Catalogue: Traditional Program:
Graphic Design
Graphic Design (GDS)
Assistant Professor Angela D. Lee, Chair
The mission of the Graphic Design Department, in concordance with the mission of the University, is to prepare students spiritually, technically, academically, and artistically to contribute to the world of design while preparing them for the affiliated careers to which God is calling.
This degree program provides a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design with an emphasis in Digital & Print Media or an emphasis in Web & Interactive Media. These tracks enable students to develop their God-given talents in Design, as well as related fields, and to understand design from a biblical perspective. Students receive a broad liberal arts education, and studies in not only Graphic Design but with components in Art and Business as well. All of which are keys to preparing them for careers in Design, and/or continued studies at graduate school. Graphic Design students will have real-world experience through internships (GDS312, 412, and 417).
The core course requirement for all Graphic Design majors includes:
- GDS 110, 111, 200, 210, 211, 240, 300, 310, 311, 350, & 440.
- The following courses in Art are required: ART 120, & 130.
- In addition, the following courses in Business are required: BUS 320, & 327.
A Graphic Design major wishing to have an emphasis in Digital & Print Media will be required to take these additional courses:
- GDS 220, 330. & ART 121
- A total of 9 credit hours from the following classes of GDS 410, 411, 412, 450, 480, 488, 490, or 498.
A Graphic Design major wishing to have an emphasis in Web & Interactive Media will be required to take these additional courses:
- GDS 225, 235, 335, 425, & 435.
- A total of 9 credit hours from the following classes of GDS 415, 416, 417, 450, 485, 488, 495, or 499.
A transfer student is required to take:
- At least 12 credit hours of GDS and 3 credit hours of ART courses from Belhaven which must include
- GDS 440
- 3 credit hours from one the following: GDS 410, 411, (Web & Interactive Media emphasis transfer student may also choose from GDS 415 & 416)
- ART 120
| 110 | Computer Graphics I (2). A studio introduction to Graphic Design software with an emphasis on learning the tools, functions, and basic processes involved in using this software within your creative process in order to solve design problems. (Fall only) |
| 111 | Computer Graphics II (1). A continuation of learning the Graphic Design software with an emphasis on learning more intermediate and advanced tools, functions, and processes involved in using this software within your creative process in order to solve design problems. (Spring only) |
| 200 | Elements of Graphic Design (3). Prereq: GDS 110-111. An introduction to key concepts and aspects of Graphic Design including but not limited to the ideas of Branding/Logo creation, Colour Theory & Schemes, Typography, & Print processes & Methods. (Fall only) |
| 210 | Graphic Design Lab I (2). Prereq: GDS 110-111. A studio or lab setting class, where projects and lectures are interspersed in order to explore and introduce students to the topics and challenges Graphic Designers face. Topics & projects will incorporate a variety of Graphic Design elements such as, but not limited to, typography, print technology, design principles, colour theory, presentation skills, & ‘client-creatives’ collaboration. Students will begin to use their design, computer, and communication skills in order to successfully complete the projects. Discussions will also include operating in a professional environment while maintaining the Christian worldview. (Fall only) |
| 211 | Graphic Design Lab II (2). Prereq: GDS 110-111, GDS 200. A studio class, that builds upon the knowledge & experiences from GDS 210 It will cover topics not touched upon in GD Studio I or expand upon the design challenges encountered. It is again a setting where projects and lectures are punctuated with projects in order to explore and introduce students to the topics and challenges Graphic Designers run into. Topics & projects will incorporate, but are not limited to, typography, print technology, design principles, colour theory, presentation skills, & ‘client-creatives’ collaboration. Students will continue to use their design, computer, and communication skills in order to successfully complete the projects. Discussions will also include operating in a professional environment while maintaining the Christian worldview. (Spring only) |
| 220 | Print Design & Layout (1). Prereq: GDS 110-111. An Introduction to the process, techniques, & materials used in designing & producing effective print media, through lectures, projects, and presentations. (Fall only) |
| 225 | HTML & CSS (2): An introduction to the programming languages & principles in using Hyper Text Markup Language (HTML) & Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) and other web related programming protocols. (Fall only) |
| 235 | Web Design & Development (2): Prereq: GDS 225. An Introduction to web development & authoring software with an emphasis on learning the tools, functions, and basic processes involved in using this software within your creative process. (Spring only) |
