Course Descriptions

DESN Course Descriptions

• DESN 501 INTRODUCTION TO WEB DEVELOPMENT (3)

  Introduction to the fundamentals of front-end Web design. Students learn how to write basic HTML and CSS. Emphasis on preparing media for Web use, HTML tags, CSS attribute and how the two languages work together to create functional and visual front-end Web design. Grading: pass/fail; credits do not count toward a UB graduate degree or certificate. Lab fee required.

• DESN 502 INTRODUCTION TO GRAPHIC DESIGN PRINCIPLES (3)

  Hands-on course for students with a limited background in graphic design. Emphasis on basic strategies for visual problem-solving and techniques for preparing comprehensive layouts. Pass/fail grading. Lab fee required.

• DESN 503 WORKSHOP IN WRITTEN COMMUNICATION (3)

  Practicum in the skills of writing and research. Instruction focuses on projects in the student’s subject field. Emphasis on revising, proofreading, editing, adapting and translating for different media and audiences. Recommended for students in all graduate programs who wish additional work in writing, with permission of the graduate program director. Grading: credit/no credit or letter grade.

• DESN 505 SHORT COURSE IN WRITING (1)

  Intensive course meeting three hours per week for five weeks and focusing on a specialized aspect of professional writing. Content varies according to the concurrent interests of faculty and students. May be repeated for credit when the topic changes. Grading: credit/no credit or letter grade. Lab fee may be required.

• DESN 506 SHORT COURSE IN WRITING (1)

  Intensive course meeting three hours per week for five weeks and focusing on a specialized aspect of professional writing. Content varies according to the concurrent interests of faculty and students. May be repeated for credit when the topic changes. Grading: credit/no credit or letter grade. Lab fee may be required

• DESN 508 SHORT COURSE IN GRAPHICS (1)

  Intensive course meeting three hours per week for five weeks and focusing on a specialized aspect of graphic design or graphic production. Content varies according to the concurrent interests of faculty and students. May be repeated for credit when the topic changes.

• DESN 509 SHORT COURSE IN GRAPHICS (1 - 3)

  Intensive course meeting three hours per week for five weeks and focusing on a specialized aspect of graphic design or graphic production. Content varies according to the concurrent interests of faculty and students. May be repeated for credit when the topic changes.

• DESN 600 MEDIA DESIGN (3)

  Examination of light, space, motion and sound—their manipulation and use in designing intentional communications and their interrelationships with words and graphics. Also examines the production process, from needs assessment and proposal writing to storyboards and finished program. Lab fee may be required.

• DESN 601 WORDS AND IMAGES: CREATIVE INTEGRATION (6)

  Building on a foundation of rhetorical theory, students explore imaginative ways of communicating with audiences, both visually and verbally. Experimenting with brainstorming strategies prepares them to draw on their own creative resources as they develop original solutions to challenging communication problems. Publications Design students must earn a B (3.0) or better in this course. Lab fee required. prerequisite: PBDS 615

• DESN 602 INTRODUCTION TO DIGITAL VIDEO (3)

  Introductory course in video and audio production. Students learn to shoot, light, edit, and record sound in a digital environment. They also gain experience in producing for non-broadcast applications including social media and the Web. Lab fee required.

• DESN 603 EDITORIAL STYLE (3)

  Editorial style as a total concept, including the historical context of the written word, styles and methods of editing, and special skills such as proofreading, line-by-line editing, reorganizing, rewriting, working with writers and artists and editing as management. Each student becomes the editor of his/her own special project. Lab fee may be required.

• DESN 604 WRITING FOR THE MARKETPLACE (3)

  Writing for various freelance markets, including features and reviews, poetry, fiction, public relations and advertising. Analysis of the audiences to which various publications appeal and development of a proposed publication aimed at a specific audience. Each student conducts a thorough investigation of a self-selected market and prepares what is intended to be a publishable manuscript for that readership.

• DESN 605 PUBLIC AND PRIVATE LANGUAGES (3)

  Examination of the “private” or specialized languages of various professions (e.g., science, medicine, education, government and politics) and the means by which these languages may be translated for the public. Each student investigates, through intensive reading, study and imitation, at least one specialized language and attempts to become proficient in adapting and/or decoding that language for public consumption.

• DESN 610 VISUAL & VERBAL RHETORIC (3)

  Analysis and evaluation of visual and verbal texts composed in a variety of media—both traditional and electronic—in light of classical and contemporary theories of communication. Completion of a major project based on substantial primary and secondary research and tailored for a specific audience.

