Total credits required: 120
Graphic Design + Interactive Media students learn to evaluate, research and understand design problems by creating processes for design solutions that can be used throughout their careers.
The core courses in our Graphic Design program follow a specific sequence. Latter courses build upon the knowledge and skills acquired from previous courses. So, in addition to your other classes, the following need to be taken each term in the correct order:
- Digital Image Making
Visual Design 1 - Electronic Page Layout
Design Concepts/Methods - Vector Illustration
Raster Image Processing
Typographic Design - Sign + Symbol
- Visual Sequencing
- Design Systems
- Experience Design
Core Classes: 36 credits
- Name3CreditsDescriptionThis course is an introduction to black and white photography; from a working knowledge of the camera through film processing to printing in a darkroom using traditional light sensitive materials. Students will be introduced to the history of photography - its approaches and trends - resulting in a basic knowledge of photography and its relationship to contemporary art. They will begin to explore the relationship between this acquired knowledge in photography and the individual and then begin to apply this knowledge to a realized personal vision through critical thinking and seeing. Students will need a manual 35mm camera and should expect to spend between $150- $200 in materials for this class.
Prerequisite: none. - Name3CreditsDescriptionThis course is the introductory survey for freshmen intending to pursue a major in Graphic Design + Interactive media. This course presents the diverse environments and working methods of design practitioners. Students will have the opportunity to meet with the design faculty at RMCAD and also visit design studios in the Denver Metropolitan area. They will also meet with executive members of professional organizations such as the American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA), Art Directors Club of Denver (ADCD), and Society for Environmental Graphic Design (SEGD). The course addresses practical methods such as research, brainstorming, graphic visualization techniques, and team problem solving. Via on-site visits and studio projects, students will demonstrate an awareness of graphic design practice and procedures.
Prerequisite: none - Name3CreditsDescriptionStudents examine the elements and principles of typography in depth. Study areas include typeface classifications and sizes, letter spacing, line spacing, column structures, and grid systems. Type forms are manipulated using traditional materials. Students then proceed to computer-generated projects.
Prerequisites: FD 1115 Visual Design 1 and DM 1120 Electronic Page Layout - Name3CreditsDescriptionThis seminar and research course covers developments in visual communications from the prehistoric period to the present. The course begins with the origins of the spoken and written word, symbols and signs, and the development of printing and typography. Topics include the Bauhaus and the origins of design education, the impact of world wars on visual communication, and changing technologies including computers and multimedia design. Key 20th century designers and typographers are studied in depth. The course consists of slide and video presentations, seminars, and research and studio projects.
Prerequisite: WO 1060 Philosophy of Art + Design - Name3CreditsDescriptionGraphic design principles, elements, and methodology are addressed in this introductory course. Major topics include anatomy of visual form, simplification, typography, sequence, composition, and basic graphic communication theory. Projects are designed to build sound conceptual thinking and practical expertise by making use of brainstorming, sketching, visual diagramming, and computer generated imagery. Projects are directed towards the understanding of signs, symbols, pictograms, logos, and logotypes. At the conclusion of this course, students working as individuals and in teams demonstrate a basic understanding of graphic design principles and methodology.
Prerequisites: DM 2110 Vector Illustration, DM 2120 Raster Image Processing, GD1020 Design Concepts/Methods, and GD 2440 Typographic Design - Name0CreditsDescriptionStudents who have completed over 60 credit hours are required to participate in the Mid-Career Portfolio Review before reaching 90 credits. This review is designed to identify students' strengths and weaknesses so that they may address both in their upcoming major course work.
Prerequisite: FD1990 Freshman Portfolio Review - Name3CreditsDescriptionThe significance of design research, analysis, and demographics are addressed in this advanced course. Using concepts and principles from the previous course, students research and explore more complex multi-page visual communication problems. Principles and elements include: conceptual development, grid systems, sequencing, typographic hierarchy, and text/image integration. Working in teams and as individuals, students are introduced to written, verbal, and visual presentation techniques in order to articulate why specific solutions have been employed to solve graphic design problems. At the conclusion of this course students demonstrate the ability to conceptualize, design, and execute more complex communication projects.
