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, after, 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 develop the vocabulary needed to effectively discuss and critique visual communication.
Required for graphic design majors; may be taken for elective credit in other majors.

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, GRD 121)

GRD 210
Graphic Design II
Studio, 3 Credit Hours
This course is an introduction to advertising design and will emphasize concept and the creative process as well as the elements and principles of design. Through directed projects students will research, write creative work plans, and develop advertising that is highly conceptual and on target with creative work plans.
Required for graphic design majors.
(GRD 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 Apple Macintosh OSX and they will learn basic skills in Adobe’s Creative Suite.
Required for graphic design majors.
(GRD 200).

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 and InDesign.
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, GRD 220)

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, GRD 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 162, ART 161 or GRD 110)

GRD 332
Typography III
Studio, 3 Credit Hours
In this advanced typography course, students will learn how to use text type to effectively organize and communicate large amounts of information as will be needed for brochures, magazines and other publications.
Required for graphic design majors.
(GRD 232, GRD 231)

GRD 341
Web Development I, 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, GRD 231)


GRD 342
Web Development II, 3 Credit Hours
Building on skills learned in Web Development I, students continue to gain an understanding of the terinology, development tools, and fundamental skills (including learning HTML, CSS, etc.) related to designing a successful website.  Current software applications such as Dreamweaver, Flash, and Photoshop 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, to raise awareness, and to 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 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 to master the unique design opportunities and challenges presented by brochures and other multi-page publications.
Required for graphic design majors
(GRD 310)


GRD 420
Packaging Design
Studio, 3 Credit Hours
Through directed projects, students will learn to apply design principles from previous courses to multi-dimensional designs. Students create packaging and complex coordinated design campaigns that communicate through a variety of media.
Graphic Design Elective
(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 guess 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 animators - to benefit from distinctly different and valuable perspectives  Graphic Design Ellective; required for Illustration concentration 
(GRD 421)

GRD 441 Web Development III
Studio, 3 semester credit hours
Building on skills learned in Web Development II, students continue with the development of problem solving skills through digital media.  Through directed individual projects, students use current software to explore the development of such projects as interative CS-ROM or DVD design, advanced website design, and Flash animation.
GRD elective, Required for graphic design majors
(GRD 341)

GRD 450
Visiting Art Directors
Studio, 3 Credit Hours
Students will work with a series of Nashville area designers, art directors, and creative directors. Visiting designers will create design or communication problems that are common to their experience and will challenge students to create effective solutions.
Graphic Design Elective
(GRD 310)

GRD 461
Senior Portfolio Development
Studio, 6 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. A senior exhibition is required for graduation and 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

GRD 470
Internship
Studio, 3 Credit Hours
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 and art directors.
Graphic Design Elective (GRD 310, Permission of Graphic Design Chair)