Course Catalogs

Visual Communications (VIS)

VIS 500  Selected Topics  (1-6 Credits)  
Public Communications  
Exploration of a topic (to be determined) not covered by the standard curriculum but of interest to faculty and students in a particular semester.
Repeatable  
VIS 501  Photography and Multimedia for Non-Majors  (3 Credits)  
Public Communications  
Students study basic principles of photography and multimedia, including composition and lighting. Teaches workflow and post-production processes and basic editing for photography and video/multimedia.
VIS 502  AI for Creative Professionals  (3 Credits)  
Public Communications  
Students explore generative artificial intelligence tools and platforms used in all phases of production for commercial and narrative storytelling.
Repeatable 1 times for 3 credits maximum  
VIS 507  Intermediate Design and Production for Non-Majors  (3 Credits)  
Public Communications  
This course teaches intermediate design, with a focus on developing more sophisticated layout, illustration and production skills while exploring classic and contemporary design styles.
Prereq: VIS 207 or 607  
VIS 508  Basic Photo/Video Lab  (0 Credits)  
Public Communications  
Basic photo/video lab for VIS 201 or VIS 501.
Coreq: VIS 201 or 501  
VIS 510  Specialized Practice  (1 Credit)  
Public Communications  
These short courses provide specific areas of study not covered in depth in other courses. These courses are based on faculty and student interest.
Repeatable 3 times for 3 credits maximum  
VIS 517  Interactive Fashion Communications  (3 Credits)  
Public Communications  
This course is designed to explore various methods of how visual communications are used as a method of promotion in the fashion, art and communications industries.
VIS 527  Publication Design  (3 Credits)  
Public Communications  
Teaches visual concepts and strategies in publication design, including use of typography, color, language, images, and the use of space. Students will learn to create smart design solutions for books, magazines and newspapers.
VIS 528  Advanced Photo/Video Lab  (0 Credits)  
Public Communications  
Advanced photo/video lab to support advanced photography and video course work.
Repeatable 8 times for 0 credits maximum  
VIS 544  Fashion and Portraiture  (3 Credits)  
Public Communications  
Teaches an overview of industry innovators, fashion and portrait photography. Instruction includes studio and location lighting, the portrayal of subjects, and color printing. The course may include a visit to a professional NYC fashion shoot.
VIS 600  Selected Topics  (1-6 Credits)  
Public Communications  
Exploration of a topic (to be determined) not covered by the standard curriculum but of interest to faculty and students in a particular semester.
Repeatable  
VIS 601  Photography and Multimedia Fundamentals  (3 Credits)  
Public Communications  
This course focuses on key concepts, techniques and historical context required to begin serious graduate study in photography, video and multimedia. Students will use professional grade cameras and image editing software to tell compelling stories.
VIS 602  Essentials for Visual Communicators  (1 Credit)  
Public Communications  
Double-numbered with VIS 402  
Teaches visual storytellers various topics in using the tools, techniques and best practices of their trade, focusing on how to use them powerfully in various contexts. Additional work is required for graduate students.
Repeatable  
VIS 604  Foundations in Camera, Light and Concept  (3 Credits)  
Public Communications  
Double-numbered with VIS 304  
This course focuses on basic lighting, camera and post-production skills foundational for still and video storytelling. Through lecture, studio work and lab activities, students learn to create compelling editorial and commercial content. Additional work required of graduate students.
Advisory recommendation Prereq: VIS 601  
VIS 605  Photographic Storytelling  (3 Credits)  
Public Communications  
Double-numbered with VIS 405  
Teaches principles and practices of photojournalistic/documentary/editorial storytelling for print, multimedia and video contexts. Topics include news, features, portraits and sports photography; picture story and essay production. Additional work required of graduate students.
Advisory recommendation Prereq: VIS 601  
Shared Competencies: Critical and Creative Thinking  
VIS 607  Graphic Design Fundamentals  (3 Credits)  
Public Communications  
Teaches the principles of visual communication and graphic design. The course covers visual problem-solving, which includes conceptualization, typography, layout, image editing, and production of print and digital platforms. This course will have additional lab work.
VIS 617  Typographic Design  (3 Credits)  
Public Communications  
Double-numbered with VIS 317  
Explores essential history, concepts, skills and strategies for thoughtful and informed typographic decision-making in creating elegant and smart design solutions. Focuses on typeface design, the setting of text, and visual strategies. Additional work required of graduate students.
Advisory recommendation Prereq: VIS 607  
VIS 619  Project Development: Overview  (1 Credit)  
Public Communications  
The course is designed to advance student understanding of the process, the expectations, the ideation and the procedures of the master's project.
VIS 622  Visual Communications Theory  (3 Credits)  
Public Communications  
Explores visual communication and how it serves to inform, persuade and entertain; covers semiotics and meaning systems while developing both theoretical and practical understanding of the history and current practices of visual communication and its storytelling capabilities.
VIS 623  Advanced Video Storytelling: How to be a Multimedia Rock Star  (3 Credits)  
Public Communications  
Double-numbered with VIS 423  
Students learn advanced technical, video and multimedia skills to enhance their command of story development. Students will expand their understanding of professional practices. Additional work required of graduate students.
VIS 624  Light and Concept  (3 Credits)  
Public Communications  
Double-numbered with VIS 324  
Course assumes foundational skills in camera controls. This course focuses on developing technical and conceptual lighting and postproduction skills used in still and video productions to create compelling editorial and commercial content in studio and on location. Additional work required of graduate students.
