Visual Communications

In this process-oriented course, students combine deep, disciplined research with careful writing and revision to produce a thoughtful, creative, and personally meaningful research essay. They learn to formulate focused research questions, identify and investigate credible sources, and synthesize expert opinion with their own insight in support of a clearly defined, complex thesis. The emphasis is on curiosity, exploration, and discovery. As part of the process, students also gain confidence and competency in two primary areas of written expression: organization and mechanics.

An introductory study of the principles and elements of color and design theory. Students critique aspects of a visual representation by analyzing the components of design and the use of color by the artist.

An application course focusing on mathematical concepts used in everyday life. Students integrate computation and analysis with authentic learning in graph analysis, Venn diagrams, analytical geometry, statistical measures of central tendency and variation, and financial mathematics. Prerequisites: To register for GNST 1450, you must successfully pass the math placement test or pass GNST 450.

A course in oral communication designed to give students poise, speaking confidence, and the ability to develop and produce a focused, well-organized speech that holds the audience’s attention through effective delivery methods. Presentational skills and audience-centered communication are emphasized.

A survey of art, architecture, and design from the Prehistoric Period through the Middle Ages. Included are the social, economic, cultural, political, and religious influences which have prompted or affected the art of each period. Students examine works of art and their iconography, stylistic techniques, and different media, with the goal of being able to recognize, understand, and discuss various art forms in their broader contexts.

This is an introductory survey course in art and mediums of art forms, such as painting, sculpture, and architecture of selected African, Asian, and Mesoamerican cultures. Students are able to view art through its cultural, religious, and historical context by evaluating the different styles that developed through periods of time and geographical areas of the world.

A survey of art, architecture, and design from the Renaissance through the 20th century. Art movements such as Realism, Impressionism, Post-Impressionism, Fauvism, Cubism, Abstraction, and Surrealism are studied. Particular emphasis is placed on the artists’ role in society and the effect of society on art.

A survey of the arts from a variety of origins, both classical and contemporary, with a particular emphasis on a diversity of fine, performing, and applied art forms. Students attend events that explore the following: pictures, sculpture, music, theatre, cinema, dance, architecture, and literature. Students gain an understanding of the different roles associated with these various art forms and critique these art forms through discussion, oral presentations, and essays, integrating their perceptions into their final projects.

A survey of American history from 1930-2000. Emphasis is on the political and economic features, both domestic and foreign, that contributed to the emergence of the welfare state and the nation’s rise to global leadership after World War II. The course provides an understanding of the Great Depression, the Second World War, the Cold War, America’s eventual emergence as the world’s only superpower, and the interrelation of all these factors.

To become more self-reliant and enterprising in the job search, students investigate career opportunities and the career path, personal traits, job responsibilities, and qualifications necessary to be competitive and promotable. Students build research tools that enable them to develop a plan of action, conduct informational interviews, practice interviewing skills, and produce a digitized professional resume, biographical statement, and cover letter for immediate submission to prospective employers.

Marketing & Brand Development introduces and highlights the basic marketing principles which provide the framework for understanding the importance, value, and impact of marketing and brand management.

A survey of the visual communications industry and how image and corporate identity run through all visual media.  Students examine and analyze visual marketing, graphic identity, e-commerce, fashion styling, event planning, exhibit design, trade show promotion, vendor manufacturing, retail store planning, retail theme environments, and visual merchandising.

An introductory course in which students learn how to execute loose, quick, freehand sketches beginning with observed, existing spaces, simple elevations and plan views without perspective and to advanced invented visuals, illustrating solutions to various design and visual merchandising problems. Emphasis is placed on speed, confidence, clear communication, use of notation, credible scale, and research. In class and homework assignments consist of many small sketches as students communicate and use appropriate methodology to develop and express ideas. Prerequisite: GNST 1230

Students learn skills and techniques which enable them to use perspective to create dramatic and effective sketches, drawings, and computer images. Prerequisite: VCOM 1350

This course is designed to teach students basic problem-solving methodology in visual communications, from definition and clarification of the essential problem, through exploration of multiple solution concepts, to selection and adoption of a single appropriate solution. Prerequisites: VCOM 1350, VCOM 1480

This course introduces students to the methodology behind tracking and forecasting trends for the fashion and design industries. Students analyze key movements in design and the wider cultural events influencing them from the late 19th century through the 21st to develop an understanding of what drives consumer behavior and how design professionals track trends.

An introduction to basic architectural drafting techniques and skills as they relate to store planning. Prerequisite: VCOM 1350

This course introduces the formal elements of line, shape, color, texture, and composition as well as the principles of design— balance, repetition, scale, emphasis, repetition, and unity. This course integrates image and type use to communicate meaningful concepts for visual presentation. Prerequisites: VCOM 2180, VCOM 2350

An introduction to Adobe Illustrator as a design and rendering tool. This course provides students with hands-on experience using the computer to create graphic collateral, fixture diagrams, and store layouts.

This class exposes students to a variety of materials, including plastic, wood, metals, and tile, and their application to the industry. Students explore methods, materials, and techniques for producing visuals for the industry. Includes a three (3) hour lab. Prerequisites: VCOM 1250, VCOM 1900

An introductory computer graphics course in which students learn PC applications of Adobe Photoshop, analyze problems of visual thinking, design, and graphics, and present creative solutions. Prerequisite: VCOM 2180

Students learn intermediate-to-advanced features of Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator and enhance their software skills to digitally create professional quality pieces to include in their visual communications portfolio Prerequisites: VCOM 2180, VCOM 2350

An introduction to the crafts of visual presentation. Students receive hands-on experience in working with the tools and materials used to produce merchandise presentations and window displays. Standards of excellent craftsmanship are stressed as students design and install portfolio-quality visual presentations. Includes a three (3) hour lab. Prerequisite: VCOM 2220

An introduction to event planning and marketing, and the strategies and skills used to ensure a successful event. Students explore the challenges and opportunities offered in this field, including leadership strengths and skills, research and strategy in planning, operations analysis, execution, and evaluation. This course examines how special events are produced to generate sales, gain favorable media attention, convey a specific message, or secure the image and reputation of a company, organization, product, or program.

This is an advanced course where students discover innovative and environmentally sensitive ways to solve home product retailing, design, and merchandising challenges.

This course covers the theory, practice, and principles of lighting design available to the visual industry, including merchandise presentations, television and movie sets, and lighting for editorial shoots. Students examine the different types of lighting, including ambient, task, dramatic, indirect, and decorative techniques. Prerequisites: VCOM 1250, VCOM 1900

A course that examines the relationship between branding, product placement, and the use of media in society. Students explore the media and alternative strategies used in creating a successful brand with special emphasis on product placement, and examining how media and pop culture shape the consumer decision process. Students research branding practices, culture trends, and the history/ethics of product placement and learn how to build brand identity and loyalty using the media, entertainment industry, and social networking. Guest speakers.

This class assists students in preparing and developing a professional portfolio of their work. Students learn to deliver presentations with practical techniques on how to structure the material to be presented, create visual aids, and speak with confidence. Prerequisite:GNST2980

A course which explores job options and the process for both finding work and preparing for a shoot or event. Students survey the work of important contemporary designers, photographers, and stylists. The class culminates in a themed fashion shoot.

Students understand the financial data essential to making informed business decisions. Basic financial statements and their interpretation, cost analysis, and relationship to the visual communications industry are included. Prerequisite: GNST 2980