These requirements are from an excerpt from the University Academic Catalog, which outlines the requirements for a student to earn the distinction of being a Castleton University graduate. The complete catalog is available online.
The Graphic Design major prepares students for careers in a wide variety of fields and locations including advertising, health care, product packaging, public relations, broadcasting, education, marketing, and government services. A joint effort of Castleton's Art and Media & Communication Departments, the Graphic Design major offers a blend of theoretical and practical courses providing a combination of perspectives on design principles and use.
Students graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design will be able to demonstrate:
Code | Course | Credits |
---|---|---|
ARH 1010 |
Introduction to the History of ArtIntroduction to principles of aesthetics in art through a chronological study of painting, sculpture, and architecture; prehistoric to the present. This course counts towards the Aesthetic Understanding or World Views Frames of Reference. Every semester |
3 |
ART 1011 |
Drawing IAn investigation of drawing media and techniques with emphasis on rendering from empirical observation. Proportion, anatomy, volume structure and perspective may be investigated. Experience in drawing the human figure and still life. This course counts towards the Aesthetic Understanding Frame of Reference. Fee A studio fee may be required. Every semester |
3 |
ART 1020 |
Introduction to Studio ArtsA studio course designed to introduce the concepts, motivations and theory of making art. Experimentation with various media in the studio environment. Consideration of conceptual and linguistic processes that affect perception. This course counts towards the Aesthetic Understanding Frame of Reference. Fee A studio fee may be required. Every semester |
3 |
ART 1410 |
Digital Photography IOR COM 1410 - Digital Photography I 3 cr The student will explore the mechanical and electronic aspects of digital photography, as well as developing some of the basic tools of image manipulation. Instruction will include the aesthetics of digital images. Prerequisite: Digital camera is required. Fee A studio fee may be required. Every semester |
3 |
COM 1040 |
Media WritingThis course introduces students to the basics of writing for 21st century media, exploring both forms that have their origins in print, and emergent forms native to the digital landscape. Students will practice writing for news and entertainment outlets, film and video, podcasting and radio, advertising, public relations and social media. Prerequisite: ENG 1061 Every Semester |
3 |
COM 1211 |
Introduction to Video and FilmmakingThis is a project-oriented course in which students develop their abilities to communicate in a wide range of video applications. It offers hands-on instruction, practice and guidance in writing, producing, directing, camerawork, audio recording, single and multi-camera production, and editing. Depending on their interests, students produce, direct and/or appear on camera in a number of in-and out-of class productions. Restrictions This course counts towards the Aesthetic Understanding Frame of Reference. Fee Studio fee $20. Every Semester |
3 |
COM 1220 |
Introduction to Media and CommunicationThis course introduces students to the study of communication processes and media literacy practices. Students will explore print media, audio-visual media and mobile platforms. They will also examine historical and technological developments, and subsequent cultural, political and economic implications of these platforms. This course fulfills the Social and Behavioral Understanding Frame of Reference. Every Semester |
3 |
COM 2220 |
Web Content and Site DevelopmentThis course will provide an overview of website design & development. Students will learn the basics of HTML and CSS, principles of graphic design for the web, content strategy, search engine optimizations and web analytics. This course will culminate with the creation of a hosted website using the organizational, design, and coding skills learned through the course. Fee Fee $15 Spring |
3 |
ART 2040 |
Typographic DesignThis class will focus on type and the basic letterform in relation to design. Students will study: letterforms, structure, type families and characteristics, terms and classifications, as well as the evolution of type. Projects will allow students to explore the conceptual thought process needed for expressive typography. Prerequisite: ART 2221/COM 2221. Fee A studio fee may be required. Periodically |
3 |
ART 2221 |
Graphic Design I: Intro to Graphic DesignOR COM 2221 - Graphic Design I: Intro to Graphic Design 3 cr This course will introduce students to the basic principles, language, tools and practice of graphic design and teach them how to apply concepts through visual problem solving and communication. Students will also learn the process of design: research, ideation, iteration, implementation via industry-standard graphics software, and critique. Fee Fee $50 Every semester |
3 |
ART 2222 |
Graphic Design: Publication DesignOR COM 2222 - Graphic Design: Publication Design 3 cr Students continue to explore and apply graphic design, typographic principles, and type/image integration with emphasis on print and online publication, including newspaper, magazine and advertising layout and design. The course continues the consideration of design in a historical perspective. Prerequisite: ART 2221/COM 2221 or consent of instructor. Fee Fee $50 Spring |
3 |
ART 3221 |
Graphic Design: Visual BrandingThis course teaches the development of visual branding, a system for communicating an organization's unique story. Students will pursue both project based and holistic approaches to visual research and information gathering, concept generation, design, and implementation. Students will gain an understanding of the history of logos, iconography, wordmarks, typography, and vision books. Prerequisite: ART 2221 Fee Fee $50 Periodically |
3 |
ART 4222 |
Graphic Design: Internet Applications-Screen & Responsive DesignStudents will explore the Web and mobile apps as communication media with emphasis on visual design, effective communication and user interaction, using both design and functionality tools. They will also consider the historical development of graphics and interface tools in electronic devices and networks. Prerequisite: ART 2221 Fee Fee $50 Periodically |
3 |
Code | Course | Credits |
---|---|---|
ARH 3070 |
Art Since 1945History of European and American painting and sculpture from 1945 to the present. This course counts towards the Aesthetic Understanding or World Views Frames of Reference. Periodically |
3 |
ART 2315 |
Digital Photography IIOR COM 2315 - Digital Photography II 3 cr Further exploration of aesthetics, composition, design and image modification using digital photography techniques. Students will study advanced techniques for both camera work and software applications designed for digital manipulation. Access to a digital camera is essential. Prerequisite: ART 1410 Fee A studio fee may be required. Periodically |
