Study Abroad in London
Visual Communication
Department Dean: Gill Coupland, M.A.
Degrees:
- M.A. in Art and Design, Institute of Education, University of London, 1996
- First degree in Graphic Design, The Kent Institute, 1970
In 1989, Gill Coupland started at AIU as a part-time member of
the Visual Communication faculty. She already had 15 years of
experience in advertising and art directing, working with
businesses such as Esso,Typhoo and Tetley teas, Cadbury's
chocolate, Johnson & Johnson toiletries, Courage Breweries and
English Cheese. By 1994, Coupland decided she liked teaching
enough to become a full-time faculty member. She continued to
work in the real world, too, maintaining her own design
consultancy. She became Assistant Program Chair in 1994.Today
her title is now Visual Communication Dean. Ms. Coupland
spends her time working with the program's faculty members.
"I see my role as Dean (stemming from my art directing days)
as 'managing the talents of others.' The faculty are all highlytalented
and highly-professional, and it is their considerable
experience of working in their own businesses and practices
that makes the difference in the classroom. Support of our
students learning and ambitions is central to everything we do."
AIU London Visual Communication Courses*
CIS 101 INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTERS 
Prerequisites: None
Students will study the terminology, fundamental concepts, and
practical utilization of information processing systems primarily
by automated means.
CIS 102 INTRODUCTION TO MACINTOSH®
Prerequisites: None
Students will study the terminology, fundamental concepts, and
practical utilization of information processing systems primarily
by automated means.
DES 101 BASIC PRINCIPLES OF DESIGN
Prerequisites: None
This foundation course covers principles relating to all areas of
visual design. In this course, students can develop an awareness of
the basic elements of visual language, aesthetics sensitivity, and
the ability to think and act as a designer. Students explore
methods for evoking intuitive responses through color, shape,
texture, rhythm, line and other compositional elements. The
class consists of both practical, studio-based assignments and
contextual studies areas.
DES 102 COLOR THEORY
Prerequisites: None
This theoretical and practical course examines the visual forces
of color and color relationships in traditional and electronic
media.This foundation-level course is essential for all design
students. Students can develop knowledge of color principles, the
ability to manipulate hue, value and chroma, as well as sensitivity
for aesthetic and psychological qualities. In addition, students can
learn proper electronic applications of CMYK color for print
and RGB color for the Web and broadcast.
DES 103 FREEHAND DRAWING
Prerequisites: None
Techniques for drawing basic forms and shapes are developed
through exercises which are designed to develop perceptual
skills.The student studies volume, tone, texture, perspective and
composition.The exercises are presented in sequence and are
designed to develop the student's basic drawing methods and
techniques.
DES 210 FIGURE DRAWING
Prerequisites: None
Working from live models, students can learn the basic
fundamentals of drawing the human body in proportion and scale.
Through the use of primarily black and white media, the student
uses line and tone to structure the human figure.
GDE 251 GRAPHIC DESIGN I
Prerequisites: None
Graphic design is the translation of ideas and concepts into
structural order and visual form.This course aims to familiarize
students with a brief history of graphic design and the
fundamental knowledge necessary to become competent
designers in commercial fields. Students can develop an
understanding of visual meaning and association, arrangement
of design elements, and other topics to prepare for successive
classes within the program.
GDE 351 GRAPHIC DESIGN II
Prerequisites: GDE 251
This course takes a broader approach to creative design thinking
and encourages exploration of wider visual sources, media and
methods of expression. Skills of visual judgment and critical
assessment are developed through projects and critiques which
set out more complex and expansive frames of reference, both
in terms of visual research and vocabulary. Emphasis is placed
upon developing more expressive uses of typography, image
and format.
GDE 352 GRAPHIC DESIGN III
Prerequisites: GDE 351
This course continues the approach to creative development
established in GDE 351.Within defined project criteria, students
are encouraged to tackle more diverse and ambitious areas of
visual communication and design. References to themes and
issues from a wide range of design and contemporary concerns
help establish a context for personal progression. In this
course, the student establishes a more personal direction.
The importance of developing critical judgment criteria and
analytical skills is emphasized.
GDE 451 GRAPHIC DESIGN IV
Prerequisites: GDE 352
Within the framework of design
thinking already explored, this
course examines structure,
formats, sequences and unities
within books, publications,
packaging and other graphic
forms. Emphasis is upon expanding
and developing ideas to their full
potential, looking at options and
rigorously examining design
decisions. Projects are of a more
comprehensive and extended
nature than in prerequisite courses.
