Design (DES)
Subject-area course lists indicate courses currently active for offering at the University of Louisville. Not all courses are scheduled in any given academic term. For class offerings in a specific semester, refer to the Schedule of Classes.
500-level courses generally are included in both the undergraduate- and graduate-level course listings; however, specific course/section offerings may vary between semesters. Students are responsible for ensuring that they enroll in courses that are applicable to their particular academic programs.
Course Fees
Some courses may carry fees beyond the standard tuition costs to cover additional support or materials. Program-, subject- and course-specific fee information can be found on the Office of the Bursar website.
DES 204. Foundation Interior Design3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Fall Only
Prerequisite(s): ART 105, ART 106, or ART 107; or faculty consent.
Corequisite(s): DES 361 or ART 361.
Description: An introduction to the discourse of design and the process of design through methods of representation and making. This course is required for students who intend to apply for the BFA program in Interior Design and must be taken concurrently with DES 361 or ART 361.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
DES 205. Foundation Graphic Design3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Spring Only
Prerequisite(s): ART 105, ART 106, or ART 107; or faculty consent.
Fee: An additional $25.00 is charged for this course.
Description: Fundamental methods of solving visual communication problems found in the design arts with an emphasis on clarity and immediacy of the solution for a general audience. This course is required for students who intend to apply for the BFA program in Graphic Design.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
DES 301. History of Graphic Design3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Fall Only
Prerequisite(s): BFA Graphic Design Candidacy or faculty consent.
Description: Seminar course covering the development of graphic design from 1800 to present. Topics include key movements, technologies, ethics, and general issues relating to design theory and criticism.Formerly taught as History and Issues of Graphic Design. This course is a requirement for the completion of the BFA in Graphic Design.
Note: Cross-listed with ARTH 301.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
DES 347. Historic Interiors for Interior Design3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Spring Only
Prerequisite(s): BFA Interior Design Candidacy or faculty consent.
Description: The study of building interiors in relation to design, culture, history, furniture and decorative elements.This course is a requirement for completion of the BFA in Interior Design. May be used to satisfy an ARTH elective for the BA in Art History.
Note: Cross-listed with ARTH 347.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
DES 361. Introduction to Interior Design3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Fall Only
Corequisite(s): DES 204.
Fee: An additional $35.00 is charged for this course.
Description: An introduction to interior design through understanding of architectural drawings and conceptual development. This will be achieved through architectural drafting and conceptual sketches.This course is a requirement for completion of the BFA in Interior Design. This course must be taken concurrently with DES 204. Formerly taught as Introduction to Interior Architecture.
Note: Cross-listed with ART 361.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
DES 362. Color Theory and Human Factors in Interior Design3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Spring Only
Prerequisite(s): ART 361 or DES 361, BFA Candidacy, or faculty consent.
Corequisite(s): ART 561 or DES 561.
Fee: An additional $35.00 is charged for this course.
Description: A visual design theory course that explores the use of color theory and human factors/ergonomics information necessary for analyzing and designing the interior environment.This course is required to be taken in the same semester as ART / DES 561 Interior Design Studio I. This course is a requirement for completion of the BFA in Interior Design.
Note: Cross-listed with ART 362.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
DES 371. Introduction to Graphic Design3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring
Fee: An additional $35.00 is charged for this course.
Description: Beginner-level studio introducing methods of solving visual communication problems with an emphasis on conceptual development and the practical application of design fundamentals.This course does not fulfill a requirement for the BFA in Graphic Design. This course fulfills a 300-level studio art elective for the BA or BFA in Art, track in Studio Art or track in Art History, or Minor in Art.
Note: Cross-listed with ART 371.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
DES 373. Introduction to Visualization3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Fall Only
Prerequisite(s): ART 105, ART 106, ART 107, and ART 205; BFA Graphic Design Candidacy; or faculty consent.
Fee: An additional $35.00 is charged for this course.
Description: Beginner-level studio introducing methods of solving visual communication problems with an emphasis on conceptual development and the practical application of design fundamentals.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
DES 501. Advanced History of Graphic Design3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Fall Only
Prerequisite(s): BFA Graphic Design Candidacy or faculty consent.
Fee: An additional $50.00 is charged for this course.
