Mar 29, 2024  
2017-2018 Undergraduate Academic Catalog 
    
2017-2018 Undergraduate Academic Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

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TC 321 - Visual Design Techniques

3 lecture hours 2 lab hours 4 credits
Course Description
This is a survey course encompassing the fundamentals of visual communication, computer graphics, traditional techniques and their application to communication design. Production exercises include advertising-based documents, informational/persuasive-based documents, vector graphic/logo design, and basic web design. Effective applications of typographic design, visual layout, audience consideration, client consideration, and color are integrated throughout the course and through the use of Photoshop, Illustrator, Fireworks, and Dreamweaver. This course is a balance between lecture, in-class workshops, and group projects. This class requires that the student have some experience with desktop publishing software and/or some awareness of the Adobe Creative Suite programs. (prereq: EN 132  or advanced writing skills)
Course Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
  • Execute a clear understanding of what constitutes effective design in visual communications
  • Employ principles of effective design by use of typography, interaction of type and image, composition by use of contrasts and other skills acquired from projects throughout the quarter
  • Know basic functions of at least one text based program and one illustration-based program enough to execute a quality piece that could be taken to press
  • Have a better understanding of a variety of techniques utilized in various visual communication fields including power point, multi-media and web design

Prerequisites by Topic
  • None 

Course Topics
  • The Design Process
  • The Elements and Principles of Design
  • Design Application and Planning
  • Color Aesthetics, Psychology and Applications
  • Designing for the Web
  • Final Project
  • Working With Clients as Both an Individual and a Group
  • Understanding Audience
  • Designing Advertising Materials
  • Creating Effective Logos

Laboratory Topics
  • Work will be done on MSOE-issued laptops with MSOE-issued Adobe Creative Suite software package

Coordinator
Nadezhda Shalamova



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