MU Undergraduate Catalog » Course Descriptions »

GD 101 Software Lab I: Photoshop
A hands-on introduction for new users to the main features and capabilities of Photoshop. (1)

GD 102 Software Lab II: Illustrator
A hands-on introduction for new users to the main features and capabilities of Illustrator. (1)

GD 103 Software Lab III: Flash
A hands-on introduction for new users to the main features and capabilities of Flash. (1)

GD 104 Software Lab IV: Dreamweaver
A hands-on introduction for new users to the main features and capabilities of Dreamweaver. (1)

GD 200 Desktop Publishing
An introduction to the fundamentals of desktop publishing using QuarkXPress, Photoshop, and vector graphics software. Students integrate type and images to produce common business publications for print or use on the Internet. (Also listed as COM 200.) (3)

GD 202 Illustration I
An exploration of various illustrative techniques and technology for graphic application. Emphasis is on illustrative style and an introduction to digital illustration. Prerequisites: FA 105 or FA 309, GD 101, and GD 102 or prior experience with course software. (3)

GD 203 Photography: Digital Imaging
An exploration of various photographic techniques and technology for graphic communications. Emphasis is on photographic style and an introduction to digital photography. Prerequisite: GD 101 or prior experience with Photoshop software. (Also listed as COM 203.) (3)

GD 205 Video Production I
An exploration of various video techniques, digital technology, and equipment for graphic communications. Students experience hands-on preproduction, production, and postproduction techniques. Students plan and produce digital video presentations. (Also listed as COM 205.) (3)

GD 255 Typography
An introduction to the dynamics of digital typography for use in visual communication and design. Emphasis is on the historical evolution, typographic rules, letterform, and the application of type. Prerequisites: GD 102 and GD 200, or permission of instructor. (3)

GD 302 Illustration II
A continuation of GD 202, this is an exploration of developing design relationships between text and illustration and intermediate computer techniques for graphic applications. Prerequisite: GD 202. (3)

GD 304 Video Production II
An overview of the history, theory, and equipment of television studio production. Students will learn all phases of studio production through readings and hands-on experience. Students will plan and execute their own studio production. All productions will be taped for portfolio uses. Prerequisite: GD 205 or COM 205, or permission of instructor. (Also listed as COM 304.) (3)

GD 305 Graphic Design Studio I
An intermediate study of typography, layout, and color using computer techniques and output. Emphasis is on design relationship of type, images, and format. Prerequisites: GD 101, GD 102, and GD 255. (3)

GD 308 Web Design
An introduction to the fundamentals of Web design and technology for graphic communication. Students integrate type and images to produce Web sites for use on the Internet. Prerequisite: GD 101 and GD 104, or prior experience with course software. (Also listed as COM 308.) (3)

GD 360 Graphic Design Studio II
The application of effective visual communication methods to real-world problem solving. Emphasis on concept development, design strategy, and printing processes. Prerequisites: GD 202, GD 203, and GD 305. (3)

GD 400 Internship
Senior students register for field experience in the Washington metropolitan area. The internship is monitored by a supervising faculty member and a representative from the internship site. Prerequisites: senior standing and permission of the dean of Arts and Sciences. (6)

GD 401 Graphic Design Studio III
An individual exploration of advanced visual communication problems with emphasis on personal style and professional presentation. Students develop the advanced skills required to incorporate a central creative theme into integrated promotional and marketing communications campaigns, and specialized design practices. Students will discuss and explore current critical issues, industry trends, techniques and technologies. Students demonstrate these skills by designing numerous portfolio-quality pieces for print and the Internet. Prerequisites: GD 360 and senior status. (3)

GD 404 Interactive Media
An introduction to the fundamentals of interactive design and technology. Students will develop dynamic, interactive multimedia presentations. Emphasis is placed on management skills; presentation organization and structure; the appropriate use of design principles; and the effective use of typography, photographs, illustration, sound, video, and animation. Prerequisites: GD 103, and GD/COM 203 or GD/COM 308 or equivalent experience. (Also listed as COM 404.) (3)

GD 405 Portfolio
The fundamentals of preparing an entry-level portfolio for the field of graphic design and/or application to graduate school. Students will prepare and present print, Web, and CD portfolios and supporting promotional materials. Prerequisites: GD 360 and senior status. Recommended: GD 401 and GD 404. (3)

GD 421 Project
An investigation of a selected topic in the major under the direction of a faculty advisor. This project is intended to demonstrate an ability to conduct independent research and present the results as a graphic communication project. Prerequisite: permission of department chair and the dean of Arts and Sciences. (1-6)

GD 433 Research
A student in this course will conduct collaborative research (scholarly work leading to new knowledge) under the direction of a faculty member. Prerequisite: application and approval of department chair. (1-6)