FIRST YEAR COURSES

ADD-1010 / ADD-1015
Principles of Visual Language I and II
Two semesters: 3 studio credits per semester
These studio courses will explore the fundamental principles of two-dimensional design and how these principles relate to visual communication. Through direct, hands-on participation in assignments and independent projects, students will work toward developing their own unique “visual language.” Experimentation with composition, visual hierarchy, typographic design, color interaction and visual narrative will be stressed. Students will explore a wide range of visual concepts, including abstraction, symmetry and asymmetry, contrast, figure/ground relationships, rhythm and harmony. Class time is used for the creation and execution of design work, along with critiques and discussions. Assignments are paper-based: supplies include construction paper, drafting and cutting tools, and gouache paint. The primary technique will be collage.

ADD-1020
Foundations in Three-Dimensional Design
One semester: 3 studio credits
A study of visual perception through the use of three-dimensional media is the focus of this course. A conceptual approach toward problem solving, technical skills and utilization of various media will be emphasized.

ADD-1030 / ADD-1035 Foundations of Drawing I and II
Two semesters: 3 studio credits per semester
Focusing on the perceptual skills involved in image-making, these courses will examine drawing as an act of producing independent works of art and as a preparatory process in organizing a finished work. Assigned projects will explore the formal elements of art, such as line, space, scale and texture. Materials will include pencil, charcoal, pen-and-ink and wash, among others. Projects range from the figure and still life, for example, to mapping and storyboarding.

AHD-1010
Survey of World Art I
One semester: 3 art history credits
As an introduction to the art of Western and non-Western cultures, this course will examine art from the Paleolithic period to 1450. Key monuments and styles will be explored in architecture, sculpture and painting through methods of visual analysis. Discussions will link the ways in which concepts in art develop and change within different cultural contexts. Field trips and museum visits will augment the course as appropriate.

AHD-1015
Survey of World Art II
One semester: 3 art history credits
Beginning with the art of the Renaissance and continuing into the modern world, this course will explore painting, sculpture and architecture in both Western and non-Western cultures. Discussions will link the ways in which concepts of art develop and change within different cultural contexts. Methods of visual analysis will be explored. Field trips and museum visits will augment this course as appropriate.

SMD-1020
Foundations of Visual Computing
One semester: 3 studio credits
Serving as an introduction to the tools, terms and techniques of visual computing for artists, this course will cover basic skills for operating and maintaining a computer, as well as the techniques to create collages and layered images and the tools required to display work on the World Wide Web. The impact of technology on the visual arts will be examined and discussed from contemporary and historical perspectives.

HCD-1020
Writing and Literature I
One semester: 3 humanities and sciences credits
This is the first part of a two-semester course that helps students become capable, critical and independent writers. With its focus on developing an argument, the course offers an introduction to some of the skills necessary for critical analysis of written art. It will include a review of writing basics (grammar, coherence, idea development, sentence and essay structure). Since reading widely is a foundation of good writing, course readings are drawn from a selection of premodern Western works, including drama, poetry, the narrative and the critical essay, which will be used as discussion and writing prompts.

HCD-1025
Writing and Literature II
One semester: 3 humanities and sciences credits
This is the second part of a two-semester course that emphasizes writing, reading and critical thinking. Students will write more in-depth essays and a research paper and continue to study grammar and essay development. Course readings are drawn from a selection of modern works, including drama, poetry, the narrative and the critical essay, which will be used as discussion and writing prompts.

SECOND, THIRD AND FOURTH YEAR COURSES 

GDD-2020 / GDD-2025
Basic Graphic Design I and II
Two semesters: 2 studio credits per semester
These courses are an introduction to the various aspects of graphic communication and will cover concepts, typography, layout and general graphic techniques.

ADD-2030 / ADD-2035
Basic Advertising I and II
Two semesters: 3 studio credits per semester
What good advertising is will be explored in these courses: How to take a product and give it a unique concept, and how to take that concept and creatively execute it in a print ad or TV commercial.

GDD-2050 / GDD-2055
Basic Typographic Design I and II
Two semesters: 2 studio credits per semester
The applications of typography and color to a variety of graphic design projects will be explored in these courses. Assignments will also address the general rules of design and students will be encouraged to develop a personal vision within the framework of successful design solutions.