Description: Seminar course covering the development of graphic design from 1800 to present. Topics include key movements, technologies, ethics, and general issues relating to design theory and criticism.Cross-listed with ARTH 501.
Note: Formerly taught as Advanced History and Issues of Graphic Design.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
DES 510. Information Visualization3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Spring Only
Prerequisite(s): BFA Graphic Design Candidacy; or faculty consent.
Fee: An additional $50.00 is charged for this course.
Description: Intermediate-level studio to create and refine visual forms with emphasis on presenting numerical data and relational information in visually engaging ways with accuracy and integrity for a general audience.Formerly taught as Design for Visualizing Data and Information. Cross-listed with ART 510.
Note: This course is a requirement for completion of the BFA in Graphic Design.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
DES 559. Computer Applications for Interiors I3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Fall Only
Prerequisite(s): ART 361 or DES 361; BFA Candidacy or faculty consent.
Fee: An additional $50.00 is charged for this course.
Description: An introduction to professional applications for graphic communication skills, specifically the technical drawings used in construction. Students will develop a set of construction drawings and schedules for a project of their own design. The course will introduce professional industry-standard software applications and drawing skills, and foster the continuing development of those skills.This course is a requirement for completion of the BFA in Interior Design.
Note: Cross-listed with ART 559.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
DES 561. Interior Design Studio I3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Spring Only
Prerequisite(s): ART 361 or DES 361 and BFA Candidacy; or faculty consent.
Fee: An additional $50.00 is charged for this course.
Description: Introduction to small scale interior design projects emphasizing process and techniques in relation to special populations.Formerly taught as Interior Architecture Studio I. This course is a requirement for completion of the BFA in Interior Design.
Note: Cross-listed with DES 561.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
DES 562. Interior Design Studio II3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Fall Only
Prerequisite(s): ART 561 or DES 561 and BFA Candidacy; or faculty consent.
Fee: An additional $50.00 is charged for this course.
Description: Study of three-dimensional space through model making.Formerly taught as Interior Architecture Studio II. This course is a requirement for completion of the BFA in Interior Design.
Note: Cross-listed with ART 562.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
DES 563. Interior Design Studio III3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Spring Only
Prerequisite(s): ART 562 or DES 562 and BFA Candidacy; or faculty consent.
Fee: An additional $50.00 is charged for this course.
Description: Design of projects involving such areas as historic preservation, hospitality, and retail sales.Formerly taught as Interior Architecture Studio III. This course is a requirement for completion of the BFA in Interior Design.
Note: Cross-listed with ART 563.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
DES 564. Interior Design Studio IV3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Fall Only
Prerequisite(s): ART 563 or DES 563 and BFA Candidacy; or faculty consent.
Fee: An additional $50.00 is charged for this course.
Description: Large scale office design involving programming, space planning and specifying materials. Practice for NCIDQ exam.Formerly taught as Architecture Studio IV. This course is a requirement for completion of the BFA in Interior Design.
Note: Cross-listed with ART 564.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
DES 565. Directed Projects in Interior Design3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Spring Only
Prerequisite(s): Senior standing; BFA Candidacy; or faculty consent.
Fee: An additional $50.00 is charged for this course.
Description: Development of advanced research and project design.Formerly taught as Directed Projects in Interior Architecture. May be repeated to a maximum of 6 hours. This course is a requirement for completion of the BFA in Interior Design.
Note: Cross-listed with ART 565.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
DES 566. Interiors Construction3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Fall Odd Years
Prerequisite(s): ART 361 or DES 361 and BFA Candidacy; or faculty consent.
Fee: An additional $50.00 is charged for this course.
Description: A study of interiors construction components and materials. A review of building codes, specifications and terminology.This course is a requirement for completion of the BFA in Interior Design.
Note: Cross-listed with ART 566.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
DES 567. Interior Finishes3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Spring Only
Prerequisite(s): ART 361 or DES 361 and BFA Candidacy; or faculty consent.
Fee: An additional $50.00 is charged for this course.
Description: A study of interior materials, such as wall coverings and floor coverings and their fabrication, and marketing and installation procedures.Formerly taught as Textiles and Finishes for Interior Design. This course is a requirement for completion of the BFA in Interior Design.
Note: Cross-listed with ART 567.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
DES 568. Building Systems3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Fall Even Years
Prerequisite(s): ART 361 or DES 361 and BFA Candidacy; or faculty consent.
