Graphic Design
The Graphic Design major is a comprehensive and balanced program that illuminates the basic principles of effective visual communication. Students develop professional skills and a personal aesthetic that form a foundation for a successful design practice. Theoretical and practical studio experience in illustration, motion graphics, photography, typography, and design for the Web and mobile devices are at the core of the major.
Reflective of Lasell's connected learning philosophy, students learn essential business practices, become fluent in the necessary terminology, address a client's needs through conceptual drawings and mock-ups, and bring the project through to a successful solution. Students use the latest and most powerful digital hardware and software. As a capstone experience, each student in the Graphic Design major develops an electronic online portfolio that showcases the strongest examples of work created during the course of the program. and completes a required internship. Graduates receive a Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design.
The following goals and associated learning outcomes delineate what we strive for students to achieve when they complete the major program of study in Graphic Design:
Goal 1: Creative Thinking Skills
Upon completion of the major program of study in Graphic Design, students will be able to
- produce multiple creative solutions for any single design challenge, applying a creative process on-demand
- effectively employ imagination with refined technique
Goal 2: Strong Critical Thinking and Problem-solving Skills
Upon completion of the major program of study in Graphic Design, students will be able to
- critique quality and effectiveness of visual media objects
- use learning resources outside the classroom to solve problems and develop skills
- craft effective solutions for visual problems
Goal 3: Strong Design and Fine Arts Skills
Upon completion of the major program of study in Graphic Design, students will be able to
- demonstrate currency with technical media tools
- effectively craft and author visual communications
Goal 4: Visual Articulation and Literacy
Upon completion of the major program of study in Graphic Design, students will be able to
- demonstrate their own personal aesthetic
- explain the influences of media in society
- recognize context and legacy of visual media objects
Goal 5: Effective Verbal Communication Skills
Upon completion of the major program of study in Graphic Design, students will be able to
- articulate their thoughts clearly in written form
- write in the style demanded of their chosen profession
- articulate their thoughts clearly in classroom discussions and professional presentations
Program Fee
Each Graphic Design student is charged a program fee for each semester. This program fee is used to pay for hardware, software, guest speaker honoraria, and miscellaneous materials/supplies that are necessary to maximize student learning.
Arts and Sciences Electives: 3-9 credits
This requirement may be fulfilled by any combination of Anthropology, Art History, Biology, Chemistry, Criminal Justice, Economics, English, Environmental Studies, Foreign Language, Geography, History, Mathematics, Music, Philosophy, Physics, Political Science, Psychology, Science, or Sociology courses.
View courses.
General Education Core Requirements and remaining Unrestricted Electives: 32 credits
Minimum credits required for graduation: 120
Course Code | Course Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
Core Courses | ||
ARTS101 | Studio Drawing I | 3 |
ARTS120 | Three-D Design | 3 |
ARTS126 | Principles of Design & Color | 3 |
ARTS201 | Studio Drawing II | 3 |
ARTS219 | Digital Photography | 3 |
GRAP105 | Digital Design Essentials | 3 |
GRAP106 | Graphic Design History | 3 |
GRAP201 | Imaging for Graphic Design | 3 |
GRAP203 | Lettering | 3 |
GRAP204 | Graphic Design I | 3 |
GRAP205 | Graphic Design II | 3 |
GRAP207 | Web Design & Development | 3 |
GRAP301 | Typography I | 3 |
GRAP302 | Typography II | 3 |
GRAP305 | Digital Photography II | 3 |
GRAP307 | Motion Graphics | 3 |
GRAP308 | Interactive Design | 3 |
GRAP309 | Graphic Design for the Marketplace | 3 |
GRAP399 | Internship Seminar | 1 |
GRAP400 | Field Experience | 4 |
GRAP401 | Publication Design | 3 |
GRAP403 | Senior Portfolio Development | 3 |
GRAP404 | Senior Thesis Assignment | 4 |
GRAP406 | Senior Practicum Project | 4 |
MATH107 | College Geometry | 3 |
Choose 1 from the following: | ||
ARTH103 | Art History I | 3 |
ARTH104 | Art History II | 3 |
Arts and Sciences Electives: 3-9 credits
This requirement may be fulfilled by any combination of Anthropology, Art History, Biology, Chemistry, Criminal Justice, Economics, English, Environmental Studies, Foreign Language, Geography, History, Mathematics, Music, Philosophy, Physics, Political Science, Psychology, Science, or Sociology courses.
