Course description
Level One
ARTS1180 Colour Theory
Description: This course explores the effects of colour; both from a holistic schemata and a human environment perspective. Students will identify the physical, chemical and psychological aspects of colour via a blending of theory and practical applications with specific relationships to their field of studies.
Hours: 30
Credits: 2
ARTS1190 The Dynamics of Sound and Light
Description: This course provides students with the technical and artistic knowledge required to complete assignments relating to lighting, contrast control, composition and layout of materials and the contribution these areas provide in the creation and control of an environment. Students will also study sound and the impact composition and layout have on acoustics through a combination of theoretical and practical applications.
Hours: 30
Credits: 2
ARTS1220 Fabrics and Textiles
Description: This course delves into the world of fabric and textile fabrication, through production to sourcing and application. Students will explore information sources and make strategic decisions about products, from man made synthetics to fibers and yarns, inclusive of dyeing, printing and various topical finishes through to finished goods. This course will contribute to the student’s portfolio and provide them with the skills and knowledge required to specify and cost goods, from both a practical and aesthetic perspective.
Hours: 60
Credits: 4
COMP1125 Computer Applications Media and Design
Description: This practical computer lab course will develop the student keyboarding and computer skills to an intermediate level. Students will be exposed to a variety of industry specific software technologies and gain a basic operational skill with an ongoing integrated application via other courses.
Hours: 45
Credits: 3
DSGN1070 Introduction to 2D and 3D Design
Description: This course will provide students with the design elements of two-dimensional graphics and package designs, and build to explore the three-dimensional design demands of cartons, bottles, cans and other containers associated with their program of study. The course will be a blending of theoretical and practical applications which will contribute to other conceptualization and design courses within areas of specialization.
Hours: 60
Credits: 4
LIBS1640 History of Art and Design
Description: History of Art and Design is a lecture based series that chronologically explores art through the ages, up to and including modern times. Changes in style will be examined through projects, visual presentations and group discussions that examine the impact of art on society and culture. The journey will examine works of great artists, and the influence these works have had on western civilization.
Hours: 45
Credits: 3
PHOT1140 Digital Imaging-Image Capture
Description: Students will develop skills and knowledge related to digital imaging in still and motion formats. The main focus will be on still image (photographic) applications with a basic introduction to videography as a tool in various applications. Focus, composition and exposure will form the groundwork that will combine with other technical skills to provide students with a strong foundation of practical imaging skills.
Hours: 45
Credits: 3
Level Two
ARTS1200 Scale Modeling
Description: Students will explore the technical skills associated with the design and fabrication of scale models. Designs will migrate from the concept and drawing stages to executed models in a variety of mediums. The primary focus for this course will be in a paper and/or wood based medium with the opportunity for students to explore other viable modeling options.
Hours: 60
Credits: 4
ARTS1210 Illustrative Techniques I
Description: This practical hands-on course will engage students in techniques associated with the field of illustration and will contribute to other courses within the program design. Students will work on projects that will develop skills in drawing, rendering, drafting and perspectives with opportunities to move concepts to illustrations, on to actual commissioning in related courses.
Hours: 60
Credits: 4
ARTS1230 Interior Materials and Finishes
Description: This lecture based course will address the materials and finishes commonly utilized in interior decorating, inclusive of ceiling to floor applications. Students will work on assignment briefs that focus on practical application of the course material, and prepare work for integration of this information into associated courses. This course will introduce sustainable material issues and the impact materials and finishes have on the environment.
Hours: 60
Credits: 4
COMM1050 Technical Communication I-Basic Writing
Description: This course will review and develop the student's writing skills as they relate to the workplace. Students 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: 45
Credits: 3
LIBS1510 History of Furniture Styles
Description: The major furniture style periods will be studied as a means to develop an appreciation for history, culture, and art. The distinguishing characteristics of each period will be examined with respect to styling, materials and construction. The role of antique furniture and family heirlooms in relation to the preservation of history will be presented. This course may include field trips to local museums.
Hours: 45
Credits: 3
PHOT1150 Digital Imaging-Image Manipulation
Description: In this continuation of the Level One - Digital Imaging course, students will migrate images into various software programs and manipulate images to meet specific design requirements. Students will work primarily in the photographic discipline, combining technical and aesthetic elements to create an image that speaks to the viewer while addressing design requirements. Students will utilize creative and innovative approaches, technology, and software to generate distinct elements for client presentations and display environments.
Hours: 45
Credits: 3
Level Three
COMP2060 Computer Aided Drafting and Design I
Description: CADD for Interior Decorating is the first of two (2) courses to introduce students to computer file management in a Windows operating environment, CADD (computer-aided drafting and design), and to personal computer principles and uses. The emphasis will be on CADD, using AutoCAD Software. Students will integrate the skills and knowledge obtained from the CADD courses into practical applications in other courses as well as develop material for inclusion into portfolios.
