned projects
    becomes increasingly blurred. Communication
    Design in Japan and Korea both historically and
    currently proves to be at the cutting edge of
    defining new concepts and new challenges within
    social communications, communication design, and
    communication technology. An opportunity to
    explore these multiple facets of design and art
    in Japan and Korea, and to study - at its source
    - a unique Asian contribution to the global
    culture, will certainly create an inspiring,
    intellectually stimulating and memorable learning
    experience for MassArt, COF and ProArts students.

    Travel Course
    Undergraduate Elective
    Spring
  

  • CDGD364 Language of Motion 3 cr.

    In Language of Motion students explore visual narratives in reference to
    time-based media. The course emphasizes conceptual, visual and technical aspects of
    typography in motion. [Formerly DynamicTypography]

    Prerequisites: CDGD210

    Critique
    Departmental Elective
  

  • 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

  

  • 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.

  

  • 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

  

  • CDGD402 Design Research 3 cr.

    In this studio/seminar course, students will explore multiple goals and methods of design research in the context of communication design practice. Through case studies and studio projects, multiple creative strategies and tactics in design research will be investigated. The course will make a strong argument for performing rigorous experimentation and analysis as creative practice that makes designers’ way of thinking and communicating so unique. Additionally, the course involves a student-defined research project in preparation for degree project course.

    Prerequisites: CDGD340, CDGD341

    Lecture/Seminar
    Departmental Requirement
    Fall
  

  • 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-411

    Lecture
    Spring
  

  • 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
  

  • CDGD414 Advertising Design 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.

    Prerequisites: CDGD220 or CDIL220

    Critique
    Departmental Elective
  

  • CDGD415 Advertising Design II 3 cr.

    This is an advanced course in advertising that builds on the skills and issues introduced in GD 414.

    Prerequisites: CDGD414

    Critique
    Departmental Elective
  

  • 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: CDGD410 & CDGD402

    Critique
    Departmental Requirement
    Spring
  

  • 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: CDGD402, CDGD411

    Critique
    Departmental Requirement
    Spring