Prerequisite: GD 2520 Sign + Symbol - Name3CreditsDescriptionThis intensive course focuses on the principles and elements of brand marks and identity systems. Students work as individuals and in teams to engage in long-term projects that address the significance of brand design, applications, and identity management. Company mission, goals, and objectives are researched, investigated, and presented in detail. Content hierarchy, complex grid systems, typographic hierarchy, text/ image integration, and color identification are explored in depth. Students also examine 20th century and contemporary branding systems. At the conclusion of this course via long-term projects, students demonstrate the conceptual and technical ability to establish, define, and design a graphic standards system.
Prerequisite: GD 3020 Visual Sequencing - Name3CreditsDescriptionThe relationships between form and content in typographic design are addressed in this advanced course. The work of 20th century typographers such as Jan Tschichold, Piet Zwart, Herbert Bayer, Zusana Licko, and Rudy Vanerlans are studied. Elements such as scale, value, texture, space, and form are covered via two- and three-dimensional studio projects. Students use traditional and experimental processes.
Prerequisite: GD 2440 Typographic Design - Name3CreditsDescriptionStudents utilize both traditional and digital media as an introduction to the skills necessary for designing packaging graphics and preparing accurate mock-ups as practiced within the graphic design industry. Content includes basic concept rendering, developing die-cut patterns, model-making and mock-up techniques, and both visual and verbal presentation skills. The course includes visits to package design and fabrication facilities in the Denver area.
Prerequisites: FD 2120 Visual Design 2, DM 2110 Vector Illustration and DM 1120 Electronic Page Layout - Name0CreditsDescriptionAll Seniors who are ready to graduate are required to participate in a departmental Senior portfolio review, which is always on the last day of the term preceding the final term of study. This pre-graduation portfolio review is an initial step in preparing students for both their graduation exhibition and their movement from the academic environment into the professional world. Prerequisite: GD 3000 Graphic Design + Interactive Media Sophomore/ Junior Portfolio Review
- Name3CreditsDescriptionThis integrated course fully explores the significance and impact of experience design. Moving beyond traditional graphic design concepts, this course strives to create experiences beyond products and services. Students work as individuals and in teams on multi-faceted projects that address: way-finding, environmental graphic design, information architecture, and fabrication connections and resources. Students address issues such as: product or service life cycles, user interfaces, and the creation of environments that connect on an emotional or value level to customers. As in previous courses, students sharpen analytical, verbal, written, and visual presentation techniques. At the conclusion of this course, students demonstrate a sound knowledge of research and user centered design via studio projects and client/ user presentations.
Prerequisite: GD 3040 Design Systems - Name3CreditsDescriptionAn alternative to the Internship Honors Course, Topics 4501 offers seniors the opportunity to enhance their conceptual thinking, research methodologies, communication skills, and technical expertise. At the conclusion of this course, students will have successfully researched, organized, and produced a comprehensive graphic design project for later inclusion in their senior graphic design portfolio. In order to qualify, students submit a portfolio of previous work and provide a preliminary plan of study to the department chair and advisor for approvals. Students must plan carefully one semester in advance in order to qualify for this course. All reviews and paperwork must be completed by the end of the registration period that precedes the term in which the class will occur.
Prerequisite: GD 3040 Design Systems. Written approval by the instructor, Departmental Chair, and the Vice President for Academic Affairs. - Name3CreditsDescriptionAn honors program that enables qualified Seniors to work within established graphic design studios, advertising agencies, and new media facilities. Seniors must have a cumulative 3.0 grade point average and have completed all required forms and documentation. Upon acceptance, the College guides a candidate into the best possible student/ professional connection. The planned program of activities is controlled by RMCAD, not by the officials of a job establishment. Class attendance is on a weekly basis and is regularly scheduled to provide for interaction between Internship sponsor, instructor, and student. Appropriate assignments are required for completion of the course. Students who do not meet the above criteria are required to take GD 4501 Topics in Graphic Design.