View courses.
General Education Core Requirements and remaining Unrestricted Electives: 32 credits
Minimum credits required for graduation: 120
ANTH103 - Human Origins
This course considers the morphological, behavioral and life history features that distinguish the primates from other mammals, and the hominoids from other primates. We begin with an overview of the primates and their behavioral ecology, and then explore in detail the adaptations of each of the major groups of extant primates. Finally, we apply our knowledge of morphology and behavioral patterns in living primates to the fossil record.
CJ205 - Forensics
This course provides an introduction to the modern methods used in the detection, investigation, and solution of crimes. Practical analysis of evidence such as: fingerprints and other impressions, ballistics, glass, hair, handwriting and document examination, and drug analysis are studied. Prerequisite: CJ 101 or LS 101.
ECON101 - Principles of Econ-Micro
This course is an introduction to the principles of the economic behavior of individuals, firms, and industries in the mixed economic system. Topics include consumer demand; elasticity; supply and costs of production; the allocation of economic resources; international trade; and the role of government in promoting economic welfare. Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in MATH 103 or placement in any math course above MATH 103.
ECON103 - Economics of Social Issues
This course examines a broad range of social issues from an economics perspective. Designed for non-business majors, the course provides an introduction to economic reasoning and to some basic economic concepts which are then used to analyze a variety of social problems. Possible topics include poverty, unemployment, agriculture, discrimination, crime, pollution, education, health care, social security, and third world development. Prerequisite: A grade of C or above in Math 103 or placement in any math course above Math 103.
ED109 - Invitation to Teaching
This course explores careers in teaching beginning with the unifying question: Why should I become a teacher? Students examine their motivations to become teachers while they learn about college and state requirements and expectations.
ED110 - Teaching & Learning in American Schools
This course provides students pursuing or considering initial teacher licensure with an overview of the teaching profession. Students study and discuss history and philosophies of education systems, as well as current trends and issues. Massachusetts professional standards and requirements for licensure are explored. This course is a prerequisite for all other ED courses. Twenty-five hours of observation and tutoring in varied school settings are required. This is a presentation-intensive course.
ED210 - Reading & Writing Across the Curriculum
This course emphasizes the processes of reading and the critical nature of reading to learn in the content areas. Focus will be on literacy strategies to support teaching in content areas, the influences of diversity, the current methods of instruction, and assessments used to inform instruction. In addition, the current research on reading to learn will be read, discussed, and integrated in all course activities. Requires a pre-practicum of 25 hours. Prerequisite: ED 219
ED219 - Supporting Learner Variability
This course introduces students to characteristics of learners with special needs in classroom and community settings. It focuses on principles of Universal Design for Learning in developing appropriate learning environments to meet the variability of all students in Pre-K through high school settings. A required 25-hour pre-practicum provides opportunities to teach and observe in area classrooms. Prerequisite: ED 110
ED308 - Responsive Teaching in Secondary Schools
tudents will develop strategies and tools necessary to be responsive secondary teachers. Participants in this course will observe secondary teachers, develop lesson plans, reflect on their teaching philosophy, apply leadership theory to classroom practice, explore current trends and issues that impact secondary classrooms, increase their cultural competence, and expand their toolkit of strategies for differentiating instruction to address the variability of secondary students. Requires classroom observations. Pre-requisite: ED 219
ED309 - Sheltered English Immersion
This course provides a grounding in current theory and practice related to teaching English Language Learners. In particular, students learn to effectively shelter their content instruction, so that ELL students can access curriculum, achieve academic success, and contribute their multilingual and multicultural resources as participants and future leaders in the 21st century global economy. This course meets Massachusetts DESE standards for the required SEI endorsement. Course includes a 25-hour pre-practicum in license-appropriate classrooms. Prerequisite: ED 206 or Department permission
ED433 - Pre-practicum: Secondary English
Through a minimum of 150 hours of observation and reflection in public schools, and regular meetings with school and Lasell faculty, students in this course become familiar with the curriculum and organization of middle and/or high schools and English classrooms in preparation for the practicum. Prerequisite: Senior standing; passing scores on all required MTEL; permission of Department Chair
ED482 - Practicum: Secondary English
In this course, students complete a minimum of 300 field hours observing and teaching in a secondary English classroom and meet regularly with both Lasell and school supervisors. Assignments incorporate all Massachusetts requirements for licensure and include topics such as the ethics of teaching, legal and moral responsibilities, student confidentiality, and working parents and community members. Permission of the Department Chair required. Prerequisite: ED 433; passing scores on all required sections of the MTEL.
