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GDES 4361W University of Minnesota
Senior Thesis & Writing

Fall 2017, Fall 2018, Spring 2019, Fall 2019
Lead Instructor: Steven McCarthy



Course Description

GDES 4161W Senior Thesis & Writing is a capstone experience for seniors in the BFA Graphic Design Program, and is followed by the required course Senior Thesis and Exhibition. A hybrid of lecture and seminar, Senior Thesis and Writing will combine inquiry, research, creative problem-solving, and ideation. The course will use research and the design process to launch the initial stages of a comprehensive graphic design thesis project that will be completed next semester.
    Senior Thesis and Writing is writing intensive and also reading and speaking intensive – students will be expected to read, verbalize and share their writing and designs.

Outcomes

  • Competent use of writing mechanics (spelling, punctuation, use of capitals, etc.)
  • Consistent use of correct grammar (clauses, syntax, tenses, sentences, etc.)
  • Effective use of organizational structures (paragraphs, transitions, introductions, conclusions, etc.)
  • Use of lively, descriptive vocabulary commensurate with college-level education.
  • Use of appropriate graphic design field-specific terminology.
  • Visual and literal choices work with chosen media (print, screen, kinetic, etc.)
  • Understanding the relationships between legibility, readability and writing comprehension (typeface, size, color, composition, line measure, etc.)
  • Layout evidences knowledge and understanding of visual hierarchy and sequencing principles.
  • Understanding of, and addresses the underlying needs of, target audiences, using reader-appropriate writing and typography.
  • Development of individual voice through appropriate writing modes (descriptive, narrative, expository, persuasive and creative).

Projects


Opinion Paper
Using first person voice, write an opinion-based paper that criticizes or analyzes some artifact, condition, process, system or interaction, with an eye for how this can eventually be addressed through graphic communication.

Research Paper 
The purpose of this paper is to formalize your interest in the topic that will be the heart of your Senior Thesis. You’ll dig deeply, cast broadly, cite a variety of sources, check the sources of your sources and use a third-person voice to maintain objectivity.

Reflection Essays 
Reflection essays are informal bits of writing, typically written in class, that respond to the assigned book chapters and additional readings.

Book Design and Production 
Design of an on-demand book that contains your critical paper, your research paper, any images or illustrations, thumbnails, process designs, notes, etc. Form and content are considered together.

Presentations
A final oral/visual public presentation that proposes the senior thesis topic and draws a trajectory from research to design.

Student Reviews


“Karl takes the time to meet with us about our projects and provides constructive and detailed feedback that pushes us to do our very best work. The passion Karl has for design shows through in his teaching, and inspires us to work hard as a result.”

“He was always very helpful with feedback—both during and following assignments. He made the class enjoyable and taught in a variety of methods to help with the brainstorming process.”

“Karl is one of the best teachers I have had! He really cares about our development and learning. In this course he really had great exercises to help me ideate my thesis topic.”

“The biggest thing that Karl helped me with is the way he had us ideate for our thesis research paper. Somedays the activities and brainstorming were annoying and frustrating; they paid off in the end. He really made us think so we would be happy with the outcome.”