Interdepartmental Undergraduate Program
The Design Studies programs bring together courses that deal with the integrated study of the conceptualization, production, visible form, uses, and history of artifacts, buildings, and environments as well as the common qualities and connections among the design, art and planning fields.
Core Design Program
Four Design Studies courses constitute the Core Design Program: Design Studio 1 (Dsn S 102), Drawing I (Dsn S 131), Design in Context (Dsn S 183) and Design Collaborative (Dsn S 115). Full or partial credit of the Core Design program is required for all undergraduate students in the College of Design.
Minor—Critical Studies in Design
The undergraduate minor in Critical Studies in Design offers students opportunities to engage the history, theory and criticism of visual and material culture. In lectures and focused seminars, students explore historical and contemporary issues, including cultural production, the built environment, media and technology, design in everyday life, and models of professional practice. The minor is open to all undergraduates at Iowa State University.
Minor—Design Studies
The undergraduate minor in Design Studies is constructed to facilitate design awareness among interested students and to provide a vehicle for multi-disciplinary study within the College of Design. This minor is open to all undergraduate students at Iowa State University.
Minor—Digital Media
The undergraduate minor in Digital Media covers the knowledge and techniques for applying digital representations to generate designs and art. The body of knowledge specializes in the fields of design, art and planning. This minor is open to all undergraduate students at Iowa State University.
Minor - Geographic Information Science (GISC)
The undergraduate minor in Geographic Information Science (GISC) is an interdisciplinary program that provides students with opportunities to engage the theory, processes, techniques and tools that use spatial data and computational technology to create cutting-edge analysis and mapping approaches for a wide range of fields, such as urban planning, architecture, landscape architecture, design, community development, agriculture, environmental sciences, natural resources, sociology, criminology, anthropology, political science, environmental studies and others. The minor is open to undergraduates in all university majors with a minimum overall GPA of 2.0 prior to enrolling.
Minor - Illustration
The undergraduate minor in Illustration is ideal for students interested in illustration for books, graphic novels, magazine articles, advertising and concept art for game design and film. This minor provides the ability to tailor a curriculum that serves these varied career interests, whether you want to work in the industry or freelance as an independent studio practitioner.
Minor - Textile Design
The undergraduate minor in Textile Design allows students to focus specifically on the design and creation of textiles — a practice with applications in the fine arts, fashion and related fields. Open to undergraduates at the sophomore level and above enrolled in any College of Design major or in the Apparel, Merchandising and Design major in the College of Human Sciences.
Minor - Urban Studies
The undergraduate minor in Urban Studies is an interdisciplinary program that emphasizes urban life in a variety of settings and from different disciplinary and methodological approaches. The Urban Studies minor will allow students to explore varied and multiple dimensions of urban and community life through differing conceptual and analytical frameworks. The minor is open to undergraduates in all university majors except Community & Regional Planning.
Additional information about minors is available in the Student Programs and Services Office, 297 College of Design.
Design Core Program
Design Core Program: 11.5 cr.
| DSN S 102 | Design Studio I | 4 |
| DSN S 115 | Design Collaborative Seminar | 0.5 |
| or DSN S 110 | Design Exchange Seminar I | |
| DSN S 131 | Drawing I | 4 |
| DSN S 183 | Design in Context | 3 |
| Total Credits | 11.5 | |
Courses
Courses primarily for undergraduates:
(1-6) Cr. 4.
A foundation design studio exploring two and three-dimensional design. Emphasis on fundamental skills and ideas shared across design disciplines. Creative processes, visual order, materials, and critical thinking are investigated through studio projects. Lectures and discussions cover the topics introduced in studios.
(0-2) Cr. 1. F.
Prereq: Member of Design Exchange Learning Community
Orientation to the College of Design. Introduction to the design disciplines and studio pedagogy.
Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.
(0-2) Cr. 1. S.
Prereq: Member of the Design Exchange Learning Community
Development and clarification of career and academic plans.
Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.
(1-0) Cr. 0.5.
Prereq: Member of Design Collaborative Learning Community
Orientation to the College of Design. Introduction to the design disciplines and studio pedagogy.
Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.
