Course Descriptions

Graphic Design Course Descriptions (Prerequisites are shown in parentheses.)

 

GRD 101

History of Graphic Design I

Lecture, 3 Credit Hours

A critical and analytical study of the significant events, personalities, and technological advances that have contributed to the global history of graphic design. This first part of the comprehensive two-course sequence covers these contributing factors up to the end of the nineteenth century. Required for Graphic Design Majors; may be taken for elective credit in other majors.

 

GRD 102

History of Graphic Design II

Lecture, 3 Credit Hours

A continuation of the critical and analytical study of the factors contributing to the history of graphic design, from the beginning of the Twentieth Century through contemporary time. This second half of the comprehensive two-course sequence may be taken before or concurrently with GRD 101. Required for Graphic Design Majors; may be taken for elective credit in other majors.

 

GRD 110

Graphic Design I

Studio, 3 Credit Hours

Emphasis is placed on the fundamental principles and elements of graphic design and on creative problem solving. Through a variety of exercises and projects students will learn the creative process from concept to execution and will learn the vocabulary needed to effectively critique visual communication.Required for Graphic Design Majors; may be taken for elective credit in other majors. This course can also be used to meet the core requirement for ART 161 – 2-D Design / Color Fundamentals.

 

GRD 121

Typography I

Studio, 3 Credit Hours

Through directed projects, this course will explore basic type design and its practical applications. Students will be introduced to expressive and conceptual use of type and will end the semester with an in-depth knowledge of typographic terminology, and an appreciation for the artistry of typographic forms. Required for Graphic Design Majors; may be taken for elective credit in other majors. (ART 161 or GRD 110, ART 162)

 

GRD 200

Portfolio Review

Does Not Earn Academic Credit

Student work from GRD 110 and GRD 121 will be reviewed each year by the Graphic Design Faculty. Students will not be allowed to register for upper level graphic design courses until they pass this review. Students will enroll in GRD 200 at the same time that they enroll for the last of the two prerequisites. Required for Graphic Design Majors. (GRD 110, 121)

 

GRD 210

Graphic Design II

Studio, 3 Credit Hours

This course is an introduction to advertising design and focuses on developing strong creative ad concepts. Through directed projects students will research, write creative objectives, and develop advertising that is highly conceptual and on target with creative work plans.

Required for Graphic Design Majors. (GRD 110, 121, 200) 

 

GRD 230

Computer Studio I

Studio, 3 Credit Hours

An introductory computer course with an emphasis on publishing software. Students are introduced to the Macintosh OSX and they will learn basic skills in Adobe's Creative Suite. Required for Graphic Design Majors. (ART161 or GRD 110, ART 162)

 

GRD 231

Computer Studio II

Studio, 3 Credit Hours

An intermediate computer course with an emphasis on publishing software. Students will learn advanced computer skills and techniques related to the industry standard software applications, Photoshop andInDesign.

Required for Graphic Design Majors. (GRD 230)

 

GRD 232

Typography II

Studio, 3 Credit Hours

This intermediate typography course emphasizes expressive and experimental type. Students will match type with message, manipulate type and explore other creative uses of type.

Required for Graphic Design Majors. (GRD 200, 230)

 

GRD 310

Graphic Design III

Studio, 3 Credit Hours

Through directed projects this course will explore the basic elements and principles of branding and corporate identity design. Students will design consumer labels as well as logos, letterhead packages and other elements of corporate identity design.

Required for Graphic Design Majors. (GRD 210, 231)

 

GRD 321

Illustration I

Studio, 3 Credit Hours

The class is an introductory course that provides an understanding of the illustration process and its role as an art form that reflects, serves, and advances contemporary culture. Class assignments parallel professional practice.

Required for Graphic Design Majors. (ART 161 or GRD 110, ART 162)

 

GRD 332

Typography III

Studio, 3 Credit Hours

By examining grid development and typographic systems, this advanced typography course focuses on the organization and effective communication of type when used in extended, large volume, published formats.

Required for Graphic Design Majors. (GRD 232, 231)

 

GRD 341

Web Development I

Studio, 3 Credit Hours

An introduction to multimedia design with an emphasis on website creation. Students gain an understanding of the terminology, development tools, and fundamental skills (including learning HTML, CSS, etc.) related to designing a successful website. Current software applications such as Dreamweaver and Photoshop are learned as appropriate to the process.

Required for Graphic Design Majors. (GRD 210, 231)

 

GRD 342

Web Development II

Studio, 3 credit hours

Building on skills learned in Web Development I, students continue to gain an understanding of the terminology, development tools, and fundamental skills (including learning HTML, CSS, ActionScript, etc.) related to designing a successful website. Current software applications such as Dreamweaver, Flash, andPhotoshop are learned as appropriate to the process.