GDD-2060 / GDD-2065
Intermediate Drawing I and II
Two semesters: 2 studio credits per semester
These courses will explore drawing techniques using concepts of design, form, action, space, scale, texture and systems inherent to cohesive compositions.

GDD-2070
Visual Literacy
One semester: 3 studio credits
This course is run as an experimental workshop dealing with the various issues of visual communication that pertain to the graphic and advertising worlds. Weekly home assignments will be based on ideas covered in class. The work of leading designers and art directors will be shown and discussed. There will be guest lecturers.

GDD-2090 / GDD-2095
Computers in the Studio I and II
Two semesters: no credit
This introduction to design on the Macintosh desktop publishing system will begin with the basics of the Macintosh operating system, and continue with software packages (including Adobe Photoshop, InDesign and Bridge) as tools for visual creation. A minimum of three hours of lab time per week is required.

AHD-2127
History of Graphic Design
One semester: 3 art history credits
This course will focus on various graphic design movements from art nouveau and Jugendstil to De Stijl and Dada; from the impact of the Bauhaus to the fervor of the streamlined 1930s; from the Swiss International style of the ’50s to the psychedelia of the ’60s and on to the punk ’70s and postmodern ’80s. We will also examine the subjects, themes and relationship of the designer to the period. Using examples of the period as a focal point, the evolving design styles and their relationship to politics, commerce, social mores, technology and pop culture will be explored. From the beautiful to the ridiculous, the ephemeral aspects of design will be studied. Guest speakers will feature individuals who have created important design work of the periods discussed.

ILD-2133
Design Principles
One semester: 3 studio credits
This course will address various design principles that structure the underpinnings of graphic imagery, which constitute the language of this complex discipline. It will also focus on finding one’s “voice,” more specifically the form, shape, line, space and color that are central to a personal vocabulary. Assignments will range from experimental design to industry-driven projects. There will be an in-depth analysis of the design elements that determine the sensibility of graphic messages.

GDD-2153
Basic Three-Dimensional Design
One semester: 3 studio credits
Three-dimensional design is an emerging field that has opened various job opportunities in a most experimental area. You will be taught to translate your concepts into personalized 3D objects by drawing upon inspiration from all art disciplines. The course will cover many innovative as well as traditional techniques in assemblage, papier-mâché, wood, casting, and mold-making in several media, among others. The course will be augmented by guest lecturers and demonstrations of techniques and procedures.

GDD-2168
Designer as Image Maker
One semester: 3 studio credits
From the cave wall to the computer screen, the desire to communicate one’s unique vision has always existed. A great concept combined with the right technique, be it finger painting or Adobe Photoshop, can produce extremely powerful images. This course will focus on exploring style in design through experimentation with various mediums such as collage, rubbings, image transfers, use of found objects, and many other techniques. Students will be encouraged to think and create in unconventional ways. Projects for this course will include book covers, CD packages, editorial illustrations, food packaging and poster designs. Field trips will be included.

GDD-2179
Digital Photography for Designers
One semester: 3 studio credits
The basics of digital photography will be covered in this course to provide a fundamental understanding of image capture. Technique will be practiced through a series of creative photographic assignments where the focus is on creative image-making. Assignments will be designed to explore a range of photographic genres including portraiture, still life and documentary.

GDD-2186
Originality
One semester: 3 studio credits
How can you make your work stand out as distinctly yours in the midst of the many thousands of visual and verbal messages that bombard the public each day? This studio critique course will provide a structure for students to examine their preconceptions, assumptions and influences in order to freely create a unique art path and product of their own.

ADD-3010 / ADD-3015
Advanced Advertising I and II
Two semesters: 3 studio credits per semester
With heavy emphasis on concept, these courses will focus on the creative process of creating original and innovative, yet traditional, print advertising. We will also explore the many aspects of the advertising field, by learning the duties of the art director, creative director, copywriter and designer.

GDD-3010 / GDD-3015
Communication Graphic Design I and II
Two semesters: 3 studio credits per semester
An exploration of various working methods by which graphic designers precisely and effectively solve communication problems will be the focus of these courses. Design solutions will be executed from roughs to finished comps.

