Course Descriptions
Design
DSN 105
Visual Communication
3 credits
This course is an introduction to media studies, with an emphasis on the elements of visual form and the basic characteristics of time-based media and the fundamentals of mediated communication. Through theory and practice, the course is intended to develop the perceptual/cognitive and intellectual skills that will enhance an analytical appreciation and understanding of print, electronic, and moving image media, especially for students interested in graphic design, web development, advertising, and other fields in which visuals play a key role.
DSN 110
Fundamentals of Drawing
3 credits
This introductory course allows students to practice framing subjects, including plant life and the human form, in the context of line, texture, light and dark, space and balance, scale and proportion, color, and form. An emphasis is placed on the development of aesthetic sensitivity.
DSN 112
Digital Drawing
3 credits
This introductory course allows students the opportunity to combine drawing skills with computer applications using a vector-based program. The student will work with line, texture, light and dark, space and balance, scale and proportion, color, and form. The course will concentrate on traditional methods of drawing techniques emphasizing the digital representation.
DSN 120
Desktop Publishing
3 credits
This course introduces the student to the theory and operation of electronic publishing technology, emphasizing the integration of software programs such as page layout, word processing, and graphics. File options and the import of vector and bitmap graphics will be taught. The course will also examine the aesthetics and intricacies of typography, design, and page layout.
DSN 121
Digital Publishing
3 credits
This course introduces the student to the theory and operation of electronic publishing technology, emphasizing the integration of software programs such as page layout, word processing, and graphics. File options and the import of vector and bitmap graphics will be taught. The course will also examine the aesthetics and intricacies of typography, design, and page layout.
DSN 201
Fundamentals of Motion Graphics
3 credits
This introductory course covers the history and evolution of animation, as well as the theory and principles behind it. Students will practice timing, rhythm, and movement while exploring their design implications. Digital technology and basic computer animation software will be introduced through demonstration and practice.
Prerequisite(s): BCS 210 and DSN 210
DSN 210
Digital Image Manipulation
3 credits
This course evaluates photographic image digitizing and manipulation of software and hardware. It examines the role of the computer as a tool in the photographic process. Students will learn the techniques of retouching and manipulating photographic images.
Prerequisite(s): BCS 210
DSN 220
Concept Development
3 credits
In this course, students are introduced to media production by identifying the components of good production design, emphasizing the importance of problem solving, planning, and design functionality. The process of creative team dynamics is explored along with its principles and practices. Production planning, software, word processors, and desktop publishing software will be used to develop a pre-production file.
Prerequisite(s): DSN 210
DSN 230
Graphic Design Applications
3 credits
The visualization of graphic design problems is explored using research techniques and hands-on experience in projects relating to real world situations. Several application programs are reviewed. The course concentrates on advertising, sales promotion, marketing, and Graphic Design Applicators.
Prerequisite(s): BCS 210
DSN 241
Color Theory
3 credits
This course covers fundamental color principles, color characteristics, properties, and uses in art and design through blending with paint. Students will develop a basic vocabulary for color theory and recognition. Students will encounter color as a language and understand its position and possibilities in relation to form and design.
Prerequisite(s): DSN 110 or DSN 112
DSN 301
Introduction to 3D
3 credits
This course demonstrates the critical concepts of 3D time and space, and helps explain the principles of 3D modeling, animation, dynamics and rendering.
Prerequisite(s): DSN 201 and DSN 210
DSN 302
3D Modeling Techniques
3 credits
This course focuses on creating structures and objects in three dimensional space, working with polygons, planes, spheres, and hypernurb objects.
Prerequisite(s): DSN 201, DSN 210, DSN 301
DSN 303
3D Texture, Rendering and Lighting Techniques
3 credits
Applying realistic textures to objects, lighting objects, scenes and individual channels, as well as rendering those objects/scenes out to still images for use on the web, print and animated scenes for video are covered in this course.
Prerequisite(s): DSN 201, DSN 210, DSN 301
DSN 304
Character Creation and Texturing
3 credits
Building upon the basics of the Introduction to 3D, this course focuses on the creation of humanoid and non-humanoid characters. Good structuring techniques and modeling are emphasized. Students will create mapped textures using DI tools (like Photoshop) and include the assets into the 3D application.
Prerequisite(s): DSN301
DSN 305
Character Rigging
3 credits
This course focuses on the underlying skeleton structure of the characters created in the previous course, or samples provided. In addition to being applied to animation of characters, it also sets up the structure for integration into 3D game engines. Inverse Kinematics, Bones, and Meshes will be the core topics of this course. You will develop your creation's motion capabilities by learning the character rigs and skeletal structures used in 3D computer animation.
