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This is an archived copy of the 2012-2013 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://catalog.iastate.edu.

Graphic Design

http://www.design.iastate.edu/graphicdesign/index.php

Curriculum in Graphic Design

The Curriculum in Graphic Design leads to a 123.5 credit undergraduate Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design including the 30 credit core Design Program.

Admission into the professional program depends upon available resources and is subject to the approval of a faculty committee at the completion of the Core Design Program. Applicants are reviewed on the basis of academic performance, a portfolio of original work, and a written essay.

Transfer students with studio credits from other programs, colleges, and universities must present for departmental review a portfolio of work done in those courses in order to have the credits apply toward studio requirements. Students are required to present this portfolio upon admission and prior to registration for classes. Arrangements for this process must be made with department advisors.

A 34 graduate credit program is offered leading to the Master of Arts specialized in Environmental Graphic Design for students planning to undertake professional degree. (NOTE: Applicants without a degree in background in environmental graphic design may be required to complete up to 15 additional credits of coursework).

A 30 graduate credit program is offered leading to the Master of Arts specialized in Graphic Design for students planning to undertake professional degree. (NOTE: Applicants without a degree in background in graphic design may be required to complete up to 18 additional credits of coursework).

A 60 graduate credit post-professional graduate program is also offered leading to the degree Master of Fine Arts.

For more complete graduate program descriptions see Graduate Study under Graphic Design in the Courses and Programs section.

Total Degree Requirement: 123.5 cr.

Only 65 cr. from a two-year institution may apply which may include up to 16 technical cr.; 9 P-NP cr. of free electives; 2.00 minimum GPA.

International Perspective: 3 cr.
U.S. Diversity: 3 cr.
Communications: 10 cr.
ENGL 150Critical Thinking and Communication *arr †
ENGL 250Written, Oral, Visual, and Electronic Composition *arr †
LIB 160Information Literacyarr †
One of the following:arr †
Introduction to Communication Studies
Introduction to Interpersonal Communication
Communicating with the Deaf
Listening
Fundamentals of Public Speaking
Total Credits0 †
† Arranged with instructor.

*

with a C- or better

Humanities: 6 cr.

6 cr. from program curriculum sheet.

Social Sciences: 6 cr.

6 cr. from program curriculum sheet.

Math/Physics/Biol. Sciences: 6 cr.

6 cr. from program curriculum sheet.

General Education Courses: 12 cr.

6 cr. of course level 300-400 from program curriculum sheet; Complete 6 cr from department curriculum sheet.

College of Design Core: 11.5 cr.
DSN S 102Design Studio Iarr †
DSN S 115Design Collaborative Seminararr †
or DSN S 110 Design Exchange Seminar I
DSN S 131Design Representationarr †
DSN S 183Design Culturesarr †
Total Credits0 †
† Arranged with instructor.

 

Art and Design History: 12 cr.
ART H 280History of Art Iarr †
ART H 281History of Art IIarr †
Six credits from program curriculum sheetarr †
Total Credits0 †
† Arranged with instructor.
Studio Options: 6 cr.

6 cr from ArtIS, ArtID, LA, Arch, or other approved studio course.

Graphic Design: 52 cr.
ARTGR 270Graphic Design Studio Iarr †
ARTGR 271Graphic Design Studio IIarr †
ARTGR 275Graphic Technology Iarr †
ARTGR 276Graphic Technology IIarr †
ARTGR 281Visual Communication and Brandingarr †
ARTGR 377Graphic Design Internship Seminararr †
ARTGR 370Graphic Design Studio IIIarr †
ARTGR 371Graphic Design Studio IVarr †
ARTGR 387Graphic Design History/Theory/ Criticism Iarr †
ARTGR 372Graphic Design Materials and Processesarr †
ARTGR 470Graphic Design Studio Varr †
ARTGR 471Graphic Design Capstonearr †
ARTGR 481Graphic Design Professional Practicesarr †
ARTGR 480Graphic Design Internshiparr †
Nine credit options from program curriculum sheetarr †
Total Credits0 †
† Arranged with instructor.
Electives: 2 cr.

Remaining electives sufficient to complete graduation requirements.

See also: A 4-year plan of study grid showing course template by semester.

Courses

Courses primarily for undergraduates:

ARTGR 270. Graphic Design Studio I.

(0-6) Cr. 3. F. Prereq: DSN S 102, DSN S 131 and enrollment in ARTGR 275; admission to the graphic design program through department review
Basic design concepts and color principles used for visual communication.

ARTGR 271. Graphic Design Studio II.

