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Emerging Media Design and Aesthetics


Course Description

Examines graphic design, visual persuasion, and aesthetics drawing on theories and practices of visual communication in contemporary and digital media design.


Athena Title

Emerging Media Design


Equivalent Courses

Not open to students with credit in JRMC 7010


Non-Traditional Format

This course will be taught 95% or more online.


Semester Course Offered

Offered fall


Grading System

A - F (Traditional)


Course Objectives

Students will develop knowledge of the leading theoretical frameworks and concepts addressing graphic design, aesthetics, visual communication, and persuasion. Working with the software of their choice, students will apply this knowledge to a series of projects, prototypes, and storyboards. They will also critically evaluate the work of contemporary developers and designers from a visual communication perspective and assess their impact on digital media design and aesthetics.


Topical Outline

I. Theoretical frameworks and concepts: An examination of the leading theoretical frameworks and concepts guiding graphic design, aesthetics, and visual persuasion. II. Evaluation of contemporary work: A survey of the different types of digital media design work by leading contemporary developers and designers. III. Visual communication principles and strategy: Visual processes, typography, layout and design, production planning, and related topics. IV. Digital media design projects: Solutions to digital media persuasive communication problems through preparation of digital media projects, prototypes, and story boards using software of the student's choice.