Course Descripons - The Art Institutes

Course Descrip� ons
coordinate their crea� ve eff orts, from concept to fi nished output.
By encouraging a team approach, the course further enhances
students’ leadership, communica� ons and nego� a� on skills.
(Prerequisite: Only by Permission of Academic Director)
GD403 Por� olio II (4 credits)
This course aims to prepare students for entry-level employment
within the industry by assis� ng them with the development and
presenta� on of a graphic design por� olio that refl ects the stated
exit competencies. Graphic Designers present por� olios of their
work to prospec� ve employers and clients to showcase their
conceptual, technical and business abili� es. Working with the instructor,
students compile an entry-level por� olio to prepare for
their job search. All gradua� ng students are required to present
their fi nal por� olio to employers at the Student Por� olio Show.
(Prerequisite: Only by Permission of Academic Director)
GD404 Professional Development for Graphic Design (4 credits)
This course prepares students for the business environment and
the transi� on into an applied arts program. It emphasizes the
concepts of professionalism and an overall understanding of
self-marke� ng in the fi eld. Professional development tools are
presented including resume and cover le� er wri� ng, networking
and interviewing skills. (Prerequisite: Only by Permission of
Academic Director)
GD405 Graphic Design Internship (4 credits)
An internship is a monitored program where students work
part-� me in a professional workplace approved by their department,
applying their knowledge, skills and professionalism in a
program-related environment. The internship allows the student
an opportunity to observe and par� cipate in the opera� on of
an industry-related organiza� on and produce work that meets
professional requirements. (Prerequisite: Only by Permission of
Academic Director)
GD406 Sustainable Design Issues & Topics (4 credits)
This course addresses the fundamental issues of sustainable
design and introduce a broad range of frameworks and concepts
for tackling the fundamental changes that are required in how a
company approaches design and manufacturing. Drawing from
a wide range of sources and case studies, we will discuss the key
issues framing sustainable design, how it can be ini� ated in an
organiza� on, and how it impacts on choices of product planning,
produc� on partners, brand and marke� ng. (Prerequisite: GD404)
GD407 Senior Project (4 credits)
Students will develop an independent project. Developing a
long-term assignment and extending the skills learned in previous
studio classes are emphasized. (Prerequisite: Only by Permission
of Academic Director)
GEN092 Founda� on Por� olio (1 credits)
This course is designed to help students develop academic success
skills in tandem with a great apprecia� on and awareness of
84 Academic Programs
the visual arts and the role of the ar� st in society. Students are
exposed to prac� cal informa� on and skills necessary for academic
survival and success as a student and an ar� st.
GEN095 English Fundamentals (4 credits)
This transi� onal studies course builds an adequate founda� on
for GE101 English I. Emphasis is placed on fundamental grammar
and wri� en communica� on skills as well as essen� als of wri� ng
paragraphs and short essays.
GEN096 Essen� als Of Computer Applica� ons (0 credits)
This transi� onal course introduces students to the basic opera-
� on of computer hardware on both Mac and PC pla� orms. File
management and storage, basic word processing, Power Point,
and spreadsheets are explored. The use of scanners, printers,
external drives, and other equipment are examined. Students are
introduced to the Internet as a research and networking tool.
GEN097 Mathema� cs Fundamentals I (4 credits)
This course is the fi rst of two transi� onal studies math courses.
This course strengthens the numerical, algebra, and geometry
skills necessary for success in the students’ educa� onal programs
and build a founda� on for the college-level mathema� cs and
science courses. This course includes computa� onal skills with
real numbers, simplifying algebraic expressions, and solving
linear equa� ons with applica� ons. Geometric concepts may be
introduced.
GEN098 Mathema� cs Fundamentals II (4 credits)
This course is the second of two transi� onal studies math courses.
This course strengthens the numerical, algebra, and geometry
skills necessary for success in the students’ educa� onal programs
and build a founda� on for the college-level mathema� cs and
science courses. Topics include simplifying algebraic expressions,
solving equa� ons, construc� ng and interpre� ng graphs,
and analyzing func� ons. Topics from geometry may be explored.
Concepts are presented as models of real-life situa� ons used in
problem solving. (Prerequisite: GEN097 or placement)
GEN101 English I (4 credits)
This course introduces students to the research process and to
college-level wri� ng as a process of developing and suppor� ng a
thesis in an organized essay. It emphasizes the use of a variety of
rhetorical modes, appropriate dic� on and language, reading and
responding to the wri� ng of others and observing the conven-
� ons of Standard English including spelling, punctua� on, grammar,
ci� ng sources and preparing a bibliography. (Prerequisite:
GEN095 or placement)
GEN102 English II (4 credits)
This course builds upon the founda� on developed in English I
with an emphasis on literary language and the interpreta� on of
a variety of texts. Students gain addi� onal experience in reading,
thinking, and wri� ng cri� cally. It further develops the methods of
research and documenta� on conven� ons; students select, evalu-