Prerequisite: Must be a senior with approval of the Graphic Design Departmental Chair - Name3CreditsDescriptionSeminal issues and ideas in graphic design are investigated in this advanced course. Topics include the role of the designer in contemporary culture, Modernist and Postmodernist design, new technology, and professional practice. Students produce written and visual projects that are tied directly into the Graphic Design Graduation Portfolio course. Visiting critics and designers contribute to a thought-provoking seminar environment.
Prerequisite: FD1990 Freshman Portfolio Review, GD 3000 Graphic Design + Interactive Media Sophomore/ Junior Portfolio Review, and must be a senior - Name3CreditsDescriptionThe designer's portfolio of work is the employer's primary tool for assessing the skills and talents of a prospective employee. The portfolio is the art student's most important asset in successfully gaining employment upon graduation. Portfolio class explores these issues as well as what constitutes a professional-looking portfolio, who should see it, and how to arrange appointments. Instructors assist the students in selecting artwork for refinement and inclusion in the portfolio and in assembling the portfolio for maximum effect.
Prerequisite: GD 4000 Graphic Design + Interactive Media Senior Portfolio Review
Digital Media: 18 credits
- Name3CreditsDescriptionStudents learn how to electronically assemble graphic images and typography using desktop computer systems. Students use the computers to create layout and finished page design.
Prerequisite: FD 1010 Digital Image Making - Name3CreditsDescriptionContinued growth in the creation and utilization of computer-generated imagery for the fields of illustration, advertising, and graphic design is a necessity today. This course is designed for students interested in exploring the potential of computer illustration as it applies to the profession. The course covers 2-D computer paint and text systems.
Prerequisite: FD 1010 Digital Image Making - Name3CreditsDescriptionAdobe Photoshop is an industry-based image-manipulation processing program. The designer, illustrator, or fine artist can use the program as a paint, prepress, color correction, and darkroom system. Numerous image effects are possible after black and white or color images have been scanned and/ or electronically created.
Prerequisite: FD 1010 Digital Image Making - Name3CreditsDescriptionThis course serves as a foundation to establish best practices for a user-centered approach for digital media. This course is a prerequisite to the entire major and emphasizes best practices and considerations. Students convey a variety of pre-visualization methods for the on-screen environment that include user interface and visual sequencing for film/ video/ animation.
Prerequisites: DM 2110 Vector Illustration, and DM 2120 Raster Image Processing - Name3CreditsDescriptionContinuing the interaction design approach as it relates specifically to the online medium. This course is an introduction to online design and development. Students site architect, concept, code and test web sites for optimal browser display.
Prerequisite: DM 3105 User Prototyping - Name3CreditsDescriptionContinuing the motion design approach as it relates specifically to the digital video medium. This course is an introduction to real-time non-linear editing for video and sound. Students design the pre-production, production and post-production methods for understanding digital storytelling methods.
Prerequisite: DM 3105 User Prototyping
Studio Electives: 12 credits
- Name3CreditsDescriptionStudents learn how artwork and concepts are prepared for the printing process using traditional and electronic techniques and technology. Instruction includes the preparation of black and white as well as full color art for reproduction. Projects include an ad, a self-promotional postcard, and a catalog spread. Color correction, scanning, color separation, masking, OPI, press imposition, printing processes, and bindery are taught.
Prerequisites: DM 1120 Electronic Page Layout, DM 2110 Vector Illustration, and DM 2120 Raster Image Processing - Name3CreditsDescriptionFurther enhancing the skills acquired in Digital Editing for broadcast animation. This course is an advanced process in designing and developing 2-D motion graphic titles. Students script, animate, produce and composite sequences for television and film.
Prerequisite: DM 3130 Digital Editing - Name3CreditsDescriptionFurther enhancing the skills acquired in Web Design for rich media. This course is an advanced process in creating dynamic interactive web sites. Students architect, design, animate and code an interface with a motion intro for the online medium.
Prerequisite: DM 3115 Web Design - Name3CreditsDescriptionConverging multiple skill sets from the interaction and motion design classes into one integrated project approach. This course is the finalization of the Digital Media series. Students design and develop a variety of projects that are versatile across various on-screen environments.
Prerequisites: DM 4310 Motion Design and DM 4320 Interaction Design
Foundation Studies: 15 credits
- Name3CreditsDescriptionThis course introduces students to the use of the computer as an image-making tool used across all art/design disciplines. Students become familiar with problem solving technical, visual, compositional, and color issues on the computer.
