Graphic Design and Visual Experience Minor

The graphic design and visual experience minor allows students majoring in another degree path to become introduced and practiced in the fundamental skills and processes within graphic design.

The graphic design and visual experience minor allows students majoring in another degree path to become introduced and practiced in the fundamental skills and processes within graphic design.  Students are required to complete 24 units as listed below.

This is an introduction to the essential computer software tools used in the modern production of information society, with a focus on the workflow and productions native to design oriented tasks utilized in design and allied design professions. Students will be introduced to foundational design software applications - including Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign - and will be introduced to other workflow applications such as word processing, presentations, spreadsheets, databases, and email. Project-based learning activities will provide hands-on experiences for student to practice and apply skills to real-world situations. (3 units; Fall/Spring)

InstructorStart DateDaysTimeLocation
DES101-D
Godfrey, Gwendolyn Hope
09/03/2024 M 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM James Complex ONLN
DES101-C
Armstrong, Jacob Aaron
09/03/2024 T 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM James Complex ONLN
DES101-A
Godfrey, Gwendolyn Hope
09/03/2024 M 3:45 PM - 5:15 PM James Complex ONLN
DES101-B
Armstrong, Jacob Aaron
09/03/2024 T 5:15 PM - 6:45 PM James Complex ONLN
DES101-C
STAFF, STAFF
01/13/2025 T 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM James Complex ONLN
DES101-A
Godfrey, Gwendolyn Hope
01/13/2025 M 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM James Complex ONLN
DES101-B
STAFF, STAFF
01/13/2025 T 5:15 PM - 6:45 PM James Complex ONLN
DES101-D
Godfrey, Gwendolyn Hope
01/13/2025 M 3:45 PM - 5:15 PM James Complex ONLN
DES101-A
STAFF, STAFF
09/02/2025 M 5:15 PM - 6:45 PM James Complex ONLN
DES101-B
STAFF, STAFF
09/02/2025 M 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM James Complex ONLN
DES101-C
Armstrong, Jacob Aaron
09/02/2025 T 5:15 PM - 6:45 PM James Complex ONLN
DES101-D
Armstrong, Jacob Aaron
09/02/2025 T 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM James Complex ONLN

This foundational course provides a broad introduction to the field of visual communication by exploring 2D design concepts, processes, techniques, and production methods. Students will gain experience in the ideation, research, execution, and presentation of design related projects. Additional course fee. (3 units; Fall/Spring)

InstructorStart DateDaysTimeLocation
GDM215-B
Berger, Michael
12/06/2024 F 2:30 PM - 4:30 PM James Complex 332
GDM215-A
Berger, Michael
12/05/2024 Th 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM James Complex 332
GDM215-A
Berger, Michael
01/13/2025 Th 12:30 PM - 3:30 PM James Complex 332
GDM215-A
STAFF, STAFF
09/02/2025 Th 12:30 PM - 3:30 PM James Complex 332
GDM215-B
Berger, Michael
09/02/2025 F 1:15 PM - 4:15 PM James Complex 332

Students will learn the fundamentals of typesetting and typographic layout by exploring the history, anatomy, vocabulary, design, and function of letterforms and the role it plays in the visualization of language. Additional course fee. (3 units; Fall/Spring)

InstructorStart DateDaysTimeLocation
GDM225-A
Wright, Christopher Keith
09/03/2024 T 12:30 PM - 3:30 PM Adams Business Park A19
GDM225-A
Berger, Michael
01/13/2025 T 12:30 PM - 3:30 PM James Complex 332
GDM225-A
STAFF, STAFF
09/02/2025 T 12:30 PM - 3:30 PM James Complex 430

This course explores the use of the image as a tool for non-verbal communication and story-telling. Students will learn the fundamentals of image based design through compositing and editing techniques and processes. Additional course fee. (3 units; Fall/Spring)

InstructorStart DateDaysTimeLocation
GDM235-A
Berger, Michael
12/11/2024 M 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM James Complex 430
GDM235-A
Berger, Michael
01/13/2025 Th 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM James Complex 430
GDM235-A
Berger, Michael
09/02/2025 M 12:15 PM - 3:15 PM James Complex 430

