Courses
Design Foundations-2025/2026
| Level 1 | ||||
| Take all of the following Mandatory Courses: | ||||
| COMP-1498 | Computers for Design | 3 | ||
| This course is designed as an introduction and general overview of the most used programs in the industry; Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator. Students will also learn the basics of photography and video editing for use in the field of design. Through the use of these tools the students will develop the skills required to create digital illustrations, capture and manipulate images and create video presentations. Students will improve on and learn new computer skills by completing projects that reinforce their understanding of these projects. | ||||
| ARTS-1087 | Drawing Basics | 3 | ||
| This course is an introduction to drawing as it relates to applied design. Students will learn basic objective and subjective sketching techniques using various media to depict a variety of subjects. Formal concepts such as line, texture, value, gesture, movement and perspective will be explored and used to broaden the capacity to draw from observation, memory, and imagination. | ||||
| DESG-1091 | Colour & Design Studio | 2.5 | ||
| This is an introductory course to fundamental concepts and elements used in two-dimensional design. Students explore aspects of design including the procedures, principles, and elements of design, and the conceptual thought processes involved in design. Through a series of projects, students will explore colour theory, the combination of colours, the psychology of colour and its importance in industry. Critical evaluation skills will play a key part of individual class discussion and group critiques. | ||||
| DEVL-1061 | Design Pathways & Success Strategies | 3 | ||
| Students are introduced to the many career options in design by examining various design disciplines and how they function within the industry. Pathways will be explored through the use of guest lectures, industry tours, research, information sessions and hands-on experimentation. Reflection reports are used to uncover the aptitudes and interests of students to assist them in creating an action plan for properly choosing a career in a design related field. | ||||
| DESG-1092 | Designing a Sustainable Future | 3 | ||
| This is a course developed to help students understand the impact and critical role of sustainable design. Through a series of workshops and interactive learning students will explore topics such as responsible consumption, environmental concerns, social and cultural issues and the economic implication, of sustainable design relating to food, shelter, transportation and waste. Students will study new design philosophies such as: Industry Symbiosis, Circular Economy, Sharing Economy, Biomimicry and Cradle to Cradle design. Students will be encouraged to use these concepts to developed ideas for new sustainable product, process and services that could become influencers for future design. | ||||
| GRAF-1040 | Creative Concepts 1 | 3 | ||
| This course is designed to develop and explore the innate creativity within the students. This course guides students through explorations of various media in order to reflect upon and express their unique personality and creativity within their cultural context. | ||||
| WRIT-1036 | Reason & Writing 1-Art & Design | 3 | ||
| This course introduces students to essential principles of reading, writing, and reasoning at the postsecondary level. Students will identify, summarize, analyze, and evaluate multiple short readings and write persuasive response essays to develop their vocabulary, comprehension, grammar, and critical thinking. | ||||
| Level 2 | ||||
| Take all of the following Mandatory Courses: | ||||
| COMP-3103 | Computer Technology for Design | 3 | ||
| This course is an extension of Computer Basics for Design. In this course students learn how to apply design principles in a digital environment using design related graphics software as well as an introduction to 3D modeling software applications. | ||||
| ARTS-3047 | Analytical Drawing | 2.5 | ||
| This course builds on the skills learned in Drawing Basics. Students learn the fundamentals of composition with emphasis on rendering forms and objects using shade and shadow, as well as one point and two point perspective. Both freehand and drafting techniques are used to further the students drawing skills and better allow them to express creative ideas. Students will develop skills applicable to various design disciplines. | ||||
| DESG-3046 | 2D & 3D Design Studio | 3 | ||
| This course builds upon Colour & Design Studio in which students further explore design fundamentals, processes and practical application in both two-dimensional and three-dimensional design. Brainstorming, idea mapping and lateral thinking will assist students in producing concepts that will be applied for the studio project. Research and investigative phases of the creative process and professional presentation techniques will be emphasized. | ||||
| HIST-1042 | History of Design Survey | 3 | ||
| Students will examine twentieth century art and design from a variety of perspectives including anthropology, sociology, economics, politics, changes in cultural and technology, to enhance their understanding of the factors that have shaped contemporary design. Methodologies will include student research presentations, design projects, discussions and lectures. | ||||
| ARTS-1088 | Presentation & Portfolio Development | 2.5 | ||
| In this course students learn to prepare and present a professional visual portfolio. Students will think critically about their artwork using rational, critical observational skills, and analytical selection and judgment skills to develop a portfolio geared to their chosen discipline. Final portfolios will be used to prepare students for success in their future endeavors. | ||||
| COMM-3074 | Communications for Design | 3 | ||
| This course, designed for students who plan to work in the field of art and design, focuses on professional written and verbal communication skills. Students learn to prepare a variety of work-related documents. In addition, students learn about research methods and documentation formats. The principles of effective writing - organization, grammar, style, clarity, and tone - are reinforced throughout the course. The goal of the course is to prepare students for the communication tasks and considerations they will encounter in the workplace in order to meet the needs of employers and/or the communities they will serve. | ||||
| Program Residency | ||||
| Students Must Complete a Minimum of 10 credits in this program at Fanshawe College to meet the Program Residency requirement and graduate from this program | ||||