ED484 - Practicum: Secondary History
In this course, students complete a minimum of 300 field hours observing and teaching in a secondary history classroom and meet regularly with both Lasell and school supervisors. Assignments incorporate all Massachusetts requirements for licensure and include topics such as the ethics of teaching, legal and moral responsibilities, student confidentiality, and working parents and community members. Permission of the Department Chair required. Prerequisite: ED 435; passing scores on all required sections of the MTEL
ED494 - Professional Standards & Ethics
Taken concurrently with ED 496 or ED 498, this capstone seminar engages students in ethical questions such as student confidentiality, testing, and communicating with various constituencies as well as practical aspects of preparing for an initial teaching position. It includes conducting and reporting on the classroom-based research project that was designed in ED 421. Co-requisite: ED 496 or ED 498.
ENG212 - Literature for Young Adults
This course is a survey of current books written for adolescent and teen readers. It prepares students to evaluate young adult books in terms of literary qualtiy, reader interest, and social and political perspectives. Strategies for use in the classroom are explored. A variety of genres of books are examined. Prerequisite: ENG 102.
HIST203 - The History of Women in U.S.
This course explores the social history of women in the United States, beginning in the colonial period and ending with an examination of twentieth century issues. Emphasis is on the image of women held during these periods, in contrast to actual conditions. Contributions of women to social change and the growth of women’s movements are also analyzed. Prerequisite: a 100 level history course or ENG 102.
HIST204 - Recent American History
This course focuses on the presidencies beginning with Kennedy to the present. Work is divided roughly into three areas: foreign affairs; domestic politics; economic, social, and cultural needs. Topics range from the Vietnam War to the Iraq War, the weakening of Congress and the expansion of the presidency, the women's movement, changes in popular culture, and domestic economic developments. Prerequisite: a 100 level history course or ENG 102.
HIST207 - African American History
This course explores the history of African Americans in the United States from their African beginnings to the present. It traces the lives and status of African Americans, enslaved and emancipated, as they confronted the barriers of legal, institutional, and cultural prejudices; examines the socioeconomic and political experiences of blacks in America; and investigates strategies of accommodation, resistance, and protest in the struggle of African Americans to gain human and first-class citizenship rights. This is a writing-intensive course. Prerequisite: a 100 level history course or ENG 102.
HIST208 - Sub-Saharan Africa after 1800
This survey of sub-Saharan African history explores the ongoing story of African political, social, and economic developments from the post trans-Atlantic slave trade period to the present. The course includes treatment of the impact of European merchants, missionaries, and adventurers on Africa from the time immediately preceding imperialism and colonialism up through the emergence of nationalism and decolonization and liberation movements. The new nation-states, their post-colonial economies, and their developing systems of justice, education, and rule are investigated. Finally, topics such as soil erosion, disease, conservation, famine, and Africa’s relationships with the wider world are discussed. Prerequisite: a 100 level history course or ENG 102.
HIST209 - China from 1600 to Present
This course is a survey of modern Chinese history from the founding of the Qing Dynasty in the seventeenth century to Deng Xiaoping's economic reforms of the 1990s. Special attention will be paid to modernization, Western and Japanese imperialism in China, and the rise of Communism under Mao Zedong. In addition to learning about important milestones in Chinese history, students will also be introduced to aspects of Chinese art, culture, and women's issues through primary sources translated into English. This is a writing-intensive course. Prerequisite: a 100 level history course or ENG 102.