Prerequisite: none - Name3CreditsDescriptionThis course investigates the language, theories, and practices of color and two-dimensional design in the visual arts. This course familiarizes students with the basic relationships between color and compositional practices such as space, unity, emphasis, balance, rhythm, and proportion.
Prerequisite: none - Name3CreditsDescriptionThis course introduces students to ideas, techniques, and methods of structural based drawing. Students become familiar with one, two, and three point perspective to analyze three-dimensional objects on a two-dimensional surface. Students will draw from life and imagination to understand issues of structure, lighting, color, and conceptual ideas as they apply to drawing.
Prerequisite: none - Name0CreditsDescriptionThis is a non-credit portfolio review taken by all Freshmen at the end of their second semester of study. Attendance at the Freshman portfolio review is mandatory as this is a graduation requirement.
Prerequisite: two semesters of Foundation study - Name3CreditsDescriptionThis course explores theories and practices of three-dimensional design. Students use a variety of materials, processes, and techniques to explore fundamental issues such as volume mass, gravity, tension, compression, light, color, and structure.
Prerequisite: FD 1115 Visual Design 1
History of Art + Design: 12 credits
- Name3CreditsDescriptionIn the first of four required courses in the history of art and design, students explore the major artists, movements and artistic themes of the Western tradition, beginning with Prehistoric art and concluding with the Gothic in the late thirteenth century. Lectures and readings examine ways in which artists conceive of religion, society, politics and the role of men and women within their historical and stylistic context. In addition, the course considers various media and materials, such as painting, sculpture, and architecture, and the fundamentals of design and composition. At the conclusion of this course, students will recognize a broad range of artists, works, and styles from ancient to medieval art. Further, students will learn to conduct research within the discipline of art history, and write knowledgably on topics from ancient to medieval art.
Prerequisite: none - Name3CreditsDescriptionIn the second of four required courses in the history of art and design, students explore the major artists, movements and artistic themes of the Western tradition, beginning with the Renaissance and concluding with contemporary art of the twenty-first century. Lectures and readings examine ways in which artists conceive of religion, society, politics and the role of men and women within their historical and stylistic context. In addition, the course considers various media and materials, such as painting, sculpture, and architecture, and the fundamentals of design and composition. At the conclusion of this course, students will recognize a broad range of artists, works, and styles from Renaissance to contemporary art. Further, students will learn to conduct research within the discipline of art history, and write knowledgably on topics from Renaissance to contemporary art.
Prerequisite: AH 1010 Art + Design History 1: Ancient to Medieval - Name3CreditsDescriptionIn the third of four courses focusing on the history of art and design, students study the painting, sculpture, craft, architecture and design of Africa, India, Southeast Asia, China, the Pacific, and the Americas. Students encounter appropriate works from the prehistoric period to the present, exploring the cultural, religious, political and historical circumstances of their creation. Nonwestern art and design are studied both in their own national and cultural contexts and from the perspective of the European cultures.
Prerequisite: AH 1020 Art + Design 2: Renaissance to Contemporary - Name3CreditsDescriptionIn the last of four required courses, students concentrate on one topic in the history of modern and contemporary art and design. Advanced studies are designed to allow students to focus intensively on themes, issues, and theoretical frameworks that define twentieth and twenty-first century art and design. Lectures, readings and assignments emphasize research, writing, and oral presentations. Topics vary from one semester to another. Sample topics include: Modern Latin American Art, Abstract Expressionism, The History of Photography, Modern German Art. At the conclusion of this course, students possess a deeper understanding of art historical movements, methods, and theories. Further, students refine and deepen their research and writing skills, researching and writing knowledgably on topics from the course.
Prerequisite: AH 2010 History of Art + Design in the Nonwestern World
Communication and Critical Thought: 6 credits
- Name3CreditsDescriptionThis is the first course in the Liberal Studies sequence and serves as an introduction to college-level reading, writing, discussion and presentation. Relying upon significant works from our intellectual tradition as stimuli, students will increase their writing skills using a number of different genres and further develop oral communication skills commensurate with those required at the college level.