Fee: An additional $50.00 is charged for this course.
Description: An investigation of building systems including - HVAC, plumbing, electrical, lighting and acoustics and other systems.Formerly taught as Environmental Systems. This course is a requirement for completion of the BFA in Interior Design.
Note: Cross-listed with ART 568.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
DES 569. Computer Applications for Interiors II3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Spring Only
Prerequisite(s): ART 559 or DES 559 and BFA Candidacy; or faculty consent.
Fee: An additional $50.00 is charged for this course.
Description: Intensive use of industry-standard software applications in the exploration, documentation, and presentation of design projects. Course will take students from 2-D drafting to 3-D modeling, rendering, and animation.Formerly Computer Applications in Interior Design. This course is a requirement for completion of the BFA in Interior Design.
Note: Cross-listed with ART 569.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
DES 570. Design for Public Issues I3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Fall Only
Prerequisite(s): Senior standing and BFA Graphic Design Candidacy; or faculty consent.
Fee: An additional $50.00 is charged for this course.
Description: Advanced studio to understand dimensions of a public issue and propose system-level interventions in a collaborative, human-centered design process, with emphasis on problem identification.Formerly taught as Design for Public Issues. Cross-listed with ART 570.
Note: This course is a requirement for completion of the BFA in Graphic Design.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
DES 571. Typography I3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Fall Only
Prerequisite(s): BFA Graphic Design Candidacy; or faculty consent.
Fee: An additional $50.00 is charged for this course.
Description: Studio course on typography, covering the anatomy of type, typefaces, and the function of typography in visual communication, with an emphasis on practical skills related to print and digital forms.Cross-listed with ART 571.
Note: This course is a requirement for completion of the BFA in Graphic Design.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
DES 572. Typography II3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Spring Only
Prerequisite(s): ART 571 or DES 571 and BFA Graphic Design Candidacy; or faculty consent.
Fee: An additional $50.00 is charged for this course.
Description: An intermediate studio focused on the study and use of type to solve visual communication problems with advanced skills of typography in organizing, arranging, and presenting information in complex forms.Cross-listed with ART 572.
Note: This course is a requirement for completion of the BFA in Graphic Design.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
DES 573. Typography III3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Fall Only
Prerequisite(s): ART 572 or DES 572 and BFA Graphic Design Candidacy; or faculty consent.
Fee: An additional $50.00 is charged for this course.
Description: Advanced studio on the development of a cohesive visual and verbal system through a systematic combination of typography, color, image style and layout across a variety of forms.Formerly taught as Identity Systems. Cross-listed with ART 573.
Note: This course is a requirement for completion of the BFA in Graphic Design.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
DES 575. Packaging Design3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Occasionally Offered
Prerequisite(s): BFA Graphic Design Candidacy; or faculty consent.
Description: Problems in designing for packaging structures.Formerly taught as Packaging. This course satisfies an elective for completion of the BFA in Graphic Design.
Note: Cross-listed with ART 575.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
DES 576. Interaction Design I3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Spring Only
Prerequisite(s): BFA Graphic Design Candidacy; or faculty consent.
Fee: An additional $50.00 is charged for this course.
Description: Studio course on the conceptualization and development of human experiences in digital environments; covering the process from research to delivery with an emphasis on stakeholder engagement.This course is a requirement for completion of the BFA in Graphic Design. Cross-listed with ART 576.
Note: Formerly taught as Web Site Design.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
DES 577. Interaction Design II3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Fall Only
Prerequisite(s): ART 576 or DES 576 and BFA Graphic Design Candidacy; or faculty consent.
Fee: An additional $50.00 is charged for this course.
Description: Intermediate-level studio covering special problems of digital environments including interface issues, design systems, and consistency across interactions; with discussions about implementation and delivery.This course satisfies an elective for completion of the BFA in Graphic Design. Cross-listed with ART 577.
Note: Formerly taught as Design for Interaction.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
DES 578. Interaction Design III3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Spring Only
Prerequisite(s): ART 577 or DES 577 and BFA Graphic Design Candidacy; or faculty consent.
Fee: An additional $50.00 is charged for this course.
Description: Advanced studio focused on understanding and addressing the challenges of service continuity across multiple interaction points.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
DES 580. Design for Public Issues II3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Spring Only
Prerequisite(s): BFA Graphic Design Candidacy; or faculty consent.
