First Term Course Credits
- IDEA 101 Creative Thinking for Designers 2.00
- IDEA 105 Survey of Art and Illustration 2.00
- IDEA 110 Life Drawing I 2.00
- IDEA 120 Illustration Fundamentals I 2.00
- IDEA 130 Drawing for Illustration I 2.00
- IDEA 145 Photography for Designers 2.00
- IDEA 190 Principles of Colour and Design 2.00
Credits 14.00
Required: 14.00
Second Term Course Credits
- CMNS 123 Fundamentals of Communication for Artists and Designers 3.00
- IDEA Photography Workshop 0.50 *
- IDEA 100 Survey of Design 2.00
- IDEA 106 Introduction to Marketing for Graphic Designers 2.00
- IDEA 115 Life Drawing II 2.00
- IDEA 125 Illustration Fundamentals II 2.00
- IDEA 135 Drawing for Illustration II 2.00
- IDEA 155 Conceptual Design I 2.00
- IDEA 162 Introduction to Typography 2.00
Credits 17.50
Required: 17.50
Third Term Course Credits
- IDEA 202 Content for Design and Advertising 2.00
- IDEA 210 Life Drawing III 2.00
- IDEA 220 Applied Illustration I 2.00
- IDEA 250 Conceptual Design II 2.00
- IDEA 260 Typography Digital I 3.00
- IDEA 270 Digital Applications I 1.00
- IDEA 271 Digital Applications II: Image 2.00
- IDEA 272 Digital Applications III: Layout and Vector 2.00
- IDEA 290 Applied Design I 3.00
Credits 19.00
Required: 19.00
Fourth Term Course Credits
- IDEA 206 Project Management for Designers 3.00
- IDEA 225 Applied Illustration II 2.00
- IDEA 237 Diagrammatic Graphics 2.00
- IDEA 265 Typography Digital II 2.00
- IDEA 285 Web Site Design 2.00
Choose 6.00 credits from the following list: 6.00
- IDEA 246 Brand Identity 3.00
- IDEA 295 Applied Design II 3.00
- SAID 200 Study Abroad/Student Exchange (IDEA) 0.00
Credits 17.00
Required: 11.00
Fifth Term Course Credits
- IDEA 332 Advanced Illustration I 2.00
- IDEA 338 Digital Illustration 2.00
- IDEA 341 Production for Print and Digital Media I 1.00
- IDEA 345 Self Promotion I 1.00
- IDEA 350 Packaging 3.00
- IDEA 380 Web Site Applications 2.00
- IDEA 390 Applied Design III 3.00
Credits 14.00
Required: 14.00
Sixth Term Course Credits
- IDEA 300 Business Practices for Design and Illustration 1.00
- IDEA 310 Illustration for Portfolio 2.00
- IDEA 336 Advanced Illustration II 2.00
- IDEA 342 Production for Print and Digital Media II 1.00
- IDEA 394 Professional and Portfolio Development 3.00
- IDEA 395 Applied Design IV 3.00
- Choose 1.00 credits from the following list: 1.00
- IDEA 348 Visual Branding 1.00
- IDEA 356 Exhibit Design 1.00
Credits 13.00
Required: 12.00
Total Program Credits 94.50
IDEA 100
Survey of Design
2.00 credits (3,0,1) hrs 15 wks
This course gives an overview of contemporary design styles and applied theories, providing students with a grounding in the origins and future of design. History is integrated with theory, making students literate about their own discipline. The course helps students understand the unique relationships of artists and designers to culture and explores the ways in which events of the world have shaped visual literacy, form and technique.
IDEA 101
Creative Thinking for Designers
2.00 credits (3,0,1) hrs 15 wks
Within the framework of the field of visual perception, students will explore the ways in which we see and interpret the world, and investigate various methods of thinking both creatively and critically. The course will be structured around the fundamental principles of visual perception (why we see the way we do); a study of art in terms of psychology, where form is related to meaning (gestalt theory); and an exploration of techniques that help to exercise and expand creative and critical thinking in relation to the visual world.
