Curriculum
The following are the required courses for this major. Students who attend Orientation and meet with the Education Department can obtain personalized academic counseling to complete the program. Transfer credits, changes in curriculum, and other factors may affect the academic plan for individual students. The FIDM Education Department can provide additional information.
Prerequisite:
A prior Associates degree or 45-60 semester units (67-90 quarter units) of transferable academic coursework. Students entering the program with fewer than 60 semester units (90 quarter units) will have additional coursework to complete.
Bachelor of Arts (B.A)
Creative Industry Studies, Visual Communication Core
BUMT 3820
Business Law+
UNITS: 3
Students develop an understanding of corporate formation and procedures, limited liability companies and special business forms. This course examines social, ethical, and political implications of law and its application to business transactions as well as intellectual property law.
GNST 1230
Color & Design Theory
UNITS: 3
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.
GNST 2530
Principles of Kinesiology+
UNITS: 3
The emphasis of this course is to scientifically examine the musculoskeletal and physiological systems of the body in motion and at rest. The principles of biochemical, pulmonary, and circulatory systems related to movement and exercise and the contemporary issues of neuromuscular health are investigated.
GNST 2530L
Principles of Kinesiology Lab+
UNITS: 1
This lab includes field excursions, observation journals, and interviews with practitioners in the field of kinesiology, including physical therapists, sports medicine physicians, and professional trainers.
GNST 3150
Research on Topics of Design History+
UNITS: 3
An in-depth exploration into the major design movements of the 20th and 21st centuries focusing on the importance of research and writing on topics of the applied arts. Emphasis is placed on contextualizing design movements and the designers within their historical framework and the changes in society they have inspired. Conversations consider the effects of form and function, technology, identity, corporate branding, globalization, and visual communication on the development of design and how it has shaped our environment.
GNST 3400
Social Psychology+
UNITS: 3
A course that examines social psychology and how the behaviors, thoughts, and emotions of individuals are created and modified by the social and cultural conditions in which they live. Issues of social influence, cooperation and conflict, conformity, perception, change, and leadership are explored.
GNST 3500
Professional Presentation+
UNITS: 3
A course in effective organizational communication, with emphasis on advanced oral communication skills, including interviewing. Students examine the dynamics of individual and group communication as preparation for full-scaled, business-specific informative and persuasive speeches, in which they use computer technology, visual aids, and statistical data to enhance the impact and clarity of their presentations.
GNST 3600
Future Trends in Society
UNITS: 3
Students explore the demographic trends, shifts in technology, and varied communication avenues of the current socioeconomic landscape as a means of anticipating the cultural expectations, values, and practices that will give rise to new products, methods of marketing/communication, and business trends. Prerequisite: GNST 3400
GNST 3750
Mapping Your World: Introduction to Global Production
UNITS: 3
This geographical survey of the worlds major regions covers population distribution, natural resources, and relationships between different regions in reference to trade and environment, with a focus on current geo-political issues.
GNST 3800
Icons of Culture: The Context of Meaning
UNITS: 3
Students explore universal design concepts underlying the applied arts, the decorative arts, and architecture/architectural form. Using the language of aesthetic analysis, they relate formal elements of color and structure, pattern and motif, and icon and symbol to the origins, development, and diffusion of a wide range of designed objects from many cultures and historical periods. In the process, they gain insight into the durability, adaptability, and resonance of concepts and images that have achieved iconic status in the world of design.
GNST 3900
Issues in Contemporary Society+
UNITS: 3
A General Studies capstone course addressing current issues in social diversity, globalization, business ethics, and civic responsibility. Students combine critical analysis, scientific inquiry, and technological skill to research and prepare a clear written and oral presentation on a challenging, advanced question of their own choosing.
GRPH 1050
Digital Imaging
UNITS: 3
Students dive deep into the use of Adobe Photoshop to create high-quality image enhancements and photo composites. Students learn additional toolsets and explore more advanced features and improve their imaging skills. Prerequisite: TECH 1100
GRPH 1150
Type & Layout
UNITS: 3
This course introduces students to document layout using Adobe InDesign. Students learn the tools, menu bar, and palettes as they begin designing single and multi-page layouts. Through design exercises, students examine how the use of grids serve as a structure for combining type and image.
GRPH 1300
Computer Illustration
UNITS: 3
In this course students continue to build on their illustration skills with vector drawing techniques. From tracing artwork to creating entertaining infographics, more advanced uses of Adobe Illustrator are explored including the use of Libraries and custom palettes.
GRPH 2230
UX Design
UNITS: 3
This course offers a practical introduction to UX (user experience) design emphasizing the importance of research in the design process. Inspired by this research, students develop solutions for a variety of applications centered around a specific set of users. Wire-framing is used to illustrate design concepts and students learn how to create a clickable prototype.
