In this course students will examine the forms, styles, functions, and meanings of important objects and monuments dating from prehistory through the Middle Ages, and consider these works of art in their social, historical and cultural contexts. The primary goals of this course are to learn how to look, how to describe and analyze what we see, and how to use these skills to understand and explain how art visually expresses meaning. At the end of the term, students will have gained a foundational knowledge of the object, scope and methods of the discipline of art history. The knowledge obtained in this introductory course will also guide students in their own creative endeavors. Lecture 3 (Fall).

In this course students will examine the forms, styles, functions, and meanings of important objects and monuments dating from the European Renaissance through the beginning of the twentieth century, and consider these works of art in their social, historical and cultural contexts. The primary goals of this course are to learn how to look and how to describe and analyze what we see, and to use these skills to understand and explain how art visually expresses meaning. At the end of the term, students will have gained a foundational knowledge of the object, scope and methods of the discipline of art history. The knowledge obtained in this introductory course will also guide students in their own creative endeavors. Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring).

This course is an introduction to the visualization of form, thought and expression through the drawing process. Concepts are introduced by lectures, discussions, demonstrations, research, and assigned projects. Designed to provide a broad introductory experience, students will experiment with a wide variety of media, tools, techniques and subjects to develop drawing expertise and problem solving skills related to design and composition. Course work will be assessed through critique, facilitating self-assessment, and the growth of both a visual and verbal vocabulary. The focus of the course is to provide awareness of the full range of ways in which drawing is used as a tool for both self-expression and communication. (Undergraduate Art and Design) Studio 6 (Fall, Spring).

This course is a structured, cumulative introduction to the basic elements and principles of two-dimensional design. Organized to create a broad introductory experience, the course focuses on the development of both a visual and a verbal vocabulary as a means of exploring, developing and understanding two-dimensional compositions. Concepts are introduced through lectures, discussions, demonstrations, research, assigned projects and critiques. The course addresses a wide variety of media, tools, techniques both traditional and technological, and theoretical concepts to facilitate skill development and experimentation with process. Visual comprehension, the ability to organize perceptions and horizontal thinking that crosses other disciplines and theories, are key foundational components to the development of problem solving skills. Accumulative aspects of the curriculum included the exploration of historical and cultural themes and concepts intertwined with aspects of personal interpretation and experience. (Undergraduate Art and Design) Studio 6 (Fall, Spring).

This course presents a progressive study over two-semesters in terminology, visual principles, exploration, concept generation, process, and techniques of three-dimensional design. Using hands-on problem solving, student will develop an informed understanding of the 3D form and space with an emphasis on the elements and principles of visual design and their function as the building blocks and guidelines for ordering a 3D composition. A heightened awareness of form and space will be developed through lecture, assigned projects, and critiques. Students will also develop a personal awareness of problem seeking and solving, experimentation, and critical analysis. **Note: May be taken as a one-semester offering** (Undergraduate Art and Design) Studio 6 (Fall, Spring).

This course is an introduction to the visualization of form, thought and expression through the drawing process. Concepts are introduced by lectures, discussions, demonstrations, research, and assigned projects. Designed to provide a broad introductory experience, students will experiment with a wide variety of media, tools, techniques and subjects to develop drawing expertise and problem solving skills related to design and composition. Course work will be assessed through critique, facilitating self-assessment, and the growth of both a visual and verbal vocabulary. The focus of the course is to provide awareness of the full range of ways in which drawing is used as a tool for both self-expression and communication. (Prerequisites: FDTN-111 or ITDI-211 or equivalent course.) Studio 6 (Fall, Spring, Summer).

This course is an investigation of the visualization of form, thought and expression through the drawing process. This workshop provides students with the opportunity to learn more about a particular experience in drawing while still covering required foundation elements. Different topics may be taken in the same semester. Topics may only be taken once. Concepts are introduced by lectures, discussions, demonstrations, research and assigned projects.. The focus of the course is to provide awareness of the full range of ways in which drawing is used as a tool for both self-expression and communication. (Prerequisites: FDTN-111 or ITDI-211 or equivalent course.) Studio 6 (Spring).