ADD-3131
The Art Director Who Can Write
One semester: 3 studio credits
This course is specially designed for the art director who may not become a copywriter, but wants to be an art director who can write. These skills are increasingly in demand in the industry—particularly on interviews for internships and first-time positions. The course will give students a better idea of what it takes to do effective advertising; write better headlines; work more effectively with a creative partner and, of course, create body copy the way it should be written. Not to mention adding a few portfolio pieces to your book that shows a greater range and depth of creative execution than your competitors.

ADD-3151 / ADD-3152
Unconventional Advertising I and II
Two semesters: 3 studio credits per semester
What happens when students apply an unconventional approach to the creative process? They become part of the most awarded advertising classes in history. Today’s fast-paced advertising industry makes most ideas look traditional—fast. Top ad agencies want to be surprised, but it’s become harder than ever to stand out among the numerous advertising and digital work pumped into the world by the millisecond. Students will develop an unconventional approach to attacking everything from the concept-to-execution phase of various advertising and digital mediums. In some cases, students will invent new mediums for their ideas to live in. The focus of this course is to create the caliber of innovative work that will separate you from others so you won’t be competing with anyone else’s portfolio on job interviews. Great concepts executed unconventionally don’t lose their luster; they become timeless. Students will be taken on an inspiring visual journey of the most effective and memorable unconventional ideas ever produced. This course is not just about creating; it’s about inventing. Work from these courses has set world records at some of the most prestigious global award shows, including The One Show, CLIO and Art Directors Club.

ADD-3162 / ADD-3163
Design in Advertising I and II
Two semesters: 3 studio credits per semester
Good design can’t save a bad idea. So in these courses, we’ll begin with ideas. At the initial stage, we’ll reject the bad ones and improve the good ones until we find a great one. That’s when the fun begins. That’s when we turn that great idea into a great ad—a skillfully designed, computer-generated piece that will play a prominent part in your portfolio. You will study how great art directors work, how to make body copy your friend, how to pick the right photo or illustration, how to find a home for a logo, how to avoid boring backgrounds, how to choose the right typeface and most importantly, how to make sure an ad doesn’t look like an ad. There will be an assignment every three weeks.

ADD-3171
Advertising–The Real World Preview
One semester: 3 credits
People often say, “Just wait until you get out in the real world.” Why wait? Gain experience in the creative department of a thriving, creative advertising and design agency. Meet and work with creative directors, copywriters, designers, art directors, planners, account managers, media people, producers and even clients. Solve real-world problems for real-life clients. Work under tight deadlines. Work on more than one problem simultaneously. Work with incomplete and contradictory information. Compete for business. Pitch to a real client. Send back a brief for a rewrite. Lead question-and-answer sessions with the pros. Find out what it’s really like inside the pressure-cooker of a working agency. And, most of all, learn how to create winning work despite all the challenges.

ADD-3181
Advertising 3.0
One semester: 3 studio credits
Advertising 3.0 represents the next frontier of advertising: combining the power of storytelling with social connectivity and digital technology, allowing for greater creative freedom and impact. This course will focus on the ever-changing and fast-paced world of digital advertising, soon to become the mainstay. You will walk away with a well-informed understanding of social and digital media tools and demonstrated experience in harnessing them in creative new ways to tell stories in ways never before possible.

GDD-3213
After Effects and Final Cut Pro
One semester: 3 studio credits
Motion graphics is an exploding field and designers have new opportunities to work in television, film, Web and interactive DVD design and production. This course will provide a foundation for working in this specialization by exploring motion and the ways in which it is created. Initial assignments are process-oriented and focus on maintaining a level of experimentation; more complex, finished pieces will be created during the second semester. The basics of special effects, compositing and video editing will be explored using Adobe After Effects and Apple Final Cut Pro.

GDD-3222 / GDD-3223
Motion Graphics Workshop I and II
Two semesters: 3 studio credits per semester
Digital video is the future of graphic design. Think of graphic design that moves in time and space, and is accompanied by a sound track. Learn Apple Final Cut Pro and Adobe After Effects, and experiment with a new form of design that allows you to include digital video that you shoot, TV that you capture, typography that you design, animation that you create—all mixed together with a sound track to form video with a graphic vision of your own. Students will be assisted in defining their vision and learning the programs needed to achieve them.