GRPH 2470
Motion Graphic Design (6 hours)*
UNITS: 3
Students solve graphic design problems using creative brainstorming, storyboarding, and the integration of media including images, illustrations, text, audio, and video. A hands-on course focused on the design of motion graphics, students learn basic motion graphics principles using Adobe After Effects. The final project demonstrates an understanding of 3-D design, timing, and composition to create an impactful motion graphic. Includes a three (3) hour lab. Prerequisite: GRPH 2230
GRPH 2780
Introduction to Digital Photography
UNITS: 3
This course enhances students appreciation of the skill and creativity of photography by challenging them to produce their own photographic art. Course discussions include terminology, innovations in digital photography, and various experimental processes. The course illustrates the practice of buying commercial photography for fashion, graphic design, and general marketing purposes, including negotiating with art reps, buyout of stock photography, and coordinating photo shoots.
MRCH 1450
Concepts in Trend Forecasting
UNITS: 3
An introduction to the concepts behind professional trend forecasting. Students learn to understand the fundamentals of the trend forecasting research process through the analysis of current events, social and cultural influences, and industry observation. Emphasis is placed on interpreting research into viable macro trends.
Prerequisites: MRCH 1420, MRCH 1750
SMED 1100
Introduction to Social Media
UNITS: 3
This course introduces students to the history, theory, and technology of social media. Students explore the different social media outlets and have hands-on experience with social media technology. Students learn how to use this new media productively, and have a framework for understanding and evaluating social media platforms
SMED 2880
New Media Public Relations
UNITS: 3
Students use practical and hands-on experience to develop an understanding of the role new media plays in current public relations. Students gain practical knowledge of these techniques by developing and presenting individual online campaigns in class. Prerequisite: SMED 1700
VCOM 1250
Survey of Visual Communications
UNITS: 3
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.
VCOM 1480
Perspective Sketching
UNITS: 3
Students learn skills and techniques which enable them to use perspective to create dramatic and effective sketches, drawings, and computer images.
Prerequisite: VCOM 1350
VCOM 2080
Environment Styling: Commercials to Lifestyle
UNITS: 3
An introduction to a variety of styling techniques needed for advertising, commercials, publishing or social media posting for lifestyle branding. Students learn the tools and tips needed with emphasis placed on product styling techniques and concepts. Students produce, art direct, and style photo shoots. Prerequisite: VCOM 1250
VCOM 2220
Materials & Props (6 hours)*
UNITS: 3
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.
Prerequisite: VCOM 1250
VCOM 2370
Design Strategies for E-Commerce & Visual Environments
UNITS: 3
Students will explore the future of merchandising and key innovations in the visual environment. Interpreting marketing promotions visually through window displays, in-store installations at various levels, store outposts, graphics and other collateral elements. Students research costs of elements, prepare budgets, ensure ease of installation and create different roll-out packages for various types of businesses based on store yearly volumes, sizes, locations, and staffing capabilities.
VCOM 2460
Design Installation (6 hours)*
UNITS: 3
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
VCOM 2710
3-D Studio
UNITS: 3
An in-depth approach to 3-D design. Students learn intermediate to advanced features using computer-generated 3-D imagery. Students demonstrate an understanding of elements typical in 3-D production including line, shape, color, texturing, composition, rendering, and digital enhancing techniques. Prerequisites: VCOM 2370
VCOM 2780
Portfolio Preparation & Presentation
UNITS: 3
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.
Prerequisites: VCOM 2370, VCOM 2460
VCOM 2810
Experiential Techniques in the Visual World
UNITS: 3
This class emphasizes the importance of creating exciting experiences to engage customers in the way they interact with products, places, and environments. An emphasis is placed on the analysis of the use and effectiveness of existing as well as researching the direction of technologies to create customer experiences of the future. Blue Sky ideation allows students to think creatively in developing a future vision. Students visit technology companies, forward thinking retailers, and non-traditional retail spaces to explore the possibilities of new ways to engage the consumer. Prerequisites: VCOM 2370, VCOM 2460
VCOM 2820
Fashion Styling & Coordination
UNITS: 3
This course will focus on various styling techniques for photo shoots, runway shows to red carpet events. Students will learn and gain knowledge of professional styling and art direction through lecture and projects from styling for the internet, online blogs to editorial styling. The class culminates in a themed fashion shoot. Lab.
Prerequisite: VCOM 2130
VCOM 2840
Entrepreneurship for Visual Presentation
UNITS: 3
Students understand the marketing and 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: VCOM 2820
