Fall 2025

Design (DES)

• The Roski School of Art and Design wants to accommodate as many majors, minors, and non-majors as possible in its classes. For departmental clearances, please read and follow the d-clearance directions found in the Student Resources section of the Roski website: roski.usc.edu/resources/student. Remember, a section of a course only requires D-clearance if there is a "D" following the section number. A section with an "R" following the section number does not require D-clearance.

DES 102: Design Fundamentals (4.0 units)

Introduction to the basic elements and processes of visual communication and design. Instruction includes studio projects, lectures and readings. Various media used.

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
33431D	001	Lecture	9:00-11:40am	Mon, Wed	0 of 20	Jean Robison	WAH105
33432D	001	Lecture	12:00-2:40pm	Mon, Wed	0 of 20		WAH105
33433D	001	Lecture	6:00-8:40pm	Mon, Wed	0 of 20		WAH105
33435D	001	Lecture	3:00-5:40pm	Tue, Thu	0 of 20	China Adams	WAH105

Crosslist DES 105: Art and Design Studio I (4.0 units)

Introduction to the fundamental elements in art making, design creation and thinking, including key principles of process and critical analysis.

• Crosslist: This course is offered by the ART department but may qualify for major credit in DES. To register, enroll in ART 105.

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
33796D	001	Lecture	9:00-11:40am	Mon, Wed	0 of 26		WAH108
33799D	001	Lecture	9:00-11:40am	Tue, Thu	0 of 28	Paul Donald,Brian O'Connell	WAH108

Crosslist DES 106: Art and Design Studio II (4.0 units)

Introduction to the fundamental elements in art making, design creation and thinking, including the key principles of process and critical analysis.

• Crosslist: This course is offered by the ART department but may qualify for major credit in DES. To register, enroll in ART 106.

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
33795D	001	Lecture	3:00-5:40pm	Mon, Wed	0 of 28	Paul Donald,China Adams	WAH118

Crosslist DES 110: Drawing for Art and Design (4.0 units)

An introduction to drawing, both skill and perception oriented, as the basic tool for all the visual arts and design.

• Crosslist: This course is offered by the ART department but may qualify for major credit in DES. To register, enroll in ART 110.

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
33843D	001	Lecture	9:00-11:40am	Mon, Wed	0 of 30		WAH118
33844D	001	Lecture	3:00-5:40pm	Tue, Thu	0 of 30	Karen Liebowitz	WAH118

DES 123xg: The Design Challenge: Exploring the Design Process (4.0 units)

An overview of the creative design process and introduction to techniques to solve visual problems.

• General Education: This course satisfies the university's general education requirement.

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
33428R	001	Lecture	9:00-10:50am	Mon, Wed	0 of 25	Alexis Zoto	HAR117

DES 202: Design II (4.0 units)

Exploration of essential elements of traditional and digital design, including color and image-text integration, editing information, typography and sequencing.

• Prerequisite: 1 from (FADN 102 or DES 102)
• Corequisite: 1 from (FADN 203 or DES 203)

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
33436R	001	Lecture	3:00-5:40pm	Mon, Wed	0 of 20	Eric Junker	HAR112D
33437R	001	Lecture	12:00-2:40pm	Tue, Thu	0 of 20		WAH105

DES 203: Digital Design Fundamentals (2.0 units)

Exploration of digital processes for the creation of art and design. Centered around the use of the computer and its peripherals for production of 2D media.

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
33439D	001	Lecture	6:00-8:40pm	Tuesday	0 of 20		WAH102B
33440D	001	Lecture	3:00-5:40pm	Wednesday	0 of 20	Jean Robison	WAH102B
33441D	001	Lecture	6:00-8:40pm	Monday	0 of 15		WAH6
33442D	001	Lecture	6:00-8:40pm	Thursday	0 of 15		WAH6

Crosslist DES 205: Foundation Studio Intensive (4.0 units)

Cohort building studio intensive that ensures incoming transfers have foundational concepts and skill sets for intermediate and advanced studio courses.

• Restriction: Registration open to the following major(s): Art, Design, Fine Arts
• Restriction: Registration open to the following school(s): Roski School of Art and Design
• Crosslist: This course is offered by the ART department but may qualify for major credit in DES. To register, enroll in ART 205.

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
33502D	001	Lecture	12:00-2:40pm	Tue, Thu	0 of 20	Sherin Guirguis	WAH108

DES 213: Digital 3D Design (2.0 units)

Exploration of digital methods and computational tools for art and design. With an emphasis on three-dimensional physical and virtual output.

• Prerequisite: DES 102

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
33467R	001	Lecture	12:00-2:40pm	Tuesday	0 of 15		HAR112D

DES 230: 3D Design: Materials and Tools (4.0 units)

Introduction to the study of 3-D Design. Includes a wide investigation of materials, tools, and techniques specific to dimensional design as they apply to package, product, and environmental design.