GDD-3336 / GDD-3337
Three-Dimensional Design and Illustration I and II
Two semesters: 3 studio credits per semester
Design and illustration solutions to problems that involve making 3D structures will be explored in these courses. Discussions about methods and materials will include everything from fiberglass to hubcaps: whatever conveys the designer/illustrator’s ideas. There will be demonstrations of various techniques like mold-making, paper and cardboard construction, and casting in plastic. Students will produce finished pieces for portfolio inclusion. Guest lecturers include professional designers and illustrators who have successful careers based on 3D work.

GDD-3351 / GDD-3352
Design for Social Change I and II
Two semesters: 3 studio credits per semester
We’ll use design to call out new ideas and a new ethos of truth-telling. We’ll create ads, posters, books and logos to present alternatives to mind-numbing consumer culture. The focus will be on subjects that affect our lives—such as owning our own time, corporate impact on the physical environment and the human psyche, issues of economic fairness and alternatives to money obsession, gender, food, voting, animal rights, etc. We’ll explore and develop various means for making ideas for social change public. Work from these courses is in the poster collection of the U.S. Library of Congress, on the website of the Center for Constitutional Rights, was produced for the Washington, D.C. subways, and distributed throughout the New York City public school system, as well as in exhibitions, conferences, book fairs and guerilla contexts (postnobull.org).

FGD-3466
Poster Design: Silkscreen
One semester: 3 studio credits
This course offers the opportunity to explore the world of poster art. The process of creating a poster—from concept through final execution—will be covered. Students will complete a minimum of eight projects, each with a different focus (cultural, social, advertising), and emphasis will be placed on creating strong and memorable ideas. Projects will be researched and sketches will be presented for in-class discussion. After the approval of the concept, projects will be printed using silkscreen techniques. Silkscreen is a printing method with endless possibilities. We will experiment with printing on colored and textured papers, applying various inks and screens. How visual metaphors work successfully and how to make the work accessible and challenging will be analyzed. We will also examine the beauty and the expressive power of posters created by the masters in this field—from expressionism to Dada to the contemporary perfectionism of Japanese designers.

FGD-3472
Printed Matter: Book Art, Poster and Ephemera
One semester: 3 studio credits
Materials fee: $250
Focusing on the expression of image and typography as both an art and design form, students will rethink, polish and perfect their portfolios through the art of silkscreen. Students will be encouraged to design alternative printed matter that conveys a personal aesthetic in the creation of projects such as posters, mailers, zines and book covers. We’ll explore new ideas to present portfolios bound into a book format. Bookbinding demonstrations will cover various techniques such as perfect binding, saddle stitch, bolted books and Japanese binding. There will be field trips to alternative print shops and self-publishing studios.

GDD-3651 / GDD-3652
The Project Class I and II
Two semesters: 3 studio credits per semester
This is your project. This is your class. It’s where you will make your film on digital tape. It’s where you will work with professional people to experience an intriguing new world of artistic knowledge. These courses are an exercise in making a film, but it is not an exercise in itself. A personal, independent film made for screening purposes: in its entirety, in its integrity, in its creativity.

GDD-3661 / GDD-3662
Design for the Good I and II
Two semesters: 3 studio credits per semester
This goal of these courses is to allow you to apply your conceptual skills and talents to issues that matter to society and to the world. Assignments will challenge you to think and create innovative work that motivates people to change for the good. You will make the most of your ideas by spreading them in every medium—to be seen by as many people as possible. You will work with a program or cause of your choice to fully engage your skills that support issues important to you personally: all while doing your best creative work.

ADD-3668
Innovation in Advertising
One semester: 3 studio credits
Innovation is the key to success in the new world. Whether it’s a new product, service, business model and way of communicating, advertising or use of media, an innovative solution can be a great problem solver. But innovation does not live within product or service categories. It lives outside of them. This course will force you out of your comfort zone and show you how to deal with the complexities and difficulties of planning, drafting, designing and creating innovation solutions. You’ll learn how to sell your solutions and turn any “no” into a “yes.” Work will be presented weekly, starting with small assignments and completing the course with fully integrated solutions.

