graphic design course curriculum

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Module 1: Introduction to Graphic Design

An overview of what graphic design is and the varied professional opportunities it provides. Students will be inspired by great work and introduced to the most popular designer sites and understand work in the various industries that designers work in.

Content of graphic design course Module 1

Definition: A definition of graphic design and its specialized industries.
History: The history of written communication from ancient to present times with visual examples of pivotal movements and designer work.
Specialties: Explanation of the various specialties within the industry of graphic design. An understanding of graphic design's role in future industries.
Social Networks: Introduction to professional organizations and affiliations that will enrich the student's understanding of the profession.

Learning outcomes of graphic design course Module 1

A definition of graphic design.
An introduction to pivotal historic and contemporary designers.
An introduction to the various specialties included in the graphic design profession.
An introduction to online design resources that will inspire and enrich students education throughout the Module.

Module 2: Design Basics

In this module, students will begin putting design elements and principles into practice. Students will begin to make decisions using the visual language of a designer. By doing simple studies, this module will introduce students to vector based software applications.

Content of graphic design course Module 2

Vocabulary: Design elements and principles.
Studies: Illustrated studies reinforcing the concepts and vocabulary of design. Refinement of final studies using vector-based drawing programs.
Software: Introduction to vector-based computer software of Adobe Illustrator and Open Source Inkscape.

Learning outcomes of graphic design course Module 2

A working knowledge of design elements and how to use them.
A working knowledge of design principles and how to use them.
An introduction to design vocabulary needed to evaluate solutions and communicate as a designer.
Ability to manipulate space to communicate specific objectives.

Module 3: Introduction to Design Illustration

Professional graphic designers have strong drawing skills. These skills take practice. Module 3 introduces students to the tools needed to define and illustrate form and gives them the practice they need in order to be able to use their drawing skills to sketch ideas efficiently when on the job.

Content of graphic design course Module 3

Tools: An introduction to the various drawing tools used on a day-to-day basis by a graphic designer.
Studies: Hand rendered illustration of three dimensional cubes, ellipses, hands, faces, buildings and vector-based shapes.
Software: Introduction to intermediate vector-based tools.

Learning outcomes of graphic design course Module 3

Learn the difference between fine art and design illustration.
Knowledge of the drawing & drafting tools needed in design.
A working knowledge of the essential forms needed in order to be a fluent designer.
An introduction to the vocabulary needed to create, evaluate, and refine good illustration.
An introduction to the vector drawing tools and how to use them.

Module 4: Introduction to Typography

Typography is a critical skill to the graphic designer. In Module 4, students will get an overview of what typography is and the integral role it plays in graphic design. They will learn the history and evolution of the alphabet and typographic design and will advance into basic theory and practice. Theory will include basic typographic anatomy and vocabulary.

Content of graphic design course Module 4

History: Students will be introduced to the evolution of the alphabet and letterform design.
Vocabulary: Students will learn type families, type anatomy and type principles.
Studies: Students will learn how to illustrate the basic type families and apply tools to them.
Software: Students will learn typographic tools available in vector-based programs.

Learning outcomes of graphic design course Module 4

A general knowledge of the evolution of the alphabet & letterforms.
A general knowledge of the history of typographic design.
An introduction to typographic vocabulary needed to communicate as a typographic designer.
Ability to classify the different classifications of typography.

Module 5: Color

In Module 5, students will learn the critical elements and principles of color that create meaningful design. Students will be introduced to the relative theory of color and will learn the vocabulary and tools needed to create and talk about color design.

Content of graphic design course Module 5

Vocabulary: Students will learn the vocabulary associated with color theory.
Studies: Students will display a working knowledge of the concepts in this Module by completing several computer based color studies using templates provided.
Software: Students will learn the color tools available in vector-based graphic design programs, Adobe Illustrator and open source Inkscape.

Learning outcomes of graphic design course Module 5

A general knowledge of different types of color perception.
An introduction to color vocabulary needed to communicate as a designer.
An introduction to the color theories needed to work with color.
Ability to manipulate color using basic color tools.

Module 6: Advanced Typography

In Module 6 students will advance their knowledge of typography by learning how to apply graphic design elements and principles to typographic design. All studies in this Module will be computer based.

Graphic Design Course: Advanced Typography

Content of graphic design course Module 6

Vocabulary: Students will learn advanced typographic theory and vocabulary.
Studies: Students will display a working knowledge of the concepts in this Module by completing several computer based typographic studies using templates provided.
Software: Students will learn advanced typographic tools available in vector-based graphic design programs, Adobe Illustrator and open source Inkscape.

Learning outcomes of graphic design course Module 6

An expanded knowledge of type anatomy, tools and vocabulary.
An introduction to the elements, principles and theories of basic design as that apply to typography.
The ability to create letterforms, lines of type and body copy, using a vector based drawing program.