• Prerequisite: 1 from (DES 102 or FADN 102 or ART 140)

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
33290R	001	Lecture	9:00-11:40am	Tue, Thu	0 of 20	China Adams	WAH105

DES 302: Design III (4.0 units)

Advanced exploration of typography and image-text integration, including collaborative projects, pre-press and proofing techniques, narrative concepts and information architecture.

• Prerequisite: 1 from (DES 202 or FADN 202)

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
33447R	001	Lecture	9:00-11:40am	Mon, Wed	0 of 20	Eric Junker	IFT111
33448R	001	Lecture	12:00-2:40pm	Tue, Thu	0 of 20		IFT111

DES 303: Advanced Digital Design (2.0 units)

Exploration of digital processes for art and design with a focus on interactivity, motion, and sound in the virtual realm.

• Prerequisite: DES 203

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
33450R	001	Lecture	3:00-5:40pm	Wednesday	0 of 20		HAR112D
33451R	001	Lecture	9:00-11:40am	Thursday	0 of 20		HAR112D
33452R	001	Lecture	3:00-5:40pm	Monday	0 of 20		WAH102B

DES 313: Graphic Design in Fashion (4.0 units)

An intensive studio and lecture course focusing on the applications of graphic design in fashion and related fields.

• Prerequisite: 1 from (DES 102 or FADN 102)

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
33470R	001	Lecture	3:00-5:40pm	Mon, Wed	0 of 20		IFT122

Crosslist DES 314: Illustration for Art and Design (2.0 units)

Illustration techniques and professional practices across the range of fine art, comics, editorial illustration, narrative arts, visual development and others. Digital and hybrid approaches.

• Crosslist: This course is offered by the ART department but may qualify for major credit in DES. To register, enroll in ART 314.

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
33851R	001	Lecture	12:00-2:40pm	Friday	0 of 20		WAH118

DES 322: Publication Design (4.0 units)

Application of layout, typography, design principles and image making in the design and production of books, magazines, zines and digital books.

• Prerequisite: 1 from (DES 202 or FADN 202) and 1 from (DES 203 or FADN 203)

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
33468R	001	Lecture	9:00-11:40am	Mon, Wed	0 of 20		IFT109
33845R	001	Lecture	3:00-5:40pm	Tue, Thu	0 of 20		IFT110

DES 323g: Design Theory (4.0 units)

A comprehensive study of visual communication focusing on graphic design from 1900 to the present. An introduction to design thinking, language and principles including political and cultural implications.

• General Education: This course satisfies the university's general education requirement.

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
33455R	001	Lecture	3:00-4:50pm	Mon, Wed	0 of 50		HAR101

DES 330: 3D Design: Objects and Space (4.0 units)

A continuation of DES 230 to produce finished models and prototypes of package, product and environmentally-based designs in actual and virtual space.

• Prerequisite: 1 from (DES 230 or FADN 230)

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
33459R	001	Lecture	12:00-2:40pm	Mon, Wed	0 of 20		IFT111

DES 332a: Typography (2.0 units)

The study of visual communication through the use of letterforms from historical tradition to contemporary experimental rebellion.

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
33457R	001	Lecture	6:00-8:40pm	Wednesday	0 of 20		IFT111
33458R	001	Lecture	12:00-2:40pm	Friday	0 of 20		WAH105

DES 332b: Typography (2.0 units)

Continuation of DES 332a.

• Prerequisite: 1 from (DES 332A or FADN 332A)

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
33460R	001	Lecture	6:00-8:40pm	Monday	0 of 20		IFT111
33463R	001	Lecture	3:00-5:40pm	Thursday	0 of 20		IFT111

DES 402: Advanced Design Projects (4.0 units, max 12)

Advanced information design within a flexible curriculum. Emphasis on team-oriented projects.

• Prerequisite: 1 from (FADN 302 or DES 302)

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
33461R	001	Lecture	12:00-2:40pm	Mon, Wed	0 of 20	David Kelley	IFT111

DES 413: Professional Practice in Design (4.0 units)

A summation of one's practice, with a focus on transitioning to a career as a professional designer.

• Prerequisite: 1 from (DES 402 or FADN 402)
• Restriction: Registration open to the following class level(s): Senior
• Restriction: Registration open to the following school(s): Roski School of Art and Design

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
33464R	001	Lecture	12:00-2:40pm	Tue, Thu	0 of 20		IFT111

Crosslist DES 414: Advanced Illustration for Art and Design (2.0 units, max 4)

Creation of consistent and mature portfolio of images reflecting student interests, voice and sensibilities, in any medium(s), and to learn professional practices for careers in Illustration.

• Prerequisite: ART 314
• Crosslist: This course is offered by the ART department but may qualify for major credit in DES. To register, enroll in ART 414.

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
33849R	001	Lecture	9:00-11:40am	Friday	0 of 20		WAH118

DES 418: Independent Studies in Design (1.0-4.0 units, max 12)

Independent research of specific topics under the direction of a faculty member. Administrative and faculty approval required.

