Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Graphic Design
Graphic Design
Courses in the Graphic Design program have as a prerequisite the completion of the Foundation program or its equivalent. Exceptions may be made only with permission of the instructor and the Graphic Design Program Director. The letter "S" preceding the course number indicates a studio course, for which a studio fee will be assessed.
See "Tuition and Fees" in the Suffolk University Academic Catalog for further information.
ADG 100 Fundamentals of Graphic Design
This course will introduce you to the fundamentals of communication problem-solving, such as research, typography, concept and design development, and will expose you to the basic concepts of graphic design, including such specialties as advertising, corporate design, and packaging. The primary purpose of the course is to aid you in deciding whether to pursue a career in graphic design. This course is a prerequisite for admission into the Electronic Graphic Design Certificate Program. A grade of B or better in the course will waive the standard portfolio requirement.
Normally offered each semester, 2 credits
ADG S201 Basic Typography
This course will introduce students to the creative use of typography in the design process and will provide them with the skills and knowledge necessary to accurately specify and render type.
Normally offered fall semester; 3 credits
ADG S202 Computer Typography
This advanced course focuses on the translation of the historical knowledge and hand skills learned in Basic Typography into an electronic format. Students will learn how to produce quality type in electronic format as well as experiment with and explore type through electronic manipulation.
Prerequisites: ADG S201, ADG S219
Normally offered spring semester; 3 credits
ADG S206 Graphic Design I
Emphasizing the creative process from thumbnail to comprehensive, this course will also introduce the student to the language, tools, and techniques of the professional graphic designer. Attention will be paid to conceptualization, production, and presentation in solving design problems. Thi course will expose the student to a series of assignments designed to show step-by-step problem solving from observation and research, to the incorporation of these findings into the design of communication vehicles.
Prerequisite: ADF S151
Normally offered fall semester; 3 credits
ADG S207 Graphic Design II
A continuation of the skills learned in Graphic Design I (ADG S207), involving projects that are broader in scope, more in-depth, and include societal issues.
Prerequisite: ADG S206, ADG S219
Normally offered spring semester; 3 credits
ADG S208 Advertising Design
This course focuses on the development of integrated product and service campaigns that go beyond traditional advertising media and methods. Students will learn how to elaborate on strong ideas for building brands, using media that reach the identified demographic audience.
Normally offered fall semester; 3 credits
Studio elective; open to non-majors with instructor permission.
ADG S213 Web Design I
This course will examine the introductory aspects of web design from creating basic web site functionality using the Dreamweaver user interface to more complex sites using Flash. Programming languages such as HTML, XHTML, CSS, Javascript and Action Scripting will be integrated. Information architecture, wire frames and interface design will be explored. The history, societal context and future of new media will be discussed throughout the semester. Software to be introduced will include Flash, DreamWeaver and ImageReady.
Prerequisite: ADG S219
Normally offered fall and spring semesters; 3 credits
ADG S214 Illustration
This course introduces the skills necessary for meeting clients illustration needs in a variety of media appropriate to their context. Emphasis will be placed on developing the ability to draw real objects and real people while advancing a personal style. Development of visual research, thumbnailing, and rendering skills for ones presentation of ideas and concepts while designing the proper environment for their illustration will be required.
Prerequisite: ADF S102
Normally offered fall and spring semesters; 3 credits
ADG S219 Computer Applications in Design
In this course students will learn the major software applications used by graphic designers such as Adobe Creative Suite 3; InDesign, Illustrator and Photoshop. Through a series of problems, students will learn how and when to use specific software to produce their solutions and prepare portfolio-quality design.
Normally offered fall semester; 3 credits
ADG 224 History of Graphic Design
The first part of this course will focus on the history of graphic design from prehistoric times to the Industrial Revolution, including the origins of graphic communications in the ancient world, the development of the alphabet, and early printing methods and typography. The second portion will concentrate on the period from the mid-19th century to the present, and will include the Arts and Crafts Movement, the various "isms" and their influence on modern art, the Bauhaus and International Style, and contemporary visual systems and image making.