(1-6) Cr. 4.
An introduction to methods of visual thinking and drawing through studio experiences and lectures. All design fields utilize visual communication and drawing. Focus on the use of drawing as a method for creative problem solving, design development and visual communication. Explore, from observation and imagination, the use of fast sketching and in-depth drawing, using various scales, mediums and processes.
Cr. 1. Repeatable, maximum of 3 credits. S.
Prereq: None
Discussion on issues of diversity and inclusion utilizing the Art on Campus and University’s Permanent Collection. Topics include ethnic heritage, family background, religious traditions, and interpersonal relationships, with a significant focus on instilling visual analysis skills.
None
(3-0) Cr. 3.
Explores designed media, objects, places, spaces, structures, and systems as products of varied and often intersecting contexts. Using historical and contemporary case studies, investigates how cultural, economic, environmental, spatial, social, and temporal contexts, among others, affect design. Explores in particular how design addresses complex and multifaceted problems.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
Introductory investigations of various digital design media to develop multi-dimensional problem solving, digital communication skills and perceptual sensitivity. Open to all university majors.
(1-0) Cr. 1. Repeatable.
Cultural introduction to host country, introduction to faculty sponsor and program of study, the particulars of traveling and living abroad, and financial and logistical preparations. Guest lectures. Required of all students planning to participate in a College of Design study abroad program for 9 or more credits.
Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.
(1-2) Cr. 2. Repeatable, maximum of 4 credits.
Prereq: Selection as a peer mentor for the Core Design program.
For students serving as peer mentors for the Core Design Program, under faculty supervision. Development of teaching and leadership skills within the context of design education experiences.
Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.
(1-2) Cr. 1-2. Repeatable, maximum of 4 credits.
Prereq: Admittance into one of the professional programs in the College of Design
Opportunity to strengthen leadership, communication and presentation skills. Introduction to student development theory. Students participate in collaborative projects focused on prospective design students.
Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.
Cr. R.
Prereq: Permission of adviser or Coordinator of Design Studies
Independent educational enrichment through practical experience. Students must register for this course prior to commencing each term. Available only to students taking course loads of eleven credits or less.
Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.
(Cross-listed with DES). (3-0) Cr. 3. S.
Prereq: DSN S 232 or equivalent.
Introduction to various time-based digital media tools to develop basic skills including sequencing, storytelling, animation, sound editing, and video production.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
Prereq: Junior Standing, DSN S 102, DSN S 131, DSN S 183
Exploration of the history, precedents, and practice of public art and public space with a focus on developments since 1970 in the United States and abroad. Course includes development of a proposal for a site specific work of art.
Meets U.S. Diversity Requirement
(0-12) Cr. 4-6. Repeatable, maximum of 18 credits.
Prereq: Junior classification in a curriculum in the College of Design and permission of instructor
Advanced interdisciplinary design projects.
(0-12) Cr. 5-7. Repeatable, maximum of 18 credits.
Prereq: Junior classification in a curriculum in the College of Design and permission of instructor
Advanced interdisciplinary design projects.
(Cross-listed with L A). Cr. 2-3. Repeatable, maximum of 3 times. F.S.SS.
Prereq: L A 202 or senior or graduate classification
Offerings vary with each term; check with department for available sections. Course contact hours can range from (2-0) to (3-0) depending on number of credits.
(Cross-listed with L A). Cr. 2-3. Repeatable, maximum of 3 times. F.S.SS.
Prereq: L A 202 or senior or graduate classification
Offerings vary with each term; check with department for available sections. Course contact hours can range from (2-0) to (3-0) depending on number of credits.
(Cross-listed with L A). Cr. 2-3. Repeatable, maximum of 3 times. F.S.SS.
Prereq: L A 202 or senior or graduate classification
Offerings vary with each term; check with department for available sections. Course contact hours can range from (2-0) to (3-0) depending on number of credits.
(Cross-listed with L A). Cr. 2-3. Repeatable, maximum of 3 times. F.S.SS.
Prereq: L A 202 or senior or graduate classification
Offerings vary with each term; check with department for available sections. Course contact hours can range from (2-0) to (3-0) depending on number of credits.
