Oct 14, 2024  
2020-2021 University Catalog 
    
2020-2021 University Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Visual Communication Design, B.F.A.: 120 units


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Offered by: College of Environmental Design, Art Department

The curriculum matrix for the degree program may be found here. The curriculum matrix is the alignment of courses (curriculum) with the desired goals and student learning outcomes of the program. It shows what is taught and how these outcomes are achieved through the completion of the degree program.

Visual Communication Designers create images that may interpret, inform, instruct, persuade, or entertain. This work addresses audience, content, and context, while meeting functional communication needs. We are concerned with the physical, cultural, societal, and technological aspects of creating visual work, whether that work is print-based design, interactive media, or environments.

Visual Communication Design Program: Student Learning Outcomes

  1. Ability to solve communication problems, including the skills of problem identification, research and information gathering, analysis, generation of alternative solutions, and prototyping.
  2. Ability to describe and respond to the audiences and contexts including recognition of the physical, cognitive, cultural and social human factors that shape design decisions.
  3. Ability to create and develop visual form in response to communication problems.
  4. Ability to effectively use typography and typographic principles.
  5. Fluency with the elements of design and the principles of organization, including color theory, composition, perspective, etc.
  6. Understanding information hierarchy, symbolic representation, and aesthetics.
  7. Ability to create and develop meaningful and original imagery.
  8. Have an understanding of tools and technology, including their roles in the creation, reproduction, and distribution of vital messages. Relevant tools include but not limited to, drawing, offset printing, photography and time-based and interactive media.
  9. Understanding design history, theory, and criticism from a variety of perspectives, including those of art history, linguistics, communication and information theory, technology, and the social and cultural use of design objects.
  10. Understanding the basic business practices, including the ability to organize projects and work productively as a member of teams.

Major Electives: 26 units


All major electives and approved electives courses must be passed with a grade of “C-” or better to receive major credit.

*Note(s):


*Repeatable one time.

Unrestricted Electives: 0-3 units


Select a sufficient number of courses so that the total from “Major Required”, “Major Electives”, “GE”, and “Unrestricted Electives” is at least 120 units.

General Education Requirements: 48 units


Students should consult the Academic Programs website https://www.cpp.edu/~academic-programs/general-education-course-listings.shtml for current information regarding this requirement. Unless specific courses are required, please refer to the list of approved courses under General Education Requirements, Areas A through E.

  Course Term Taken Grade
Area A. English Language Communication and Critical Thinking (9 units)
At least 3 units from each sub-area
1. Oral Communication      
2. Written Communication      
3. Critical Thinking      
Area B. Scientific Inquiry and Quantitative Reasoning (12 units)
At least 3 units from each sub-area
1. Physical Sciences      
2. Life Sciences      
3. Laboratory Activity      
4. Mathematics/Quantitative Reasoning      
5. Science and Technology Synthesis      
Area C. Arts and Humanities (12 units)
At least 3 units from each sub-area and 3 additional units from sub-areas 1 and/or 2
1. Visual and Performing Arts      
2. Literature, Modern Languages, Philosophy and Civilization      
3. Arts and Humanities Synthesis      
Area D. Social Sciences (12 units)
At least 3 units from each sub-area
1. U.S. History and American Ideals      
2. U.S. Constitution and California Government      
3. Social Sciences: Principles, Methodologies, Value Systems, and Ethics      
4. Social Science Synthesis      
Area E. Lifelong Learning and Self-Development (3 units)      

Interdisciplinary General Education: 21 units


An alternate pattern for partial fulfillment of GE Areas A, C, and D available for students is the Interdisciplinary General Education (IGE) program.  Students should see an advisor for specific GE coursework required by their major.  Please refer to the University Catalog General Education Program section for additional information.

How IGE fulfills General Education Requirements:

Year Completion of IGE Courses Satisfies GE Requirements
Freshman IGE 1100 , IGE 1200   A2 and C2
Sophomore IGE 2100 , IGE 2200   C1 and C2
Junior IGE 2300 , IGE 2400   D1 and D3
Senior IGE 3100   C3 or D4

American Institutions: 6 units


Courses that satisfy this requirement may also satisfy GE Areas D1 and D2.

American Cultural Perspectives Requirement: 3 units


Refer to the University Catalog General Education Program section for a list of courses that satisfy this requirement.  Course may also satisfy major, minor, GE, or unrestricted elective requirements.

Graduation Writing Test


All persons who receive undergraduate degrees from Cal Poly Pomona must pass the Graduation Writing Test (GWT).  The test must be taken by the semester following completion of 60 units for undergraduates.

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