3 |
ART 3130 |
Motion Graphics and AnimationOR COM 3133 - Motion Graphics and Animation 3 cr This course will introduce the study and application of the basic technical and aesthetic components of motion design. Using industry standard time-based media software, students learn animation principles ans skills as applied to a variety of media on computer and video screens. Topics include character animation, animation layering, motion logo development, and motion typography. Prerequisite: ART 2221 or COM 2221 Fee Fee $50 Periodically |
3 |
ART 3810 |
Internship in ArtOR COM 3810 - Internship in Communication 3 cr OR COM 4810 - Internship in Communication 3 cr The student assumes a position of responsibility in a professional context (graphic design agency, art museum or other related organization). The internship is designed to meet the needs of students and to connect work experience to academic coursework. It is directed by an on-site supervisor and a faculty member. Signed contract required at the time of registration. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. |
1-12 |
COM 2150 |
Public RelationsThis course presents a functionalist examination of past and present public relations practices and associated controversies. Students will be required to analyze and produce public relations programs using a variety of media skills. This course will frequently include a service-learning component. Recommended for students with sophomore or junior standing. Prerequisite: ENG 1061. Every semester |
3 |
COM 3120 |
MultimediaThrough theory and practice, students will learn to use a variety of media to provide instruction in a number of content areas. Media will range from video through world wide web delivery of multi-media. Students will produce instructional materials for use by the university and community from needs assessment and educational objectives through project planning and production to distribution and evaluation. Prerequisite: COM 1211 and COM 2220 or consent of instructor. Spring, odd years |
3 |
PHI 3060 |
AestheticsAesthetics, or Philosophy of Art, is an examination of problems and theories of the nature of art and aesthetic value. Problems concern the definition of art, the nature of beauty and aesthetic value, the nature of aesthetic judgments, the relationship between art and morality, and the nature of artistic creativity. This course counts towards the Aesthetic Understanding Frame of Reference. Prerequisite: Previous course in Philosophy or consent of the instructor. Periodically |
3 |
Code | Course | Credits |
---|---|---|
ART 4850 |
Portfolio Preparation and Evaluation-OR- Senior Portfolio is a capstone course for Graphic Design students, created to help their transition into the professional world. Students are expected to create a professional quality portfolio, with a body of work that exemplifies competence in technical skills and production. Prerequisite: Complete graphic design program. Fee A studio fee may be required. |
3 |
COM 4510 |
Communication PortfolioIn this course students develop and organize materials to support their career development efforts. Drawing from papers, stories, scripts, graphics, videos, audio files, etc. produced during their time as undergraduates, students produce online and hard copy portfolios and "reels." Students reflect on their overall growth and development within their fields of study, and thoughtfully address the works selected for their portfolios. Restrictions Restrictions: Senior Standing Fall |
3 |
Code | Course | Credits |
---|---|---|
ART 1230 |
Introduction to Adobe Creative ToolsOR COM 1230 - Introduction to Adobe Creative Tools 3 cr This course introduces students to Adobe Creative Cloud software used in art, media, and communication: Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, and Premiere. Students will learn to manipulate images, design graphics and illustrations, and edit video. Students will be required to subscribe to Adobe Creative Cloud for the duration of the course. Restrictions This course fulfills the general education Computing requirement. Fee Lab fee $15 Every semester |
3 |
BUS 2230 |
Principles of MarketingThis course introduces the role of marketing as it relates to manufacturing, wholesale, retail, and service businesses. Topics include product development, pricing decisions, promotional consideration, and distribution options of both goods and services. Students will also examine the emerging role of electronic marketing, and its impact on today’s businesses. Prerequisite: BUS 1270. Every semester |
3 |
BUS 3272 |
Social Media MarketingFacebook®, Twitter, LinkedIn®, and YouTube™ have changed the way consumers communicate today and businesses must be a part of this social discussion or risk losing significant marketing opportunities. This course lays the conceptual foundation and practical approach to developing successful social media marketing plans while achieving desired marketing goals. The most productive marketing tactics for each type of major social media platform are examined in depth. A significant portion of the course will be devoted to hands-on development and discovery of social media tools. Students must be willing to work as a social team collaborating on the cloud, writing a blog, creating a LinkedIn persona, tweeting, developing YouTube videos, and sharing information on the Internet. Prerequisite: BUS 2230 or COM 2150 Spring |
3 |
CIS 3015 |
Web Programming with PHPThis course will focus on developing web programming skills with PHP scripting as a tool for web page creation. Students will create dynamic web pages with PHP and MySQL (database management system) to form a cohesive web site. Students will also address design considerations with creating or using HTML templates. Experience with HTML and database programming desirable but not required. Fee Fee $20 Periodically |
3 |
CIS 3150 |
Web Design IThis first course in web design covers the principles of web page design, navigation, content creation, graphics, and creating sites that meet the needs of the organization. The course will introduce the use of page layout tools, templates, the basics of scripting languages, database integration, and image manipulation. Students will gain an understanding of good web design principles. Prerequisite: BUS 1270 and BUS 2230 (or concurrent enrollment). Fee Materials charge $20. Periodically |
3 |
COM 2260 |
Media and SocietyThis course examines media audiences. In looking at the interaction between media and society, it explores how media create an imagined community, how audiences use the media, and what impact media messages have on audiences. In addition to reading secondary research on media theories, students also gather and analyze primary data. Prerequisite: COM 1220 or permission of instructor. Every semester |
3 |