Communication Design Foundation
http://fitnyc.edu/communicationdesign
Associate Degree Program (AAS)
Applications accepted for fall only. HEGIS 5012
The major in Communication Design is a foundation program that provides qualified students an opportunity to advance to baccalaureate programs in Advertising Design, Graphic Design, and Packaging Design, as well as entry-level positions in advertising agencies, graphic and corporate communications firms, and publishing firms.
| Semester 1 | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| MAJOR AREA | CD 115 - Design Studio I G6 | 3 |
| CD 124 - Digital Graphics I | 2 | |
| CD 134 - Capturing Creativity | 2 | |
| CD 173 - Typography I | 2 | |
| RELATED AREA | choice - see Related Area Elective** | 1.5 |
| LIBERAL ARTS | EN 121 - English Composition G1 | 3 |
| choice - see Requirements* | 3 | |
| Semester 2 | ||
| MAJOR AREA | CD 215 - Design Studio II | 3 |
| CD 224 - Digital Graphics II | 2 | |
| CD 232 - Visual Language | 2 | |
| CD 234 - Color Studies | 2 | |
| CD 273 - Typography II | 2 | |
| LIBERAL ARTS | choice - see Requirements* | 6 |
| Semester 3 | ||
| MAJOR AREA | CD 225 - Digital Graphics III | 2 |
| CD 235 - Design History | 3 | |
| RELATED AREA | AD 216 - Foundation in Advertising Design | 2 |
| DE 216 - Foundation in Visual Presentation and Exhibition Design | 2 | |
| GD 216 - Foundation in Graphic Design | 2 | |
| PK 216 - Foundation in Packaging Design | 2 | |
| LIBERAL ARTS | choice - see Requirements* | 6 |
| Semester 4 | ||
| MAJOR AREA | CD 217 - Capstone Design Studio | 3 |
| RELATED AREA | GD 244 - Introduction to Web Design | 2 |
| choice - see Related Area Elective** | 3.5-4 | |
| LIBERAL ARTS | choice - see Requirements* | 6 |
| ELECTIVE | choice - General Elective | 1.5-3 | TOTAL CREDIT REQUIREMENTS |
| MAJOR AREA | 28 | |
| RELATED AREA | 15-15.5 | |
| LIBERAL ARTS | 24 | |
| ELECTIVE | 1.5-3 | |
| Total Credits: | 68.5-70.5 | |
SUNY General Education Requirements:
A “G” followed by a number 1-10 identifies specific courses that meet SUNY General Education baccalaureate degree requirements (or visit fitnyc.edu/gened ).
G1 Basic Communication; G2 Mathematics; G3 Natural Sciences; G4 Social Sciences; G5 Western Civilization; G6 The Arts; G7 Humanities; G8 Foreign Language; G9 Other World Civilizations; G10 American History.
*Requirements: See below (also see Liberal Arts Requirements ).
English/Speech: 6 credits
EN 121 (G1). (Prerequisite: College-level English as demonstrated by placement test OR completion of appropriate Educational Skills courses) or equivalent, and
CHOICE of one 200- or 300-level EN course, except: EN 259, 321, 322, 323, 342, and 366.
History of Art and Civilization: 6 credits
HA 112 (G5), and
CHOICE of HA 111, 121, 221, 223, 224, 225, 226, 231, 311, or 314 (any one of these meets G7).
Mathematics: 3-3.5 credits
Graduation requirement: Arithmetic proficiency as demonstrated by placement test OR completion of appropriate developmental mathematics course(s).
CHOICE of MA 142, 161, 213, 222, 231, or 331 (any one of these meets G2).
Science: 3-5 credits
CHOICE of SC 111, 112, 121, 122, 045/145, 253, 326, or 032/332 (any one of these meets G3).
Social Sciences: 6 credits
CHOICE of two: SS 131 (students who plan to enroll in Advertising Design, Graphic Design, or Packaging Design must take SS 131 as one of their Options), 141, 151, 171 (any one of these meets G4).
**Related Area Electives: 5-5.5 credits
CHOICE of one in Semester 1: FA 103, 141, or 171.
CHOICE of two in Semester 4: AD 364, CD 113, GD 202, PH 118, or PK 212.
Evening/Weekend Option:
A six-semester evening/weekend option is available for this degree program (see Curricula
or visit the FIT website at fitnyc.edu/evening_weekend
). The sequence of courses varies slightly from that listed on this page.
Upper Division Alternatives:
Graduates of this program are eligible to apply for admission to the Bachelor of Fine Arts programs in Advertising Design
, Graphic Design
, Packaging Design
, Computer Animation and Interactive Media
, and Toy Design
. By completing certain course requirements, graduates may also apply to the Bachelor of Science program in Advertising and Marketing Communications
.