This course is an introduction to basic visual communications in the field of graphic design. Lectures will cover graphic design topics and information ranging from typographic terminology and design principles to methods of visual organization. Assignments will be undertaken in the studio where hands-on introduction to graphic design studio skills and practices will occur. Through formal studies and perceptual understanding, including aesthetics, graphic form and structure, concept development problems and visual organization, students will design solutions to visual communication problems. Assignments will explore aspects of graphic imagery, typography, hierarchy, and layout. Students will refine their computer skills through applications requiring digital formats. (This course is restricted to GRDE-BFA or VISMEDIA-BFA Major students.) Lab 5 (Spring, Summer).

This course will introduce the concepts, principles and techniques of motion design and animation. Topics covered are planning and organization methods in the form of storyboards, animatics, kinetics, animation principles, sequencing, composition, visual variables, and forms of narrative storytelling. Focus is on the integration of time and media, such as illustration, photography, video, audio, animation and type, to communicate a moving message. This course will emphasize design from a problem-solving point of view and explores the production-timeline. (This course is restricted to GRDE-BFA or VISMEDIA-BFA Major students.) Lab 5 (Spring).

RIT 365 students participate in experiential learning opportunities designed to launch them into their career at RIT, support them in making multiple and varied connections across the university, and immerse them in processes of competency development. Students will plan for and reflect on their first-year experiences, receive feedback, and develop a personal plan for future action in order to develop foundational self-awareness and recognize broad-based professional competencies. Lecture 1 (Fall, Spring).

This course is an introduction to the fundamental principles of typography (the visual representation of language) to effectively convey information and ideas to specific audiences. Focus is on the communicative function and aesthetic nature of typographic problem-solving. Course content and lectures will cover typographic terminology, type anatomy, history of typography as well as type classification, type measurement, and issues of legibility and readability. Once students are introduced to the fundamentals of typography, they will include imagery as appropriate. Students will also refine their skills using relevant software. (Pre-requisites: GRDE-106 and (GRDE-107 or FDTN-141) or equivalent courses.) Lab 5 (Fall Or Spring).

This course will focus on the analysis, creation and use of imagery for communication purposes, along with an introduction to symbol and icon design as it relates to branding. Processes and techniques for creating images are explored. Projects incorporate symbolism, concept development and integration of image and text. This course will build upon the principles and theories learned in Graphic Design Studio I with project solutions developed for print media, motion and digital use. (Pre-requisites: GRDE-106 and (GRDE-107 or FDTN-141) or equivalent courses.) Lab 3, Studio 2 (Fall).

This course will focus on the development of graphic communication from prehistory through the present. This course will provide students with knowledge and understanding of the places, people, events; historical and cultural factors; and technological innovations that have influenced the practice of graphic design. Lectures are complemented by guest speakers, archive visits, videos, research projects, critical essay writing, and discussion. (Prerequisites: ARTH-136 or equivalent course and completion of First Year Writing (FYW) requirement.) Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring).

Students will expand upon the principles of grid theory, text and display typography, sequence, page layout, and type and image integration as they relate to a range of design applications: posters, instructional materials, brochures, magazines, books, etc. Visual organization and message communication are stressed. This course builds upon the content taught in Typography and Design Imagery courses. Appropriate layout and imaging software skills are integrated. (Prerequisite: GRDE-201 or GRDE-202 or equivalent course.) Lab 5 (Spring).

This course provides an introduction to interactivity through the study of basic principles and methodologies involved in designing digital interfaces. Students will engage in projects where they will investigate, conceptualize and propose innovative interactive solutions to problems through a human-centered design approach. Students will create navigable interfaces and systems that allow audiences to achieve meaningful goals through compelling content, connecting people to people and people to information and environments. The course will also provide an introduction to building websites and developing interactive components using industry standard coding languages and software. (Prerequisite: GRDE-201 or GRDE-202 or equivalent course.) Lab 5 (Spring).

This comprehensive course will expand student knowledge of motion principles and theories and allow students to hone their technical skills. The course will cover advanced principles of motion graphics and animated storytelling. Focus will be on complex motion and animation techniques and best workflow practices. Two-dimensional and three-dimensional elements will be incorporated in working with spatial and visual continuity. Emphasis will be on experimentation, interactive storytelling, and the ability to convey a message through motion. Advanced techniques such as graph editors, working in 3D space with camera and motion tracking, video, audio, rotoscoping, compositing, and rendering will be introduced. (Pre-requisites: GRDE-106 and (GRDE-107 or FDTN-141) or equivalent courses.) Lab 5 (Spring).