HIST210 - Latin Amer Colonial Period to Present
This survey looks at Latin American history from pre-Columbian to contemporary times. Emphasis is on native cultures, the “discovery” of the New World, European presence, colonialism, imperialism, the creation of the peasantry, wars of independence, the formation of nation-states, the role of the military, slavery and racism, development and underdevelopment, the Catholic Church, liberation theology, poverty, and revolution. Major emphasis in South America is on Argentina, Columbia, Peru, Chile, Venezuela, and the Portuguese speaking nation of Brazil. The course also includes examination of foreign intervention and inner instability in Mexico, including struggles for democracy, economic rights, and social justice. In the Hispanic Caribbean and Central America, especially, Cuba, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Belize, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and Panama, land and labor systems, gender relations, race and ethnicity, and varied forms of rule are discussed. This is a writing intensive course. Prerequisite: a 100 level history course or ENG 102.
HIST211 - Middle East & Islamic World Since 1800
This course looks at the Middle East and its relations with the wider world, from the appearance of Napoleon to the present. Topics include attempts at reform and modernization in the Ottoman Empire; the impact of Western imperialism on the region as a whole; and twentieth-century developments in the area, including nationalism, pan-Arabism, pan-Islamism, the cult of the personality, coup, revolution, Zionism, and the Palestinian-Israeli confrontation. The economic and social impact of oil, the influence of fundamentalism, and the Great Power rivalry down through the position of the United States toward the area are investigated. The efforts of Iran to gain acceptance in/by the contemporary world is examined, as is the shifting attitude of Egypt toward modernity. Finally, connections between the region and the rest of the Islamic world are explored. This is a writing-intensive course. Prerequisite: a 100 level history course or ENG 102.
HIST325 - The Intellectual Origins of Western Civ
This seminar traces the roots of modern western thought from ancient Greece through the Enlightenment by discussing and analyzing selections from the writings of major European thinkers. The seminar focuses on dominant figures representative of an historical epoch and examines their ideas in light of existing and future political, social, economic, and intellectual developments. Prerequisite: a 200 level history course or permission of instructor.
HIST330 - Europe & The World/ Age of Expansion
This course examines political, economic, social, scientific, and religious developments that contributed to European desire for land and power, and also to fantasies and phobias directed by European conquerors toward those whom they subdued and subjected to Western rule. The reaction toward the white Westerners on the part of those exploited is also explored. The period covered is from the mid-fifteenth century through the eighteenth century. Prerequisite: a 200 level history course or permission of instructor.
PSYC101 - Psychological Perspectives
In this course, students learn to think like psychologists as they study classic and contemporary topics in human behavior, feeling, and thought. Students learn to apply psychological perspectives of thought, including biological, cognitive, sociocultural, humanistic, psychodynamic, and behaviorist, to better understand the human experience. Students will learn to use these perspectives to explore how individual behavior is influenced by and influences one’s biology, family, community and society. Topics may include human development, personality, psychopathology, human relationships, language, memory, perceptual processes, and intelligence, among others.
PSYC223 - Adolescent Psychology
This course examines the adolescent period of life as one of multiple simultaneous changes in the mind and body that set the stage for adult life. Particular attention is paid to gender differentiated experiences in adolescence; how males and females differ in their experience of the changes that occur during adolescence. The role of culture in determining the adolescent experience is discussed. Prerequisite: PSYC 101.
Deborah Baldizar
Associate Professor of Art and Graphic Design
Office: Yamawaki 209
Email: dbaldizar@lasell.edu
Kenneth Calhoun
Assistant Provost; Chair of Graphic Design
Office: Yamawaki
Email: kcalhoun@lasell.edu
Vladimir Zimakov
Diane Heath Beever ’49 Professor of Art; Director of the Wedeman Gallery
Office: Yamawaki 215
Email: vzimakov@lasell.edu