Visual Communication Courses, Art Department, Ball State University

ADS 104 - Color Theory and Design.

Continued exploration and application of basic art principles and elements, with an in-depth study of contemporary color theory and practice, including the use of computer technology. Prerequisite: AFA 202; ADS 102; ART 200; or permission of the instructor. Open only to art majors and minors.

ADS 241 - Introduction to Visual Communication.

Introduction and orientation to concepts and skills necessary for visual communication in two and three dimensions. Fundamentals of structure, color, typography, and tools are emphasized. Prerequisite: ADS 101, 102; AFA 101, 202. Open only to art majors. Offered only fall semester.

ADS 242 - Type and Image.

Consideration of typography in relation to visual organization; color theory and its application to communication. Type and image are covered in experimental and practical formats. Prerequisite: ADS 241; admission to the graphic design sequence through portfolio review. Open only to visual communication majors.

ADS 301 - Visual Communication Technologies 1.

Exploration of technology that could include beginning web design, multimedia, motion graphics, and other relevant topics to the design discipline. Prerequisite: to be announced before each offering. Open only to visual communication majors.

ADS 302 - Visual Communication Technologies 2.

Exploration of technology that could include intermediate and advanced web design, multimedia, motion graphics, and other relevant topics to the design discipline. Prerequisite: to be announced before each offering. Open only to visual communication majors.

ADS 341 - Visual Communication 1.

Exploration of creative thematic development through all stages of the design process. Technical elements of type specification, computer implementation, and graphic communication production. Prerequisite: ADS 242. Open only to visual communication majors.

ADS 342 - Visual Communication 2.

Concentrated problem analysis emphasizing symbology, typography, and image development. Continued integration of computers in the design process. Prerequisite: ADS 341. Open only to visual communication majors.

ADS 415 - Independent Study in Design.

Designed for professionally oriented students, allowing them to select and more intensively explore a special area. Prerequisite: sponsorship by an art faculty member; permission of the department chairperson. A total of 6 hours of credit may be earned, but no more than 3 in any one semester or term.

ADS 415A - Independent Study in Design.

Designed for professionally oriented students, allowing them to select and explore more intensively a special area. Prerequisite: sponsorship by an faculty member and permission of department chairperson. A total of 6 hours of credit may be earned, but no more than 3 in one semester or term.

ADS 441 - Visual Communication 3.

Advanced problem solving in sequential and three-dimensional forms. Prerequisite: ADS 342. Open only to visual communication majors.

ADS 442 - Visual Communication 4.

Advanced problem solving in visual communication. Refinement of presentation techniques and resume and portfolio development. Prerequisite: ADS 441. Open only to visual communication majors.

ADS 443 - Special Topics in Visual Communication.

Intensive exploration of strategies and visual development within specific design areas. Could include computer, letterpress, exhibition and signage, packaging, typography, publications, illustration, or development of concept and content. Prerequisite: ADS 341 or permission of the instructor. A total of 9 hours of credit may be earned. Open only to art majors.

ADS 443A - Special Topics in Graphic Design.

Intensive exploration of strategies and visual development within specific design areas. Could include computer, letterpress, exhibition and signage, packaging, typography, publications, illustration, or development of concept and content. Prerequisite: ADS 341 or permission of instructor. A total of 9 hours of credit may be earned. Open only to art majors.

ADS 443B - Graphic Design Topic Studio.

Intensive studio exploration of strategies and visual development within specific graphic design areas. Could include computer, letterpress, publications, exhibition and signage, package design, or development of concept and content. Prerequisite: ADS 341. A total of 9 hours of credit maybe earned, but no more than 3 in any one semester or term. Open only to art majors.

ADS 443C - Special Topics in Visual Communication.

Intensive exploration of strategies and visual development within specific design areas. Could include computer, letterpress, exhibition and signage, packaging, typography, publications, illustration, or development of concept and content. Prerequisite: ADS 341 or permission of instructor. A total of 9 hours of credit may be earned. Open only to art majors.

ADS 471 - Visual Communication Practicum.

Problem solving within and/or outside of the university community. Group and/or individual projects for clients. Requires portfolio review and permission of the instructor. Prerequisite: ADS 341. A total of 6 hours of credit may be earned, but no more than 3 in any one semester or term. Open only to art majors.

ADS 480 - Senior Design Thesis.

Intensive study with research and resolution of a current problem in visual communication as a capstone experience. Prerequisite: ADS 342, sponsorship by an art faculty member; permission of the department chairperson. Open only to visual communication majors.

ADS 498 - Seminar in Design.

Group or individual investigation and experiences in the fine arts beyond the scope of regular course work. Prerequisite: completion of 30 hours of credit in art or permission of the department chairperson. A total of 9 hours of credit may be earned.