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Curriculum: Visual Communications

The Visual Communications emphasis prepares students for careers related to the visual media. In studio-based classroom settings students integrate computing skills with the history and theory of design, principles of color, and an understanding of human factors. Graduates of the program are prepared for entry level positions in graphic, web and multimedia design professions or to pursue advanced degrees in design and multimedia.

The program encourages exploration in a wide range of visual media. Within the emphasis students will be expected to learn core drawing and visual computing skills as the basis for expressing their design concepts. The history of design is emphasized as the basis for understanding present day and future trends in visual communication. With these skills and theory, students will create practical design solutions in a series of studio courses that include typography, photography, digital design, display presentation, web and multimedia design.

The visual communication program places strong emphasis on socially conscious design. Projects are balanced to include print, multimedia and display design themes. Not-for-profit as well as commercial design practices are taught in an enviornment that encourages both individual creativity and teamwork.

While in attendance at UC Davis, visual communication majors are encouraged to participate in off-campus internships in graphic, advertising and web design firms to learn more about professional practice. Often these internships lead to full time employment after graduation.

Requirements for VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS
College of Letters and Science

Preparatory Subject Matter: (26)

Des 1 - Design and Visual Culture (4)
Des 13 - Photography for Designers (4)
Des 14 - Design Drawing (2) *ART 2 is equivalent
Des 15 - Design Media (4)
Des 16 - Graphic Design and Computer Technology (4)
Des 40A - History of Design: Ancient to Industrial Revolution (4)
Des 40B - History of Modern Design (4)

Depth Subject Matter: (44)

Des 113 - Vis Comm: Digital Imaging (4)
Des 115 - Letterforms and Typography (4)
Des 152 - Vis Comm: Graphic Design Production (4)
Des 153 - Vis Comm: Internet and Interactive Design (4)
Des 154 - Vis Comm: Message Campaign Design (4)
One course from Design 156A (156), 156B (157), 156C (158) (4)
Two courses from one of the following sequences
156A (156), 156B (157), 156C (158), 191B (159)
134A, 134B
150A, 150B
160A, 160B
Three courses from Des 142A, 142B, 143, 144, 145, AHI 110, 168,
184, 188A, 188B, 189 (8)

Total Units (70)

*Course changes and curricular substitutions in the Visual Communication emphasis:

1. Design 14 has been revised and increased to 4 units.

2. Design 116 and 117 are new courses that replace Design 152 and 153, which have been cancelled.

3. Design 156A(156), 156B(157), and 156C(158) have been cancelled and replaced with new courses Design 185, 186 and 187. Students must complete one of the courses. Design 161 is also an acceptable substitute for the requirement that one course from this list be completed

4. Students may substitute 3 courses from Design 154, 155A, 157 (taught as 191C in W07) and TCS103 for the Design 154 and 2-course sequence requirement in Depth subject matter requirement for this option, if not used to satisfy another requirement.