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
33788D	001	Lecture	TBA	TBA	0 of 10		OFFICE

Crosslist DES 419: Professional Internship in the Arts (2.0 units, max 4)

An experiential/academic opportunity in a museum, gallery, community cultural center or related facility. Lectures, seminars, written analysis and working internship.

• Crosslist: This course is offered by the ART department but may qualify for major credit in DES. To register, enroll in ART 419.

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
33794D	060	Lecture	TBA	TBA	0 of 30	Antonio Bartolome	ONLINE

DES 432: Special Projects in Design (2.0 units)

Students work on projects for outside clients, and receive instruction in professional practices, advanced design techniques, and sophisticated technology. By invitation or portfolio review only. Only open to upper division students.

• Prerequisite: 1 from (FADN 302 or DES 302)

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
33330D	001	Lecture	12:00-2:40pm	Tuesday	0 of 20		IFT111

DES 494a: Senior Thesis (2.0 units)

Research and writing of a senior-level thesis or thesis project under the supervision of a faculty committee.

• Restriction: Registration open to the following major(s): Design
• Restriction: Registration open to the following class level(s): Senior
• Restriction: Registration open to the following school(s): Roski School of Art and Design

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
33326D	001	Lecture	9:00-11:40am	Tuesday	0 of 20		IFT111
33327D	001	Lecture	3:00-5:40pm	Wednesday	0 of 20		IFT111

DES 494b: Senior Thesis (2.0 units)

Research and writing of a senior-level thesis or thesis project under the supervision of a faculty committee.

• Prerequisite: DES 494A
• Restriction: Registration open to the following major(s): Design
• Restriction: Registration open to the following class level(s): Senior
• Restriction: Registration open to the following school(s): Roski School of Art and Design

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
33325D	001	Lecture	9:00-11:40am	Thursday	0 of 20		IFT111

DES 503: Contemporary Issues in Design (4.0 units)

An analytic seminar of topics, ideas and concepts in the contemporary design world.

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
33600D	001	Lecture	3:00-6:20pm	Thursday	0 of 40		ATM113A

DES 513: Visiting Designers Forum (2.0 units, max 4)

Professional practice of design featuring formal presentations by visiting designers.

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
33601D	001	Lecture	12:00-2:40pm	Tuesday	0 of 40		ATM113B
			7:00-8:20pm	Tuesday			ATM113B

DES 520: Individual Studies (2.0 units, max 8)

Investigation of creative problems through various design media.

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
33602D	001	Lecture	3:00-5:40pm	Tuesday	0 of 18		OFFICE
33609D	001	Lecture	3:00-5:40pm	Tuesday	0 of 10		OFFICE

DES 530: Design Studio Co-Lab (2.0 units, max 6)

A critical examination of contextual issues, theories, movements and ideas that are relevant to the contemporary design practice in collaboration with a professional client.

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
33604D	001	Lecture	12:00-2:40pm	Tuesday	0 of 40	Eric Junker	ATM113A

DES 535: Group Critique (2.0 units, max 4)

Investigation of issues relative to the student's work in individual studies and thesis; analysis, conceptual development and subjective observations by faculty and student peers.

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
33608D	001	Lecture	3:00-5:00pm	Thursday	0 of 20		ATM113B
			7:00-8:20pm	Tuesday			ATM113B

DES 540: Design Pedagogy (4.0 units)

A critical examination and application of the issues, theories, and ideas that support the studio practice and teaching of contemporary design.

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
33605D	001	Lecture	2:00-5:20pm	Friday	0 of 40		ATM113A

DES 590: Directed Research (1.0-12.0 units, max 12)

Research leading to the master's degree. Maximum units which may be applied to the degree to be determined by the department.

• Restriction: Registration open to the following class level(s): Master Student
• Restriction: Registration open to the following school(s): Roski School of Art and Design

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
33606D	001	Lecture	TBA	Tuesday	0 of 40		OFFICE

DES 591: Field Internship Experience (2.0 units)

Supervised internship in a design firm, or with an independent designer, on projects and research specific to design practice.

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
33607D	060	Lecture	TBA	TBA	0 of 40		OFFICE

DES 594a: Master's Thesis (2.0 units)

Credit on acceptance of thesis.

• Restriction: Registration open to the following class level(s): Master Student
• Restriction: Registration open to the following school(s): Roski School of Art and Design

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
33324D	001	Lecture	TBA	TBA	0 of 40		OFFICE

DES 594b: Master's Thesis (2.0 units)

Credit on acceptance of thesis.

• Prerequisite: DES 594A
• Restriction: Registration open to the following class level(s): Master Student
• Restriction: Registration open to the following school(s): Roski School of Art and Design

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
33323D	001	Lecture	TBA	TBA	0 of 40		OFFICE

DES 594z: Master's thesis (0.0 units)

Credit upon acceptance of master's thesis.

• Restriction: Registration open to the following class level(s): Master Student

Section	Session	Type	Time	Days	Registered	Instructor	Location	Syllabus	Info
33322D	001	Lecture	TBA	TBA	0 of 40		OFFICE