• DESN 611 THE CRAFT OF POPULARIZATION (3)

  Writing for a lay audience about subjects that are technically or scientifically challenging or normally fall within the province of the scholar and specialist or otherwise inhibit instant understanding. Emphasis on clarity, precision and grace of expression.

• DESN 612 CREATIVE METHODOLOGIES (3)

  Provides an overview of key concepts in creative design methodologies and explores these concepts during the design process for critique and reflection. Following a learning-by-doing model of instruction this course is grounded in both theory and practice. Both attuned to a human-centered approach that is design driven, user oriented and process based.

• DESN 613 DESIGN WRITING (3)

  Introduces students to the practices and processes of various design-focused writing genres (criticism, features, online posts, personal and academic essays) as they examine the issues and policies that shape the designed environment. Employing various writing genres, students explore the designed environment with special emphasis on its contexts and consequences.

• DESN 615 TYPOGRAPHY I (3)

  Exploration of the fundamentals of typographic form and function, progressing through the history, physical characteristics and implementation of type. Projects include the application of basic principles to an increasingly complex set of typographic problems. Knowledge of Adobe InDesign is required for this class, which must be taken within the first 9 credits of study. Lab fee required.

• DESN 617 CREATIVE CONCEPTS (3)

  Exploration of creative processes and strategies for generating effective visual and verbal ideas. Analysis of creative solutions in various publications supplements practice in applying problem-solving techniques. Lab fee may be required.

• DESN 638 DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY (3)

  Explores the endless possibilities of digital imaging. Beginning with acquisition, students learn about composition, lighting, depth of field and the substantive differences between digital and more traditional methods of photography. Students follow their images through the digital darkroom stage, exploring a variety of digital manipulation techniques to produce material for print and Web distribution. Emphasis on the development of portfolio-quality pieces. Lab fee required.

• DESN 639 VIDEO AESTHETICS & TECHNIQUE (3)

  In-depth analysis of the aesthetic variables affecting video programs. Advanced video and audio projects culminating in a thesis-quality production. Lab fee required. prerequisite: DESN 602

• DESN 640 DESIGN PRINCIPLES AND STRATEGIES (3)

  Exploration through hands-on design projects of the roles of typography, photography and illustration in graphic communication. Analysis of audience, context, goals, market, competition and technical constraints. Brainstorming and problem-solving in groups and individually. Projects are suitable for inclusion in the student’s portfolio. Lab fee required. prerequisites: DESN 612 and DESN 615

• DESN 641 MAGAZINE DESIGN (3)

  Intensive focus on the creative writer’s forum—the literary magazine—or on consumer and trade publications. Purpose, philosophy, cover and content design, typography, production and other aspects of small press and consumer publications are covered. A final project, chosen by the individual student, is completed during the semester. Lab fee required. prerequisites: DESN 615 and DESN 612

• DESN 642 BOOK DESIGN (3)

  Exploration of books and book jackets as objects to be planned and produced, with emphasis on appropriate design choices and creative solutions. Lab fee required. prerequisites: DESN 615 and DESN 612

• DESN 645 TYPOGRAPHY II (3)

  An advanced exploration of typographic form and function, beginning with the physical characters of letterforms and progressing to the application of typographic principles to more complex problems such as information hierarchies, narrative sequencing, message and creative expression. The course will expand the class scope of Typography I. Projects in this course will be suitable for portfolio use. Lab fee required. prerequisites: DESN 615 and DESN 612

• DESN 647 INFORMATION DESIGN (3)

  The first priority of designers and writers is presenting information clearly. Students explore how typography, color, symbols, language and imagery can be strategically used to communicate complex information, underscore a message or tell a story more effectively. Students plan, write and design projects suitable for inclusion in their portfolios, all with the aim of elaborating their ability to organize information and solve problems. Lab fee required. prerequisites: DESN 615, DESN 612, and DESN 660.

• DESN 649 DESIGNER'S SURVIVAL GUIDE (3)

  Students develop design strategies that consider their clients’ needs and constraints, utilize professional design software to execute comprehensive layouts capable of being printed on a conventional printing press, communicate with print vendors using standard printing terminology and troubleshoot basic prepress issues. Lab fee required. prerequisites: DESN612 and 615

• DESN 650 ADVANCED GRAPHIC DESIGN (3)

  Through a series of progressively more sophisticated assignments, students develop design solutions that resolve a range of problems normally faced by clients. Projects include institutional and corporate brochures, identity programs, posters and a variety of other communications materials. Lab fee required. prerequisites: DESN 615 and DESN 612

• DESN 660 WEB DEVELOPMENT (3)

  Introduction to current standards and best practices for Web design. Emphasis on frameworks, content management systems and tools available for building and maintaining dynamic Web sites. Students must pass the pretest or pass DESN 501 before registering for this course. lab fee required.