Module 7: Photography

In Module 7 students will get an overview of photography. They will learn the basic tools they need to shoot photography as a graphic designer, will learn how graphic designer's work with professional photographers and will learn how to source online stock photography. They will be introduced to pixel-based graphic design programs of Adobe Photoshop or Open Source GIMP.

Content of graphic design course Module 7

Vocabulary: Students will learn the tools and vocabulary associated with printing and photography.
Studies: Students will display a working knowledge of the concepts in this Module by completing several computer based photographic studies using templates provided. They will also create their first ad design.
Software: Students will learn basic photo manipulation tools available in pixel-based programs.

Learning outcomes of graphic design course Module 7

An understanding of the basic tools for photography.
An understanding of vocabulary, resolution and file formats.
The ability to create an impacting photographic compositions.
The ability to crop and manipulate photographs to enhance meaning.
An introduction to layout and ad design.

Module 8: Logotype Design

In this Module 8, students will use the tools they have learned to create typographic systems. This is how dynamic logotypes are made. Students will be introduced to the creative process and will learn how to use it to create, analyze and manage concepts. They will also learn how to manipulate letterforms to create legible, well crafted, dynamic and meaningful wordmarks.

Content of graphic design course Module 8

Process: Students will learn the processes and tools associated needed to create meaningful design concepts.
Studies: Students will display a working knowledge of the concepts in this Module by completing several computer based typographic projects using templates provided.
Software: Students will use illustration and vector-based software to illustrate, design and refine projects.

Learning outcomes of graphic design course Module 8

An understanding of the creative process.
The ability to generate, analyze, edit and refine concepts.
The development of a dynamic unified mark.
The development of a typographic logotype.

Module 9: Design Systems

Module 9 is all about systems. Students will begin to show a command for design principles by creating a graphic interpretation of an organic thing. This project reinforces the creative process and the integral part that research plays in concept and design. Students will use illustration and vector-based software to develop their marks.

Content of graphic design course Module 9

Process: Students will follow the creative process to define their own goals for the projects in the Module.
Studies: Students will concept, develop and refine design systems based upon an animal of their choosing. They will further this knowledge by creating an iconic system.
Software: Students will use advanced vector-based graphic design software knowledge to illustrate, design & refine projects.

Learning outcomes of graphic design course Module 9

The ability to create, identify and refine advanced design systems.
The ability to evaluate design decisions to enhance communication and simplify graphic systems.
The development of a dynamic, unified organic animal.
The development of a unified series of icons.

Module 10: Layout Design

In this Module 10, students will learn the essential elements of composition and layout design. Students will create dynamic typographic compositions in multi-page layout program, Adobe InDesign or Open Source Scribus.

Content of graphic design course Module 10

Vocabulary: Students will reinforce vocabulary from earlier modules that applies to typographic layout.
Studies: Students will learn how to manipulate typographic principles to create dynamic layout design.
Software: Students will be introduced to multi-page layout programs of Adobe InDesign or Scribus.

Learning outcomes of graphic design course Module 10

Advanced understanding of proportion and its application in layout design.
The ability to create unified systems out of dissimilar elements.
The ability to manipulate typographic tools to create dynamic layout.
The development of a type and image project.
An introduction to multi-page layout planning, design and software.
The development of advanced typographic layout.
The development of a multi-page magazine layout.

Module 11: Design Systems II

In Module 11, students will begin to make their own decisions to create professional quality, self-guided work. Students will now have a good general knowledge of vector, pixel and multi-page layout programs. They should know the strengths and weaknesses of each graphic design program. They should also have the ability to brainstorm and create their own design and communication goals for their projects. This Module will allow students to analyze previous work and rework it into real-world projects for their first graphic design portfolio.

Content of graphic design course Module 11

Projects: Students will identify the type of work they would like to put into their portfolio. They analyze the work that they have currently completed and decide what type of projects they would like to complete. (i.e., they may decide to rework their animal icon into a package design or corporate identity system).
Software: Students will learn how to identify which programs are right for the right project by using both pixel-based, multi-page and/or vector-based graphic design programs for their projects.

Learning outcomes of graphic design course Module 11

The ability to define project goals.
The ability to create a design brief.
The ability to critique, analyze and develop professional quality design.
The development of three final projects, using previous design studies.

Module 12: Preparing for the Job

Module 12 will teach students the importance of marketing themselves and their work. Students will begin to refine their professional portfolio; learn how to create a professional resumé; basic professional practices and how to further their design education (self-taught, trade or traditional university).

Graphic Design Course: Preparing for the job

Content of graphic design course Module 12

Resources: Students will be introduced to various graphic design job resources.
Studies: Students will learn how to write and design a professional resumé. They will learn how to create a professional graphic design online portfolio.
Software: Students will use the appropriate software for the projects.

Learning outcomes of graphic design course Module 12

An introduction to career opportunities in graphic design.
The development of a personal letterhead system.
The ability to write a professional resumé.
The ability to create an impacting portfolio.