Michael P’s Profile

Student
Active 2 years, 6 months ago
Michael P
Display Name
Michael P
Major Program of Study
Communication Design

My Courses

COMD3504 Communication Design Theory, Fall 2019

COMD3504 Communication Design Theory, Fall 2019

This course will offer an in-depth introduction to communication design theory, examining theoretical perspectives of design practice within the larger discourse of design and visual culture. Communication models, the nature of representation, the dimensions of context and semiotics will be explored through critical readings from key documents written between the early decades of the twentieth century and the present.

COMD 3504-HE67 Spring 2022 COMMUNICATION DESIGN THEORY

COMD 3504-HE67 Spring 2022 COMMUNICATION DESIGN THEORY

Course Description This course will offer an in-depth introduction to communication design theory, examining theoretical perspectives of design practice within the larger discourse of design and visual culture. Communication models, the nature of representation, the dimensions of context and semiotics will be explored through critical readings from key documents written between the early decades of the twentieth century and the present. In this context, “theory” doesn’t mean “a hypothesis to be tested” (as in the sciences), but rather points to a set of working beliefs about how the world—or in this case, visual communication—works. Some aspects of certain visual communication theories are based on observable “facts,” but the way these facts are woven together says more about how we construct meaning than it does about empirical answers to factual questions. So why does a design professional—typically an eminently practical, hands-on person working toward a specific end for the benefit of a specific client—want or need to engage with visual communication theories? First, “doing theory” promotes a sophisticated level of reflection about design work—far beyond the touchstones of “did they like it?” and “did it serve its purpose?” Second, it encourages designers to think holistically about the contexts for their work—beyond the immediate job at hand to the larger contexts of the social, the cultural, and the historical. And finally, it recognizes the obvious: today, graphic design shapes our visual world and puts each person at the nexus of thousands of messages each day. In this course, we, as senders and receivers of such messages, will attempt to make sense of all this through our verbal discussions in class, our blog postings, and our research poster design and presentations. We will be looking at two types of theories: generative theories, that explain the “how” of visual communication; and critical/sociocultural theories that explain the “what, where, and when” of design, or the historical, cultural and social contexts. By developing the ability to look at design through these different lenses, professional designers can enhance the quality of their decision-making and have a better grasp on the multiple contexts and frameworks for clients and audiences. We can better understand and evaluate the many issues about local usability and usefulness within broader contexts of ethics, aesthetics, professional and social responsibility.

COMD 2427 Typographic Design III, Fall 2017

COMD 2427 Typographic Design III, Fall 2017

This course addresses the advanced creative and comprehensive study of typographic design principles. Exercises include consideration of hierarchy and design with intensive use of body copy to explore multiple columns and grids and multiple page applications, in the design of table, book, poster, web and motion graphics. Lessons include modes of production, font management and electronic file preparation.

COMD3701 Design Studio, Spr2020

COMD3701 Design Studio, Spr2020

Working independently, each student researches, conceptualizes and develops an in-depth project, across media channels, which uses design-thinking to address a contemporary issue.

ENG1101 Comp I, Sp2014

ENG1101 Comp I, Sp2014

This course focuses on effective essay writing and basic research techniques, including use of the library. Demanding readings are assigned for classroom discussion and as a basis for essay writing. This semester we will be reading, thinking, and writing about popular culture. The class will read essays exploring contemporary American consumer culture, gender, sexuality, and race, and students will be asked to write essays analyzing a variety of popular culture texts.

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