Mar 29, 2024  
Rensselaer Catalog 2008-2009 
    
Rensselaer Catalog 2008-2009 [Archived Catalog]

Communication (Concentration in Graphic Design)


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The B.S. in Communication with a Concentration in Graphic Design: Theory, Research, Practice provides a curriculum for undergraduate students who seek professional careers in graphic design. This concentration will prepare students for professional practice and graduate study in creative problem solving for print and electronic media. Students completing this sequence will know how to apply theory to the creation of conventional and unconventional communication objects (that includes but is not limited to advertising campaigns, editorial layouts, corporate communications including annual reports and corporate standards, event announcements, advocacy campaigns, and web pages) that convey information to a target audience.

The B.S. in Communication with a Concentration in Graphic Design will require a total of 124 credit hours. It will consist of 64 credit hours of major requirements; 12 credit hours of free electives; and the Rensselaer requirements of 24 credit hours in the humanities and social sciences and 24 credit hours in math, science, and computing courses. The four-credit Communication Internship focusing on graphic design is also required.

First Year


Fall


  • H&SS Core in Art or Design Credit Hours: 4
    (See footnote 6 below)

Spring


  • H&SS Core in Art History Credit Hours: 4
    (See footnote 5 below)

Second Year


Fall


  • Writing Requirement Credit Hours: 4
    (See footnote 1 below)
  • Social Science Core Credit Hours: 4

Spring


  • H&SS Core in Art History Credit Hours: 4
    (See footnote 4 below)
  • Communication Courses in Theory, Research Credit Hours: 4
    (See footnote 3 below)

Third Year


Fall


  • Communication Courses in Theory, Research Credit Hours: 4
    (See footnote 2 below)
  • Math/Science Core Credit Hours: 4
  • COMM 296x/COMM 496x - Color Theory/Adv. Typography Credit Hours: 4
  • Writing Requirement Credit Hours: 4

Spring


  • H&SS Core in Art or Design Credit Hours: 4
    (See footnote 5 below)
  • Math/Science Core Credit Hours: 4
  • Social Science Core Credit Hours: 4
    (See footnote 6 below)

Fourth Year


Fall


  • H&SS Core in Art or Design Credit Hours: 4
    (See footnote 7 below)
  • Elective Credit Hours: 4
  • COMM 496x - Information Design Credit Hours: 4
  • COMM 496x Cross Cultural Graphics Credit Hours: 4

Spring


  • Elective Credit Hours: 4
  • COMM 496x - Graphic Design for Corp. Identity Credit Hours: 4

Footnotes


  1. Students should choose four credits from the following set of courses: WRIT 2510, WRIT 1119, WRIT 2110, WRIT 4120, and WRIT 4550.
  2. Students should choose two of the following courses: COMM 296x Visual Culture, COMM 296x Color Theory, COMM 4580, LITR 2420, LITR 4410, COMM 2410, and/or a course in HCI. A comprehensive list of courses will be provided to the adviser each term.
  3. Students may choose between CSCI 1010 or CSCI 1100. The latter is recommended for students who want to minor in Computer Science.
  4. Students should choose two of the following courses: ARTS 2530 and ARTS 2540, or another course that the adviser approves.
  5. A list of appropriate courses will be provided to the adviser each term.
  6. Students should choose eight credits from the following set of courses: STSS 1510, STSS 1210; STSS 1110, or another course that the adviser approves. Four credits must be in a design-related course.
  7. BIOL 1010 is not required if first major is Engineering.

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