ARTS 500 Aesthetics and Technology

This course will introduce aesthetic principles and design software for the purpose of visualizing data, processes, prototypes, hierarchies, and frameworks.

For information regarding prerequisites for this course, please refer to the Academic Course Catalog.

Creating effective and aesthetic visuals to communicate ideas and to propose solutions will be necessary for the individual wishing to pursue a variety of occupational opportunities.

Textbook readings and lecture presentations

No details available.

Course Requirements Checklist

After reading the Course Syllabus and Student Expectations, the student will complete the related checklist found in the Course Overview.

Discussion: Peer Share

Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. Therefore, this Discussion: Peer Share allows the student to share his/her assignments while reflecting on the successes and challenges of each. In the replies, student peers will comment on the different ways that the student presented information to solve the problem for each assignment. The student will also reflect on how at least 2 elements and 2 principles of design were successfully used in each of the designs.

Journal Assignments (4)

The student will respond to the given prompt and show a thorough understanding of the course material and concepts while connecting it to his/her own experiences. Each journal should thoughtfully address all required questions and demonstrate clear engagement with the assigned readings. 

Exercise Assignments (5)

The student will complete simple exercises to become familiar with the required software, sketching for design thinking processes, and to practice the elements and principles of design. 

Project: Icon Creation Assignment

As the student progresses through the course material, projects will be executed with specific attention to the appropriate use of software as well as design principles. In the Project: Icon Creation Assignment, the student will utilize Adobe Illustrator to create a unique set of six icons that communicate thematically and individually. Icons communicate abstract ideas and concepts through semiotic means, thus demonstrating concept visualization skills.

Project

As the student progresses through the course material, projects will be executed with specific attention to the appropriate use of software as well as design principles. In the Data Visualization Assignment, the student will utilize Adobe Illustrator to create an appropriate and effective graph to visualize data. The poster design for the graph will demonstrate design principles and Adobe mastery.

Project

As the student progresses through the course material, projects will be executed with specific attention to the appropriate use of software as well as design principles. In the Project: Photo Composite Assignment, the student will demonstrate Adobe Photoshop skills and design principles to create a visual world based on fantasy or science fiction literature.

Project: Layout with Type and Image Assignment

As the student progresses through the course material, projects will be executed with specific attention to the appropriate use of software as well as design principles. In Project: Layout with Type and Image Assignment, the student will demonstrate Adobe InDesign skills and design principles while executing a two-page editorial layout.

Behance Portfolio Assignment

For the final assignment of this course, the student will prepare his/her work using Adobe Photoshop to create an online portfolio. The student will use professional practices, such as using Adobe Photoshop, to mockup his/her work.

Quizzes (9)

Each quiz will cover the Learn material for the Module: Week in which it is assigned. Each quiz will be open-book/open-notes and contain multiple-choice questions. Each quiz will have a 15-minute time limit.