ADD-3671
IDEAtion: How Techvertising is Changing Behavior
One semester: 3 studio credits
Advertising, by definition, is a form of communication that attempts to persuade its audience. Today’s world of ever-present communication has created new opportunities to connect with people—via mobile devices such as iPods, PSPs and PDAs, with websites such as YouTube, through social networking sites like Facebook, and by way of the ubiquitous distribution and display technology that we encounter daily—screens at the ATM, in taxi cabs and at the supermarket checkout line, for example. Indeed, advertising has evolved from the didactic medium of the spoken, written and moving word, to the participatory medium of the interactive word. In this course, students will explore strategies, create designs and discuss practical applications for advertisements that invite viewer participation. They will execute compelling, original ideas that are imaginative, even inspirational and effectively establish new dialogues, new media, expand spaces of interaction and generate new paradigms that invite and reward every level of interface and engagement.

GDD-3731
Advertising, Interaction, Design, the Future
One semester: 3 studio credits
See what is around the corner and embrace the evolution of technology. Be a part of the new digital agency model, which in the 21st century has already proven to be the only model appropriate for every client’s needs. In this course, you will develop digital and design expertise, to create immersive, innovative experiences. We will explore the elements of a 360° advertising experience from an initial creative brief, concept, interaction and visual design and copywriting to campaigns, platforms, online marketing, mobile and social media. Sessions will be conducted at a digital agency and guest speakers will discuss their areas of expertise.

GDD-3741
Digital Design
One semester: 3 studio credits
The foundations of designing for digital experiences will be the focus of this course. Students will learn how to adapt their design skills from traditional to new media, with emphasis on the classic digital channel and websites. Topics include: grid systems for interfaces (how to design for flexible, interactive modules), choosing and using typefaces for electronic interfaces, designing at 72 dpi, working in the RGB color space, how to visually distinguish content areas from function areas; designing for touch screens and motion.

GDD-3742
Designing the Digital Ecosystem
One semester: 3 studio credits
Serving as a continuation of GDD-3741, Digital Design, this course will incorporate additional digital channels and disciplines to those already covered. Topics will include: user-centered design methodology; the interface—where the brand and the consumer meet; thinking in systems to design a single experience across multiple channels; designing in flexible, modular systems rather than rigid templates; designing the right experience for the right context. There will be small projects that address channels, including mobile technology (iPhone or Android application); touch screen (iPad or kiosk application); retail (in-store digital experience); OOH (interactive billboards and signage), and social media experiences.

GDD-3751
Visual Identity and Multimedia
One semester: 3 studio credits
Today’s constantly evolving multimedia world demands that a successful graphic identity be simple, bold, memorable and flexible. This course will teach students how to create powerful, concept-based identities that thrive in the multimedia realm. Chermayeff & Geismar has developed an idea-driven methodology for identity design that has resulted in identities for hundreds of major clients like Chase Bank, NBC, The Museum of Modern Art and the Library of Congress. The course, held in the Chermayeff & Geismar studio, will lead students through the firm’s problem-solving approach to graphic design as they work with a local organization or small business to develop a visual identity from start to finish. Working with the firm’s partners, students will especially be encouraged to explore opportunities for identity expression in new media.

ADD-4010 / ADD-4015
Advertising Portfolio I and II
Two semesters: 3 studio credits per semester
These portfolio development courses will teach advertising skill sets, conceptual thinking, originality of the idea, strategic value, art direction, copywriting and self-editing. The courses will also cover presentation skills and how to write about your own work. We will develop an idea, a story and campaign rationale around one idea. We will explore self-editing of your campaign voice, how to create a voice and cover a new language for the idea/brand through copy and art.

SENIOR PROJECT COURSES

GDD-4706 / GDD-4707
MoGraph Essentials—CINEMA 4D and After Effects I and II
Two semesters: 3 studio credits per semester
Whether your field of work is print, advertising, graphic design, film, or motion graphics, MAXON CINEMA 4D gives you all the tools you need to make your ideas reality. Students can create 3D elements for storyboards, animations and designs. The software’s intuitive interface and logical workflow make it possible for those new to 3D artistry to dive right in. In these courses CINEMA 4D will be used for enhancing animation to go hand-in-hand with Adobe After Effects. Students will start by learning the application and working on real world projects ranging from a logo animation to a full television promo spot.