Hours: 60
Credits: 4
DSGN2000 Creating Environments I
Description: This course focuses on the concept of ?universal design’ and expands into an introduction to the ergonomics associated with residential and commercial applications. Students will explore the functionality of environments with respect to safety and security; as well as unique market demographics being created by the aging population (down sizing) and the baby boom generation. Alternative energy and the creation of ?green’ and sustainable environments will form the basis of discussions/lectures with students introduced to alternative decorating styles and the emergence of fung shui approaches to interior treatments and decorating.
Hours: 45
Credits: 3
DSGN2140 Interior Decorating I
Description: This course provides students with the opportunity of gaining knowledge related to the theories and concepts associated with Interior Decorating, with acquisition and application of theories and associated terminologies in the field of study. The assignments will reinforce concepts and provide students with the opportunity of generating elements, and principles of design, that meet industry standards.
Hours: 90
Credits: 6
MECH2000 Lighting-Methods and Fixtures
Description: This is an introductory course that exposes students to the current lighting technologies available, the applicable terminology, performance and sourcing. Students will have the opportunity to apply and integrate this information in other courses, and will integrate elements from this course into projects and assignments that will be incorporated into the student’s personal portfolio. Building codes, aesthetics and sustainable materials will contribute to the overall learning and will form the basis for a lecture based instruction, with students gaining practical commissioning skills through field trips and site visits to locations that utilized modern technologies.
Hours: 45
Credits: 3
MECH2040 Mechanical Systems
Description: This lecture and lab course will provide students with an introduction to the mechanical systems in residential and commercial structures. Electrical, heating /conditioning ducting and plumbing will be explored. Site visits will be arranged to expose students to these applications in varying stages of development and completion. This course will build students’ working knowledge of the rules and regulations associated with building codes and incorporate material on sustainable and environmental friendly mechanical systems.
Hours: 30
Credits: 2
Electives: General Education
Description: Student must complete a minimum of 36 Hours
Level Four
BUS2310 Entrepreneurship
Description: In this course, students will research and develop the major elements of a comprehensive small business plan. Students will develop strategies for all of the functional areas of a small business. Guest speakers from industry are used to provide students with the ?real-world? perspective on the issues. The elements developed include crafting a business profile that is built on achieving a sustainable competitive advantage, identifying target markets, competition and external forces, forecasting sales and expenses for multi-year statements and determining financing requirements, plus, preparing marketing and operational plans.
Research, case studies and trade periodicals will augment class lectures and assignments. In addition, the students practice teamwork skills through meeting, facilitation, communication, and feedback exercises.
Hours: 45
Credits: 3
CDEV2120 Work Experience
Description: Work Experience is an integral part of the Interior Decorating program. Students are required to complete 80 hours in a satisfactory work experience during the fourth semester of studies. Work Experience is monitored and evaluated by faculty and must be successfully completed before graduation.
Hours: 80
Credits: 3
COMP2090 Computer Aided Drafting and Design II
Description: Building on the knowledge gained in the CADD I course, students will refine and apply their skills across all courses. This lab based course will allow students to use industry specific software and associated peripherals, and to work at advanced levels with a focus on increasing their skills and performance. They will also continue to build elements for inclusion in their portfolios.
Hours: 45
Credits: 3
DSGN2150 Interior Decorating II
Description: This course will combine lecture and lab components that integrate and apply elements from across all aspects of the program deliveries. Students will determine effective placements of elements; relying on ergonomics as well as anthropometrics, the concepts, theories and principles of design with inclusion of identification and commissioning of fabrications that respect the theories associated with colour, light and sound. This course provides the opportunity for application beyond the theoretical and conceptual stages with assignments merging the concept of universal design and sustainable materials to include the regulations and requirements of building code.
Hours: 90
Credits: 6
DSGN2160 Creating Environments II
Description: Building off the Level Three ? Interior Decorating Course, students will refine their strategies and methodologies and work on design briefs that demonstrate integrated and applied skills and knowledge. A comprehensive approach to styling and staging for both residential and commercial applications will contribute to a ?capstone’ project, which will form the basis of their final portfolio. This course will draw on skills and knowledge acquired through other Level Four courses with specific alignment to Interior Decorating II, with opportunity for integrated projects and assignments that demonstrate the student’s ability to move from the conceptual stage to final, commissioned environments.
Hours: 60
Credits: 4
DSGN2170 Managing Interior Design Projects
Description: This course combines with Entrepreneurship to provide students with insight into the role that project management and finance play in interior decorating. Assignments that reinforce critical paths, establishing and adherence to deadlines, and working with external service providers/sub contractors will contribute student’s in determining a realistic approach to managing interior design projects, and provide insight into the intrinsic details of operations for freelance or self employment.
Hours: 45
Credits: 3
MKT2000 Client Relations and Sales
Description: This course introduces the student to the aspects of professional selling and client relations. It reinforces the selling strategies used throughout the Interior Decorating profession. Students will learn and apply how to prospect and qualify a client(s) in a buy/sell situation; how to make persuasive presentations and handle buyer objections. The importance of service and follow up will be studied in relationship to account penetration and increased sales.
Hours: 45
Credits: 3