Prerequisite: none - Name3CreditsDescriptionIn this second and final course in freshman reading and writing, students explore major paradigms of aesthetic theory. Building upon the work of WO 1020, WO 1060 challenges students to greater complexity of thought and greater competency in verbal and written argumentation. Together, WO 1020 and WO 1060 provide the foundations for the rest of the Liberal Studies curriculum. Thus students will develop information literacy and research abilities, will critically examine the understanding of their own aesthetic, and will foster appropriate levels of communication necessary to proceed in their college careers.
Prerequisite: WO 1020 Written + Oral Communication
Humanities + Contemporary Thought: 9 credits
Seminar 1, Seminar 2 and one other course.- Name3CreditsDescriptionThis is the first of three courses in which students examine important intellectual and social currents of the past in order to develop a broad context and perspective from within which to evaluate their culture, their own work as artists, and their lives as human beings. Students read primary source materials from a wide range of disciplines, including philosophy, social and political history, drama, poetry, fiction, music, sciences and religion. The goal of this course is not to provide full historical "coverage," but to give students a basic intellectual vocabulary with which to engage in honest self-examination and thoughtful, reflective discourse.
Prerequisite: WO 1060 Philosophy of Art + Design - Name3CreditsDescriptionThis is the second in a series of three courses in which students examine important intellectual and social currents of the past in order to develop a broad context and perspective from within which to evaluate their culture, their own work as artists, and their lives as human beings. Students read primary source materials from a wide range of disciplines, including philosophy, social and political history, drama, poetry, fiction, music, sciences and religion. The goal of this course is not to provide full historical "coverage," but to help students develop increasingly sophisticated intellectual vocabulary with which to engage in honest self-examination and thoughtful, reflective discourse.
Prerequisite: HU 2010 Humanities Seminar 1 - Name3CreditsDescriptionStudents examine important intellectual and social currents of the past in order to develop a broad context and perspective from within which to evaluate their culture, their own work as artists, and their lives as human beings. In this final course, students focus on contemporary intellectual debates within aesthetic and social theory. This seminar focuses on the body in a variety of forms and across disciplinary and institutional contexts.
Prerequisite: HU 2050 Humanities Seminar 2 - Name3CreditsDescriptionStudents examine important intellectual and social currents of the past in order to develop a broad context and perspectives from within which to evaluate their culture, their own work as artists, and their lives as human beings. In this final course, students focus on contemporary intellectual debates within aesthetic and social theory. This seminar focuses on theatre through a multi-disciplinary study, incorporating both theoretical perspectives and practical experiences.
Prerequisite: HU 2050 Humanities Seminar 2 - Name3CreditsDescriptionStudents focus on contemporary intellectual debates within aesthetic and social theory. "Identity and Power" examines the role of society and culture in the construction of gender and ethnic differences in the American historical and contemporary contexts. As a result of work in this course, students will: know the history of the feminist movement and the civil rights movement in the United States from the 1800's to the present; understand the impact of these movements on politics and self-identity; critically examine the role of society and culture in the construction of gender and ethnic differences; understand and use social theory to explore social inequalities.
Prerequisite: HU 2050 Humanities Seminar 2 - Name3CreditsDescriptionThis is the third in the series of three courses in which students examine important intellectual and social currents of the past in order to develop a broad context and perspective from within which to evaluate their culture, their own work as artists, and their lives as human beings. This seminar focuses on the activity of consumption in a variety of forms, emphasizing the various relations of human beings to the goods they produce, desire, exchange, and use. In this final course of the Humanities series, students focus on contemporary intellectual debates within aesthetic and social theory. Thus students develop a broad familiarity with the nineteenth century rise and twentieth century development of economic trends and their impact on philosophical, historical and social relations. Further, students gain a greater awareness of the complexities of economic structures and systems that permeate every aspect of contemporary culture.
