Graphic Arts and Design (GAD)
GAD 2205 History of Graphic Design. (Formerly 205) This course explores the relationship between the history of graphic design, fine art and modern graphic design. The impact of political and social movements on graphic design will be of critical importance. Topics include the evolution of ancient writing systems and alphabets, early printing technologies and typographic innovations, the aesthetics of 19th-century mass media, the dominance of modernism in 20th-century visual culture, and its transformation through digital design and AI-assisted design. Visual analyses and design exercises will highlight the enduring legacies and creative potential. 3 semester credit hour/s.
Designation: Artistic and Creative (QCA)
Campus: LISLE (Typically Offered: Spring Term)
MESA (Typically Offered: Spring Term)
MESA (Typically Offered: Spring Term)
GAD 2230 Typography. (Formerly 230) This course introduces typography as a vital element of visual communications. Typographic structure, terminology, expression, and strategy will be explored from the single letterform to an entire page layout. The course uses both computer and hands on skills to address the effective use of typography. 3 semester credit hour/s.
Designation: Artistic and Creative (QCA)
Campus: LISLE (Typically Offered: Spring Term)
MESA
MESA
GAD 2260 Graphic Design I. (Formerly 260) This course introduces students to the basic principles and elements of graphic design. Students will explore visual problem solving strategies in print media by applying fundamental principles and elements of graphic design. Industry standard graphic design software such as Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop on the Macintosh platform will be taught and practiced. 3 semester credit hour/s.
Designation: Artistic and Creative (QCA)
Campus: LISLE (Typically Offered: Fall Term)
MESA (Typically Offered: Periodically)
MESA (Typically Offered: Periodically)
GAD 3300 Digital Storytelling. This course enables students to explore the art of storytelling through digital mediums. Focusing on narrative techniques, visual aesthetics, and audience engagement, students will create compelling stories using video, audio, and interactive elements. This course fosters creativity and critical thinking for impactful digital communication. 3 semester credit hour/s.
Campus: LISLE (Typically Offered: Spring Term)
MESA (Typically Offered: Spring Term)
MESA (Typically Offered: Spring Term)
GAD 3330 Advanced Typography. This course introduces more challenging and complex typographic practices. Students will explore advanced typographic concepts, focusing on hierarchy, composition, and typographic systems, along with typographic principles. The course emphasizes innovative applications and integrates digital tools with traditional techniques to create effective typographic solutions across various media formats. Prerequisite: GAD 2230 3 semester credit hour/s.
Campus: LISLE (Typically Offered: Fall Term)
MESA (Typically Offered: Fall Term)
MESA (Typically Offered: Fall Term)
GAD 3350 Social Media Design. This course introduces the art and strategy of social media design. Students will explore the importance of graphic design in social media campaigns, with a focus on creating engaging content and mastering platform-specific strategies. Emphasis is placed on analyzing audience engagement and trends to navigate the dynamic landscape of various social media platforms. 3 semester credit hour/s.
Campus: LISLE (Typically Offered: Fall Term)
LISLE (Typically Offered: Spring Term)
MESA (Typically Offered: Fall Term)
MESA (Typically Offered: Spring Term)
LISLE (Typically Offered: Spring Term)
MESA (Typically Offered: Fall Term)
MESA (Typically Offered: Spring Term)
GAD 3355 Information & Data Visualization. This course introduces the principles and techniques of data visualization to effectively convey complex information. Students will integrate design thinking with data-driven narratives, emphasizing creativity, clarity, and practical application. They will acquire essential skills in data analysis and visualization, empowering informed decision-making through impactful visuals. 3 semester credit hour/s.
Campus: LISLE (Typically Offered: Spring Term)
MESA (Typically Offered: Spring Term)
MESA (Typically Offered: Spring Term)
GAD 3360 Graphic Design II. (Formerly 360) This course is a continuation of Graphic Design I. The course provides opportunities to solve more complex visual problems by exploring design elements, principles, contents, and trends. Prerequisite: GAD 2260. 3 semester credit hour/s.