Fee: An additional $50.00 is charged for this course.
Description: Advanced studio to understand dimensions of a public issue and propose system-level interventions in a collaborative, human-centered design process, with emphasis on program development.This course satisfies an elective for completion of the BFA in Graphic Design.
Note: Cross-listed with ART 580.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
DES 582. Human Experience In Design3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Spring Only
Prerequisite(s): BFA Graphic Design Candidacy; or faculty consent.
Fee: An additional $50.00 is charged for this course.
Description: Studio course introducing theoretical frameworks about cultural, societal, physical, emotional, and cognitive factors to inform designers as they make decisions impacting the human experience.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
DES 583. Design Research Methods3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Fall Only
Prerequisite(s): BFA Graphic Design Candidacy; or faculty consent.
Fee: An additional $50.00 is charged for this course.
Description: Intermediate-level studio introducing the practice of human-centered design, with emphasis on conducting original research, developing frameworks, and presenting complex ideas to motivate change.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
DES 584. Design Futures3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Spring Only
Prerequisite(s): BFA Graphic Design Candidacy; or faculty consent.
Fee: An additional $50.00 is charged for this course.
Description: Advanced studio utilizing a human-centered design process to arrive at an integrative set of design principles, recommendations, and concepts that break down a complex societal problem.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
DES 588. Internship in Design3 Units
Grading Basis: Pass/Fail
Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Prerequisite(s): BFA Graphic Design Candidacy or faculty consent.
Description: Internships in graphic design are paid, hands-on work experience to implement the skills learned during the course of graphic design program study. Internships are by special arrangement.This work/learning arrangement must be overseen by a graphic design faculty member and by a designated employee of an organization. Registering for ART/ART 588 is contingent upon the student identifying a graphic design faculty member who will sponsor and oversee their work. May not be used to fulfill minimum requirements for the BFA in Graphic Design. May be repeated to a maximum of 6 hours.
Note: Cross-listed with ART 588.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
DES 590. Special Topics in Design0.5-3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring
Prerequisite(s): BFA Graphic Design Candidacy; or faculty consent.
Fee: An additional $50.00 is charged for this course.
Description: A variety of topics relevant to contemporary design practice, outside the scope of the established departmental curriculum, will be studied in a unique workshop format that combines lectures, studio activities, and micro-credentials - often arranged with invited guests.
Note: May be repeated with different subtitles to a maximum of 12 hours.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
DES 594. Directed Projects in Design3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring
Prerequisite(s): BFA Graphic Design Candidacy or faculty consent.
Fee: An additional $50.00 is charged for this course.
Description: Advanced studio for a personal interest project that demonstrates capacity to synthesize visual and written components into a compelling communication program with a variety of forms.
Note: Cross-listed with ART 594.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
DES 596. Professional Development in Interior Design - CUE3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Spring Only
Prerequisite(s): ART 564 or DES 564 and BFA Candidacy; or faculty consent.
Fee: An additional $50.00 is charged for this course.
Description: The professional aspects of interior design, with emphasis on the fundamental knowledge and technical skills required for practice in the interior design profession and the role, purpose, and study of professional development. Students will develop, prepare, and edit a resume and a portfolio of work for presentation within the interior design profession.This course is a requirement for completion of the BFA in Interior Design.
Note: Cross-listed with ART 596.
Course Attribute(s): CUE - This course fulfills the Culminating Undergraduate Experience (CUE) requirement for certain degree programs. CUE courses are advanced-level courses intended for majors with at least 90 earned credits/senior-level status.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
DES 598. Professional Development in Graphic Design - CUE3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Spring Only
Prerequisite(s): Senior standing and BFA Candidacy; or faculty consent.
Fee: An additional $50.00 is charged for this course.
Description: Advanced studio dedicated to the development of professional quality portfolio and resume representing undergraduate experience; plus, the organization and production of the senior design portfolio day.Cross-listed with ART 598.
Note: Formerly taught as Portfolio Development in Graphic Design - CUE.
Course Attribute(s): CUE - This course fulfills the Culminating Undergraduate Experience (CUE) requirement for certain degree programs. CUE courses are advanced-level courses intended for majors with at least 90 earned credits/senior-level status.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
