Mar 28, 2024  
Mansfield University 2014-2015 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
Mansfield University 2014-2015 Undergraduate Catalog [Archived Catalog]

Graphic Design, Bachelor of Science


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Offered by the Department of Art
Professor Kutbay
Associate Professors Schlegel (Chairperson), Whitehouse
Assistant Professor Economos


Mission

The Graphic Design major at Mansfield University is a comprehensive program within a small, liberal arts university. A tremendous amount of individual attention is given to students, from professors and advisors, providing guidance for the major’s two distinct concentrations in print and motion. The program, which is rooted in the Mansfield Creed of character, scholarship, culture, and service, is positioned within the Art Department, yet also incorporates the disciplines of marketing, communication, and business-creating a well-rounded understanding of the field, as graphic design is the voice that speaks to and through these distinct disciplines. Students studying in this program will complete an internship or a community-based practicum project, as well as a senior capstone exhibition, before receiving their degree. It is a goal of the program, to have our students leave Mansfield University, not merely with training in the practice of graphic design, but with an approach to thinking, communicating, and creating that will allow them to be future problem-solvers and catalysts for successful visual communication within our society.

Vision

The Graphic Design program at Mansfield University strives to offer a challenging, enterprising approach to the expression of visual information. Our students will be competitors and leaders in this discipline-thinking outside of, and beyond, the box of conventional education. Through a belief that one can create a life, which embraces integrity, cherishes learning, celebrates differences, and affects others, our graphic design students will use their collective creative voice as an influence for positive change.

Goals

  • Lead our students in the discipline and profession of graphic design, with a philosophy that is rooted in art and crosses the terrain of marketing, communication and business.
  • Educate the next generation of forward-looking graphic designers with adaptable, cross-curricular abilities and perspectives.
  • Present the opportunity for students to engage in a program where they will be in a competitive position to gain employment in the graphic design field or be well prepared to continue on for specialized study at the graduate level.
  • Foster a perspective for problem-solving methodologies and a broad approach to the role and influence design can have within society.
  • Develop a work ethic of continuous learning and an ongoing utilization of current and changing technologies in the field of graphic design.
  • Provide our students with an affordable opportunity to study and experience cultures where design plays a vital role, creates a positive impact, and exerts an influential voice for a conscientious society.

Student Learning Outcomes

  • Elements and Principles of Design - Employ the use of the Elements and Principles within all forms of art and graphic design.
  • Discipline-specific Vocabulary - Identify terminology associated with the concepts, techniques, and processes used in art and graphic design.
  • Design Process - Create visual communication solutions by implementing the various stages of the creative design process. 
  • History and Culture - Distinguish between the historical periods and         styles of graphic design, including elements such as historical figures,    period-related colors, typefaces, tools, processes, and imagery.
  • Tools, Skills, and Techniques - Execute the operation of equipment and/or procedures associated with multiple facets of graphic design. These may include: printmaking, traditional- and/or digital-photography, typography, and book binding, as well as computer hardware and software associated with art and design processes, in both Mac and Windows platforms. 
  • Commercial Processes - Apply a working knowledge of the requirements and techniques used in commercial fabrication of graphic design pieces, in the production of either print- or motion-based work.
  • Problem Solving - Using the creative, problem-solving process, combine rational and intuitive methods to create visually cohesive and successful communications.
  • Presentation, Review and Critique - Present, evaluate, and communicate, or receive, constructive feedback in response to an objective set of criteria for any given work of art or graphic design.

Concentrations


Select either the Motion Graphics or Print Graphics Concentration

Internship OR Practicum


 Select only ONE; requirements vary for each

Total Credit Hours: 71


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