Advisory recommendation Prereq: VIS 601  
Shared Competencies: Critical and Creative Thinking  
VIS 625  Visual Editing and Project Development  (3 Credits)  
Public Communications  
Double-numbered with VIS 425  
Teaches students how to develop and edit their own work through semester-long projects while also editing the work of outstanding professionals and analyzing aspects of the editing profession. Additional work required of graduate students.
Advisory recommendation Prereq: VIS 605  
VIS 627  Type and Image Design  (3 Credits)  
Public Communications  
Double-numbered with VIS 327  
Intermediate course for graphic design majors builds on foundational principles and skills in design, writing and imaging. Students create original print and digital design projects while also considering budgeting and processes. Additional work is required of graduate students.
Advisory recommendation Prereq: VIS 617  
Shared Competencies: Critical and Creative Thinking  
VIS 629  Project Development: Research/Pitch/Writing  (2 Credits)  
Public Communications  
This course will further student understanding of the skills and guidelines in detail and will aid in the critical research, pitching, proposal, and launch of the various aspects of developing the master's project.
Advisory recommendation Prereq: VIS 619  
VIS 634  Commercial & Advertising Photography and Multimedia  (3 Credits)  
Public Communications  
Double-numbered with VIS 434  
This course focuses on production of advanced commercial and advertising content for multimedia and print. It builds on skills learned in previous lighting courses, while emphasizing professional business practices and working with live talent.
Advisory recommendation Prereq: VIS 604 or VIS 624  
Shared Competencies: Critical and Creative Thinking  
VIS 639  Advanced Projects  (1-3 Credits)  
Public Communications  
Double-numbered with VIS 439  
Focuses on developing and collecting content for advanced photo and video/multimedia projects; emphasizes creativity, work ethic, personal intention and community-building skills in the service of becoming a better visual communicator. Additional work is required of graduate students.
Repeatable 3 times for 6 credits maximum  
VIS 642  Professional Practices for Visual Communicators  (3 Credits)  
Public Communications  
Double-numbered with VIS 442  
Teaches skills necessary for forming and running a multimedia, design, video or photography business, including branding, budgeting, assessing costs, formulating profitable market strategies and marketing visual communications products. Emphasizes promotion in a new media environment. Additional work is required of graduate students.
VIS 643  The Art of Editing  (1 Credit)  
Public Communications  
Double-numbered with VIS 443  
This course examines how to best utilize editing tools and techniques to create compelling characters, great cinematic expressions, story arcs and complex moral landscapes-all applicable in fiction and nonfiction video and multimedia storytelling. Additional work required of graduate students.
Repeatable 3 times for 3 credits maximum  
VIS 644  Advanced Light and Concept  (3 Credits)  
Public Communications  
Double-numbered with VIS 444  
This course explores mindful, creative, intentional use of lighting and camera approaches to solve photographic challenges and conceptual problems in the studio and on location. Additional work required of graduate students.
Advisory recommendation Prereq: VIS 604 or VIS 624  
VIS 647  Motion Design  (3 Credits)  
Public Communications  
Double-numbered with VIS 447  
Teaches technology and strategies in motion graphics and how to build rich storytelling experiences for publication on multiple platforms. Students create multimedia productions using still imagery, video, audio and type. Additional work required of graduate students.
Advisory recommendation Prereq: VIS 607  
VIS 657  User Interface and User Experience (UI/UX) Design  (3 Credits)  
Public Communications  
Double-numbered with VIS 457  
Students will utilize design thinking to create human-centered experiences and useable interfaces for web and mobile, including an interactive prototype for a UI/UX project package. Additional work is required of graduate students.
Advisory recommendation Prereq: VIS 607  
VIS 667  Immersive Design  (3 Credits)  
Public Communications  
Double-numbered with VIS 467  
This advanced course teaches how to design and build immersive digital environments for the communications industry. Students explore best practices and theories, and develop the skills and vocabulary to design for mixed-realities using cutting edge technology. Additional work required for graduate students.
Advisory recommendation Prereq: VIS 647 or VIS 657  
VIS 669  Portfolio Review  (0 Credits)  
Public Communications  
Teaches visual storytellers best practices in portfolio development and presentation methods. Students identify unique personal vision and then edit work to create a strong portfolio.
Advisory recommendation Prereq: VIS 603 OR VIS 604 OR VIS 605  
VIS 670  Experience Credit  (1-6 Credits)  
Public Communications  
Participation in a discipline or subject related experience. Student must be evaluated by written or oral reports or an examination. Permission in advance with the consent of the department chairperson, instructor, and dean. Limited to those in good academic standing.
Repeatable  
VIS 689  Master's Projects  (3 Credits)  
Public Communications  
Covers production and post-production of individual master's projects. Using previously acquired skills, students hone their project management skills to create distinguished work.
VIS 690  Independent Study  (1-6 Credits)  
Public Communications  
Exploration of a problem, or problems, in depth. Individual independent study upon a plan submitted by the student. Admission by consent of supervising instructor(s) and the department.
Repeatable 6 times for 6 credits maximum  
VIS 700  Selected Topics  (1-6 Credits)  
Public Communications  
Exploration of a topic (to be determined) not covered by the standard curriculum but of interest to faculty and students in a particular semester.
Repeatable  
VIS 997  Master's Theses  (1-6 Credits)  
Public Communications