Graphic Design, Bachelor of Arts - 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.
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
n 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 creates customer
engagement and revenue. Prerequisite: GRPH 2230
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
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