| 240 | Design to Web Integration (2): Prereq: GDS 110-111. Using projects and instruction to show how to integrate and prepare material created in programs and software already encountered and how those projects can be prepared to crossover into web content. (Spring, odd years) |
| 300 | History of Graphic Design (3). Prereq: GDS 200 or Junior level standing. This course explores and develops an understanding of the historical significance of Graphic Design. It will survey past practices and theories behind Graphic Design, as well as discuss how these practices relate to today, and how they impact a Christian worldview. (Fall, even years) |
| 310 | Graphic Design Studio I (3). Prereq: GDS 210 or 211. Designed to stimulate a professional working environment, through design opportunities from (the surrounding) communities, businesses, non-profit organizations, and within the college at large, which will enable students to start applying the knowledge and theory they have been accumulating up to this point. This class will build team unity and servant artistry while maintaining a professional working environment. Students will begin building a portfolio from their projects assignments. All project assignments will be determined by the professor. (Fall only) |
| 311 | Graphic Design Studio II (3). Prereq: GDS 210 or 211. Designed to stimulate a professional working environment, through design opportunities from (the surrounding) communities, businesses, non-profit organizations, and within the college at large, which will enable students to start applying the knowledge and theory they have been accumulating up to this point. This class will build team unity and servant artistry while maintaining a professional working environment. Students will begin building a portfolio from their projects assignments. All project assignments will be determined by the professor. (Spring only) |
| 312 | Junior Internship (3). These internships with a professional company will be significant to the student’s development in Graphic Design. All internships require the approval of the Chair of Graphic Design and will take place directly prior to, during, or directly after their Junior year. |
| 330 | Digital Imaging (3). Prereq: GDS 110-111 recommended. Exploration of the creation of images through a digital process, by working through an understanding of the digital camera and it’s proper usage, moving into the digital workflow of a digital darkroom, & then finishing with the actual print practices of producing prints from the digital file. (Spring, even years) |
| 335 | Animated & Interactive Web Design(3): Prereq: GDS 235. An introduction to web design software & programming language that allow the creation of interactive and animated web content, with the emphasis on learning the tools, functions, and basic processes involved in using this software within your creative process. (Fall only) |
| 350 | Typography (2). Exploration of the topic of Typography. It’s history, it’s importance to design, theories about it’s use in design, and it’s overall impact in your work as a Graphic Designer in conveying a message. (Fall, odd years) |
| 410 | Graphic Design Studio III (3). Prereq: GDS 310 or 311. Designed to stimulate a professional working environment, through design opportunities from (the surrounding) communities, businesses, non-profit organizations, and within the college at large, which will enable students to start applying the knowledge and theory they have been accumulating up to this point. This class will build team unity and servant artistry while maintaining a professional working environment. All project assignments will be determined by the professor. Students will begin building a portfolio from their projects assignments. This class is meant to challenge the senior level students and allow for more responsibility than is required in the first two GDS practicum courses. (Fall only) |
| 411 | Graphic Design Studio IV (3). Designed to stimulate a professional working environment, through design opportunities from (the surrounding) communities, businesses, non-profit organizations, and within the college at large, which will enable students to start applying the knowledge and theory they have been accumulating up to this point. This class will build team unity and servant artistry while maintaining a professional working environment. All project assignments will be determined by the professor. Students will begin building a portfolio from their projects assignments. This class is meant to challenge the senior level students and allow for more responsibility than is required in the first two GDS practicum courses. (Spring only) |
| 412 | Senior Internship (3). These internships with a professional company will be significant to the student’s development in Graphic Design. All internships require the approval of the Chair of Graphic Design and will take place directly prior to, during, or directly after their Senior year. |
