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An in-depth introduction to communication design theory, this course examines 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 are explored through critical readings in key documents from the early decades of the twentieth century to the present.

An in-depth introduction to communication design theory, this course examines 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 are explored through critical readings in key documents from the early decades of the twentieth century to the present.

In this course students will learn how to embark on the branding process for an invented company or institution from start to finish, culminating in a finished set of brand guidelines and extension project. Each weeks’ lesson will build on top of the other, giving students a full understanding of what it would be like to not only create an identity design, but an entire branding system, using a real-world model typical with most branding studios and agencies. Students explore the role of professional designer as they are challenged to create a comprehensive, multi-piece presentation showcasing all aspects of their invented company. To start each student will receive a client type that they must base their invented company on. There will be at least 1 other student in the class with the same business type, creating a cohort. The idea is that throughout the process each student can have creative brainstorming sessions with their cohort, which is something that is very common practice among design teams in the professional world. Students will also learn about tools they can use to enhance their brainstorming sessions like Pinterest and Miro, which will help them throughout the semester.

In this course students will learn how to embark on the branding process for an invented company or institution from start to finish, culminating in a finished set of brand guidelines and extension project. Each weeks’ lesson will build on top of the other, giving students a full understanding of what it would be like to not only create an identity design, but an entire branding system, using a real-world model typical with most branding studios and agencies. Students explore the role of professional designer as they are challenged to create a comprehensive, multi-piece presentation showcasing all aspects of their invented company. To start each student will receive a client type that they must base their invented company on. There will be at least 1 other student in the class with the same business type, creating a cohort. The idea is that throughout the process each student can have creative brainstorming sessions with their cohort, which is something that is very common practice among design teams in the professional world. Students will also learn about tools they can use to enhance their brainstorming sessions like Pinterest and Miro, which will help them throughout the semester.

This openly available model course contains course information, learning outcomes, suggested weekly topics and projects, video resources, quizzes, and more. It may be cloned and adapted by any faculty member teaching this course.

This openly available model course contains course information, learning outcomes, suggested weekly topics and projects, video resources, quizzes, and more. It may be cloned and adapted by any faculty member teaching this course.

This basic design and color theory course explores graphic communication through practice, art history and by exposure to the elements and principles of design, as well as the design process, including idea development through final execution. Students develop skills in two-dimensional design, color and content creation while employing the design process of research, sketching and experimentation. Communication designers use the concepts explored in this course in disciplines such as advertising, graphic design, web design, illustration, broadcast design, photography, and game design.

This basic design and color theory course explores graphic communication through practice, art history and by exposure to the elements and principles of design, as well as the design process, including idea development through final execution. Students develop skills in two-dimensional design, color and content creation while employing the design process of research, sketching and experimentation. Communication designers use the concepts explored in this course in disciplines such as advertising, graphic design, web design, illustration, broadcast design, photography, and game design.