(0-6) Cr. 3. S. Prereq: ART 230, ARTGR 270, ARTGR 275 and enrollment in ARTGR 276
Principles of typographic composition, structure and hierarchy. Formal and conceptual principles of symbology.

ARTGR 272. Digital Photography for Graphic Design.

(0-6) Cr. 3. F.S. Prereq: Concurrent enrollment in ARTGR 270 OR ARTGR 271
This course will address the development of "seeing" as a medium design, expression, and visual communication including compositional dynamics, advanced digital image manipulation, software usage and support, digital camera operations along with scanning and other digital input devices, color management, digital format for presentation and printing with digital ready formats.

ARTGR 275. Graphic Technology I.

(0-4) Cr. 2. F. Prereq: concurrent enrollment in ARTGR 270
Basic 2-dimensional computer skills for graphic design.

ARTGR 276. Graphic Technology II.

(1-2) Cr. 2. S. Prereq: ARTGR 275 and concurrent enrollment in ARTGR 271
Basic 3-dimensional computer skills for graphic design.

ARTGR 281. Visual Communication and Branding.

(3-0) Cr. 3. F.
Introduction to basic principles of visual communication that contribute to the successful comprehension of intended visual messages; these include promotional messages, such as corporate branding and marketing campaigns, as well as informational messages, such as those used in computer interface design or in the clear presentation of diagrammatic data. Emphasis is placed on sensitivity to the diversity of the intended American or global audience, and to the cross-cultural differences that may affect the ways that visual messages are interpreted. Methods for creating brand experiences are explored as they apply to both small and large enterprises, ranging from personal brand to corporate brand identities.

ARTGR 370. Graphic Design Studio III.

(0-6) Cr. 3. F. Prereq: ARTGR 271, ARTGR 276, and credit or concurrent enrollment in ARTGR 387
Creation and design of images and symbols for communication. Application and integration of typography with images and symbols.

ARTGR 371. Graphic Design Studio IV.

(0-6) Cr. 3. S. Prereq: ARTGR 370 and ARTGR 387
Development and preparation of design concepts for application to the printing and electronic publishing process. Creative problem-solving skills, introduction to systems design.

ARTGR 372. Graphic Design Materials and Processes.

(3-0) Cr. 3. S. Prereq: Credit or concurrent enrollment in ARTGR 371
Lecture about the processes and materials involved in graphic design arts reproduction. Course covers pre-press, paper selection and specification, ink systems, type systems and fonts, output technology, printing presses and bindery operations.

ARTGR 377. Graphic Design Internship Seminar.

(1-0) Cr. 1. F. Prereq: Credit or concurrent enrollment in ARTGR 370 or ARTGR 371
Procedural and ethical concerns related to the graphic design internship. Personal goals, preparation of resume and plans for internship. Study and tours of areas of interest within the graphic design profession.

ARTGR 378. Critical Issues in Graphic Design.

(2-0) Cr. 2. Prereq: Credit or concurrent enrollment in ARTGR 370
Lecture, discussion and writing about the critical issues facing the communications field today and in the future.

ARTGR 387. Graphic Design History/Theory/ Criticism I.

(Dual-listed with 587). (3-0) Cr. 3. F. Prereq: ART H 280, ART H 281 and DSN S 183
Late nineteenth century to the 1990s. This course will explore the cultural, social, political, industrial, and technological forces that have influenced the practice of graphic design in Britain, Europe, and the United States. Students will study the historical issues and problems facing designers, their clients, and their publics. Nonmajor graduate credit.

ARTGR 388. Graphic Design History/Theory/ Criticism II.

(Dual-listed with 588). (3-0) Cr. 3. S. Prereq: ARTGR 387 or ART H 281 and DSN S 183
Critical issues that affect the contemporary practice of graphic design as it relates to the United States. Students will study a variety of issues that include, but are not exclusive to, new media, gender, class, design and the public sphere, design as social action, postmodern design theory, sustainability, and ethical practice. Nonmajor graduate credit.

Meets U.S. Diversity Requirement

ARTGR 391. Graphic Design Field Study.

(0-1) Cr. 1. Repeatable, maximum of 2 credits. Prereq: Concurrent enrollment in 300 or 400 level graphic design studio course
Travel, study, and tours of areas of interest within the graphic design profession such as print production companies, design studios, and museums. Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.

ARTGR 470. Graphic Design Studio V.

(0-6) Cr. 3. F. Prereq: ARTGR 371
Advanced design systems as applied to corporate identity and environmental graphic design. Symbology as an integrated component of communication systems.

ARTGR 471. Graphic Design Capstone.