Courses
CD 113 — Three-Dimensional Design
1.5 CREDITS; 3 LAB HOURS
Introduces design in three dimensions by developing form through the joining of planes. Techniques with board and paper are stressed. (G6: Arts)
CD 115 — Design Studio I
3 CREDITS; 6 LAB HOURS
Through assignments primarily executed in black and white, students develop an understanding and appreciation of the possibilities of the design vocabulary. Assemblage and paper construction are introduced to assist in the development of hand skills. (G6: Arts)
CD 116 — Design Studio Intensive I
3.5 CREDITS; 6 LAB HOURS
For one-year Communication Design Foundation students. Through a series of hands-on construction projects, students translate the concepts of point, line, plane, and form into two- and three-dimensional designs. They learn the possibilities of design vocabulary, execute various drawing and painting exercises, and develop hand skills
CD 122 — Digital Layout I
2 CREDITS; 1 LECTURE AND 2 LAB HOURS
Traditional studio skills, typography, and computer techniques are explored in order to create printed pieces using InDesign. Students learn to plan and produce files for printing
CD 123 — Basic Bookbinding
1.5 CREDITS; 3 LAB HOURS
Students work hands-on to create book structures. Different bookbinding methods are explored, such as non-adhesive structures, accordions, sewing, and case-bound books, with an emphasis on craft and the proper use of materials
CD 124 — Digital Graphics I
2 CREDITS; 1 LECTURE AND 2 LAB HOURS
This course offers a basic overview of Adobe Illustrator, InDesign, and some Photoshop, with an emphasis on the basic technical aspects of each software program and how they can be used together. Students are also introduced to FIT's online resources and printing capabilities
CD 126 — Digital Graphics Intensive I
2 CREDITS; 4 LAB HOURS
For one-year Communication Design Foundation students. This course is an in-depth overview of Adobe Illustrator and InDesign, basic Photoshop, and an introduction to FIT online, labs and printing resources. Emphasis is on the technical aspects of each program and use of these programs in tandem
CD 134 — Capturing Creativity
2 CREDITS; 1 LECTURE AND 2 LAB HOURS
Students document their experience, developing ideas and questions, with an emphasis on writing, drawing, and critical evaluation
CD 173 — Typography I
2 CREDITS; 1 LECTURE AND 2 LAB HOURS
In this introductory course, students understand the principles of typography and how to use it effectively in their design work. Visual and technical aspects of typography and its history are explored
CD 201 — Computer Typesetting and Design
2 CREDITS; 1 LECTURE AND 2 LAB HOURS
Introduces the Macintosh computer system as a typesetting and graphic design tool. Through hands-on experience, students develop a working knowledge of hardware and software applications
CD 215 — Design Studio II
3 CREDITS; 6 LAB HOURS
Using the same design language introduced in CD 115, this class focuses on three-dimensional explorations. Through a series of projects with multiple components, students learn how design influences perception and the interrelationship between visual messages and craft.
Prerequisite(s): CD 115, CD 134, and CD 173
CD 216 — Design Studio Intensive II
3.5 CREDITS; 6 LAB HOURS
For one-year Communication Design Foundation students. Students learn how design influences perception by exploring the concepts of scale and dimension through modelmaking and drawing. They participate in a capstone group project that incorporates interdisciplinary principles emphasizing creative, conceptual, and professional development, which is presented to faculty and industry professionals.
Prerequisite(s): CD 116 and CD 173
CD 217 — Capstone Design Studio
3 CREDITS; 6 LAB HOURS
This capstone course emphasizes creative, conceptual, and professional development through research, concept development, and a final project with a formal presentation to faculty and industry professionals.
Prerequisite(s): AD 216, DE 216, GD 216, and PK 216
CD 222 — Digital Layout II
2 CREDITS; 1 LECTURE AND 2 LAB HOURS
This course is a continuation of CD 122. Using InDesign, students master the essential elements of design, typography, and image control, including color separations and printing.
Prerequisite(s): CD 122
CD 223 — Introduction to InDesign
2 CREDITS; 1 LECTURE AND 2 LAB HOURS
Using the Adobe InDesign page layout program, students master the essential elements of design, typography, and image control, and learn to integrate other Adobe applications to enhance their designs.
Prerequisite(s): CD 122 or approval of chairperson
CD 224 — Digital Graphics II
2 CREDITS; 1 LECTURE AND 2 LAB HOURS
Students explore digital imaging techniques using Adobe Photoshop to create sophisticated composite imagery. Emphasis is on image manipulation, proper scanning, color modes, color correction, pixel dimensions, and output for web and print.
Prerequisite(s): CD 124
CD 225 — Digital Graphics III
2 CREDITS; 1 LECTURE AND 2 LAB HOURS
This course provides an overview of InDesign and its use in the industry. Emphasis is placed on its features and functions, including typography, page layout, image control, and file preparation.
Prerequisite(s): CD 224
CD 226 — Digital Graphics Intensive II
2 CREDITS; 4 LAB HOURS
For one-year Communication Design Foundation students. This course introduces the essential techniques of Adobe Photoshop and builds upon CD 126 by utilizing InDesign skills at an advanced level. Focus includes image manipulation using Photoshop and other applications in tandem. Emphasis is on image adjustments and refinements, images in layouts with typography, file preparation and output to multiple platforms.