GDE 452 GRAPHIC DESIGN V
Prerequisites: GDE 451
Concentrating on personally-focused areas of design interest,
students must undertake one assigned and one self-originated
extended project. Operating under close tutorial guidance, the
student can learn to adjust to the demands of senior-level
design thinking in preparation for finalized portfolio planning
and presentation.
ILL 254 BASIC ILLUSTRATION I
Prerequisites: None
This course explores concepts, methods and materials
employed in contemporary illustration. Emphasis is placed
upon the development of ideas and exploration of varied media.
This basic course encourages a creative and open approach to
visual thinking and problem solving. It is an essential foundation
for all further areas of design study.
ILL 355 ILLUSTRATION II
Prerequisites: ILL 254
In this course, students are encouraged to concentrate their
efforts on developing a personal approach toward illustration.
Emphasis continues to be placed on broader thinking, and use
of a wider range of materials. More challenging projects are
undertaken in such areas as sequential and narrative illustration.
ILL 356 ILLUSTRATION III
Prerequisites: None
The distinctive style developed by individual students will be used
to explore subject matter to combine personal interest with
commercial potential. Emphasis will be placed on creativity, time
management and professional finish.
ILL 452 NARRATIVE ILLUSTRATION
Prerequisites: None
This course examines visual and narrative structures and
conventions employed within various media, including comic
books, cartoon strips, picture books, film animation and
storyboarding treatments.The student can develop his or her
illustrative skills by applying them in visual storytelling.
ILL 456 3-D ILLUSTRATION
Prerequisites: ILL 254, CIS 102, PHO 251
In this course, students can study the development of 3D
illustrative techniques and styles and their commercial
application. Students can learn how to extend existing 2D
image communication skills into applied project work, including
traditional, photographic and digital methods.
ILL 459 COMPUTER ILLUSTRATION
Prerequisites: CIS 102
This course provides an intensive study of computer software to
produce creative illustrations using programs such as Adobe® Illustrator®.
PHO 251 PHOTOGRAPHY FOUNDATION
Prerequisites: None
This course is an introduction to the aesthetics, concepts and
techniques of traditional photographic process as well as today's
digital technologies in photography.The student can develop their
eye by learning to shoot with a 35mm single lens reflex camera
and digital cameras. Students can learn to develop and print black
and white film.
*Students must provide their own SLR manual camera or manual/auto camera.
PHO 351 PHOTOGRAPHIC STUDIO
Prerequisites: PHO 251
This course covers a varied range of traditional and digital skills
and practices related to studio photography including, the
planning and use of electronic and tungsten lighting and lighting
setups; the comprehensive use of 35mm cameras, lenses and film;
use of studio equipment and accessories; and studio procedure
and safety.
*Students must provide their own SLR manual camera or manual/auto camera.
PHO 353 DARKROOM TECHNIQUES
Prerequisites: PHO 251
This course provides a detailed study of darkroom techniques for
the development and creative printing of a wide variety of films.
Techniques such as polarization, multiple imaging, use of colored
dyes and darkroom chemistry are covered.
*Students must provide their own SLR manual camera or manual/auto camera.
PHO 354 NARRATIVE PHOTOGRAPHY
Prerequisites: PHO 251
The course is designed to advance narrative skills
through Photography. Options for methods of execution are
black & white, color or digital. Strong emphasis is placed on
conceptualization and student ability to visualize concept during
group critiques.Analysis of advertising and fine art photography
as well as film/ video may also be used to emphasis the
importance of concept in creating dialogue between viewer
and image.
*Students must provide their own SLR manual camera or manual/auto camera.
PHO 451 ADVANCED STUDIO PHOTOGRAPHY
Prerequisites: PHO 351
Advanced Studio Photography further develops, but does not
repeat, the principles covered in previous photography classes.
This course approaches its subjects from the view of a
professional photographer. It strives to develop greater control
and self-confidence through practical work.
*Students must provide their own SLR manual camera or manual/auto camera.
PHO 453 FASHION PHOTOGRAPHY
Prerequisites: PHO 251
This course is an introduction to the practice and techniques
of studio fashion photography. Through assignments and critiques,
the course will center on the use of the view camera, 35mm
camera and studio lighting to create an image of the fashion
model.