• DESN 661 ADVANCED WEB DEVELOPMENT (3)

  Continues and builds upon the fundamental concepts and skills developed in PBDS 660 Web Development. Students learn the skills needed to apply complex specifications for digital media. Emphasis on advanced Web design using CSS, current scripts and plug-ins, content management systems and Web analytics to create more complex sites for diverse digital environments. lab fee required. prerequisites: DESN 612, DESN 615 and DESN 660, or permission of the instructor

• DESN 662 DESIGN FOR DIGITAL ENVIRONMENTS (3)

  A digital interface design course focusing on design principles, elements and typography applied to interactive sites and other dynamic media. Students explore visually striking identity development and content styles, design mock-ups using creative software and implement designs across digital environments. Emphasis is on creatively conceptualizing, branding across media, designing with Web standards, implementing information architecture and user experiences successfully, and creating effective visual communications. Lab fee required. prerequisites: PBDS 612, PBDS 615

• DESN 670 MOTION GRAPHICS FOR INTERACTIVE MEDIA (3)

  Students explore the relationship between graphic design and time-based interactive media while examining the history and fundamentals of animation. Students use current industry software to produce a range of motion graphics projects for the Web and other interfaces. Special attention is given to the creative processes and developing an appropriate conceptual, technical and aesthetic critical sense within the language of motion design for dynamic media. Lab fee required. prerequisites: DESN 615, DESN 612, Adobe CS4 competency and one of the following: DESN 645, DESN 714 or permission of program director

• DESN 671 MOTION GRAPHICS I (3)

  After examining ways that motion graphics—logos, titles, etc.—differ from static graphics, and after learning various tools and animation techniques, students conceptualize, storyboard and produce motion graphics for video and other screen-based delivery systems. Lab fee required. prerequisites: DESN 612 and DESN 615

• DESN 672 MOTION GRAPHICS II (3)

  Continues and builds upon the fundamental concepts and skills developed in PBDS 671 Motion Graphics I. Students learn the skills needed to apply complex animation techniques and narratives to notion graphic projects. Emphasis on advanced motion graphics that employ 3D workflows to create more complex screen-based projects for diverse environments. Lab fee required. Prerequisites: DESN 612, DESN 615 and DESN 671, or permission of the instructor.

• DESN 680 ADVANCED PR STRATEGIES (3)

  Overview of how to create and implement appropriate communications and marketing plans for both for-profit and nonprofit organizations. Emphasis is on research techniques, concept development and copywriting for all environments: online, print, video and animation. Other areas covered include writing proposals, making oral presentations and working with designers, artists and clients. Lab fee may be required.

• DESN 691 ART OF THE INTERVIEW (3)

  A face-to-face interview is essential for journalists and authors of books and articles dealing with current affairs and real-life issues, documentary filmmakers and even for public relations writers. In all these fields, you often need to gather information directly from people—orally. This course addresses how to research an interview, the ethics of an interview and how to distill information from an interview and write it up in a coherent, compelling fashion.

• DESN 692 WRITING FOR DIGITAL ENVIRONMENT (3)

  Writing for all contemporary digital forms, including websites, landing pages, e-mail, social media, blogs and more. Students also explore how content and technology interact. Students complete a series of professional-level assignments using the forms individually and in combination. Understanding the roles of research, search engine optimization, information design and strategic thinking in writing for the Web is also emphasized.

• DESN 693 MAGAZINE WRITING (3)

  Understanding, conceiving, writing and selling various types of magazine articles, including some of the following: trend stories, service stories, profiles, Talk of the Town, short features, personal essays. Readings include essays about the craft of journalism and books of narrative nonfiction. Prerequisite: None.

• DESN 704 COPYRIGHT AND PUBLISHING (3)

  Introduction to media law, particularly as it relates to the field of publications. Provides a broad historical and theoretical overview and requires students to apply legal theory through the use of case studies and examples drawn from the business of media. Explores the impact of technology on the evolution of media law and considers ethical issues currently faced by professionals in publications and communications.

