Graphic and Digital Communication

The Franklin Pierce Graphic and Digital Communication major is uniquely designed to address the needs of many prominent industries in our increasingly interconnected world. The internet is an ever-evolving, fast moving, content delivery platform that documents history, supports commerce, builds communities, entertains, creates change, and connects us. The variety and type of content is endless, requiring well-trained professionals to create it. Our students learn to create, edit, and manage professional visual, written, and audio content for delivery through the web. Specifically, Graphic and Digital Communication majors develop skills in visual, web & mobile design; branding & storytelling; concept development; research & documentation; project management; and writing, proofreading & editing. This focus on foundational web design and content development emphasizes strategic and critical thinking, digital and visual literacy, and applicative and experiential learning. Because of its efficient design, students can combine this degree with another for a double-major combination that significantly enhances a student’s career preparedness and marketability.

Majors, Minors and Certificates

Courses

GDC100: Intro to Graphic Digital Comm

Credits 3
The course is an introduction to visual literacy, communication and its structures. The course will examine theories and concepts of perception, psychology, perspective, and elements of graphic and web design, photography, film and video, and interactive media. Students will be introduced to an understanding of the language, theory, and practice in these areas of digital media, while working to develop their ability to visualize, understand, analyze, critique and create content.

GDC120: User Experience & Interface Design

Credits 3
This course introduces students to web development based on user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) design. This is an introductory web design course incorporating web coding tutorials, intro to Figma, and web design. Students will use research to develop front end web solutions, engage in prototype use testing for web, mobile, and app designs, and identify and apply best practices in UX and UI design.

GDC205: Social Media, Ethics, IP and Media

Credits 3

The Internet and the changes it has brought in the way we network with each other have challenged fluid legal jurisdictions and ethical boundaries. Students will study the application of intellectual property law, particularly copyright and patents, to social media and web media. Among the additional issues to be examined are data privacy and security, anonymous speech, social media and students, commercial speech and libel. Prerequisites: GDC100 or permission of instructor.

GDC220: Coding for the Web

Credits 3

This course continues from GDC 120 where students developed UX/UI skills in the research, planning, prototyping, and testing stages of web design. Here, students continue the web design workflow and learn how to design, build, and launch custom websites. Students will explore complex web design concepts visually and by writing code. The course focusses on HTML, CSS and JavaScript, Apple X, and Figma; responsive web design; accessibility; flexbox; content management systems; and CSS grids. Course projects are built on teamwork and collaboration.. Prerequisite: GDC120.

GDC320: Application and Mobile Design

Credits 3

This course introduces students to design and development for mobile devices such as smart phones and tablets. We will focus on mobile web app versus native application design as well as fixed versus responsive web design. We will explore the creation of mobile apps and sites using prototyping tools and computer languages germane to all current mobile operating systems. Prerequisite: GDC120.

GDC330: Social Media

Credits 3
This course introduces students to a range of concepts and tools that will be essential to a meaningful exercise of social media in an emerging technologies environment. This course uses hands-on practice to explore such fundamental concepts as storytelling – which lies at the heart of all social media campaigns – by beginning the process of “personal branding.” The course will also investigate social media as an international phenomenon, including its political uses by people around the world.

GDC390: Internship in GDC

Credits 1 4
Internship in GDC (1-4 credits). These field-based experiences allow students to work with GDC specialists in a professional setting to enhance their employment potential upon graduation. An agreement is drawn up and approved by the student, the on-site supervisor, the GDC faculty internship advisor, and the Dean or their designee. Students should consult with the faculty internship advisor on the academic requirements before starting the internship. The course grade is assigned by the GDC faculty internship advisor. Credits are based upon the work hours completed (minimum of 40 hours per credit). Prerequisite: junior standing, or permission of faculty advisor.

GDC400: Audio & Video for Web

Credits 3
Multimedia places a high demand on network connections and the internet and yet professional audio and video content is an essential part of today’s web experience. In this class, students learn how to properly optimize audio and video content for web consumption. Student will also explore the creation and editing of podcasts, web videos, original music and voice recording.

GDC410: Graphic & Digital Comm Portfolio

Credits 3

This course is the culmination of the GDC major and will serve as a demonstration of the student’s successful achievement of skills essential for future employment, whether as an entrepreneurial individual or as member of a digital media team or in a digital media leadership role. Students will focus their efforts on selecting and improving projects from previous classes to ready them for portfolio presentation; developing their professional branding and identity system; and designing a self-promotional portfolio website. Prerequisite: GDC330.

GDC490: Internship in GDC

Credits 1 4
Internship in GDC (1-4 credits). These field-based experiences allow students to work with DMD specialists in a professional setting to enhance their employment potential upon graduation. An agreement is drawn up and approved by the student, the on-site supervisor, the DMD faculty internship advisor, and the Dean or their designee. Students should consult with the faculty internship advisor on the academic requirements before starting the internship. The course grade is assigned by the DMD faculty internship advisor. Credits are based upon the work hours completed (minimum of 40 hours per credit). Prerequisite: junior standing, or permission of faculty advisor.