Objectives
The Design and Communications Fundamentals program provides students with an excellent stepping stone to the fields of applied design and communications. Students will be able to plan, implement, and present visual communications in a wide range of media. This program allows students who have not had the opportunity to create a strong design portfolio to do so. The Design and Communications Fundamentals program features courses in the principles and history of design, idea development, research, presentation skills and portfolio development, drawing, colour theory and printing technology, and writing skills will effectively prepare students for acceptance in a variety of programs leading to careers in the design and communication fields.
Course description
Level One
ARTS1100 Basic Design
Description: Using a variety of tools and visual exercises this course will introduce the student to organizing elements and principles of two-dimensional design. Elements such as line, space, texture, value, colour, and spatial illusion will be related to the principles of design (balance, proportion, repetition, contrast, harmony, unity, point of emphasis, and visual movement) to enable the student to employ visual awareness and dynamics in the field of two dimensional design. Critical evaluation skills will play a key part of individual class discussion and group critiques.
Hours: 90
Credits: 6
ARTS1110 Idea Development I
Description: This course will explore the theories associated with the development of ideas, taking an initial concept through to a finished form. Brainstorming, idea mapping and lateral thinking will assist students in producing materials that will contribute to their personal portfolios.
Hours: 60
Credits: 4
ARTS1120 Drawing 1-Life Drawing
Description: This course is designed to introduce students to the fundamental approaches to successfully draw the human figure. By studying the structure of the human body and anatomy (musculature), students will work with gesture, line, shape, value, volume and atmospheric perspective to develop both short and sustained drawings. Charcoal, Conte, pencil and various other traditional drawing media and techniques will be explored as methods of description.
Hours: 30
Credits: 2
COMM1710 Presentation Skills-Visual and Verbal
Description: This course will provide students an opportunity to develop and hone their presentation skills through a variety of practical scenarios. Students will begin to produce materials that will contribute to their personal portfolios. Both individual and group work will be utilized in the development of visual and verbal presentations.
Hours: 30
Credits: 2
COMM1720 Basic Writing-Communication
Description: This course will review and develop the student's writing skills as they relate to the workplace. Student's will learn how to convey a message and create audience interest. Sentence structure, grammar, punctuation and the rules of composition will be covered. An introduction to research techniques and resources through project-based learning will form the basis for applications in other courses in the program of study.
Hours: 135
Credits: 9
LIBS1610 General History of Design I
Description: This course is an introduction to the modern period as it relates to history and the practice of art and design. With a focus on the investigation of graphic design as an example ? all forms of design are investigated and will be better appreciated by recognizing their historical context. Starting with the evolution of writing and its influence on present day design, students will study major design movements such as Medieval Manuscripts, Renaissance Graphic Design, The Arts and Craft Movement, Art Nouveau, Modern Art, and the computer graphics revolution.
Hours: 45
Credits: 3
Level Two
ARTS1130 2D and 3D Design
Description: This course is a continuation of ARTS1100 - Basic Design and involves discussion and practical application around both two-dimensional and three-dimensional design. Projects will explore terminology commonly used in two-dimensional and three-dimensional art. Conceptual ideas of form will be developed through a series of lectures, slides, written and studio projects. Exercises will explore and utilize a variety of tools, materials (wire, paper, clay) and techniques.
Hours: 60
Credits: 4
ARTS1140 Idea Development II
Description: This course is a continuation of ARTS1110 - Idea Development I and explores the theories associated with the development of creative ideas. Discussion from visiting professionals and regular lectures about the graphic and advertising industry students will allow students to gain the tools necessary to take their initial concepts to the finished presentation stage. Brainstorming, idea mapping and lateral thinking exercises will assist students in producing materials that will contribute to their personal portfolios.
Hours: 150
Credits: 10
Pre-Requisites: ARTS1110
ARTS1150 Drawing II-Drafting/Perspectives/Rendering
Description: This course is a continuation of ARTS1120 - Drawing I; students will learn to render forms and objects in space. In class and take home projects provide insight into perspective while employing shade and shadow. Students will learn both freehand and drafting techniques to further their drawing skills and better allow them to express creative ideas.
Hours: 30
Credits: 2
ARTS1160 Prepress/Print/Web and Multimedia
Description: Students will work on a number of projects in a variety of mediums. Students will develop an understanding of the production processes and procedures related to print, web and multimedia. The course will also provide the opportunity for students to gain a working knowledge of the numeracy requirements associated with the design and production process.
Hours: 60
Credits: 4
COMM1730 Marketing/Communications Writing
Description: This course builds off the skills and knowledge acquired in Level One ? Basic Writing, with focus on writing for careers in the design and communication field. Applications will include print advertising, direct response, the web and broadcast media.
Hours: 30
Credits: 2
LIBS1620 General History of Design II
Description: Building off the knowledge acquired in LIBS1610 - General History of Design I, lectures will focus on the historical overview of art from the Renaissance period to the modern era. Students will explore movements through centuries ending with post-modernism. Issues of architecture, design, and visual art during these periods will be highlighted to gain a better understanding of change, where we are today and where we may be headed.
Hours: 45
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites: LIBS1610
