Program Overview

Graphic Design Program

The Graphic Design program at Auburn University offers a comprehensive curriculum that covers various aspects of graphic design, including foundation drawing, design principles, typography, and interactive media.

Courses

The program includes a range of courses, such as:

• GDES 1110 Foundation Drawing: Representational drawing with various media, emphasizing accurate observation, pictorial organization, and concept development.
• GDES 1210 Foundation Design I: Elements and principles of basic two-dimensional design, focusing on composition, color theory, and craftsmanship.
• GDES 1220 Foundation Design II: Elements and principles of design with emphasis on basic three-dimensional design, spatial organization, color, and media exploration.
• GDES 2210 Graphic Processes: Design and production processes, preparation of design for printing, paper, copyright, electronic techniques, and related subjects.
• GDES 2220 Typographics I: Historical development and practical applications of typography for design, layout, and other contemporary formats.
• GDES 2230 Introduction to Graphic Design: Design, layout, and image-making procedures for creative problem-solving in graphic design, emphasizing presentation, creativity, and visualization.
• GDES 3110 Elements & Principles of Design I: Exposure to various design methods and their applicability to non-design disciplines, highlighting the parallel between critical thinking and design thinking.
• GDES 3120 Elements & Principles of Design II: Basic concepts and vocabulary of typography, emphasizing the expressive potential of typography when combined with imagery in layout form.
• GDES 3130 Graphic Design Literacy: Preparation for active participation in conversations about visual communications, investigating historical bases and contemporary issues in graphic design.
• GDES 3140 Design Thinking: Application of design thinking in the context of screen-based design, including projects such as redesigning an existing website or designing a new mobile application.
• GDES 3210 Photo Design: Traditional black and white film photography, covering technical aspects of the 35mm camera and film, basic darkroom procedures, and aesthetics associated with photographic imagery.
• GDES 3220 Photo Communications: Photography as applied communication, such as advertising, editorial photography, and annual report photography, emphasizing advanced technological and studio techniques.
• GDES 3240 Interactive Media: Exploration of technical and conceptual aspects of web site design and motion graphics through problem-solving processes, focusing on effective graphic interfaces and information architecture.
• GDES 3250 Typographics II: Experimental application of typography for design and layout, exploring contemporary techniques and historical understanding.
• GDES 3260 Kinetic Typography: Focus on how motion affects meaning and develops new meaning through time, space, and sound.
• GDES 3710 Graphic Design History: History of graphic design, emphasizing social and cultural contexts, symbolic application, formal characteristics, and significant movements.
• GDES 3910 Graphic Design Internship Practicum: Professional practices of graphic design, including portfolio creation and presentation, resume and cover letter writing, and internship search tactics.
• GDES 3920 Graphic Design Internship: A fifteen-week period working full-time as a staff member with an approved internship sponsor under the direction of a supervising art director.
• GDES 4240 Graphic Design I: Application of communicative procedures and skills necessary to convey messages through graphic presentation, focusing on problem-solving in corporate identity, advertising design, and self-promotion.
• GDES 4250 Graphic Design II: Development of individual style in communication via graphic presentation, emphasizing problem-solving in publication design, self-promotion, large-format design, and layout.
• GDES 4270 Advanced Interactive Media: Principles and methodologies used in the interactive design industry for creating screen-based dynamic media, developing a conceptual framework for real-world applications.
• GDES 4640 Image I: Application of illustration techniques and concepts to various graphic formats, developing personal skills and individual style.
• GDES 4650 Image II: Exploration of two-dimensional and three-dimensional imaging techniques and concepts, developing personal skills and an individual style.
• GDES 4900 Directed Studies for Graphic Design: Individualized study in graphic design, focusing on topics such as graphic design, imaging, or web design, requiring a 3.0 average in GDES course curriculum and departmental approval.
• GDES 4970 Special Topics for Graphic Design: Topics in graphic design that are additional to the regular curriculum, developed by the instructor, requiring a 3.0 average in GDES course curriculum.
• GDES 4990 Senior Project for Graphic Design: A directed terminal studio project with choice of subject and medium, exhibited and graded by a faculty committee, to be taken in the student's final semester.
• GDES 4991 Research, Writing and Presentation: Addresses research, writing, and presentation requirements associated with the student's terminal studio project, to be taken in the student's final semester.