This 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. At the conclusion of this course, students will have a broad understanding of B&W photography and its relationship to contemporary art and will have created a thoughtful portfolio of photographs. Students will need a manual 35mm camera and should expect to spend $100-$150 in materials for this class. Prerequisite: none.

This is a survey course for freshman intending to pursue a major in Graphic Design + Interactive Media. Students are introduced to professional graphic design organizations such as American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA) and the design offices of practicing professionals. At the conclusion of this course, students successfully complete a broad range of 2 and 3-dimensional studio projects that demonstrate proficiencies with research methods, problem analysis, brainstorming strategies, team interactions, and graphic visualization techniques. Prerequisite: none

This formative course is an in-depth examination of the elements and principles of typography via hand-assembled and digital studio projects. Reader and audience demographics are also thoroughly covered. At the conclusion of this course, students demonstrate conceptual and technical proficiencies with letterform structures, legibility, readability, text manipulation, typographic space, and communication hierarchies. Prerequisites: FD 1115 Visual Design 1 and DM 1120 Electronic Page Layout

This 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

Graphic 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

Students 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

The 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

This 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

This advanced course addresses in-depth relationships between form and content in typographic communication. Elements and principles such as contrast, scale, space, rhythm and sound are fully examined. Students work as individuals and in teams with a wide range of hand-assembled and digital media. Contemporary typographers are studied and inform the studio projects. At the conclusion of this course, students understand both abstract and objective forms of typography. Prerequisite: GD 2440 Typographic Design

Students 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

All 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

This 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

An 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.

An 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

This course investigates seminal issues and ideas in graphic design. Topics include the changing role of the graphic designer in contemporary culture, conflicts between commercial practice and social responsibility, and practical issues as they relate to securing a professional position in the field. Visiting designers contribute to a thought provoking seminar environment. At the conclusion of this course, students have successfully completed a thesis project, writing portfolio, and marketing materials. Prerequisite: FD1990 Freshman Portfolio Review, GD 3000 Graphic Design + Interactive Media Sophomore/ Junior Portfolio Review, and must be a senior

The 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