Course Catalog
GD 101 Design Basics: Form & Meaning
This is an introduction to the fundamental elements, skills, and possibilities of graphic design. Emphasis is placed on experiencing a practice of making meaning visual through exploring the expressive potential of design. Students will create visual compositions in which typography and creative concepts play a primary role in communicating ideas through a physical shaping of language. Graphic design tools such as hand skills, analog and digital materials, iteration and research methodology will be applied throughout the semester. An emphasis is placed on basic ideation and the working methods of the designer that combines the practical with the expressive. Elective: 3 credits/semester; 6 hours/week. No prerequisite.
No Prerequisites
GD 102 Design Basics: Typography and Image
This course introduces the basic principles and opportunities of using typography as a vehicle of expression and communication. Students learn how to employ type with respect to informational hierarchy and other design strategies and methodologies. Projects involve experimentation in the integration of type with images and organizing them into visually compelling compositions with effective communication. Typography as a vehicle of creative expression is explored; typographic classification and identification is introduced. Emphasis is placed on 2-dimensional design and sequential typography which culminates in a project where students design and produce their own limited-edition book. Major requirement. Elective: 3 credits/semester; 6 hours/week. No prerequisite.
No Prerequisites
GD 200 Using Code to Generate Art & Design
This is an introductory course that will explore how we can connect code to art using text, video, webcam, and sound inputs. In this project based course students will be introduced to using code to generate images, audio, motion and interactive experiences using p5.js. p5.js is a JavaScript library that aims to make creative expression and coding on the web accessible and inclusive for artists, designers,educators,and beginners. 3 credits; 6 hours/week. No Prerequisites.
No Prerequisites
Additional Notes : Cross listed with AG 200
GD 220 Perpetual Play: XYZ
Through various media and processes that inform the technical and communicative canon of design, students are introduced to 3D environments. The class will explore a range of materials and comping techniques in the production of scale models, mock-ups and final projects both analog and digital. The class will promote the development of artistic/conceptual expression and a critical/analytical vocabulary through assignments and critique. Methods for image generation of various media using the fab lab and the RISOGRAPH printer among other materials and techniques will promote hands-on explorations. The goal is to experience the indivisible connection between the media and methods of design that informs expression across 2D and 3D environments. Elective: 3 credits/semester, 6 hours/week. No prerequisite.
No Prerequisites
Additional Notes : Formerly titled Elements of Graphic Design: XYZ.
GD 301 Visual Identity Systems & Dynamic Branding
In this studio course, students will approach the subject of visual identities from multiple scales and platforms. Students will spend the semester exploring how individuals, organizations and places use the language of design to develop effective marks and brands. Furthermore, students will consider the characteristics of identity systems – including typography, color, imagery and language. In addition to design, the class will engage in research and strategy when approaching their assignments and will examine historical and contemporary examples of visual identities.Students will develop strengths in the formal and conceptual attributes of successful identity design and branding. Final multiple-part solutions are obtained through a series of projects: 1) the visual translation of research and ideas; 2) the creation of symbols and icons that represent core conceptual identities; and 3) the development of flexible and dynamic systems. Personal, individually invented objectives or assigned objectives by an outside client provide the course with its project basis. Elective: 3 credits/semester; 6 hours/week.
Prerequisites : GD 101 and GD 102 or permission of instructor.
Additional Notes : Formerly Visual Identity Systems.
GD 302 Information Design
This goal of this studio course is to introduce students to basic principles of information design. Students will spend the semester exploring methods of collecting and categorizing data in order to reveal connections and create a better understanding of complex subjects. Assignments and presentations will explore traditional forms of data visualization – maps, diagrams, charts, time lines, interfaces and graphs – in both historical and contemporary contexts. Assignments will require both work in the field and within a studio environment. May be repeated for credit. 3 credits/semester; 6 hours/week.
Prerequisites : Major standing or permission of instructor.
GD 311 Core Studio I
This course is an advanced investigation into conventional and unconventional forms of typography. Projects that are typical of various genres of typographic design provide exposure to complex issues of organization, hierarchy and sequence in traditional and contemporary typographic communication. Special attention is given to refinement, detail, and finishing skills in all forms of typographic design while understanding the significance of context and audience, as well as the voice and narrative potential of type. Major requirement and may be repeated for credit. Elective: 3 credits/semester; 6 hours/week.
