Course description
The Briar Cliff University major in Graphic Design integrates the traditional mass media education with design and production skills for the field of Graphic Design. The program includes typography, drawing, history, design theory, and design production. This interdisciplinary program will produce educated and well-trained men and women in a liberal arts tradition. Students will gain a solid understanding of the capabilities of new technology and learn to create and design information for the complex global community in which we live.
All Graphic Design majors must complete a minimum of three credit hours of internship/work experience at an approved Graphic Design site. It is strongly recommended that a student majoring in Graphic Design obtain at least a minor in one of the following disciplines: Art, Business Administration, Mass Communication or Writing.
Student Learning Outcomes Students who complete the graphic design major at Briar Cliff University will obtain:
Knowledge: Information and Theoretical Concepts: Interpret the role the media and how it has affected society from a historical perspective.
Demonstrate an understanding of the profession within the context of convergence.
Have knowledge of theories and concepts prevalent in the field.
Understand the broad history of the visual arts and visual communications.
Define graphic design.
Become familiar with design precedents.
Ethical, Legal, and Social Responsibility Be familiar with important legal issues that face the field of mass communication.
Develop personal values based upon ethical standards.
Recognize ethical dilemmas that face mass media professionals.
Recognize the power of the media and its effects on society.
Writing for the Communication Field Demonstrate proficiency in the various writing styles appropriate for the communication professions.
Demonstrate the ability to write and edit articles for publication.
Critically evaluate written and oral presentations for style and content.
Visual Communication Interpret, create, and disseminate visual information.
Be able to draw still life and the figure.
Be able to design two and or three dimensional compositions.
Electronic Applications Obtain and demonstrate the skill necessary to use technologies appropriate to the field.
Plan, create, and complete projects using electronic media.
Applied Learning Apply the knowledge and skills appropriate in the communication field.
Demonstrate skills needed for an entry-level position in the profession.
Research in Mass Communication Understand, analyze, and evaluate research.
Demonstrate an understanding of research methods.
Requirements for the Bachelor of Arts Degree in Graphic Design (58 credits )
ART 110 Drawing (3)
ART 111 Design (3)
ART 112 The Visual Arts: An Introduction (3) or MCOM 220 Visual Communications (3)
ART 117 Art History Contemporary Art (3)
MCOM 101 Introduction to Mass Communication (3)
MCOM 200 Newswriting I (3)
MCOM 216 Basic Photography - Digital (3)
GDES 203 History of Graphic Design (3)
GDES 224 Typography (3)
MCOM 225 Graphic Communications (3)
WRTG 225 Organizational Communications (3)
MCOM 300 Legal and Ethical issues in the Media (3)
NEWM 325 Website Production (3)
GDES 325 Graphic Design Production I (3)
GDES 330 Package Design (2)
GDES 335 Graphic Design Production II (3)
GDES 340 Information Graphics (2)
GDES 385 Digital Books (3)
GDES 400 Senior Exhibition (1)
MCOM 440 Research in Mass Communications (2)
GDES 490 Internship (3)
Minor Requirement: Six courses approved by the department chairperson of which two must be at the 300-level courses.