(0-10) Cr. 5. S. Prereq: ARTGR 470 or permission of instructor
Experience design and innovation in a multi-disciplinary design studio. Class will use unique research, design, evaluation, creativity, and innovation methodologies to solve human problems on special topics. Designed solutions will be in the form of products, artifacts, interfaces, information, and human environments.

ARTGR 472. Photography and Narrative Message.

(Dual-listed with 572). (0-6) Cr. 3. Prereq: Enrollment in ARTGR 370, ARTGR 371, ARTGR 470, or ARTGR 471
Photography as a tool for creating conceptually-driven images and metaphors. Emphasis is on photography as an evocative storytelling device for a range of audiences and design applications. Compositional and technical aspects are explored to ensure successful interpretation of the photograph's intended message.

ARTGR 473. Multimedia Design.

(Dual-listed with 573). (0-6) Cr. 3. F.S. Prereq: Concurrent enrollment in ARTGR 370, ARTGR 371, ARTGR 470, or ARTGR 482
The design of visual, aural and textual communication for electronic media.

ARTGR 474. Exhibition Design.

(Dual-listed with 574). (0-6) Cr. 3. F.S. Prereq: Concurrent enrollment in ARTGR 370, ARTGR 371, ARTGR 470, or ARTGR 482
Visual communication applied to exhibition design focusing on educational or interactive museum exhibitions, trade show booth design, and modular unit design for traveling exhibitions. Translation of graphic information to a three-dimensional space.

ARTGR 475. Advanced Typography.

(Dual-listed with 575). (0-6) Cr. 3. F.S. Prereq: Concurrent enrollment in ARTGR 370, ARTGR 371, ARTGR 470 or ARTGR 482
Typographic theory exploring traditional and non-traditional forms, both historical and contemporary typographic achievements.

ARTGR 476. Graphic Design Methodology.

(Dual-listed with 576). (0-6) Cr. 3. F.S. Prereq: Concurrent enrollment in ARTGR 370, ARTGR 371, ARTGR 470 or ARTGR 482
Analysis and application of scientific, systematic, and non-traditional problem-solving and problem-seeking techniques.

ARTGR 477. Graphic Design Practicum.

(0-6) Cr. 3. F.S. Prereq: Concurrent enrollment in ARTGR 370, ARTGR 371, ARTGR 470, or ARTGR 482; portfolio review and permission of instructor
Graphic design outreach and problem solving. Individual and group projects for non-profit clients selected by the instructor.

ARTGR 478. Web Design for E-Commerce/Graphic Applications.

(Dual-listed with 578). (0-6) Cr. 3. F.S. Prereq: Concurrent enrollment in ARTGR 370 or ARTGR 371 or ARTGR 470 or ARTGR 482
The development of advanced and experimental web design for the applications of e-commerce, education and the communication of visual information.

ARTGR 479. Wayfinding Design.

(Dual-listed with 579). (0-6) Cr. 3. F.S. Prereq: Concurrent enrollment in ARTGR 370, ARTGR 371, ARTGR 470 or ARTGR 482
Study of the navigational challenges of built environments and outdoor spaces, including site analysis, development of navigational plans, and design of wayfinding sign systems. Issues of function, accessibility, legibility, and fabrication are considered.

ARTGR 480. Graphic Design Internship.

(3-0) Cr. 3. SS. Prereq: ARTGR 377, 12 credits in graphic design; permission of instructor, registration in advance of enrollment
Graphic design experience in an off-campus professional environment.

ARTGR 481. Graphic Design Professional Practices.

(3-0) Cr. 3. S. Prereq: Credit or concurrent enrollment in ARTGR 470
Professional design management: ethics, setting up a new business, client/designer relationships, contractual options, billing practices, and effective operating procedures.

ARTGR 482. Professional Presentation.

(0-6) Cr. 3. S. Prereq: ARTGR 470 and concurrent enrollment in ARTGR 471
Exploration and development of the graphic design portfolio and resume in electronic, print, and photographic form.

ARTGR 484. Selected Studies in Graphic Design.

(Dual-listed with 584). Cr. 1-3. Repeatable, maximum of 9 credits. Prereq: Permission of instructor
Special issues related to graphic design. Topics vary each time offered.

ARTGR 490. Independent Study.

Cr. 1-6. Repeatable. Prereq: Written approval of instructor and department chair on required form in advance of semester of enrollment
Student must have completed related graphic design coursework appropriate to planned independent study. Offered on a graded basis or a satisfactory-fail basis.

ARTGR 490A. Theory, Criticism, and Methodology.