Campus: LISLE (Typically Offered: Spring Term)
MESA (Typically Offered: Periodically)
MESA (Typically Offered: Periodically)
GAD 3370 Brand Design Strategies. This course explores impactful brand identities through strategic design principles. Students will analyze successful brands, develop innovative visual concepts, and create a cohesive branding system, including logos, color palettes, and typography. The course empowers students to craft authentic brand experiences that connect with target audiences in a competitive marketplace. 3 semester credit hour/s.
Campus: LISLE (Typically Offered: Fall Term)
MESA (Typically Offered: Fall Term)
MESA (Typically Offered: Fall Term)
GAD 3380 UI/UX Design. UI/UX Design is an essential component in developing websites and mobile applications. This course explores user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) design through design research, data visualization, wireframing, and prototyping. Students will gain an understanding of the tools and issues surrounding usability and interactivity for digital platforms. 3 semester credit hour/s.
Designation: Artistic and Creative (QCA)
Campus: LISLE (Typically Offered: Fall Term)
MESA (Typically Offered: Fall Term)
MESA (Typically Offered: Fall Term)
GAD 4297 Internship. (Formerly 297) An Internship provides valuable hands-on work experience in the Graphic Design field before graduation. Students will be given job assignments and responsibilities in the professional industry and apply their knowledge and skills learned from the course work. 3 semester credit hour/s. Course Repeatable. Maximum number of units allowed: 6.
Designation: Engaged Learning
Campus: LISLE (Typically Offered: Fall and Spring Terms)
MESA (Typically Offered: Periodically)
MESA (Typically Offered: Periodically)
GAD 4300 Motion Graphics. Formerly 300) This course introduces motion graphics to students who have a strong foundation in typography and print design. Students will experience theoretical and practical time-based media related to contemporary visualization and digital storytelling. Essential knowledge and techniques of motion graphics and visual effects will be explored with the integration of image, text, sound, video, and animation. Prerequisite: GAD 3360. 3 semester credit hour/s.
Campus: LISLE (Typically Offered: Fall Term)
MESA (Typically Offered: Periodically)
MESA (Typically Offered: Periodically)
GAD 4380 Advanced UI/UX Design. This course enhances students' expertise in advanced UI/UX design, focusing on user-centered methodologies, interaction design, and usability testing. Through collaborative and intensive projects, students will employ innovative strategies and tools to create engaging digital experiences. Critical analysis of industry trends will further develop design thinking and prepare them for real-world challenges in digital design. Pre-requisite "C" or better, GAD 3380 3 semester credit hour/s.
Campus: LISLE (Typically Offered: Spring Term)
MESA (Typically Offered: Spring Term)
MESA (Typically Offered: Spring Term)
GAD 4393 Senior Portfolio. (Formerly 393) This course focuses on the developments of a student's individual portfolio. The preparation of a portfolio is an essential part of transition from a graphic design student to a qualified designer. A senior Graphic Arts major will create both a physical portfolio and a digital portfolio demonstrating his/her acquired skills and personal interests in graphic design. Prerequisite: GAD 3360. 3 semester credit hour/s.
Designation: Writing Intensive; Engaged Learning
Campus: LISLE (Typically Offered: Spring Term)
MESA (Typically Offered: Spring Term)
MESA (Typically Offered: Spring Term)
GAD 4400 Advanced Motion Graphics. This course elevates students' skills in motion graphics and animation, focusing on advanced techniques and innovative storytelling methods. Students will work on sophisticated projects that integrate motion design with sound, video, and visual effects. The course encourages creative experimentation with emerging technologies and tools, promoting a deeper understanding of visual communication in dynamic formats. 3 semester credit hour/s.
Campus: LISLE (Typically Offered: Periodically)
MESA (Typically Offered: Periodically)
MESA (Typically Offered: Periodically)