Course Descriptions - Undergraduate Calendar 2023-2024

This course introduces students to the theory, principles, and practice of digital media design as they apply to a wide variety of communication contexts. Using design thinking, students will develop creative projects that integrate the needs of a variety of audiences.

This course emphasizes the production fundamentals of video design. Students produce treatments, storyboards, and production plans for a variety of short video projects. Students learn a theoretical vocabulary to analyze, critique, evaluate, and communicate about their projects. The course serves as a hands-on digital media lab where students acquire skills in using a variety of software and digital equipment.

This course focuses on the design principles guiding dynamic imaging, video capture, editing time-based media, and post-production for digital delivery. The course serves as a hands-on digital media lab where students acquire skills in using a variety of software and digital equipment.

This course provides students with a historical overview of various digital technologies and their impact on society and the human condition. Students will be introduced to research methods and theoretical concepts from media theory and cultural studies which will enable them to think, speak, and write critically about technology in an historical and global context.

This course provides students with an understanding of the human dimensions of project management by focusing on the communication skills necessary to effectively work in teams and manage projects. Drawing from best practices in management and leadership, the course will focus on conflict management, facilitation, team-building, non-routine problem solving in group settings, feedback and assertiveness training, presentation skills, and convening diverse groups.

This course introduces students to quantitative data analysis, covering basic descriptive statistical techniques and procedures, and inferential statistics.

In this course students will learn the basic principles and practices of user experience design and testing. Students will learn how to plan, implement, and interpret tests conducted on digital design applications, focusing both on functionality and on the quality of the user's interaction with these technologies.

Students will be introduced to basic business knowledge, with a focus on the opportunities and challenges of doing business in a global context. This course will include discussions about globalization, international trade, national business including emerging markets, cross-cultural business environments, and international business management.

In this course students learn to effectively present themselves and their work through the development and presentation of a professional portfolio. Using projects completed in previous courses, students will prepare a portfolio to communicate the process, outcomes, and impact of their work and will practice presenting their work to different audiences.

In this course students are introduced to the digital tools used for website and app development through a series of hands-on learning exercises and assignments that cultivate both creative expression and technical skill. Topics include theory and terminology, design, typography, information architecture, and prototyping.

In this course, students will create critical design projects that explore the intersection of design, technology, and culture in a global context. Students will experiment with and prototype objects/systems that engage with contemporary ideas and technologies, while reflecting on how these objects/systems shape our everyday experiences. Students will be guided through one or more design cycles that unite design thinking with critical reflection through the practical application of theory.

In this course students will design, prototype, and evaluate interactive digital media projects, focusing on ideation and the design process. They will engage in the advanced study of digital culture, with an emphasis on different ways pleasure and play are leveraged as communication tools.

In this course students will examine different digital phenomena, such as big data, open data, data-driven innovation, the personal information industry, the sharing economy, and the Internet of Things. Students will also become familiar with national and international principles of privacy protection.

This course focuses on best practices in marketing and communication within a variety of sectors, while examining how emerging technologies present new opportunities to engage audiences.

This course will look at the processes of industrialization and economic development and the relation of these processes to the present state of global economic interconnectedness.

This course will explore the ethical responsibilities that emerge from the nexus of design, business, and globalization. Students will critically reflect upon the ethical considerations behind contemporary business and design practices.

The objectives of this course are to learn data collection, design, and analysis methodologies that are particularly useful for scientific user experience (UX) research. The course will review basic UX and usability methods, and cover topics ranging from contextual inquiry, cognitive task analysis, qualitative methods, and an introduction to quantitative statistical methods.

In this course students will be exposed to a variety of techniques to interpret financial statements. Students will analyze balance sheets, income, and cash flow statements and will engage in the formulation of a comprehensive business plan.

Students must complete a paid internship, normally in the spring term after their 3B term. The content of the internship will be tied to the student's program of study and will be 16 weeks of full-time employment or equivalent. All self-arranged or shorter internships must be approved by your co-op advisor.

Study abroad for academic transfer credit during a fall term. Discussion and approval of options with the advisor is required. Credit for specific courses will be evaluated following receipt of a transcript of academic results and supporting course outline documentation.

In this capstone course students will research, design, and adapt digital products and services to suit specific cultures or communities. They will work with external stakeholders, such as global industry consultants, community clients, and mentors, in order to iteratively develop and create functional design solutions that are economically and socially feasible.

This seminar is an opportunity for students to gain a deeper understanding of a focus area in this field. The seminar-style course is designed to cover an emerging user experience (UX) research area through self-driven student work. Students will build a more comprehensive understanding of a UX research area and explore evidence-based UX research methods and techniques. Focus areas will vary in topic.

A study of selected topics in digital cultures. Topics will be chosen by the professor according to their area of specialization.

A study of selected topics in design and society. Topics will be chosen by the professor according to their area of specialization.

A study of selected topics in interaction design. Topics will be chosen by the professor according to their area of specialization.

Study abroad for academic transfer credit during a fall term. Discussion and approval of options with the advisor is required. Credit for specific courses will be evaluated following receipt of a transcript of academic results and supporting course outline documentation.