• DESN 705 DESIGN-BUSINESS LINK (3)

  Relying largely on case histories and class discussions, this course examines the role of design as a competitive business strategy, with an emphasis on the many ways that designers and business people can work together to provide the synergies that successful design can bring to any organization.

• DESN 712 HISTORY OF GRAPHIC DESIGN (3)

  History of graphic design in Europe and in America, centering on the modern period but also dealing with design influences from earlier periods and from other cultures. Provides a background of visual solutions on which students may draw to solve their own publications design problems.

• DESN 713 INTEGRATED DESIGN STUDIO I: PRINCIPLES (3)

  An intensive studio experience addressing visual perception and the principles of design through readings on visual theory. Using primary texts, students explore design principles from key historic, psychological, abstract and artistic points of view. Students complete a major project in their area of specialization. Lab fee required.

• DESN 714 INTEGRATED DESIGN STUDIO II: TYPOGRAPHY (3)

  An intensive, multilayered studio experience focused on the study of typography. Students discuss the relationship between fine art and typography. Students produce an in-depth project based on individual reading and research. Lab fee required. Prerequisite: PBDS 645 or equivalent.

• DESN 715 INTEGRATED DESIGN STUDIO III: READINGS AND RESEARCH (3)

  An intensive workshop focused on readings and research. Engages students in the critical analysis of field-based literature. Provides students with the opportunity to participate in constructive critique of project ideas and the sharing of research resources and approaches. Prerequisite: permission of program director.

• DESN 719 DESIGN THINKING (3)

  Introduces design concepts to those with minimal or no background in design and builds an awareness of the importance and breadth of design throughout our culture. Focuses on developing creative-thinking skills and visual literacy. Areas of design covered include graphic, information, digital, environmental and industrial design. Also examines and discusses design ethics, design sustainability and the evolving role of design thinking in business. Lab fee required.

• DESN 720 THE DIGITAL ECONOMY (3)

  Impact of the digital revolution in a number of areas—how we make a living, how we govern ourselves and how we create values for ourselves. Provides students with an understanding of the way the digital economy creates a unique business culture and establishes (and reflects) a network of new economic values. Prepares students to effectively invest their time, talent and imagination in the new culture and economy of digital technology.

• DESN 723 THEORY OF VISUAL COMMUNICATION (3)

  Examines the fundamental characteristics that differentiate visual images from other modes of communication and considers ways that visual elements convey meaning in isolation and in combination. Students study real-world cases to better understand how theoretical concepts and constructs are used to solve communication problems.

• DESN 731 SEMINAR IN CREATIVE WRITING AND PUBLISHING (6)

  The capstone course for the specialization in Creative Writing and Publishing. Entering the course with a completed or nearly completed manuscript written while in the program, students revise, design and produce a publication consisting of their own original work. Ina a seminar setting, they act as peer advisors to one another and are responsible for providing in-depth critiques of each other's work. Team taught by a creative writer and a book artist or graphic designer, the course revisits and re-examines concepts introduced in earlier courses. Lab fee required.

• DESN 735 PORTFOLIO (3)

  Capstone experience during which each student prepares a professional portfolio that demonstrates mastery of the skills in writing and design emphasized throughout the program. In addition to refining work produced in earlier courses, each student produces a personal identity package and an electronic version of the portfolio. Lab fee required. prerequisites: DESN 615 and DESN 612

• DESN 740 SEMINAR IN PUBLICATIONS DESIGN (3)

  Culminating course in the master’s program in publications design tests and stretches all knowledge and skills students have been learning up to this point. Students conceive a solution to a particular communications problem, work in teams to analyze its audience(s), develop a plan for making it public via print and/or other media, and design and write a prototype. Lab fee required. prerequisites: DESN 615 and DESN 601; course should be taken in a student’s final semester

• DESN 750 WRITING: SPECIAL TOPICS (3)

  Intensive exploration of topics in writing of mutual interest to students and faculty. Content varies according to the concurrent interests of faculty and students. Specific topic is listed in the schedule of classes. Course may be repeated for credit when topic changes. Lab fee may be required.

• DESN 751 GRAPHIC DESIGN: SPECIAL TOPICS (3)

  Intensive exploration of topics in graphic design of mutual interest to students and faculty. Content varies according to the concurrent interests of faculty and students. Specific topic is listed in the schedule of classes. Course may be repeated for credit when topic changes. Lab fee may be required. prerequisites: DESN 615 and 601

• DESN 753 MEDIA: SPECIAL TOPICS (3)

  Intensive exploration of topics in communication and media of mutual interest to students and faculty. Content varies according to specific interests and trends in communication. Specific topic is listed in the schedule of classes. Course may be repeated for credit when topic changes. Prerequisites: DESN 612 and DESN 615.