| 415 | Web Design Studio I (3): Prereq: GDS 210 or 211, GDS 310 or 311. Designed to stimulate a professional working environment, through web design opportunities from (the surrounding) communities, businesses, non-profit organizations, and within the college at large, which will enable students to start applying the knowledge and theory they have been accumulating up to this point. This class will build team unity and servant artistry while maintaining a professional working environment. Students will begin building a portfolio from their projects assignments. All project assignments will be determined by the professor. (Fall only) |
| 416 | Web Design Studio II (3): Prereq: GDS 210 or 211, GDS 310 or 311. Designed to stimulate a professional working environment, through web design opportunities from (the surrounding) communities, businesses, non-profit organizations, and within the college at large, which will enable students to start applying the knowledge and theory they have been accumulating up to this point. This class will build team unity and servant artistry while maintaining a professional working environment. Students will begin building a portfolio from their projects assignments. All project assignments will be determined by the professor. (Spring only) |
| 417 | Web Internship (3). These internships with a professional company will be significant to the student’s development in Graphic Design. All internships require the approval of the Chair of Graphic Design and will take place directly prior to, during, or directly after their Senior year. |
| 425 | User Interface Theories & Practice (2): Prereq: GDS 235. Exploration & discussion of the theories and practice behind the user interface and the user's experience as related to web design, applications, and gaming. |
| 435 | Interactive Prototyping (3): Prereq: GDS 335. Introduction to the use of interactive media to solve design challenges and present the client with animated or interactive materials such as, storyboards, websites prototypes, and other interactive graphic design media mockups. (Spring, even years) |
| 440 | Portfolio and Resume Development (3). Prereq: Junior level standing. This class will demand a portfolio and resume upon it's completion of a quality that allows the student to pursue job opportunities in their field. Successful interviewing and portfolio presentation skills will be assessed, discussed, and honed. Discussion and projects will also focus on identifying your worldview and how it relates too your career/calling. (Fall only) |
| 450 | Advance Digital Rendering Techniques (2). Prereq: GDS 210 or 211. Examination of advanced uses of the graphic design software in order to improve & hone their computer rendering skills, also known as creative digital problem solving to design challenges. Projects will require the advanced software usage. (Spring, odd years) |
| 480 | Special Topics in Print & Digital Media (1-3). (Repeatable – Max. Twice) This course is designed to cater to the opportunities to bring in distinguished people in the differing areas within Print & Digital media & allowing for a variety of topics to be covered all to the education and overall benefit to the students. |
| 485 | Special Topics in Web & Interactive Media (1-3) This course is designed to cater to the opportunity to bring in distinguished people in the differing areas within Web & Interactive media & allowing for a variety of topics to be covered all to the education and overall benefit to the students. |
| 488 | Special Topics in Graphic Design (1-3) (Repeatable – Max. Twice) This course is designed to cater to the opportunity to bring in distinguished people in the differing areas within Graphic design & allowing for a variety of topics to be covered all to the education and overall benefit to the students. |
| 490 | Directed Study in Print & Digital Media (1-3) Prereq: Junior standing. Opportunity for students or instructors to propose a topic of importance to Print & Digital media not specifically covered already in the curriculum and allow for in depth examination of the topic. This course requires Instructor and Graphic Design Chair approval for admittance into the class. |
| 495 | Directed Study in Web & Interactive Media (1-3) Prereq: Junior standing. Opportunity for students or instructors to propose a topic of importance to Web & Interactive media not specifically covered already in the curriculum and allow for in depth examination of the topic. This course requires Instructor and Graphic Design Chair approval for admittance into the class. |
| 498 | Advanced Project in Print & Digital Media (1-3) Prereq: Junior standing. Designed to be a capstone or advanced project opportunity showing unique and creative problem solving to a design problem within the area of Print & Digital Media. The project may be proposed by a student or Instructor and admittance into this class must be approved by the Chair of the Graphic Design Department. |
| 499 | Advanced Project in Web & Interactive Media (1-3) Prereq: Jr. standing. Designed to be a capstone or advanced project opportunity showing unique and creative problem solving to a design problem within the area of Web & Interactive Media. The project may be proposed by a student, or Instructor, and admittance into this class must be approved by the Chair of the Graphic Design Department. |