This course will explore how to develop, conceptualize and craft effective design solutions in the form of a visual identity system. Students will design a variety of branding elements and strategy guidelines to visually communicate a core message across an array of products, services, and environments. Additional course fee. Prerequisite: GDM 215. (3 units; Fall/Spring)

InstructorStart DateDaysTimeLocation
GDM315-A
Wright, Christopher Keith
09/03/2024 M 3:45 PM - 6:45 PM Adams Business Park A19
GDM315-A
Wright, Christopher Keith
01/13/2025 M 3:45 PM - 6:45 PM Adams Business Park A19
GDM315-A
Wright, Christopher Keith
09/02/2025 M 3:45 PM - 6:45 PM Adams Business Park A19

The goal of this course is to refine the student's skills and understanding in using typography as an informative medium. Students will analyze the semiotic function of text including its relationship with content and image. Students will work with visible language in a variety of media and dimension, exploring the possibilities of conceptually-based typographic solutions. Prerequisite: GDM 225. (3 units; Fall/Spring)

InstructorStart DateDaysTimeLocation
GDM325-A
Wright, Christopher Keith
09/03/2024 W 3:45 PM - 6:45 PM Adams Business Park A19
GDM325-A
Wright, Christopher Keith
01/13/2025 W 3:45 PM - 6:45 PM Adams Business Park A19
GDM325-A
Wright, Christopher Keith
09/02/2025 W 3:45 PM - 6:45 PM Adams Business Park A19

This course will explore how to critically interpret and create meaning in context. Students will design solutions to problems across a variety of media by visualizing conceptual ideas through advanced image-making processes. Prerequisite: GDM 235. (3 units; Fall/Spring)

InstructorStart DateDaysTimeLocation
GDM335-A
Park, Samuel J
09/03/2024 T 12:30 PM - 3:30 PM James Complex 332
GDM335-A
Godfrey, Gwendolyn Hope
01/13/2025 T 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM James Complex 430
GDM335-A
STAFF, STAFF
09/02/2025 T 12:30 PM - 3:30 PM James Complex 332

 

Complete three units from the following:

This studio-based course is expected to be the culmination and synthesis of visualizing complex, integrated design systems from the skills acquired in prior courses within the major. Through key principles in visual systems design, each student will contextualize and develop strategies for managing design solutions across a variety of communication outlets. May be repeated for a maximum of six (6) units. Prerequisites: GDM 315, 325, and 335. (3 units; Fall/Spring)

InstructorStart DateDaysTimeLocation
GDM415-A
Berger, Michael
12/06/2024 F 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM James Complex 342
GDM415-A
Berger, Michael
01/13/2025 F 8:45 AM - 11:45 AM James Complex 342
GDM415-A
Berger, Michael
09/02/2025 F 8:45 AM - 11:45 AM James Complex 342

This experiential studio course is expected to be the culmination and synthesis of the typographical knowledge and skills acquired from the successful completion of prior courses within the major. By exploring and discussing historical and contemporary theory related to typography and design, each student will contextualize and apply critical thinking to their developing practice and conceptual interests. May be repeated for a maximum of six (6) units. Prerequisites: GDM 315, 325, and 335. (3 units; Fall/Spring)

InstructorStart DateDaysTimeLocation
GDM425-A
Berger, Michael
12/10/2024 T 2:30 PM - 4:30 PM James Complex 430
GDM425-A
Berger, Michael
09/02/2025 T 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM James Complex 430

This experiential studio course is expected to be the culmination and synthesis of the creative image-making knowledge and skills acquired from the successful completion of prior courses within the major. Studio emphasis is placed on strategic and conceptual art direction for products and subjects. May be repeated for a maximum of six (6) units. Prerequisites: GDM 315, 325, and 335. (3 units; Fall)

InstructorStart DateDaysTimeLocation
GDM435-A
Adachi, Heather Kay
12/06/2024 F 2:30 PM - 4:30 PM James Complex 430
GDM435-A
STAFF, STAFF
09/02/2025 F 1:15 PM - 4:15 PM James Complex 430