Required for Graphic Design Majors (GRD 341)

 

GRD 350

Typeface Design

Studio, 3 Credit Hours

An in depth exploration of type design. Student will learn the unique visual considerations required to design and produce their own typefaces.

Graphic Design Elective (GRD 232)

 

GRD 360

Graphic Design and Social Cause

Studio, 3 Credit Hours

Change is created in the world by using advertising and graphic design to present important ideas, raise awareness, and stimulate thought. Students will examine historical posters, ad campaigns, and ephemera that deal with social change. Projects will include campaigns that deal with issues of global and local significance.

Graphic Design Elective (GRD 232)

 

GRD 3XX - Series

Special Topics

Studio, 3 Credit Hours

 

GRD 361

Special Problems In Advertising

Studio, 3 Credit Hours

This class is designed to further develop the principles of advertising design. Emphasis will be placed on concept development and the importance of integrating copy concept and image to communicate an effective message. Through directed projects, students will be asked to research clients, write headlines and body copy, create or find appropriate imagery, and develop advertising that is highly conceptual, profession executed, and on-target with approved creative plans. (GRD210)

 

GRD 380

Special Problems: History of Record Album Cover Art

Studio, 3 Credit Hours

A journey through the world of record album cover design from the 19402 to the 1990s. Students will explorea  variety of genres and styles while researching trends, artists and the impact of culture and current events on the artwork that adorned “long playing” record albums. Students will complete weekly design projects to gain hands on experience. (GRD 110, Permission of instructor)

 

GRD 401

Professional Practices

Lecture, 3 Credit Hours

This course will cover print production, standard business practices, and ethical guidelines for the graphic arts industry.

Required for Graphic Design Majors. (GRD 310)

 

GRD 410

Graphic Design IV

Studio, 3 Credit Hours

Through directed projects, students will learn the unique design opportunities and challenges presented by brochures, packaging, and other multi-page publications.

Required for Graphic Design Majors (GRD 310)

 

GRD 421

Illustration II

Studio, 3 Credit Hours

The class will explore character development, sequential imagery, and visual storytelling as related to storyboards, picture books, game design, and animation. The class will include guest professionals and possible field trips.

Graphic Design Elective, required for illustration concentration (GRD 321)

 

GRD 422

Illustration III – Visiting Illustrators

Studio, 3 Credit Hours

Students will work with visiting professionals–illustrators, designers, and/or animators–to benefit from distinctly different and valuable perspectives.

Graphic Design Elective, required for illustration concentration (GRD 421)

 

GRD 441

Web Development III

Studio, 3 credit hours

Building on skills learned in Web Development I & II, students continue to gain an understanding of the terminology, development tools, and fundamental skills (including learning HTML, CSS, ActionScript, etc.) related to designing a successful website. Current software applications such as Dreamweaver, Flash, andPhotoshop are learned as appropriate to the process.

Required for Graphic Design Majors (GRD 342)

 

GRD 450

Visiting Art Directors

Studio, 3 Credit Hours

Students will work with a series of Nashville area designers, art directors, and creative directors. Each visiting designer will create a design or communication problem that is common to his or her experience and will challenge students to create effective solutions.

Graphic Design Elective (GRD 310)

 

GRD 460

Senior Portfolio Development

Studio, 4 Credit Hours

This course is the final step in preparing students for a career in visual communications. Under the direction of senior graphic design faculty, each student completes a competitive, entry-level portfolio and learns skills needed to succeed in the interview process. Each final portfolio is evaluated by all full-time faculty members and an industry professional.

Capstone course, required for Graphic Design Majors. Must be taken during last semester and must be taken concurrently with GRD 462 Senior Exhibition.

 

GRD 462

Senior Exhibition

Studio, 2 Credit Hours

A senior exhibition is required for graduation. Students will work as a team and are responsible for all aspects of this exhibition. This exhibition will coordinate with Senior Portfolio Development and is an important aspect of marketing graduating seniors and their work to the professional design community.

Capstone course, required for all Graphic Design Majors. Must be taken during last semester and must be taken concurrently with GRD 460 Senior Portfolio Development.

 

GRD 470

Internship

Students make valuable contacts and attain practical knowledge while working in a creative business environment. An internship provides the opportunity for students to work with professional designers, illustrators, and art directors.

Graphic Design Elective(GRD 310, Permission of Graphic Design Chair)

 

GRD 471

Internship II

Students make valuable contacts and attain practical knowledge while working in a creative business environment. An internship provides the opportunity for students to work with professional designers, illustrators, and art directors.

Graphic Design Elective(GRD 470, Permission of Graphic Design Chair)