I. General Information

1. Course Title:
Concepts of Design

2. Course Prefix & Number:
GDES 1105

3. Course Credits and Contact Hours:

Credits: 3

Lecture Hours: 3

4. Course Description:

This course covers the principles and elements of design in the media industry.

5. Placement Tests Required:

6. Prerequisite Courses:

There are no prerequisites for this course.

9. Co-requisite Courses:

There are no corequisites for this course.

II. Transfer and Articulation

3. Prior Learning - the following prior learning methods are acceptable for this course:

• Advanced Standing
• Oral
• Demonstration
• Portfolio

III. Course Purpose

1. Program-Applicable Courses – This course is required for the following program(s):

Graphic Design A.A.S.
Graphic Design Diploma
Graphic Design - Media Technologies Diploma
Videography Production A.A.S.
Videography Production Diploma

IV. Learning Outcomes

1. College-Wide Outcomes

College-Wide Outcomes/Competencies	Students will be able to:
Analyze and follow a sequence of operations	Apply elements of design.
Apply abstract ideas to concrete situations	Design with shapes, lines, tones, and balance.

2. Course Specific Outcomes - Students will be able to achieve the following measurable goals upon completion of the course:

• Examine the world around them with heightened awareness for design inspiration:
• Develop the ability to generate appropriate ideas;
• Understand basic principles of design and perception and their use in graphic design;
• Relate the uses of the design elements as compositional content within design;
• Select appropriate typeface selections to meet the communication goals of design projects;
• Analyze the anatomy and characteristics of type;
• Construct harmonious combinations of type with imagery and other design elements;
• Determine how to use type correctly when legibility is a factor;
• Categorize the differences between symbols, logos, and representational and informational imagery;
• Understand photography and illustration and compare ways they best serve to enhance a message;
• Evaluate how problems are resolved in graphic design and how ideas are generated;
• Perform professionally with a positive attitude towards peers and colleagues;
• Evaluate photographic design through compositional principles in single images; and
• Differentiate between good and effective imagery through printed work.

V. Topical Outline

Listed below are major areas of content typically covered in this course.

1. Lecture Sessions

1. Intro to graphic design
• Types of designers
• Design careers
• Organization
2. Research and early concepts
• Basics of research
• Initial stages of concept development
• Exploratory drawing
• Visualizing ideas
3. Fundamentals of composition
• Elements of design
• Principles of design
• Basics of composition
• Form and space
• Size and format
• Coordination and identity
4. Fundamentals of typography
• Typography and meaning
• Anatomy of type
• Understanding and selecting typefaces
• Spacing
• Readability and legibility
• Typographic emphasis and hierarchy
• Typographic rules, boxes, and ornaments
• Type as design element
5. Imagery in design
• Representational imagery
• Photography basics
• Composition and cropping
• Image sourcing
• Photomontage/collage
• Illustration
• Symbols and logos
• Informational imagery
• Photographic design in single images
6. Homogeneous vs heterogeneous fields
7. Visual techniques that make photographs work
8. Exposure variables
9. Symmetry vs. asymmetry
10. Perception
11. Storytelling
12. Gestalt field theory and common laws
13. Photo composition and perspective exercises
14. Design in landscapes, advertisements, portraits

2. Laboratory/Studio Sessions