Recommended Study Sequence

Approaches to Communications offers a wide range overview of major theories and models in communication and embraces a series of selected case studies of the emergence, impact and social shaping of different communication and media technologies through history and into the future.

This unit introduces fundamental principles of typography and graphic design based on an understanding of design as a cultural communications practice. It will develop an understanding of the unique role of typography as a key part of graphic design's history and scope, as well as a design process for effective visual communication around specific contexts. Typographic elements and graphic techniques and processes are analysed, practiced and discussed as an exploration of structural formal visual relationships in type, layout and colour.

From 2007 this unit will replace 100945 Image Design: Photomedia. This unit introduces students to photographic image making for the purpose of representation, through engagement with issues based projects. It covers first principals of the photographic medium and it's many uses in the context of Visual Communication. It will introduce students to the range of ways in which pictorial information can be designed and used to communicate a message to an audience utilizing a variety of techniques, strategies, principles of composition, structure and image organisation.

This unit introduces students to understandings of the designed world by focussing on contemporary design phenomena including graphic design, illustration, motion graphics, photography, websites and animation, with an emphasis an Australian practice. The unit allows students to contextualise contemporary design in relation to social, political and philosophical developments. It also introduces modes of analysis from design theory to enable students to understand the invisible processes at work in these visible signs.

This unit introduces students to processes of design. It examines how knowledges may be formed through visual design processes and how visual design reveals knowledges. It also introduces students to basic visual literacies, current design applications and production processes.

Students develop an understanding of how current digital print design practices have evolved and developed through a brief historical overview of and past practices within graphic design. Students also develop fundamental computer software skills using the major print software packages and develop a working understanding of production literacies in the context of digital prepress. Students will engage in practical studies of typographic layout using Adobe InDesign, image manipulation using Adobe Photoshop and vector-based artwork using Adobe Illustrator. Emphasis is also placed on understanding the roles, functions and features of each software package in the design production context of digital prepress, their integrated use, and a working understanding of the key players and responsibilities inherent in the digital print production process.

Image Design introduces students to the interpretive and descriptive qualities of illustration, the methods and processes used to create illustration and the concept of the 'design brief', which are contextualized by a variety of applied design outcomes, target audience and client concerns.

This unit explores the history and theory of 20th Century design from two dominant perspectives, modernism and postmodernism. Students will become acquainted with the doctrines around which the modernist movement cohered, and the conditions under which these doctrines are questioned by postmodernism. Students will be introduced to a range of design outcomes such a photo-media, typography, illustration, the built environment, graphics, digital media, film and animation.

This unit looks at the visual method of explaining and interpreting information. Through this unit students explore the relatively recent history of information design as a specialist field, the embedded communication theories relating to this area of expertise and application to real-world scenarios. This unit focuses on using international and localised techniques of graphic design and its devices in the visual delivery of information and statistical data.

Through lectures students develop an understanding of fundamental concepts and processes inherent in designing for on online environment. Students also develop fundamental computer software skills and design understandings appropriate to that medium using the major web software packages and develop a working understanding of production literacies for online design. Students will engage in practical studies of web authoring using HTML, Dreamweaver, image optimisation using Fireworks or Imageready. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the roles, functions and features of each software package in the design production context of online delivery, integrated use, and a working understanding of the responsibilities inherent in the digital production process.

This unit explores the conceptual, stylistic and format design of illustration for, and as narrative. Students work on a number of projects that encourage them to consider the design of different narrative forms, illustrative techniques and styles in relation to content, target audience, client, context and genre.

This unit focuses on design methodology for the development and delivery of contemporary interactive media applications. Particular concepts addressed will also include conceptual integration and convergence of various media forms, screen design, navigational hierarchy and structures, and designing engaging interactive interfaces. General principles of interface, interaction design and information architecture will be introduced, alongside basic principles of digital media production.

This unit examines the multifaceted nature of photographic practice and introduces students to a range of methods of Photographic image design, for the purpose of Visual Communication. It explores the relationship between photographic technique, genre and the reception of photographic imagery. Student will be introducted to Photographic studio practice as the means of controlling image reception.

this unit situates the theoretical concepts of technology, consumerism, urbanism and gender in real contexts of contemporary design practice. In seminars students will engage with these concepts as key issues that are negotiated in design texts, debates and practice. Lectures will contextualise the concepts with respect to a cultural history of ideas, practices and events and explore their emergence as issues for design discourse.

This is a practice-orientated unit, designed to consolidate principles of typographic form across a range of visual practices. Students develop strategies to apply type across a range of media. Students focus on the traditional methods of 2D print based graphics and adapt skills to time-based scenarios. It provides students with a range of understandings from pragmatic and rigid "rules" to speculative, experimental and expressive approaches. This unit reinforces the importance of type as a cross disciplinary activity.