Prerequisite(s): CD 126
CD 232 — Visual Language
2 CREDITS; 1 LECTURE AND 2 LAB HOURS
Students learn to create graphic images and symbols that communicate ideas and expand their graphic vocabulary. Students analyze visual messages and interpret and create meaningful ideas.
Prerequisite(s): (CD 115 or CD 116) and CD 134
CD 234 — Color Studies
2 CREDITS; 1 LECTURE AND 2 LAB HOURS
Students develop a thorough understanding of color and color theory, exploring all aspects of color that pertain to paint, light, print, and digital displays. Also addressed are general principles, terminologies, and digital color management
CD 235 — Design History
3 CREDITS; 3 LECTURE HOURS
This course brings a historical perspective to the design experience, introducing concepts, movements, artists, and technologies that have shaped and changed design. Students undertake analysis and research, collect imagery, and write effectively about design
CD 251 — Digital Imagery
1.5 CREDITS; 3 LAB HOURS
Introduces digital imagery and its tools and techniques. Using Adobe Photoshop, students work with layers to build intricate visual composites containing multiple images, textures, and transparencies, resulting in practical design solutions
CD 261 — Portfolio Development
1.5 CREDITS; 3 LAB HOURS
For nondegree students seeking to create Communication Design, Advertising Design, Graphic Design, Packaging Design, or Visual Presentation and Exhibition Design portfolios. Students build and define their portfolios to a level that is appropriate to their objectives, including college degree program admission or professional employment or advancement. In addition to portfolios, the course includes analysis of student's goals and writing and design of resumes and business cards
CD 271 — Designing with Type
1.5 CREDITS; 3 LAB HOURS
Concentrates on solving design problems through the use of type and letter forms. Emphasizes rendering in a variety of media
CD 272 — Advanced Computer Drawing and Typography
2 CREDITS; 1 LECTURE AND 2 LAB HOURS
This course builds upon the knowledge and skills acquired in CD 172. Emphasis is placed on advanced concepts of drawing and layout through the use of computer-drawn images and typography. Students create three-dimensional images from two-dimensional designs and prepare and optimize vector-based files for print and screen-based presentation
CD 273 — Typography II
2 CREDITS; 1 LECTURE AND 2 LAB HOURS
Students deepen their knowledge of typography through practical and experimental typographic design exercises. A variety of ways of understanding the expressive nature of letterforms and typographic design are explored.
Prerequisite(s): CD 173
CD 322 — Design Process Technology
2 CREDITS; 1 LECTURE AND 2 LAB HOURS
Students explore grid systems that will assist in processing more complex typographic information. Students increase composition skills and typographic knowledge.
Prerequisite(s): CD 225 or CD 226
CD 351 — Creating an Illustration Portfolio for the Web
2 CREDITS; 1 LECTURE AND 2 LAB HOURS
Students are introduced to a basic level of web design and production. Students learn the fundamentals of website layout, navigation, and various ways to develop a web grid using software such as Dreamweaver. The goal is to develop a site structure that houses the student's portfolio.
Prerequisite(s): IL 125
CD 361 — Professional Practices
2 CREDITS; 2 LECTURE HOURS
Future designers and art directors explore the business side of their professions by learning how to develop professional relationships; understand contracts and other business documents; negotiate, estimate, and determine fees; start, manage, and market a business; and address ethical and legal issues
CD 371 — Advanced Typography I
1.5 CREDITS; 3 LAB HOURS
Explores solutions to advanced typographical problems involving typographic origins, forms, and communication. Both hand and computerized typography are developed.
Prerequisite(s): CD 216 or CD 217
CD 372 — Advanced Typography II
1.5 CREDITS; 3 LAB HOURS
This course presents a comprehensive study of typographic applications and principles of text, grids, ligatures, and letterform development.
Prerequisite(s): CD 371
CD 373 — The Convergence of Type and Image
2 CREDITS; 1 LECTURE AND 2 LAB HOURS
Photography students learn to combine typography and photographic imagery to create promotional materials for a photography exhibit. Adobe InDesign is used.
Prerequisite(s): PH 274
CD 441 — Broadcast Design
2 CREDITS; 1 LECTURE AND 2 LAB HOURS
This course guides students through the process of creating successful time-based design projects, which may be disseminated or broadcast via digital networks. The concept of incorporating motion, sound, and interactivity is introduced and experimentation with nontraditional design solutions is encouraged.
Prerequisite(s): GD 244
CD 442 — Senior 3D Presentation Design
1.5 CREDITS; 3 LAB HOURS
Students explore the creative process specific to exhibition design in three dimensions. Using three-dimensional graphic design, multimedia, and audiovisuals, they design a custom system as a communications tool.
Prerequisite(s): AD 494