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:
Associate of Arts (A.A.) degree in Graphic Design, Digital Media, or Visual Communications from FIDM, or an Associates degree in a related field from another accredited college or university. Additional requirements may apply.
One-on-one advisement is available to students from other FIDM Majors to consider eligibility for special admissions to this program. Contact the appropriate department chairperson.
Bachelor of Arts (B.A)
BDSN 3100A
Advanced Practices in Color, Design & 3-D Form
UNITS: 3
This course is designed to further explore the relationship between color and three-dimensional form. Students explore and effectively communicate concept and meaning through the design elements of color, surface, pattern, three-dimensional form, and space.
BUMT 3100
Ethics in Business+
UNITS: 3
This course addresses the importance of ethical issues and the financial impact on business performance and ownership. The costs and consequences of failing to act ethically are explored. Students learn strategies to solve real life dilemmas. Students explore the importance of ethics as a dimension of social responsibility and business ethics in the global economy.
Prerequisite: BUMT 4840
BUMT 4840
Studies in Leadership+
UNITS: 3
Students explore leadership theories, the characteristics that define effective leaders, and develop the ability to navigate corporate culture as a follower and as a leader. They explore the processes whereby an individual empowers or influences a group of people for the purpose of achieving a (common) goal. They analyze the characteristics of leadership vs. management, and develop an awareness of how diversity impacts leadership.
GNST 2370
Applied Statistics+
UNITS: 3
This course emphasizes the understanding and application of statistical methodology. Major topics include descriptive statistics, probability, sampling, inferences of sampling, means and proportions,measures of central tendency, correlation, regression,hypothesis testing, and methods for displaying,describing, and producing data. Technology applications facilitate in-class activities.
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 2570
Microeconomics+
UNITS: 3
Through the study of classical economic principles, students develop a framework for analyzing economic variables and their effects on individuals, business organizations, and economics. Using graphs and models, students also explore and apply fundamental economic concepts such as supply and demand, competition and monopoly, and profit maximization.
GNST 2630
Principles of Chemistry+
UNITS: 3
Students study the fundamental principles of chemistry and their applications. The relationships between atomic particles and their effect on bonding, chemical reactions, and matter are explored.
GNST 3000
World Political History+
UNITS: 3
This global survey traces the quest for independence and prosperity on the part of emerging economies around the world after World War II. The course examines the varying fortunes of countries as they encountered the crucial questions of political organization, state control, and personal freedom from 1945 to the present. It also examines the issue of environmental sustainability in the face of pressures posed by population, industrialization, and consumerism.
GNST 3050
Writing for Business Professionals+
UNITS: 3
This course explores the principles and strategies of effective written professional communication in the context of the global workplace, current and emerging technologies, and contemporary issues. Students apply sound communication, analysis, and research techniques to the composition of a professional bio, memos, formal reports, and other forms of business communication. The connection between skillful communication, critical thinking, and decision-making is also stressed.
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 3200
Consumer Social Behavior
UNITS: 3
Students examine the process of creating consumer demand through case studies and focus groups.
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 3410
History & Development for Film & TV
UNITS: 3
A survey course that examines television and film in America as an art form and charts its historical and technical development. Students study classic and contemporary mediums and filmmakers, explore the social implications of film and television, analyze film technique, as well as set decoration.
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 2420
Developing Assets
UNITS: 3
This class equips students to convert thumbnail sketches into original, finished art. By developing strong Adobe Photoshop skills, students learn how to rebuild figures, add extensions, and build comps. Students gain experience in preparing these elements whether computer-generated, illustrated, or photographed so that they can be loaded onto the server for designers developing a theatrical campaign.
GRPH 2840
Title Design
UNITS: 3
This course explores the potential of iconic imagery and demonstrates the power of a title-with-a-concept in ad campaigns where space is at a premium. Prerequisite: GRPH 3550
GRPH 3150
Photo Direction
UNITS: 3
This course enhances the leadership and collaboration skills essential to students in art directing a product shot, developing concept photography, creating assets, and preparing a double-body shoot. Each student assumes the role of art director for one entire photo session. Students also explore the Adobe Photoshop techniques employed for glamour retouching in fashion media, both film and print.
GRPH 3380
Key Art Design: Theatrical
UNITS: 3
Students explore the creation of key art and its application to theatrical marketing. They analyze the elements essential to developing a central image for the major film genresComedy, Drama, Thriller, Horror, Action, and Epicas they progress from rough tissue concepts to full-color comps. Prerequisite: GRPH 2420
GRPH 3550
Advanced Typography
UNITS: 3
Students engage in advanced study of typographical principles, usage, and expression, with an emphasis on headlines, content, and title design. They explore the potential of classic styles, such as 3-D typography, animated type, informative type, and advertising typography for resolving complex design challenges. At the end of the course, they demonstrate their new insights and skills by typesetting a credit block.
GRPH 3800
Lifestyle Brand Strategies
UNITS: 3
Working in teams, students will conduct in-depth consumer, market, and trend research on two brands. The teams will identify opportunities and develop a unique brand positioning plan for a partnership between the two companies. A final presentation of brand strategies, marketing plan, consumer activation, and creative execution will be presented to a panel of experts for feedback.
GRPH 4080
Key Art Design: Home Entertainment
UNITS: 3
This course explores key art techniques as they apply to home entertainment and 24/7 entertainment access. Using contemporary modes of communication, students create specialty designs for collector edition packaging, presale sheets, point-of-purchase displays, banner ads, and online collateral. Prerequisite: GRPH 3380
GRPH 4150
Activated Marketing
UNITS: 3
In this course, students develop or adapt advertising materials for nontraditional media formats, including guerilla marketing, social media content, and online viral advertising. Emphasis is on consistency of concept and design throughout the advertising campaign.
GRPH 4420
Graphic Design Internship
UNITS: 3
Through on-the-job training, students gain valuable insight as they apply theory and skills learned in the classroom to actual work situations and explore career options in graphic design. Prerequisite: GRPH 4080
GRPH 4480
Motion Graphics I
UNITS: 3
In this introduction to digital composition through Adobe After Effects software, students extend their knowledge of design by creating motion graphics and visual effectsincluding a 30-second promo, on-air station identification, and storyboardsfor a wide range of media.
GRPH 4780
Entertainment Licensing
UNITS: 3
In this close examination of the techniques of licensing and branded studio properties, students use the results of marketing research, creative brainstorming, and collaboration with fellow students to develop a style guide specifying the fonts, colors, and visual features that establish a distinctive brand identity. The guide features key products in multiple categories inspired by additional segment research and trends. Prerequisite: GRPH 4080
GRPH 4880
Motion Graphics II
UNITS: 3
A continuation of Motion Graphics I, this intermediate course focuses on communication that is intended for the end user. Students use advanced levels of Adobe After Effects to storyboard a title animation into a creative title sequence.
Prerequisite: GRPH 4480
GRPH 4980
Industry Portfolio
UNITS: 3
In this capstone advanced course, students compile a comprehensive portfolio of their work in the Graphic Design program, which they present to a professional agency creative team for critique. They also create a resume and digital portfolio of their work as a statement of their personal brand identity. Prerequisite: GRPH 4080
SMED 3100
Mobile Application Marketing
UNITS: 3
In this course students explore the global trend of mobile marketing and applications. Students research current mobile programs using case studies and trend analysis to understand how to create and implement a successful mobile marketing application that create customer engagement and revenue.
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.
Prerequisites: VCOM 1250, VCOM 1480
Total Units of Credit: 91
* Three (3)-hour lab included in 6 hours.
+ Available as an online (distance learning) course
++ Periodically offered as an online (distance learning) course