• DESN 754 BUSINESS PRACTICES: SPECIAL TOPICS: (3)

  Intensive exploration of topics in the business of a publications enterprise that are of special interest to faculty and students. Possible topics include managing a publications department, design studio or magazine, market research, and marketing and legal issues in publications. Specific topic is listed in the schedule of classes. Course may be repeated for credit when topic changes. Lab fee may be required.

• DESN 755 BACKGROUNDS AND IDEAS: SPECIAL TOPICS: (3)

  Intensive exploration of cultural trends, historical developments, ideas or systems of communication that have influenced or informed creative work in a variety of visual and verbal media. Content varies according to the concurrent interests of faculty and students. Topic appears under that name in the schedule of classes. Course may be repeated for credit when topic changes. Lab fee may be required.

• DESN 756 HYPERMEDIA: SPECIAL TOPICS (3)

  Intensive exploration of topics in hypermedia of mutual interest to students and faculty. Course may be repeated for credit when topic changes. Lab fee may be required. prerequisites: DESN 615 and 612

• DESN 775 INTERNSHIP (3 - 6)

  Direct experience working with a publications staff. Internship opportunities include working with private advertising and public relations firms, nonprofit agencies at the federal and state levels or private business and professional agencies that maintain publications staffs. Eligible for continuing studies grade. Lab fee may be required. prerequisite: permission of program director

• DESN 779 INDEPENDENT STUDY (1 - 3)

  Research or problem-solving project in some aspect of publications design. Topics and number of credits vary with individual student interests. Eligible for continuing studies grade. Lab fee may be required. prerequisite: permission of program director

• DESN 789 CREATIVE THESIS (3)

  Independent project, closely supervised by a faculty adviser. The thesis consists of a substantial body of creative writing (a volume of poems, a collection of stories or other prose, a novel), as well as the design for the cover, title page and one inside spread. Finished work is reviewed by a faculty committee. Eligible for continuing studies (CS) grade; otherwise grading is pass/fail. Lab fee may be required. prerequisite: permission of program director

• DESN 790 INDEPENDENT STUDY (3)

  Research or problem-solving project in some aspect of integrated design. Topics vary with individual student interests. Course may be repeated with permission of program director. Lab fee required. Prerequisite: permission of program director.

• DESN 791 PRACTICUM IN INTEGRATED DESIGN (3)

  Students apply skills and knowledge from coursework to high-level internships. Students interested in careers as professional designers work in design firms and related organizations; students interested in college teaching careers teach classes under faculty supervision. Eligible for continuing studies (CS) grade. prerequisites: permission of program director and all M.F.A. in Integrated Design coursework except DESN 793 and DESN 797

• DESN 793 PROSEMINAR IN INTEGRATED DESIGN (3)

  Provides an overview of proposal development and design research in integrated design anchored in the literature and practice of the field. Students develop the requisite skills for bringing the proposal to completion. The course culminates in a research proposal that may be presented to the division as a thesis proposal. prerequisites: M.F.A. candidacy and permission of program director

• DESN 797 INTEGRATED DESIGN THESIS (3)

  Independent and original design project supervised by a faculty member. This work should reflect an understanding of graphic design principles and demonstrate excellence in conceptualizing and executing design solutions to communication problems. Finished work is reviewed by a faculty committee. Pass/fail grading. prerequisite: program director’s approval of topic prior to registration

• DESN 798 CONTINUOUS ENROLLMENT (1)

  Provides continuing faculty direction, academic support services and enrollment services for students who have completed all course requirements for the degree but have not completed a thesis or final project. Students continue the independent work leading to finishing the thesis or final project that is significantly under way. Course may be repeated for credit as needed. Eligible for continuing studies (CS) grade; otherwise grading is pass/fail. Lab fee required. prerequisite: completion of all course requirements for degree program

• DESN 799 INTEGRATED DESIGN THESIS (3 - 6)

  Independent and original project supervised by one or more faculty members. Thesis can be either research-based or an applied project. The thesis must demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of the foundations of design in addition to a specialized focus for the thesis. Finished work is reviewed by a faculty committee. Pass/fail grading. This course may be repeated once. Eligible for continuing studies (CS) grade. Lab fee required. Program director's permission required for registration. Prerequisites: completion of MFA candidacy, DESN 793, and program approval of thesis topic.