This course is an intensive introduction to the basics of design principles for a variety of communications strategies. Through hands-on lab time with step-by-step instruction, students will learn the fundamentals of working with Adobe Creative Suite in order to create their own brand and its accompanying visuals. Presentations by professionals working in various fields of design and communications will familiarize students with their first-hand experience.

Design literacy is essential to all areas of communication, whether in traditional print, digital media, websites or video. This class will focus specifically on the relationship between image and text, providing students with a solid foundation for any further study of graphics or web design they may wish to undertake in the future, as well as training students to interact effectively with professional designers.. The class will be comprised of lecturers on the fundamentals of design, presentations by and workshops with working professionals, and hands-on lab time to learn practical technical skills as applied to students’ individual branding projects.

It suits students who plan to work in advertising, NGOs, branding, global advocacy or any other field of communications. Design literacy is an essential skill, indispensable for the effective communication of any organization’s message. Students will gain appreciation of graphic design; learning how typography color, composition, photography, illustration, etc. work together to produce effective conduits of information.

Code
CM5080
Name
VISUAL DESIGN PRACTICUM
Credits
4
Pre-requisites
Major=MA: Global Communications OR Major=MA: Global Comm. (Development Communications) OR Major=MA: Global Comm. (Digital Cultures and Industries) OR Major=MA: Global Comm. (Fashion Track) OR Major=MA: Global Comm. (Visual & Material Culture Track)
Co-requisites
None
Can be taken twice for credit?
No
Discipline
CM (Communications)
Level
Graduate
Type
Regular
CAMS ID
4260
Last update with CAMS
Gained an appreciation for and an understanding of graphic design and its role in effective communication
Developped overall design literacy: students will acquire and improve their skills in using design software (i.e. the Adobe Creative Suit) and learn to express their ideas effectively through visual means.
Learned essential design terminology and developed their ability to express verbally why certain designs are or are not effective, giving constructive advice on how a design can be improved.
Created a brand identity and designed the accompanying visual material as part of a professional-quality final portfolio.
Term Code Name
Spring 2021 CM5080 VISUAL DESIGN PRACTICUM