(Cross-listed with L A). Cr. 2-3. Repeatable, maximum of 3 times. F.S.SS.
Prereq: L A 202 or senior or graduate classification
Offerings vary with each term; check with department for available sections. Course contact hours can range from (2-0) to (3-0) depending on number of credits.
(Dual-listed with DSN S 578). Cr. 2-3. Repeatable, maximum of 3 times. F.S.SS.
Prereq: L A 371 or senior classification or graduate standing
Offerings vary with each term; check with department for available sections. Course contact hours can range from (2-0) to (3-0) depending on number of credits.
Cr. 1-4. Repeatable, maximum of 9 credits.
Prereq: Written approval of instructor and department chair on required form prior to semester of enrollment
Independent investigation of a topic of special interest to the student.
Cr. 1-4. Repeatable, maximum of 9 credits.
Prereq: Written approval of instructor and department chair on required form prior to semester of enrollment
Independent investigation of a topic of special interest to the student.
Cr. 1-4. Repeatable, maximum of 9 credits.
Prereq: Written approval of instructor and department chair on required form prior to semester of enrollment
Independent investigation of a topic of special interest to the student.
Cr. 1-4. Repeatable, maximum of 9 credits.
Prereq: Written approval of instructor and department chair on required form prior to semester of enrollment
Independent investigation of a topic of special interest to the student.
Cr. 1-4. Repeatable, maximum of 9 credits.
Prereq: Written approval of instructor and department chair on required form prior to semester of enrollment
Independent investigation of a topic of special interest to the student.
Cr. 1-4. Repeatable, maximum of 9 credits.
Prereq: Written approval of instructor and department chair on required form prior to semester of enrollment
Independent investigation of a topic of special interest to the student.
Cr. 1-4. Repeatable, maximum of 9 credits.
Prereq: Written approval of instructor and department chair on required form prior to semester of enrollment
Independent investigation of a topic of special interest to the student.
Cr. 1-4. Repeatable, maximum of 9 credits.
Prereq: Written approval of instructor and department chair on required form prior to semester of enrollment.
Independent investigation of a topic of special interest to the student.
Cr. 1-4. Repeatable, maximum of 9 credits.
Prereq: Written approval of instructor and department chair on required form prior to semester of enrollment
Independent investigation of a topic of special interest to the student.
Cr. 1-4. Repeatable, maximum of 9 credits.
Prereq: Written approval of instructor and department chair on required form prior to semester of enrollment.
Independent investigation of a topic of special interest to the student.
Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.
(1-0) Cr. 1. Repeatable, maximum of 3 credits.
Prereq: Enrollment in the College of Design Rome Study Abroad Program
Introduction to Italian contemporary culture for design students, including food, religion, fashion, politics, media, and social mores.
Courses primarily for graduate students, open to qualified undergraduates:
(0-12) Cr. 4-6. Repeatable, maximum of 18 credits.
Prereq: Graduate or senior standing in the College of Design and permission of instructor
Advanced interdisciplinary design projects.
(Dual-listed with DSN S 478). (3-0) Cr. 2-3. Repeatable. F.S.SS.
Prereq: Senior Classification or graduate standing
Offerings vary with each term; check with department for available sections. Course contact hours can range from (2-0) to (3-0) depending on number of credits.
(Dual-listed with DSN S 478). (3-0) Cr. 2-3. Repeatable. F.S.SS.
Prereq: Senior Classification or graduate standing
Offerings vary with each term; check with department for available sections. Course contact hours can range from (2-0) to (3-0) depending on number of credits.
Cr. 2-3. Repeatable. F.S.SS.
Prereq: Senior classification or graduate standing
Offerings vary with each term; check with department for available sections. Course contact hours can range from (2-0) to (3-0) depending on number of credits.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
Prereq: Graduate classification and permission of instructor
European art including painting, sculpture, architecture, and crafts; thirteenth through sixteenth centuries.
Cr. 1-4. Repeatable, maximum of 12 credits. F.S.SS.
Prereq: Written approval of instructor and department chair on required form prior to semester of enrollment
Independent investigation of a topic of special interest to the student.