Visual Communication Design Independent Study will allow students to obtain instruction in specialized areas of interest to enhance their individual course of study. Working with a faculty adviser, students will propose a focused curriculum related to their academic and/or future career interests. Visual Communication Design Independent Study students must obtain permission of an instructor to enroll.**NOTE: Student must have a minimum 3.0 GPA **

This course will focus on the development of graphic communication from prehistory through the present. This course will provide students with knowledge and understanding of the places, people, events; historical and cultural factors; and technological innovations that have influenced the practice of graphic design. Lectures are complemented by guest speakers, archive visits, videos, research projects, critical essay writing, and discussion.

Graphic Design Independent Study will provide students with the ability to focus in a specialized area of graphic design with an individual faculty member. Students, with the assistance of a faculty adviser, will propose a course of study. The independent study student must obtain permission of an instructor and department by completing the Independent Study Proposal Form to enroll.

Students will expand upon the principles of grid theory, text and display typography, sequence, page layout, and type and image integration as they relate to a range of design applications: posters, instructional materials, brochures, magazines, books, etc. Visual organization and message communication are stressed. This course builds upon the content taught in Typography and Design Imagery courses. Appropriate layout and imaging software skills are integrated.

In this course, students’ working knowledge of graphic design will culminate in a comprehensive capstone project. The content of each capstone project will vary depending upon each students' focus/direction and approval from their instructor. The students will build on previous course work. Process and in-progress development is shared via class presentations and a final public exhibition for dissemination. A final formal presentation is required.

This course exposes students to the professional environment through outside job opportunities in graphic design studios, advertising agencies, corporate communications departments, and other acceptable organizations. Students will work under the guidance of art directors, creative directors, senior graphic designers, or marketing communications managers and perform creative work that is educational and meaningful for their short-term academic goals as well as their long-range career preparation. Documentation of the experience is required and final review from employer is obtained. The appointed faculty adviser will meet with the student upon completion for final evaluation for a grade. Students must obtain pre-approval of their department and complete the Internship Approval Form. Credit earned is used toward elective credits.