Cr. 1-6. Repeatable. Prereq: Written approval of instructor and department chair on required form in advance of semester of enrollment
Student must have completed related graphic design coursework appropriate to planned independent study. Offered on a graded basis or a satisfactory-fail basis.

ARTGR 490B. Two-Dimensional Design.

Cr. 1-6. Repeatable. Prereq: Written approval of instructor and department chair on required form in advance of semester of enrollment
Student must have completed related graphic design coursework appropriate to planned independent study. Offered on a graded basis or a satisfactory-fail basis.

ARTGR 490C. Three-Dimensional Design.

Cr. 1-6. Repeatable. Prereq: Written approval of instructor and department chair on required form in advance of semester of enrollment
Student must have completed related graphic design coursework appropriate to planned independent study. Offered on a graded basis or a satisfactory-fail basis.

ARTGR 490H. Independent Study, Honors.

Cr. 1-6. Repeatable. Prereq: Written approval of instructor and department chair on required form in advance of semester of enrollment
Student must have completed related graphic design coursework appropriate to planned independent study. Offered on a graded basis or a satisfactory-fail basis.

ARTGR 490I. Internship/Cooperative (in-depth experience other than ArtGr 480).

Cr. 1-6. Repeatable. Prereq: Written approval of instructor and department chair on required form in advance of semester of enrollment
Student must have completed related graphic design coursework appropriate to planned independent study. Offered on a graded basis or a satisfactory-fail basis.

ARTGR 491. Publication Design: Magazines.

(Dual-listed with 591). (0-6) Cr. 3. F. Prereq: Credit or concurrent enrollment in ARTGR 370
The philosophy, concepts and structures of magazine design.

ARTGR 492. Publication Design: Books.

(Dual-listed with 592). (0-6) Cr. 3. S. Prereq: Credit or concurrent enrollment in ARTGR 370 or ARTGR 371
The philosophy, concepts and structures of book design.

ARTGR 493. Workshop.

Cr. 1-3. Repeatable. Prereq: Evidence of satisfactory experience in area of specialization
Intensive 2 to 4 week studio exploration. Topics vary each time offered.

Courses primarily for graduate students, open to qualified undergraduates:

ARTGR 570. Advanced Studies in Visual Communication.

(0-6) Cr. 3. F. Prereq: Graduate classification in College of Design
Theory and investigation of systems, structures, principles of visual organization, and typography for communication. Studio problems will be influenced by social, cultural, environmental, or technological factors.

ARTGR 571. Signs, Symbols, Images.

(0-6) Cr. 3. S. Prereq: Graduate Classification in College of Design
Investigation and application of signs, symbols and semiotic theory for communication. Studio problems influenced by social, cultural, environmental, or technological factors.

ARTGR 572. Photography and Narrative Message.

(Dual-listed with 472). (0-6) Cr. 3. Prereq: Graduate enrollment in College of Design
Photography as a tool for creating conceptually-driven images and metaphors. Emphasis is on photography as an evocative storytelling device for a range of audiences and design applications. Compositional and technical aspects are explored to ensure successful interpretation of the photograph's intended message.

ARTGR 573. Multimedia Design.

(Dual-listed with 473). (0-6) Cr. 3. Prereq: Graduate enrollment in College of Design
The design of visual, aural and textual communication for electronic media.

ARTGR 574. Exhibition Design.

(Dual-listed with 474). (0-6) Cr. 3. Prereq: Graduate enrollment in College of Design
Visual communication applied to exhibition design focusing on educational or interactive museum exhibitions, trade show booth design, and modular unit design for traveling exhibitions. Translation of graphic information to a three-dimensional space.

ARTGR 575. Advanced Typography.

(Dual-listed with 475). (0-6) Cr. 3. Prereq: Graduate classification in College of Design
Typographic theory exploring traditional and non-traditional forms, both historical and contemporary typographic achievements.

ARTGR 576. Graphic Design Methodology.

(Dual-listed with 476). (0-6) Cr. 3. Prereq: Graduate enrollment in College of Design
Analysis and application of scientific, systematic, and non-traditional problem-solving and problem-seeking techniques.

ARTGR 578. Design for E-Commerce/Graphic Applications.

(Dual-listed with 478). (0-6) Cr. 3. Prereq: Graduate enrollment in College of Design
The development of advanced and experimental web design for the applications of e-commerce, education and the communication of visual information.

ARTGR 579. Wayfinding Design.