This unit explores the diverse range of illustrative styles and techniques that are used in contemporary advertising and editorial illustration. Students will work through professional concepts and developmental processes that include understanding the 'design brief', target audience and client needs, media considerations, style and layout, costing and deadlines.

This unit focuses on interactive design from an experience design perspective. Approaches utilising current digital technologies for advanced interactive design are explored. Students will design and produce interactive products and examine and critique current content and trends within these technologies. The focus of the unit is communication and experience design, rather than technical implementation. Interactive design examples are examined from the context of shifting production languages, convergent technologies and the design professional contexts.

The unit explores issues of identity through photographic practice in fashion and editorial. Fashion is the most immediate form of expression, accessible to us all, making it the communication strategy most employed by subcultures to express identity. The role of photography in the creation of iconic and culturally referential images in both fashion and editorial will be researched, analysed and interpreted to contextualise the student's own work.

This unit is compulsory for Visual Communication students, and introduces students to a range of design management issues, practices and outcomes. The focus is on the student's transition into professional practice through management seminars, in-house studio experience, and a period of professionally relevant industry experience to a minimum of 90 hours.

This unit examines the foundations for publication design and production - including approaches to layouts, image and text relationships, typography and graphic forms. Students will be involved in the design and production of publications for specific target audience. This unit examines the role of publication design as a promotional tool. Students explore a range of print promotional forms including brochures and catalogues. Students are involved in developing publications within professional studio practice. Through this unit students gain an 'holistic' understanding of how publications are mechanically put together and explore visual narrative methodologies through exploration of media areas appropriate to project requirements.

this unit provides an understanding of a range of research methods appropriate to design. This unit also develops students' competence in preparing a formal research proposal, project management, and addressing the ethical dimensions of their research where necessary.

Design Project will provide students with the opportunity to work in a 'real world' context. Students will learn how to construct a meaningful promotional campaign for a specific purpose. The campaign will be based around a cultural, social, or environmental, theme or issue. Students will develop a design and communication strategy for their campaign that utilises the appropriate media to address the nominated audience.

In this seminar program, students engage in close readings of a number of significant texts in design theory, cultural studies, sociology and/or philosophy that attempt to analyse and/or interpret contemporary trends relevant to design. Students engage with texts as a means of broadly contextualising design activity, including their own practice. The program's emphasis is on speculative, self-reflective and experimental approaches.

Students will develop supervised self-directed project work. Students typically develop their own brief/project from proposal to production over two semesters. Students will work in teams and link up with an external mentor. These teams are intended to provide a supportive peer environment for each student.

This unit introduces communication and design students to working professionally and creatively with a 'client' or agency. Various processes and methods of working are explored through workshops, discussions, and project work. Students are introduced to the 'brief' as a tool in project development. Students work with guest clients and professionals, and explore a variety of approaches to developing project outcomes.

This unit is intended to provide students with an opportunity to reflectively consider a conceptual position for their work, and to articulate this in a professional and contemporary context. Students reflect backwards through a mini exegesis that locates their work in theory and contemporary practice, and reflect forwards through a Exegesis for their future professional conduct.

Students will develop supervised self-directed project work. Students typically develop their own brief/project from proposal to production over two semesters. Students will work in teams and link up with an external mentor. These teams are intended to provide a supportive peer environment for each student.

This unit introduces communication and design students to working professionally and creatively with a 'client' or agency. Various processes and methods of working are explored through workshops, discussions, and project work. Students are introduced to the 'brief' as a tool in project development. Students work with guest clients and professionals, and explore a variety of approaches to developing project outcomes.

Research in communication arts utilises a range of investigative procedures appropriate to the theory and practice of each creative discipline. This unit will introduce fundamental research languages, methods and outcomes relevant to the communication arts disciplines, and encourage students to develop approaches best suited to their theory and practice. Students will write and defend a research proposal and paper for a research program; the unit will enable students to apply a rigorous research framework to their work. Students will engage with a range of significant and critical texts which address broad implications of practices and theories in creative disciplines.

This unit provides training in practical applications of research in the communication arts. Students delineate project-based research topics in their fields. Students may produce research papers, or focus on projects involving creative practical works with accompanying documentation. Students will work in class and with their supervisor, to propose and create an artistic presentation with comprehensive documentation (including theoretical underpinnings), or propose and submit a research paper. These will include literature surveys or works reviews that demonstrate the students' knowledge of their areas of specialisation. Participation in Research Seminars will give students an opportunity to present work for feedback and critique.

These are major projects undertaken by fourth-year Honours students in the School of Communication Arts. They are substantial projects of individual research, in theoretical and/or practical areas, with topics decided in consultation with Supervisors and the Honours Course Advisor. The major projects provide opportunities for students to undertake research projects under academic supervision. Students develop detailed and sophisticated understandings, knowledge of research skills, writing practices, and analysis through production of original work. Major research projects in Communication Arts take two forms: 1) an academic research paper (thesis), 2) a substantial body of creative practical work with accompanying exegesis and documentation.