Normally offered fall and spring semester; 4 credits
ADG S310 Design Imagestration
This design studio will explore illustration as a communication tool for graphic designers through a wide variety of projects, including package design and advertising. In this studio, students will move their conceptual skills to a higher level by creating original illustrations and combining them with type, color and compositions. By learning to treat illustration as a simultaneous component of the design process, students will develop a more sophisticated understanding of the delicate relationship between type, design and illustration.
Prerequisites: ADG S201, ADG S207, ADG S219, or instructor permission.
Normally offered summer semester; 3 credits
Studio elective
ADG S320 Drawing for Animation
In this course students will explore the animation process and the typical issues encountered while working in that medium. Beginning with the development of a story concept, the class will progress through storyboarding to character design and development, animating both on paper and the computer. The focus will be on bringing creative ideas to life through drawing, then manipulating characters and objects through space using the animation process. Students will learn to apply these principles whether the medium to be used is pencil, paint or the computer. By the end of the semester, students will be fully conversant with the principles and techniques of animation.
Prerequisites: ADF S102, ADF S156, ADG S213 or instructor permission
Normally offered fall semester; 3 credits
Studio elective
ADG S334 Electronic Publication Design
This elective course will enable students to integrate the skills gained in previous courses to examine two complex design problems. Students will produce sophisticated professional solutions suitable for inclusion in their final portfolio. For one project, students will create a sequence of illustrations, for the other a series of photographs. Both projects are text-heavy and will enhance the student’s typographic and computer skills, as well as their understanding of the integration of images and text.
Prerequisites: ADG S202, ADG S207, ADG S219
Normally offered spring semester; 3 credits
Studio elective
ADG 337 Professional Practice
This senior-level course is designed to provide final preparation for employment in the field of graphic design. In addition to helping each student develop a professional portfolio, the course will provide students with practical knowledge of the business aspects of graphic design, interviewing skills, and resume preparation.
Prerequisite: Senior status
Normally offered spring semester; 3 credits
ADG S340 Web Design II
This course is intended as a continuation of the experience gained in Web Design I (ADG S213). The objective of the course is the development of advanced conceptual skills such as prototyping, usability testing, interactive philosophy, accessibility and project management. Students will further develop their professional multimedia skills through exposure to 2D animation, as well as advanced action scripting, editing and streaming of digital video and sound techniques. Software that will be used during the class will include Dreamweaver, ImageReady, Flash and other professional level software tools.
Prerequisite: ADG S213 or instructor permission
Normally offered spring semester; 3 credits
ADG S344 Graphic Design III
This continuation of Graphic Design I and II (ADG S206, 207) will concentrate on increasing sophistication in creative problem-solving abilities. The course will also develop a solid understanding of prepress terms and operations and the impact of technology on those operations. It will also provide the knowledge and skills necessary to enable students to make appropriate prepress decisions regarding more complex projects.
Prerequisites: ADG S202, ADG S207, ADG S219; senior status preferred
Normally offered fall semester; 3 credits
ADG S345 Graphic Design IV
A continuation of the concepts and skills developed in Graphic Design III and their application to more complex, multi-pieced, in-depth projects.
Prerequisite: ADG S344
Normally offered spring semester; 3 credits
ADG S348 Advanced Illustration
This course focuses on the preparation of illustration for specific markets within the product development and publishing fields. Independent development and proficiency in a variety of media and the learning of different methods of preparing artwork for reproduction in traditional printed and/or digital environments will be covered. The continuation of the development of a personal sketchbook, a photo reference file, and the shooting of photographs for research will be further explored.
Prerequisite: ADG S214
Normally offered spring semester; 3 credits
Studio elective
ADG S354 Advanced Computer Applications
This course is designed to further explore software applications for specific and experimental effects. It aims to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to choose the appropriate software application and to execute the desired design, focusing on the design itself rather than on the limitations of the computer programs. The course also focuses on solving the technical and production problems of preparing artwork electronically for printing. Software applications include Adobe Creative Suite 3; InDesign, Illustrator and Photoshop.