IDEA 105
Survey of Art and Illustration
2.00 credits (3,0,1) hrs 15 wks
This course provides an historical survey of illustration and insight into illustration styles, trends and the future of illustration. Slide lectures review notable artists and their work and discuss the influence on illustration of multi-culturalism, politics and economics. This course aims to integrate history with applied theory making students literate about their own discipline.
IDEA 106
Introduction to Marketing for Graphic Designers
2.00 credits (3,0,1) hrs 15 wks
This course focuses on fundamental marketing techniques used in business. Students will be introduced to various kinds of marketing plans including processes, research techniques and strategies used in marketing.
IDEA 110
Life Drawing I
2.00 credits (3,0,1) hrs 15 wks
This course provides a background in figure drawing and teaches students how to render the human figure accurately. The course guides students in rendering the human figure; provides an historical overview of figure drawing, introduces anatomy, and reviews human figure proportions.
IDEA 115
Life Drawing II
2.00 credits (3,0,1) hrs 15 wks
This course continues to guide students in rendering the human figure. There is an emphasis on perception and rendering faces, hands and feet. The draped and undraped figure is rendered using a variety of mediums and techniques.
IDEA 120
Illustration Fundamentals I
2.00 credits (3,0,3) hrs 15 wks
This course provides students with an understanding of what the profession of illustration involves, the illustrator's role in the process, and an understanding of the mediums and techniques used in contemporary illustration. This course is the first of a two-part introduction.
IDEA 125
Illustration Fundamentals II
2.00 credits (3,0,3) hrs 15 wks
This course is a continuation of Illustration Fundamentals I, providing students with a continuation of knowledge of tools and materials (mediums), and introducing processes (techniques and skills) as applied in drawing and illustration. This course provides a technical introduction to colour mediums, and aids students in recognizing differences in mediums and surfaces and how they can best be used to obtain specific visual expressions.
IDEA 130
Drawing for Illustration I
2.00 credits (3,0,1) hrs 15 wks
This course introduces and develops drawing techniques for the accurate representation of objects, both natural and man-made.
IDEA 135
Drawing for Illustration II
2.00 credits (3,0,1) hrs 15 wks
This course continues to teach students how to render objects, both natural and man-made. Perceptual skills are developed. All aspects of quality of line and tone are explored. New theories in perspective are introduced, including 3-point perspective, isometric projection and plane distortion.
IDEA 145
Photography for Designers
2.00 credits (3,0,3) hrs 15 wks
This course explores the interactions of light, form, film, the technologies that capture images, how we react to them and the critical decision making process during image evaluations.
IDEA 155
Conceptual Design I
2.00 credits (3,0,1) hrs 15 wks
In this course, students learn how to develop concepts for graphic design and illustration projects. Concepts are defined as visual ideas and the context in which they exist. Students develop their approach in analyzing and creating design solutions that communicate visually. They develop the design process in generating visual ideas, organizing material, recognizing clear concepts, and understanding when a concept is appropriate to a specific situation or particular medium.
IDEA 162
Introduction to Typography
2.00 credits (3,0,3) hrs 15 wks
This course combines an historical survey of the development of type design and function with hands-on practice, not only with the traditional methods of calligraphy and typesetting, but primarily in the modern vision of typographical communication. The major emphasis of the course is on teaching students appreciation for the beauty of typography, the richness of its variety, and the infinite and satisfying possibilities for its creative use.
IDEA 190
Principles of Colour and Design
2.00 credits (3,0,3) hrs 15 wks
This course provides a groundwork in design fundamentals, colour theory, composition and perception. Students will experience colour and design relationships and acquire a working knowledge about how colour and design influence visual communications. Students will be introduced to design methodology, problem-solving and analysis.
IDEA 202
Content for Design and Advertising
2.00 credits (3,1,1) hrs 15 wks
Prerequisite: Successful completion of 27 IDEA 100-level course credits
This course provides students with knowledge and resources for developing concepts and written content for design and advertising projects based on the typical process found in advertising agencies and design studios.