Prerequisite: HU 2050 Humanities Seminar 2
Mathematics: 3 credits
Choose one of the following:
- Name3CreditsDescriptionFor students who need a fresh start, this course will cover the basic mathematical concepts and skills that are relevant to anyone. This course starts with elementary mathematical operations, followed by the basic concepts of functional analysis, graphs, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, probability and statistics. Concepts will be introduced with examples that emphasize problem solving using visualization of the problem. Applications will address the many manifestations of mathematical laws in nature. Intended for those with little mathematical background. At the conclusion of the course, students will be able to solve simple mathematical equations, use and understand graphical methods, understand the mathematics of patterns found in nature and art, and appreciate the relevance of mathematics to everyday life: general scientific issues, polls, finance and business.
Prerequisite: none - Name3CreditsDescriptionThis course introduces students to aspects of mathematics that are particularly relevant to art and design. A basic knowledge of mathematics is required (first year of high school level). Topics include: numeric and geometric patterns in art and nature (Fibonacci series, tilling), symmetry, perspective, polyhedra, equations and graphs of trajectories, computer graphics, and fractals. At the conclusion of this course, students will be able to apply mathematical equations to solve problems related to the topics listed above.
Prerequisite: none - Name3CreditsDescriptionStudents are exposed to the principles and practices of financial management in the contemporary world. Topics include basic financial concepts and tools, business plans, financial statement analysis, and working capital management investment strategies. Students set an earning goal and design a business plan and investment strategy to reach that goal.
Prerequisite: none
Physical + Natural Science: 3 credits
Choose any one of the following:
- Name3CreditsDescriptionThis course provides a non-mathematical introduction to physical and natural science. Art is shown to be an important thread throughout the history of science, the major scientific revolutions and the major concepts of physical and natural science. Artworks shown in class are used as a starting point for class discussions; as well, the course includes visits to art and natural history museums. The philosophical significance of the concepts of science is studied; for example, the impact of Newtonian science and rationalism on modern society is analyzed, and relativity and quantum theory are compared with earlier concepts.
Prerequisite: WO 1060 Philosophy of Art + Design - Name3CreditsDescriptionThis course introduces students to the major processes responsible for the physical appearance of our planet and for the changes in our environment. Through the study of minerals and rocks, and through field trips to explore the striking geology of Colorado, students study plate tectonics, volcanism, oceanography and ecological issues. Students explore the connections between art and design and earth science.
Prerequisite: WO 1060 Philosophy of Art + Design - Name3CreditsDescriptionStudents explore the basic aspects of life on Earth, including its requirements and patterns; its basic units; the organization of the living world; and the interdependence of living organisms. The concepts of flow of matter and energy; heredity and natural selection; population dynamics; and community interactions are also examined. Field trips and case studies are used to evaluate the living world. After completion of this course, students will be able to understand how biology explains the living world, and to address the questions of evolution and ethics that face the world today.
Prerequisite: WO 1060 Philosophy of Art + Design
Social + Behavioral Sciences: 6 credits
Choose two of the following:
- Name3CreditsDescriptionAnthropology is the study of human beings throughout time and across space. In this course, students explore human evolution, our place in the animal kingdom, our knowledge of others, and our knowledge of ourselves through a focus on specific peoples and cultures. Students also critically evaluate our perceived understanding of other cultures and the role of that understanding in our own culture. Outcomes: Students will learn about a variety of cultures; grasp and use the principles governing the discipline of anthropology, including its methods of research and writing.
Prerequisite: WO 1060 Philosophy of Art + Design - Name3CreditsDescriptionStudents investigate the multitude of environmental elements that contribute to the development of the personality or the "self." Humans are born into a preexisting world of social demands and expectations, and so each person's entry into and journey through that world shapes the personality in many ways; the individual journey takes place in the midst of social forces over which one has little or no control. This course provides an understanding of the balance between the internal workings of individuals and the external forces surrounding them.
Prerequisite: WO 1060 Philosophy of Art + Design - Name3CreditsDescriptionStudents explore the nature and function of belief structures or "world views." The dynamic, living relationship between a religious organization or world view and its immediate cultural environment provides a "living laboratory" for the study of beliefs and believers. Students will gain initial exposure to Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. The course focuses on the understanding of basic tenets of, as well as the similarities and differences between, belief systems and on developing tolerance for others' views.
Prerequisite: WO 1060 Philosophy of Art + Design