(Dual-listed with 479). (0-6) Cr. 3. Prereq: Graduate enrollment in College of Design
Study of the navigational challenges of built environments and outdoor spaces, including site analysis, development of navigational plans, and design of wayfinding sign systems. Issues of function, accessibility, legibility, and fabrication are considered.

ARTGR 584. Selected Studies in Graphic Design.

(Dual-listed with 484). Cr. arr. Repeatable. Prereq: Graduate classification in the College of Design
Special issues related to graphic design. Topics vary each time offered.

ARTGR 587. Graphic Design History/Theory/ Criticism I.

(Dual-listed with 387). (3-0) Cr. 3. F. Prereq: Graduate classification
Late nineteenth century to the 1990's, this course will explore the cultural social, political, industrial, and technological forces that have influenced the practice of graphic design in Britain, Europe, and the United States. Students will study the historical issues and problems facing designers, their clients, and their publics.

ARTGR 588. Graphic Design History/Theory/ Criticism II.

(Dual-listed with 388). (3-0) Cr. 3. S. Prereq: Graduate classification
Critical issues that affect the contemporary practice of graphic design as it relates to the United States. Students will study a variety of issues that include, but are not exclusive to, new media, gender, class, design and the public sphere, design as social action, postmodern design theory, sustainability, and ethical practice.

ARTGR 590. Special Topics.

Cr. arr. Prereq: Bachelor's degree in graphic design, or evidence of satisfactory equivalency in specialized area
Written approval of instructor and department chair on required form in advance of semester of enrollment.

ARTGR 590A. Theory, Criticism, and Methodology.

Cr. arr. Prereq: Bachelor's degree in graphic design, or evidence of satisfactory equivalency in specialized area
Written approval of instructor and department chair on required form in advance of semester of enrollment.

ARTGR 590B. Two-Dimensional Design.

Cr. arr. Prereq: Bachelor's degree in graphic design, or evidence of satisfactory equivalency in specialized area
Written approval of instructor and department chair on required form in advance of semester of enrollment.

ARTGR 590C. Three-Dimensional Design.

Cr. arr. Prereq: Bachelor's degree in graphic design, or evidence of satisfactory equivalency in specialized area
Written approval of instructor and department chair on required form in advance of semester of enrollment.

ARTGR 591. Publication Design: Magazines.

(Dual-listed with 491). (0-6) Cr. 3. F. Prereq: Graduate enrollment in College of Design
The philosophy, concepts and structures of magazine design.

ARTGR 592. Publication Design: Books.

(Dual-listed with 492). (0-6) Cr. 3. S. Prereq: Graduate enrollment in College of Design
The philosophy, concepts and structures of book design.

ARTGR 593. Workshop.

Cr. 1-3. Repeatable. Prereq: Graduate classification; evidence of satisfactory experience in area of specialization
Intensive 2 to 4 week studio exploration. Topics vary each time offered.

ARTGR 599. Creative Component.

Cr. arr. Repeatable.

Courses for graduate students:

ARTGR 672. Graphic Design and Human Interaction.

(0-6) Cr. 3. F.S. Prereq: ARTGR 570, ARTGR 571, and graduate enrollment in College of Design or permission of instructor
The theory and investigation of experience design as it applies to human interactions in contemporary society and culture. Studio problems may involve such areas as: exhibition design, electronic interface design, wayfinding, package design, and publication design.

ARTGR 672A. Usability.

(0-6) Cr. 3. F.S. Prereq: ARTGR 570, ARTGR 571, and graduate enrollment in College of Design or permission of instructor
The exploration and design of interface/interaction with products, systems, and technologies.

ARTGR 672B. Design for Behavioral Change..

(0-6) Cr. 3. F.S. Prereq: ARTGR 570, ARTGR 571, and graduate enrollment in College of Design or permission of instructor
The exploration and design of educational experiences and artifacts as they relate to the social, emotional, and behavioral aspects of society.

ARTGR 672C. Consumer Experience Design and Branding..

(0-6) Cr. 3. F.S. Prereq: ARTGR 570, ARTGR 571, and graduate enrollment in College of Design or permission of instructor
The theory and investigation of experience design as it applies to human interactions in contemporary society and culture. Studio problems may involve such areas as: exhibition design, electronic interface design, wayfinding, package design, and publication design.

ARTGR 690. Advanced Topics.

Cr. arr. Repeatable.

ARTGR 698. Current Issues in Graphic Design.

Cr. 1-3. Repeatable, maximum of 9 credits. Prereq: Graduate enrollment in College of Design or permission of instructor
Selected issues in contemporary graphic design. Topics and readings vary each time offered.

ARTGR 699. Research-Thesis.

Cr. arr. Repeatable.