IDEA 206
Project Management for Designers
3.00 credits (4,2,0) hrs 15 wks
Prerequisite: Successful completion of 27 IDEA 100-level course credits
This course covers the complete process required to initiate and implement a comprehensive communications design project. Students choose the project and take on roles of both client and designer.
IDEA 210
Life Drawing III
2.00 credits (3,0,1) hrs 15 wks
Prerequisite: Successful completion of 27 IDEA 100-level course credits
This course is a continuation of Life Drawing II. The course develops acquired life drawing skills and explores new expressions of the human figure, with an emphasis on interpretation and experimentation.
IDEA 220
Applied Illustration I
2.00 credits (3,0,3) hrs 15 wks
Prerequisite: Successful completion of 27 IDEA 100-level course credits
This course introduces students to illustration as visual communication. Students will learn process and development for illustration projects. They will apply various mediums with a focus on contemporary painting mediums. This course provides instruction in experimental illustration in painting a variety of styles using traditional and innovative techniques.
IDEA 225
Applied Illustration II
2.00 credits (3,0,3) hrs 15 wks
Prerequisite: Successful completion of 27 IDEA 100-level course credits
This course is a continuation of Applied Illustration I, with an emphasis on conceptual development. The course focuses on subject interpretation using various mediums including experimental and traditional painting techniques, and introduces more complex subject matter. Students are introduced to the role of the illustrator as part of an advertising team and to an appreciation of the parameters of advertising illustration as applied to product and retail promotion.
IDEA 237
Diagrammatic Graphics
2.00 credits (3,2,1) hrs 15 wks
Prerequisite: Successful completion of 27 IDEA 100-level course credits
In this course, students will investigate the graphic presentation of statistics, processes and ideas. Particular attention is given to the purposes of diagrammatic graphics as applied to client needs. The emphasis is on concept, function and clarity of message.
IDEA 246
Brand Identity
3.00 credits (4,2,2) hrs 15 wks
Prerequisite: Successful completion of 27 IDEA 100-level course credits
This course introduces students to the field of brand identity by following the process of a branding assignment as it would typically be handled in a design studio or advertising agency. Students are guided through the process week by week, from creative brief through strategic framework to logo development and design of a variety of marketing materials. Presentations are conducted in a simulated ?real world? environment.
IDEA 250
Conceptual Design II
2.00 credits (3,2,1) hrs 15 wks
Prerequisite: Successful completion of 27 IDEA 100-level course credits
This course is a continuation of Conceptual Design I. This course reinforces and further develops an exploratory approach to design process. Emphasis is placed on creating conceptual design solutions to specific communications problems.
IDEA 255
Design for Exhibits/Environmental Graphics
2.00 credits (3,1,1) hrs 15 wks
Prerequisite: Successful completion of 27 IDEA 100-level course credits
This course focuses on problem solving and the distribution of crucial information in an appropriate, clear, engaging and fun way - merging the fields of 2D and 3D design. This course will expose students to pre-manufactured exhibit display as well as complete exhibits and environments for specific purposes such as museums and trade shows.
IDEA 260
Typography Digital I
3.00 credits (4,2,2) hrs 15 wks
Prerequisite: Successful completion of 27 IDEA 100-level course credits
This course provides students with a thorough understanding of typography as a core element of communication through an exploration and appreciation of typographic expression, harmony, proportion, contrast, rhythm and hierarchy.
IDEA 265
Typography Digital II
2.00 credits (3,1,1) hrs 15 wks
Prerequisite: Successful completion of 27 IDEA 100-level course credits
This course is a continuation of Typography Digital I. This course focuses on the formal and conceptual attributes of effectively applied typography in print.
IDEA 270
Digital Applications I
1.00 credit (15,0,0) hrs 01 wks
Prerequisite: Successful completion of 27 IDEA 100-level course credits
This course is designed to provide students with the technical skills and knowledge to set up and maintain Mac OS computer systems and to integrate their personal Mac OS computer into the IDEA lab's computer network.
