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. Course descriptionThis seminar examines the theoretical basis of graphic design, defining basic concepts and vocabulary used within the profession, such as information architecture, pattern-recognition, grids, proportion, rhythm, sequence, and gestalt. In addition, the course explores the contemporary history of graphic design from the mid-nineteenth century to the present, with an emphasis on cross-disciplinary inspiration, varied cultural influences, technological innovation, and expanded applications. Great emphasis is 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. Students will have access to Adobe Creative Cloud software throughout the course. / This is a graduate level class and is part of MCAD's Master of Arts in Graphic and Web Design.Open to students ages 18 and above. Review complete policies, including class cancellation policies, before completing your registration.Class meeting detailsThis online course is a combination of asynchronous content and a weekly synchronous meeting using Google Meet. The course is project-based, with 2 to 3 deadlines per week. Course activities may include readings; video demonstrations and tutorials; online discussions; projects; and critiques.PrerequisitesBasic skills in Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator are recommended.Required materialsSoftwareAdobe Creative Cloud (provided by MCAD).HardwareA computer capable of running Adobe Creative Cloud software, with internet access, a camera, and microphone.TextbookSee canvas.mcad.edu/books for a list of required textbooks.Class resourcesThis class uses Adobe and Canvas, MCAD's learning management system. Please see links for more information.Class savingsRegister on or before May 16 and save $25.Register for more than one class at a time and receive $25 off each additional class (same-day registrations only).Additional savings. Are you eligible?Questions?Contact MCAD Continuing Education at continuing_education@mcad.edu or call 612.874.3765. Register Title Non-Credit Tuition $1,485.00 Tuition Type Non-Credit TuitionThree-Credit Tuition Student's Legal First Name Student's Legal Last Name Student Birthdate Month MonthJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec Day Day12345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728293031 Year Year192519261927192819291930193119321933193419351936193719381939194019411942194319441945194619471948194919501951195219531954195519561957195819591960196119621963196419651966196719681969197019711972197319741975197619771978197919801981198219831984198519861987198819891990199119921993199419951996199719981999200020012002200320042005200620072008200920102011201220132014201520162017201820192020 I agree to the following registration terms and conditions. Date: Mon, Aug 25, 2025 - Fri, Dec 12, 2025 Time: 7:00 p.m.–8:30 p.m. Day(s) of the week: Tuesday Ages: Open to students ages 18 and above. Term: Fall 2025 Instructor: Gracia Echeverria Location: Online SKU: GWD 6405 20 FA25 Prerequisites: Basic skills in Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator are recommended.