Prerequisite(s): DSN301
DSN 308
Illustration
3 credits
This course will expose students to the basic editorial, storytelling, and advertising illustration principles and techniques. Students will examine, from a historical perspective, illustrators; illustration trends; styles; and techniques, including print and animated motion pictures. Students will focus on visualization and sketching of concepts through traditional and nontraditional methods to explore digital means of manipulating illustrations. The course will also introduce the basic terminologies used in computer-based illustration.
Prerequisite(s): DSN 110/DSN 112, DSN 210, DSN 230
DSN 310
Advanced Motion Graphics
3 credits
This course is an extension of DSN 201, Fundamentals of Animation. The student will manipulate text, computer animation, and motion graphics to create visual effects seen in commercial video. Students learn about composition, rendering, lighting direction, and time management. Projects allow for creativity as well as ability to adhere to guidelines and follow instructions.
Prerequisite(s): DSN 201
DSN 315
Typography
3 credits
The principle goal of typography is the assembly of text in a fashion that is both easy to read and visually engaging. This course examines the historical, aesthetic, and cultural development of typographic forms and fonts. Students will explore historical styles and theories of type design, letter forms and typographic layouts, and their influence on modern and contemporary typography. Students will study type mechanics using type in a variety of design applications.
Prerequisite(s): DSN 210, DSN 230
DSN 318
Portfolio Production
3 credits
Building a portfolio of accomplished images in individual areas of interest is an integral part of any design program. The portfolio is a constant work in progress that should regularly be upgraded and changed with new and better examples of the designer’s work. This course provides the student with an opportunity to concentrate on building both the electronic and tangible (physical) portfolio that will be needed to showcase one’s design work in order to further career and personal goals.
Prerequisite(s): DSN320
DSN 320
Web Page Design
3 credits
This course will develop the scripting skills necessary for web page design and introduce students to the basics of HTML.
Prerequisite(s): DSN 210
DSN 325
Multimedia Web Page Design
3 credits
This course covers the fundamental concepts for creating a multimedia web page. Students will be expected to learn the differences in creating graphics by using shapes versus vector formats and then converting these formats to symbols, using these elements to further explore a 2-dimensional environment. When the basic skills are acquired, students will use these elements to create their own multimedia project, whether it is for CD or the web.
Prerequisite(s): COM 360
DSN 326
Intermediate Multimedia Web Page Design
3 credits
This course builds on DSN 325 (Multimedia Web Page Design) by exposing the student to the next level of multimedia interactivity and action scripting. Students will become familiar with the process of publishing a multimedia web site.
Prerequisite(s): DSN 325
DSN 401
Publication Design
3 credits
This course looks at the theory, technology, and preparation needed for a publication layout, print separation, print reproduction, and a print bureau file. The focus will include typographical design, design layout, scanning and importing files, file choice, and color. Logos and other symbolic images will be examined in historic and contemporary context.
Prerequisite(s): DSN 120
DSN 402
Graphic Design of Brochures and Catalogs
3 credits
In this course, students will get hands-on experience producing direct mail pieces, including brochures, advertisements, posters, and postcards. They will utilize an outside source to produce printed pieces as well as explore costs associated with printing.
Prerequisite(s): DSN 120
DSN 410
Advanced Digital Image Manipulation
3 credits
This course extends the use of image-manipulating software to create new images, masks, layers, and type. Designs for video covers, book covers, etc., will be produced for the student’s use in later publication.
Prerequisite(s): DSN 210
DSN 415
Packaging and Display Design
3 credits
In this course, students will be expected to develop point-of-purchase displays along with product package design. Marketing strategy; manufacturing requirements; and product branding, with an emphasis on advertising, will be explored.
Prerequisite(s): BMK 305
DSN 418
Portfolio Production II
3 credits
This course is a continuation of DSN 318 Portfolio Production, and is designed for students who wish to have further instruction or assistance in building a portfolio of their work, within the structured environment of the classroom.
Prerequisite(s): DSN 318
DSN 420
Advanced Web Page Design
3 credits
This course builds on Introduction to Web Page Design to develop student skills at an advanced level. With this knowledge, students will be able to design, set up, and maintain web sites (Webmasters) at the corporate or institute level. Topics will be covered in a theoretical and practical way. The course includes a large component of hands-on computer work.
Prerequisite(s): DSN 320
DSN 430
Logo Animation
3 credits
In this course students will create animated sequences and manipulate and refine them, using industry standard programs and techniques to create bumpers for television, web, and podcasts. (If you don’t know what a bumper is, you need this course.)
Prerequisite(s): COM 420/COM 422, DSN 201 and DSN 210
DSN 460
Topics in Design
3 credits
This course surveys contemporary subjects and current events pertaining to Multimedia Design, Networking and Internet design, or Television and Video Production Design.
Prerequisite(s): permission required
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