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Sequence and Coursework

This is a two-year course of study. All accepted Post-Baccalaureate Certificate students enter the program in the fall semester. The 10 courses which lead to the Post-Baccalaureate Certificate are arranged in a logical sequence in which each term prepares students for the level of complexity that follows.

Each year, students will take two classes in the fall semester, two classes in the spring semester and one class in the summer semester. During the fall and spring semesters, one class meets two weekday evenings and one class meets all day on Saturday. During the summer semester, one class meets two weekday evenings.

First Year Course Sequence

Fall:
Design in Context (PB 6405)
Typography Foundation (PB 6420)

Spring:
Print Foundation (PB 6410)
Motion Graphics Foundation (PB 6415)

Summer:
Projects Studio (PB 6425)

Second Year Course Sequence

Fall:
Web Foundation (PB 6510)
Print Studio (PB 6505)

Spring:
Typography Studio (PB 6520)
Advanced Projects Studio (PB 6515)

Summer:
Professional Practice Seminar (PB 6500)

Course Descriptions

Design in Context (PB 6405)
Because the outlines of the profession continually change, the graphic designer must know how to integrate an understanding of visual literacy with broad-based cultural knowledge. This seminar provides a foundation examination of the theoretical basis of graphic design, defining basic concepts and vocabulary used by the profession, such as information architecture, pattern-recognition, grids, proportion, rhythm, sequence and gestalt. In addition, the course will explore the contemporary history of graphic design from the mid-19th century to the present, with an emphasis on cross-disciplinary inspiration, varied cultural influences, technological innovation and expanded applications. Great emphasis will be placed on thorough research as an integral part of the ideation process. Throughout the course, weekly exercises and small projects that build on one another provide the student with a comprehensive understanding of the discipline of graphic design.

Typography Foundation (PB 6420)
This immersive course covers the principles and practice of typography. Assignments build in a successive progression from examining the single letterform and the design of typographic logos to large-scale information architecture projects related to branding, publications, systems, signage and mapping. By the end of the class, students are expected to demonstrate proficiency in the handling, use and application of typography.

Print Foundation (PB 6410)
The production of high quality printed materials requires the graphic designer to possess a well-developed understanding of prepress requirements and equally well-developed computer skills. This course will focus on the production of print-ready files using Apple hardware, Mac OS X and the Adobe Creative Suite of applications (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator and Acrobat). We will work with the capture, transfer, manipulation and delivery of images as well as how to produce print-ready electronic files while learning various aspects of prepress, such as color management, bleeds, image resolution, pre-flighting, proofing methods and RGB vs. CMYK vs. Pantone usage. Students will visit a printing firm to discuss these topics further with a print vendor and discuss technological innovations in the printing industry.

Motion Graphics Foundation (PB 6415)
This course explores the dynamic integration of design, graphic form, typography, and message enhanced through the manipulation of movement, time, sequence, and sound. These techniques are studied as integral components to the design process, resulting in compelling motion graphic narrations. Through this process students learn to create detailed storyboards, organized research to successfully pitch, critique, and execute the complex ideas, narrative, and design properties of motion graphics. The first part of the class focuses on achieving familiarity with After Effects and the fundamentals of motion design; the second half of the class focuses on execution of larger scale projects from start to finish. Adobe After Effects is the standard program for creating motion graphics, but use of Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop are an integral part of creating assets and planning ideas. As the need for screen-based design continues to grow, the knowledge of motion graphics gives students the added ability to develop digital movies that service a wide range of applications in broadcast, narrowcast, and other film, commercial, and video-based communications.

Projects Studio (PB 6425)
This class covers the development of research-oriented projects, varying from personal and public audiences, with an emphasis on the ability to logically and thoroughly communicate proposed design solutions to a broad spectrum of audiences. Projects rely on the accumulated skills and knowledge students have obtained and cultivated.

Web Foundation (PB 6510)
This extensive examination of Web design and its applications includes development of logical information architecture, research into technological possibilities and limitations and applied typographic aesthetics. Specific topics include: designing frameworks for variable content; developing interactive narratives; usability; conceptual and physical structure of the Internet; and a survey of common software employed in creating, serving and viewing Web content.

Print Studio (PB 6505)
This is an in-depth examination of design and the printing process using research and project-based engagement with pre-press, offset and digital print production. Material covered in this course includes electronic file preparation, printing processes, film separation, paper, dummy assembly and mark-up.

Typography Studio (PB 6520)
This course covers large-scale projects in branding, publications, signage, mapping and identity systems, as well as working with outside professionals to explore real-world needs.

Advanced Projects Studio (PB 6515)
Student-selected capstone projects are produced which will vary from mapping, packaging and print to new media. Each will require an accompanying high-quality presentation and process paper. The scale of proposed projects and their final articulation are to be developed and executed during the course in consultation with faculty.

Professional Practice Seminar (PB 6500)
This class offers advanced work in audience research and extensive portfolio preparation with an emphasis on interaction with outside organizations, corporations and design studios. Students are expected to produce professional, high-quality presentations of their work and accompanying process papers. This class includes a group exhibition of the students' work in one of the College galleries.