Program Overview

Program Overview

The Graphic Design Foundations program is a course that introduces students to the fundamentals of graphic design through analog and sometimes digital methodologies in a cross-disciplinary studio environment. Students will be introduced to diverse techniques in visual research, and class exercises will enable them to explore the expressive use of various media and produce projects in design and visual communication.

Learning Outcomes

• Conduct visual design research
  • Understand the principles of visual research and its application in graphic design
• Understand the basic principles of visual communication
  • Learn how to communicate messages effectively through visual elements
• Ideate and visualize basic concepts by applying the basic principles they learned in various basic design applications
  • Develop skills in generating and visualizing ideas for graphic design projects
• Document design work
  • Learn how to properly document and present design projects
• Present design projects
  • Develop skills in presenting design work to audiences
• Reflect on various design topics
  • Engage in critical thinking and reflection on design principles and practices

Duration and Location

• Sessions will run daily from 9 am to 3 pm
• The program will be held at the AUC New Cairo campus
• Fridays and Saturdays are off

Fees

• The program fee is $1,000, which includes field trips
• A 10% discount is offered for siblings
• Egyptian students can pay the equivalent amount in Egyptian pounds

Current AUC Equivalent

This course is a prerequisite for students interested in majoring in graphic design. Note that program requirements may change, and if this course is no longer a requirement for the major, it will be counted as an elective course.

Course Transfer

• Upon taking this course, students will receive a certificate of completion from AUC
• The course is equivalent to 3 credit hours
• Only students who pass the course will be able to transfer these 3 credits when they enroll at AUC
• For transferring the course to other universities, their transfer assessments will apply

Requirements

• An English writing sample (at least 750 words): essay or reflection
• A copy of the student's report card for the past two years of school
• A recommendation letter from a high-school teacher within the past academic year, if available
• Students are encouraged to submit any art or design project portfolios, such as drawing, painting, illustration, graphic design, photography, or anything relevant

Transportation

The AUC Bus Service is available for extra fees. Details on the schedule will be shared before the program's start date.

Accommodation

Accommodation is offered at the University Residences in case needed.

About the Instructors

Mahy Mourad

Mahy Mourad is a Cairo-based architect, independent researcher, and multi-disciplinary designer. She lectures on design and architecture in several universities in Cairo. Mourad is the founder of Studio 39, a multidisciplinary research and design practice in Cairo. The studio's design work has been previously exhibited in Cairo, Alexandria, Dubai, and London. Mourad holds a BA in architecture and a dual master's degree in urbanism and design with distinction. Mourad has been teaching at AUC since 2017 and has been contributing to the development of the graphic design program.

Tarek Abdelkawi

Tarek Abdelkawi is an illustrator and graphic designer with an architectural background, an educator in both fields, as well as a professional musician. He has worked for multiple local and international clients, with a special focus on cultural events such as Cairo's Annual Jazz Festival and UK band Black Sabbath, among other clients. He has taught at the German University in Cairo (GUC) for a few years before he joined AUC in 2015 and has since been teaching and developing illustration and design foundations.

AUC Refund Policy

A 100% refund of the program fees will be offered in the following cases if reported at least three weeks before the program's start date:

• Course cancellation
• Medical withdrawal
• Visa denial