*Students must provide their own SLR manual camera or manual/auto camera.
PHO 454 ADVERTISING PHOTOGRAPHY
Prerequisites: PHO 251
Students can learn professional advertising photography through
assignments, lectures, demonstrations and guest presentations.
Topics include different lighting techniques for photographing
food, products, people, cars, architecture; the effective use of
props and backgrounds; and the differences in working with
professional models and real people.
*Students must provide their own SLR manual camera or manual/auto camera.
PHO 455 ARCHITECTURAL PHOTOGRAPHY
Prerequisites: PHO 251
This course serves as an introduction to the photography of
architecture.The student can deepen his/her knowledge of the
use of view cameras, as well as the processing and printing of
large format negatives.
*Students must provide their own SLR manual camera or manual/auto camera.
PHO 456 PHOTOJOURNALISM
Prerequisites: PHO 251
Students investigate photojournalism techniques and concerns.
Current and historic issues are discussed in class.Topics
developed from these discussions will be assigned and a series
of photo essays complete with tests will be produced.
*Students must provide their own SLR manual camera or manual/auto camera.
PHO 459 PHOTOGRAPHY AS FINE ART
Prerequisites: PHO 251
This course will offer students the opportunity to develop their
photographic work within a 'Fine Art' context.They will be
introduced to the work of pioneers of this genre of photography
as well as the early Experimental School of Photography, allowing
them to explore different ways of using their techniques within a
critical framework. Students will also be taught the fine art of
printing, using fibre based paper.
*Students must provide their own SLR manual camera or manual/auto camera.
VCD 150 FOUNDATION STUDIO
Prerequisites: None
This class introduces and explores a range of tools, methods,
materials and techniques used within the work of contemporary
artists and designers. It seeks to relate concept to language and
process within the visual expression of ideas through practical
and theoretical exploration.
VCD 250 HISTORY OF VISUAL COMMUNICATION
Prerequisites: None
This class traces the events and achievements that have shaped
visual communication from cave painting to the present day
electronic revolution.The course is taught through a series of
lectures and research projects. Students can learn about
innovative concepts and technologies used to solve visual
problems.
VCD 351 TYPOGRAPHY II
Prerequisites: VCD 251
This course is designed to develop an understanding of the
structure and engineering of type within design, form, line,
paragraph and page spreads. Headline and body copy are
covered.The concern will be with compositional thinking
through the examination of magazines, newspapers and books.
VCD 352 COMPUTER GRAPHICS I
Prerequisites: CIS 102
Through lecture, demonstrations and practical experience, this
course covers the basics of page layout programs and image
handling utilizing programs such as Adobe® InDesign® CS,
Adobe® Illustrator® CS and Adobe® Photoshop® CS.
VCD 353 PAINTING I
Prerequisites: None
This course offers a foundation in the studio practice of painting.
Various techniques and their application in the context of fine art
and illustration are presented. Exploration of visual language and
personal creativity is encouraged. Students should expect to
incur expenses for supplies.
VCD 354 PAINTING II
Prerequisites: VCD 353
This class develops from and builds upon the painting foundation
acquired in Painting I (VCD 353). Working more independently,
students are expected to define their individual style and material
direction. Greater emphasis is placed upon the conceptual and
creative roles in studio practice. Students should expect to incur
expenses for supplies.
VCD 356 PHOTOSHOP®
Prerequisites: VCD 352
This course covers the use of this widely-used graphic design
software which has become a standard in the industry.
VCD 451 TYPOGRAPHY III
Prerequisites: VCD 351
This course is concerned with creating a personal style and
bringing together relevant typographic elements and skills.
Students will be required to undertake a major project in which
they will redesign an existing magazine.
VCD 452 PACKAGE DESIGN
Prerequisites: GDE 351
Package design and production play a vital role in sales
promotion.This course encompasses not only the design
of the individual package, but also the design of the carton.
Various packaging forms, structures, materials and merchandising
environments are explored.The student becomes involved in
market research and sales promotion and identifies consumer
packaging likes and dislikes.
VCD 459 MULTIMEDIA
Prerequisites: CIS 102
Multimedia is a computer course that introduces students to a
wide range of multimedia tools.The goal of the course is to teach
audio and visual elements on the computer for recording on
videotape. Students will be expected to combine animation,
graphics and sound into a presentation.
* Courses and content subject to change.
Course offered online.