GDD-4701
Production Studio for the Graphic Designer
One semester: 3 studio credits
Today’s graphic artist is required to have technical knowledge and production ability. This course offers a unique opportunity to work on projects both in the classroom and then watch the final production on-site at A to A Studio Solutions, Ltd., a full-service production studio, and receive complete instruction in the skills necessary to produce and manufacture finished portfolio pieces. Using Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop, and layout programs such as Adobe InDesign, we’ll examine all aspects of production as they relate to print, including correct document construction, color space and color systems, separations, trapping, preflighting, print production and paper considerations. Assignments will be produced in the studio using various output devices, from inkjet proofers and large-format digital printers to high-resolution film negatives. Students will be able to produce their work combining digital output, transfers, direct imaging, embossing and three-dimensional packaging construction. The opportunity to experiment and work with digital and analog print production tools will be an invaluable experience.

GDD-4702
Website Design
One semester: 3 studio credits
Creating innovative websites for the Internet will be the focus of this course. Utilizing HTML for their web designs, students will also be introduced to a variety of software programs to serve as a technical foundation. Students are expected to develop complete websites for their final project.

GDD-4714
Designing a Business
One semester: 3 studio credits
If you have an entrepreneurial spirit, this course is for you. It will be a comprehensive experience for anyone who wants to learn the skills it takes to make a business idea become a business reality. We will cover the steps to bring an idea to the marketplace: defining the concept for a business or product of your choice, designing the prototype and corporate identity for your company, writing a business plan and the basic legal requirements to open a business and protect your intellectual property. The final step will be the art of the pitch. Guest speakers will offer their guidance and input.

GDD-4722
Type Design
One semester: 3 studio credits
This course is for seniors interested in further developing their individual sensibility and type design proficiency. From information to concept to the evolution of a design, type will be the source of impetus to a cohesive design solution. We will rigorously pursue the key areas for a successful outcome of projects: a strong sense of composition, the elements of typography, aesthetic principles and visual experimentation.

GDD-4732
Typography and the Portfolio
One semester: 3 studio credits
This course is designed for students who would like special assistance with their typography as it relates to their portfolio projects. Guidance and direction are given in the choice of type and the best application as circumscribed within the contextual framework of the student’s design originating from a given portfolio assignment. The objective of which is to achieve the best possible typographic solution helping to enhance the finished work. The course is useful to those students who feel unsure of their type skills and very beneficial to those who are confident but want guidance in the more subtle aspects of achieving typographic excellence in their work. This course is an adjunct or auxiliary to the primary portfolio course and critiques of work remain within the domain of the portfolio instructor.

GDD-4746
Differentiate or Die: How to Get a Job When You Graduate
One semester: 3 studio credits
You are about to graduate, and you might not have relatives that work at Apple or Google. You need to know how to sell, present, cold-call and talk about money to get a job. This course will address how to make a presentation with conviction and meaning; write a project proposal and how to talk about compensation; develop a unique point of view about design or advertising; craft a powerful résumé; sell your design services in the “real” world with more confidence and success; create persuasive, honest, and effective design presentations, and set yourself up to succeed after graduation.

GDD-4754
Yearbook
One semester: 3 studio credits
Students will create the concept and design of the SVA undergraduate yearbook.

GDD-4801
Designing a Phenomenon
One semester: 3 studio credits
How do you cause a commotion, inspire excitement and get the attention of a city? The challenges and factors that create and cause phenomena are not easily definable. However, this is precisely the puzzle this course will try to solve. We begin by asking the question: Can design create a phenomenon? To answer this question, students will be challenged with rebranding real-world companies and working through the process of creating innovative and dynamic design systems.  We will craft systems that can respond to a multitude of needs and opportunities necessary to turn a business on the street into a citywide, sustainable trend. At the beginning of the course, each student will be assigned a company to develop the strategy, execution and engagement of the rebrand. While the course is grounded in formalist theory, students will be challenged with making graphic decisions based on a set of criteria that they will define. The class is incredibly fast-paced and students are required to create work as if they are in a real-design company. Work will be presented weekly.