Prerequisites : GD 102
GD 312 Core Studio II
This project-based course builds on the fundamentals introduced in Core I and emphasizes the potential for artistic/conceptual expression within the practice of the designer. Sequential and intensive projects will place emphasis on the presenting, articulating, editing and refining of work that defines individual designer portfolios. End results are more emphasized as well as evidence of a personal working methodology. This course often refers to professional situations, production and application Major requirement: 3 credits/semester; 6 hours/week.
Prerequisites : GD 311
Additional Notes : Major Requirement: 6 hours/week
GD 316 Experience Design
Prerequisites : 6 GD credits or permission of instructor.
GD 353 Design Issues & History
Readings, discussions, student presentations and studio projects will explore and examine contemporary issues and design history that affect the way we perceive the practice of design. Topics and projects will engage the student in the critical thinking and research specific to design methodology. This serves to expand the individual student’s personal palette of form and context. Major requirement. 3 credits; 6 hours/week.
Prerequisites : GD 101-102 or GD 202.
GD 380 Interaction Design
Introduces basic concepts, methods, and procedures of interactive design for desktop, mobile and beyond. Students investigate screen based visual systems as well as information structures for effective use and communication. Projects given will focus on a user- centered approach to interface design with strategies for audience definition, content development, information structuring, and navigation. Offers students the opportunities to learn tools and strategies for design, such as site maps, wireframes, prototypes, usability testing, and iterative development. Studies the potentials for leveraging both the social and locative possibilities of mobile devices through research, discussions, and project assignments. Major requirement. Elective: 3 credits/semester; 6 hours/week.
Prerequisites : 6 GD credits or permission of instructor.
GD 411 Core Studio III
This project-based course emphasizes the potential for artistic/conceptual expression within the practice of the designer. Sequential and intensive projects will place emphasis on the presenting, articulating, editing and refining of work that defines individual designer portfolios. End results are more emphasized as well as evidence of a personal working methodology. This course often refers to professional situations, production and application. Major requirement GD Seniors. 3 credits/semester; 6 hours/week.
Prerequisites : Major standing.
GD 450 Senior Independent Projects
This course is devoted to independent self-directed projects in graphic design, which are proposed, designed, written, and produced by each student on an individual basis. Faculty members serve as project advisors; this course is the studio component of the Senior Synthesis Seminar course. Thesis projects involve visual research relating to a specific semester-long topic of visual communication. An appropriate form of presentation for the project in the Senior Thesis Exhibition and a separate written summary culminate in book form. Major requirement. 3 credits/semester; 6 hours/week.
Prerequisites : Major standing
3YR Seminar: Motive, Method, Making (GD & IL)
This course explores the materials and methods of working in design and illustration through a series of intensive hands-on workshops. Processes may include Risograph printing, letterpress printing, prototyping packaging, an introduction to the Fab Lab, animation, and building a web presence. Conceptual exploration of a semester-long theme will be a common tying narrative to a visual language that is material specific. Whether 2D, 3D, time based, interactive, linear or nonlinear, methods of making influences the strategies applied within the design and illustration studio today. 3 credits/semester; 6 hours/week.
Prerequisites : Must be majoring.
Additional Notes : REQUIRED for Juniors in Illustration and Graphic Design Majors.
Professional Studio
This one-semester course is designed to deliver professional development information to seniors through presentations and lectures pertinent to artists and designers. Topics from how to establish a studio/community to various ways of working with individuals and the public; to making a professional identity package and finances plus many more will be explored. In addition to lectures and tutorials, there may also be field trips connected to appropriate topics, as well as visiting artists and professionals such as a CPA and Maine Arts Commission. Class projects are designed to offer specific experiences and skills pertinent to the student’s professional development. Sections will be split to focus on area-specific professional information and assignments. Major requirement: 3 credits/semester; 2.5 hours/week.\
Prerequisites : Must be majoring.
SEM 452 Senior Synthesis
This course is taken in the final semester of the senior year. It is an integral course with the studio practice. Students will be led through a guided research and writing process to identify and explore what their inspirations are for their studio work, how those interests are played out historically and what their relevance is to contemporary art and culture. The class will culminate in a fully articulated written thesis that explains and details their thesis work. Students will present their ideas at various points throughout the semester and conversations will be held about the ideas underlying their work both in the classroom and in individualized studio visits. Major requirement: 3 credits/semester; 3 hours/week.
Prerequisites : Must be in your senior year.