IDEA 271
Digital Applications II: Image
2.00 credits (3,2,1) hrs 15 wks
Prerequisite: Successful completion of 27 IDEA 100-level course credits
This course provides a basic to intermediate investigation of digital graphics. Particular attention is given to the development of graphic techniques appropriate to digital image making. Through exploration of the chosen graphics application (Adobe Photoshop), students will learn skills, and address issues concerning digital colour development for both illustration and design as they investigate the various features of the software.
IDEA 272
Digital Applications III: Layout and Vector
2.00 credits (3,2,1) hrs 15 wks
Prerequisite: Successful completion of 27 IDEA 100-level course credits
This course provides an introduction to electronic composition and imaging using computer software (Adobe Creative Suite) as a tool, on a Macintosh computer. The course covers a digital glossary, font and file management, colour systems, file formats, and proofing.
IDEA 285
Web Site Design
2.00 credits (3,2,1) hrs 15 wks
Prerequisite: Successful completion of 27 IDEA 100-level course credits
This course introduces students to design and development techniques for communication via an interactive medium: the World Wide Web. Starting from fundamentals in shaping the interactive experience such as information architecture, navigational user interface design and usability, students will progress to application of these principles through the creation of Web pages using graphical page-creation tools.
IDEA 290
Applied Design I
3.00 credits (4,2,2) hrs 15 wks
Prerequisite: Successful completion of 27 IDEA 100-level course credits
This course familiarizes students with the function of graphic design, teaches the importance of visual hierarchy in communications, and emphasizes resourcefulness, conceptual development and the creative process.
IDEA 295
Applied Design II
3.00 credits (4,2,2) hrs 15 wks
Prerequisite: Successful completion of 27 IDEA 100-level course credits
This course focuses on editorial and publication design, and provides a continuation of theory and technique applied to complex real world projects. The emphasis is on conceptual development, meeting communications objectives for each project and on understanding the role of the designer/art director in a team environment.
IDEA 300
Business Practices for Design and Illustration
1.00 credit (3,0,0) hrs 10 wks
Prerequisite: Successful completion of 57 IDEA course credits
This course focuses on operating in a freelance environment, client/designer contractual relationships, business practice procedures, operating in the print world, and the responsibilities required in an Internet environment.
IDEA 310
Illustration for Portfolio
2.00 credits (3,0,1) hrs 15 wks
Prerequisite: Successful completion of 57 IDEA course credits
This course develops advanced drawing skills using a variety of mediums as applied to a series of illustrations. This course will give students the opportunity to complete a body of work for a chosen theme and context for their portfolio. The student will be both client and visual communicator with choice of concept, mediums and techniques.
IDEA 332
Advanced Illustration I
2.00 credits (3,0,3) hrs 15 wks
Prerequisite: Successful completion of 57 IDEA course credits
This course continues to build on students' studio techniques and conceptual development in editorial and advertising projects. These will emphasize storytelling, complementing and enriching a text rather than merely repeating its content, while building on each student's stylistic strengths. The whole notion of Voice is explored with more freedom in this area of work, while practical matters such as negotiation and billing are also to be covered.
IDEA 336
Advanced Illustration II
2.00 credits (3,0,3) hrs 15 wks
Prerequisite: Successful completion of 57 IDEA course credits
This course focuses on understanding illustration for persuasion used in the context of corporate, cultural and environmental applications. Students will develop sophisticated solutions with an emphasis on concept, process and presentation. Students will explore conceptual thinking and create several solutions for realistic project requirements.
IDEA 338
Digital Illustration
2.00 credits (3,1,1) hrs 15 wks
Prerequisite: Successful completion of 57 IDEA course credits
This course focuses on an exploration of advanced digital illustration using a variety of software programs to create both vector- and raster-based images. An understanding of the strengths of digital technology in contemporary conceptual illustration is emphasized.