This course will explore information design. Problem-solving focuses on functional requirements, information transmission, accessibility, and design structure across a range of formats. Applied problems are solved through principles of systems thinking, structure, diagrammatic interpretation, and the visual display of information. This course will build upon the principles and theories learned in Graphic Design Studio II with project solutions developed for print media, motion and digital use. (Prerequisites: GRDE-206 and GRDE-207 and GRDE-217 or equivalent courses.) Lab 3, Studio 2 (Fall).

This course encompasses and expands on previous interactive design, development, and graphic design experience. In this class, the application of user-centered design methodologies will be emphasized in the planning and implementing of interactive, instructional projects across multiple devices and platforms. Thorough exploration of the user experience will explored, and the resulting informed decisions on designing effective user interfaces. Students will engage in projects that incorporate contemporary social-cultural issues and will directly handle real content to define the underlying information architecture and structure of their interactive solutions. Design patterns, current, and future trends related to UI design will be discussed and applied according to industry’s best practices. (Pre-requisites: GRDE-206 and GRDE-207 and GRDE-217 or equivalent courses. Co-requisite: GRDE-301 or equivalent course.) Lab 5 (Fall).

In this course students will learn strategies to obtain internships and permanent employment in the graphic design profession. Emphasis will be placed on the various positions available to designers, the designer/client relationship, business aspects of design, and professional ethics and expectations. At the conclusion of this course students will be able to create promotional materials, including resume and portfolio design so that students can effectively and professionally present themselves in the field. (Prerequisites: GRDE-207 or equivalent course.) Lecture 3 (Fall).

This course will provide students with conceptual, organizational, and aesthetic problem-solving methods to create unified and effective design systems, such as corporate identity systems, icon sets, poster and/or packaging series. Students will have an opportunity to synthesize graphic design principles from their previous courses into more advanced and in-depth projects. Research, concept generation, and relevant aesthetic principles will be emphasized. Presentation, writing, and professional skills will be a focus to prepare students for senior year coursework . Teamwork strategies and skills are implemented throughout the semester. (Prerequisites: GRDE-301 and GRDE-302 or equivalent courses.) Lab 3, Lecture 2 (Spring).

This course will focus on design problem solving for three-dimensional spaces and environments. Design process, initial concepts, and final design solutions are developed to assist users in negotiating various interior and exterior environments. Areas of application may include: architectural graphics, signage systems, exhibit design, themed museum experiences, and dynamic environments. Two-dimensional, three-dimensional, and digital design attributes are incorporated using appropriate materials and software. (Prerequisites: GRDE-301 and GRDE-302 or equivalent courses.) Lab 3, Studio 2 (Spring).

Students will acquire and practice the skills necessary to initiate and complete the research phase for a comprehensive project on a topic of each student’s choosing. Students will identify a topic to research with the objective of bringing innovation or new knowledge to this area through this experience. Students will identify faculty and individuals to serve as expert consultants who will help guide the process and to evaluate the project in milestones throughout the semester. Students will write an abstract and submit this to the consultants for approval. Each milestone will be evaluated and graded. Emphasis will be on experimentation, exploration, and development of a wide range of ideas. (Prerequisites: GRDE-306 and GRDE-307 and GRDE-308 or equivalent courses. Co-requisite: GRDE-421 or equivalent course.) Lab 3, Lecture 2 (Fall).

In this course, students’ working knowledge of graphic design will culminate in a comprehensive capstone project. The content of each capstone project will vary depending upon each students' focus/direction and approval from their instructor. The students will build on previous course work. Process and in-progress development is shared via class presentations and a final public exhibition for dissemination. A final formal presentation is required. (Prerequisites: GRDE-411 and GRDE-421 or equivalent courses.) Studio 5 (Spring).

This course will provide an overview of branding and identity design. Processes, theories, design methods, brand strategies, positioning, touch-points, research, and management are introduced in creating comprehensive branding and identity systems. Case studies will provide students with historical context. Students will explore current and future trends related to branding. (Prerequisites: GRDE-306 and GRDE-307 and GRDE-308 or equivalent courses.) Studio 5 (Fall).