The first year represents an all-encompassing art foundation on which to build a career. You'll learn the universal principles of art- and picture-making, and will study the language of visual communication. The broad-ranging curriculum includes a comprehensive introduction to digital imaging.

Required Courses

ADD-1010 Principles of Visual Language I
ADD-1015 Principles of Visual Language II
ADD-1020 Foundations in 3D Graphic Design
ADD-1030 Foundations of Drawing I
ADD-1035 Foundations of Drawing II
AHD-1010 Survery of World Art I
AHD-1015 Survery of World Art II
SMD-1020 Foundations of Visual Computing
HCD-1020 Writing and Literature I
HCD-1025 Writing and Literature II

In the second year, we throw you into the fire. You'll learn basic advertising techniques (as taught by working art directors and copywriters) and explore the art of selling, but you’ll also take part in a simulated agency experience: you’ll have to develop ads of your own on a regular basis, which will be critiqued by faculty and your peers.

Required Courses

ADD-2030 Basic Advertising I
ADD-2035 Basic Advertising II
GDD-2020 Basic Graphic Design I
GDD-2025 Basic Graphic Design II
GDD-2050 Basic Typographic Design I
GDD-2055 Basic Typographic Design II
GDD-2060 Drawing I
GDD-2065 Drawing II
GDD-2070 Visual Literacy
GDD-2090 Computers in the Studio I
GDD-2095 Computers in the Studio II
AHD-2127 History of Graphic Design

Your responsibilities are growing. Instead of single ads, you'll be expected to produce complete advertising campaigns to demonstrate that you can develop a larger strategy. Your conceptual thinking is explored on an advanced level with close-in study of headlines and visuals, while the program widens to encompass copywriting, art direction, television commercials and advanced computer technology.

Required Courses

ADD-3010 Advanced Advertising I
ADD-3015 Advanced Advertising II

Students must choose two courses per semester from any of the following specialized areas. Students may take more than one course from any area.

Creative Advertising
ADD-3131 The Art Director Who Can Write 
ADD-3151 Unconventional Advertising I
ADD-3152 Unconventional Advertising II
ADD-3162 Design in Advertising I
ADD-3163 Design in Advertising II
ADD-3191 30 Seconds

Digital Video
GDD-3213 After Effects and Final Cut Pro
GDD-3222 Motion Graphics Workshop I 
GDD-3223 Motion Graphics Workshop II
GDD-3281 The Music Video I: A "Real-World" Workshop 
GDD-3282 The Music Video II: A "Real-World" Workshop

Graphic Design
GDD-3010 Communication Graphic Design I
GDD-3015 Communication Graphic Design II
GDD-3661 Design for the Good I
GDD-3662 Design for the Good II

Interaction Design
ADD-3181 Advertising 3.0
GDD-3741 Digital Design
GDD-3742 Designing and the Digital Ecosystem

Three-Dimenional Design
GDD-3336 Three-Dimensional Design and Illustration I
GDD-3337 Three-Dimensional Design and Illustration II

Honors Courses
GDD-3651 The Project Class I
GDD-3652 The Project Class II
GDD-3751 Visual Identity and Multimedia
GDD-4754 Yearbook

Our goal is to teach you how to have a career in advertising, not just get a job right out of school. In your final year, while you're developing your portfolio, you’ll also be exploring a wide array of disciplines, from art direction and copywriting to typographic expertise and experience in producing television commercials.

Required Courses

ADD-4910/ADD-4955 Advertising Portfolio I and II

Students must choose one course per semester from the following:

ADD-3131 The Art Director Who Can Write
ADD-3162 Design in Advertising I
ADD-3163 Design in Advertising II
ADD-3191 30 Seconds
GDD-3213 After Effects and Final Cut Pro
GDD-3222 Motion Graphics Workshop I
GDD-3223 Motion Graphics Workshop II
GDD-3281 The Music Video I: A "Real World" Workshop
GDD-3282 The Music Video II: A "Real World" Workshop
GDD-3336 Three-Dimensional Design and Illustration I
GDD-3337 Three-Dimensional Design and Illustration II
GDD-3351 Design for Social Change I
GDD-4702 Website Design
GDD-4752 Life Insurance