Prerequisites: ADG S201, ADG S206, ADG S219
Normally offered fall and spring semesters; 3 credits
ADG S360 Corporate Design
This course explores the issues of contemporary branding used to identify; establish and promote the business community. Specific emphasis will be placed on the analysis and development of corporate identity systems including the development of logotypes, stationery, signage systems, annual reports, forms and web sites.
Prerequisites: ADG S202, ADG S207
Normally offered fall semester; 3 credits
Studio elective
ADG S365 Digital Photography
Often mixed with other media, photography has evolved into a major tool for use by the contemporary artist and designer. This course offers students the experience of creating digital photographs while studying concepts of art direction and techniques that can enhance their compositions. The primary objective is to generate professional still images for digital media, including the web. Students will manipulate their photographic images using Photoshop rather than the traditional darkroom. Students will also learn how to photograph their own artwork and use a digital camera. The class is open to all NESADSU majors.
Normally offered spring semester; 3 credits
Studio elective
ADG S366 Environmental, Packaging & Signage Design
Building upon the knowledge and abilities gained in two-dimensional design, this course will introduce the student to three-dimensional problem solving. Taught in three segments, this course will expose students to technologies and fabrication techniques that exist in the areas of environmental, packaging and signage design. Along with guest speakers and field trips to fabrication facilities, students will be expected to design one sketch project in each of the three disciplines covered. Intended for upper-level students, the goal of this course is to inform students of the possibilites available in three-dimensional graphic design.
Prerequisite: ADG S207
Normally offered fall semester, 3 credits
Studio elective
ADG S370 Artist’s Books
Books are vessels of information. They can present our graphic design, photography, or fine arts, house a cherished collection, and even express non-linear thought. This class will cover traditional book design and construction techniques, as well as contemporary, non-traditional methods. Student will learn to blend design, craftmanship, and context to create books that are themselves works of art. This is a hands-on studio course intended for graphic design and fine art majors.
Prerequisites: ADF S152 and ADF S156
Normally offered summer semester; 3 credits
Studio Elective
ADG 400 Internship
Seniors are required to pursue an internship with a local graphic design firm, whose work is directly related to that student’s intended area of professional concentration, or complete a Thesis Studio (see below). Interns will observe and participate in all office procedures permitted by their place of internship and will be required to maintain a notebook of their observations. Students with prior documented work experience in the field may be granted an exemption from the internship requirement, with the approval of the Graphic Design Program Director.
Prerequisite: Senior status
Offered each semester; 3 credits
ADG S410 Thesis Studio
The Thesis Studio involves the application of previously learned studio skills in a detailed investigation of a design project or projects relating to the student’s intended area of professional specialization.
Prerequisite: Senior status
Normally offered spring semester; 3 credits
ADG S500/500 Graphic Design Directed Study
The student completes a directed study project, either studio (ADG S500) or non-studio (ADG 500), under the supervision of a graphic design faculty member. Please see ìDirected Studyî in the Suffolk University Academic Catalog for details. Independent study forms are available from the office of the Academic Dean and Registrar. All independent study request forms must be accompanied by a written proposal and schedule, and must be approved by the individual faculty member, the Graphic Design Program Director, the NESADSU Chairman, and the Academic Dean.
Available every semester; credits vary
ADG S502 Italian Journal : Painting & Drawing on Paper
Florence, Italy and its environs will serve as the subject matter and catalyst in developing the ability to watercolor and draw objects (i.e. architecture, people and the landscape) while advancing a personal style. Study will begin with a pre-departure journal/bookbinding workshop at Suffolk University and then outdoors in and around Florence, Tuscan hill towns, Rome and the Veneto, exploring basic illustration styles, methods and techniques.
Prerequisites: Portfolio or instructor permission
Offered summer semester, 3 credits
Studio elective; open to non-majors with instructor permission