IDEA 341
Production for Print and Digital Media I
1.00 credit (4,2,0) hrs 08 wks
Prerequisite: Successful completion of 57 IDEA course credits
This course focuses on electronic file preparation for print, review of processes and technology, and digital image preparation for print and other media. This course introduces the correct terms and processes involved in preparing design files for reproduction with a focus on Mac-based applications. Assignments are intended to give a sense of real-world experience. This course is not intended to evaluate or grade students on their creative or conceptual skills, but it will expect students to approach the course with a critical eye for good design.
IDEA 342
Production for Print and Digital Media II
1.00 credit (4,2,0) hrs 08 wks
Prerequisite: Successful completion of 57 INTE course credits
This course focuses on electronic file preparation for print, review of processes and technology, and digital image preparation for print and other media. This course introduces the correct terms and processes involved in preparing design files for reproduction with a focus on Mac-based applications. Assignments are intended to give a sense of real-world experience. This course is not intended to evaluate or grade students on their creative or conceptual skills, but it will expect students to approach the course with a critical eye for good design.
IDEA 345
Self Promotion I
1.00 credit (3,2,0) hrs 10 wks
Prerequisite: Successful completion of 57 IDEA course credits
This course focuses on the development of individual self promotional materials. The course also provides an introduction to the graphic design/illustration industry and related professional organizations through a series of studio tours and workshops with visiting consultants.
IDEA 348
Visual Branding
1.00 credit (2,1,0) hrs 10 wks
Prerequisite: Successful completion of 57 IDEA course credits
This course focuses on the in-depth branding of a company, product or service, and identifies ways in which a well-implemented brand strategy can differentiate an organization from its competitors. Project components span identity design to packaging to small and large scale advertising campaigns to customer experience, tailored to what best builds a strong brand for the chosen end product.
IDEA 350
Packaging
3.00 credits (4,2,2) hrs 15 wks
Prerequisite: Successful completion of 57 IDEA course credits
This course introduces the aspects of branding in packaging, point-of-purchase and retail promotions and the potentials and constraints imposed by 3D graphic design, including form, function and government regulations.
IDEA 356
Exhibit Design
1.00 credit (3,1,0) hrs 10 wks
Prerequisite: Successful completion of 57 IDEA course credits
This course focuses on the application of type and image to exhibition and signage systems for both interior and exterior environments. Students make use of their experience in two-dimensional graphic design to produce interactive, conceptually-driven visual communications in three-dimensional space. This course incorporates design principles such as visual and verbal communication, architectural space, ergonomics and visual hierarchy.
IDEA 380
Web Site Applications
2.00 credits (3,2,1) hrs 15 wks
Prerequisite: Successful completion of 57 IDEA course credits
This course builds on the principles and techniques introduced in Web Site Design, concentrating on the role of the designer in the creation of information-rich web sites using a professional site authoring tool. Advanced techniques in the delivery of web content will also be explored, including the creation of vector-based web graphics and animation.
IDEA 390
Applied Design III
3.00 credits (4,2,2) hrs 15 wks
Prerequisite: Successful completion of 57 IDEA course credits
This course reinforces and further develops a conceptual approach to creating design solutions. Emphasis is placed on strategy as well as the development of a 'big idea' that can work in multiple executions and media.
IDEA 394
Professional and Portfolio Development
3.00 credits (2,2,3) hrs 15 wks
Prerequisite: Successful completion of 57 IDEA course credits
This course provides students with the opportunity to prepare and finalize professional design and illustration portfolios, and prepare materials and displays for the Graduation Show exhibit.
IDEA 395
Applied Design IV
3.00 credits (4,2,2) hrs 15 wks
Prerequisite: Successful completion of 57 IDEA course credits
This course covers advanced communication design projects and industry professionalism. Students will create design solutions to meet communications objectives for different kinds of print marketing materials. The process for each project will include in-depth research and consultation, analysis of the target audience and development of appropriate content. Creating distinctive concepts will be emphasized. Students will begin each project by identifying a communications strategy. The course also focusses on portfolio development and opportunities for industry recognition.
