Graduate Course List

Advancing My Expertise in Design Theory, Brand Strategy & Media Studies

Through graduate coursework at the University of Cincinnati, I have strengthened my expertise in design research, brand strategy, and film and media studies. This interdisciplinary work builds on my professional experience, linking theory with applied creative practice and deepening my understanding of how visual communication, narrative, and strategy converge in today’s media landscape.

The following courses form the foundation of my graduate study at UC, completed as part of the Master of Design (MDes) program and a graduate certificate in Film and Media Studies, each advancing my perspective on the intersection of design, strategy, and media in creative practice.

---

Design Courses

---

DSGN701: Visual Studies I | Color Systems | Mccrystle Wood

Introduction to advanced visual studies. Students will examine color systems as parameters and variables leading to an understanding of principles governing the making and use of color as an essential component of visual language used for the embodiment of content.

---

DSGN702: Visual Studies II | Form Systems | Peter Chamberlain

Students will explore form systems as parameters and variables leading to an understanding of principles governing the making and use of form: dot, line, shape, an essential component of visual language used for the embodiment of content.

---

DSGN703: Visual Studies III | Multiples Systems | Ian Bellomy

Students will explore computer encoded form generating systems of parameters and variables that generate multiples leading to an understanding of principles governing the making and use of multiples and the implications for the embodiment of content.

 

 

---

DSGN711: Design Strategy, Theory & Practice | Craig Vogel

Introduction to Design as a Strategic problem solving process. Students will explore methods of design thinking that apply to all design disciplines including design thinking, integrated product development, strategy development, translational research and other methods of design practice that apply across disciplines. Principles of collaboration: importance of cross- functional teams, methods for making group decisions and the role of the individual in the design process will be experienced and discussed.

---

DSGN712: Interaction Design Theory & Practice | Sponsored Studio | Kraft Foods | Peter Chamberlain

Introduction to Interaction Design. Students will explore the principles of Interaction as a means to embody processes, often with physical products, and measure the effectiveness of the result. Exploration will occur in the context of cross-disciplinary collaboration. Principles of collaboration: importance of relationship, dealing with differnces in vocabulary, proper goverance styles and shared purpose will be experienced and discussed.

There are about 78 million Baby Boomers in the U.S., representing 25% of the total population. However, they account for about 40% of total food and beverage spending and are projected to drive $50 billion in incremental consumer packaged goods growth in the coming decade. As Baby Boomers age, they want to remain vital and active. To achieve this, they are increasingly turning to foods that deliver functional healthy aging benefits. As North America’s largest food company, Kraft Foods is compelled to address this consumer trend and capture the corresponding business opportunity.

---

DSGN713: Visualization Design Theory & Practice | Oscar Fernandez

Introduction to Visualization Design. Students will explore the principles of Visualization as a means to embody data and measure the effectiveness of the result. Exploration will occur in the context of cross-disciplinary collaboration with scientific researchers on shared project. Principles of collaboration: importance of relationship, dealing with differences in vocabulary, proper governance styles and shared purpose will be experienced and discussed.

---

DSGN717: Teaching Practicum | Mike Zender & Justin Molloy

Supervised experience in curriculum development and classroom teaching, in lecture, seminar, lab, or studio courses.

• UC DAAP Sophomore Digital Design, DGTL 203
• UC DAAP Pre-Junior Graphic Design, GRPH 332

---

DSGN721: CDRI | Consortium Projects | Mead First Star | Soo-Shin Choi

Exploration of Translational Design Research. Students will explore professional Design Research in the context of a sponsored project related to government or industry.

---

DSGN722: CDRI | Consortium Projects | Sponsored Studio | Procter & Gamble Oral Care | Craig Vogel

Exploration of Translational Design Research. Students will explore professional Design Research in the context of a sponsored project related to government or industry.

---

DSGN731: 3D Modeling & Prototyping | Gerald Michaud

Introduction to techniques for computationally based 3D modeling. Learning will occur in the context of the Rapid Protyping Lab.

---

DSGN732: Technique Workshop | Programming | Minh Truong

Introduction to the basic principles and techniques of Computer Programming. Learning will occur in Processing software environment.

---

FDST732: Trend Forecasting | Valerie Jacobs

This course introduces the fundamentals of trend forecasting, focusing on how trends emerge, why they matter, and how to apply them in design and related fields. Students will learn professional forecasting techniques, strengthen critical thinking, and create clear, compelling deliverables that communicate trend insights and support innovative design concepts.

---

DSGN751: Research Methods I | Sponsored Studio | Eagle Brand Sweetened Condensed Milk | Craig Vogel

Introduction to the subject matter of design research: form and people, followed by an overview of Exploratory Research approaches designed to identify new problems and structure a domain. Students will explore qualitative and quantitative research methods including: Interviews, Surveys, Needs Analysis, Card Sorting, Task Analysis, Focus Groups, Ethnographic Field Studies and Action Research.

---

DSGN752: Research Methods II: Empirical & Analysis | Mike Zender

Overview of Empirical Research methods designed to test feasibility and measure effectiveness of proposed design solutions. Students will explore principles of experiment design, statistical analysis, probability and hypothesis testing.

---

DSGN753: Applied Research | Thesis Preparation | J. Chewning

Introduction to the requirements and expectations of the graduate Design thesis project.

---

DSGN761: Basic Design Research—Perception | Mike Zender

Introduction to Perception for Design. Students will understand and appreciate the role of Perception and Cognition in design. Learning will occur in the context of both readings and experimental studies of the parameters of visual form including preattentively processed visual form.

---

DSGN781: Colloquium I | Collaboration & Faculty Research | J. Chewning

Introduction to Design Theory. Students will understand key Design Theories, the importance of both Product – design making, and Process – design thinking, and design criteria such as Sustainability and Usability. Students will understand and cultivate a commitment to excellence in the context of an introduction to the School of Design faculty.

---

DSGN801: Visual Studies IV | Time Systems | Mike Zender

Students will explore chrono graphic systems of parameters and variables leading to an understanding of principles governing the making and use of time and the implications of time as a means for the embodiment of content.

---

DSGN811: Design Thesis I | Mike Zender

Guidance on individual thesis projects.

---

DSGN812: Design Thesis II | Craig Vogel

Guidance on individual thesis projects.

---

DSGN813: Design Thesis III | Craig Vogel

Guidance on individual thesis projects.

---

FDST831: Design Tech I | Ian Bellomy

This course introduces visual communication design for the web, focusing on how designers synthesize client and audience needs within the constraints and possibilities of digital media. Students will gain foundational skills in HTML, CSS, and core internet technologies, with limited exposure to the programming languages behind dynamic sites. Coursework includes the design and development of two projects: an online digital rulebook for a board game and a personal portfolio website. Lectures, demonstrations, and in-class work sessions will support hands-on learning, while quizzes and a final project will assess comprehension.

---

DSGN882: Knowledge Building & Scholarship | J. Chewning

Students will reflect and review the graduate experience from the viewpoint of Scholarship and the generation of new Knowledge. Students will understand academic writing and the Peer Review Process, develop skill in writing and presenting. Study will occur in the context of reporting thesis findings.

---

DSGN851: Thesis Preparation & Coordination | Mike Zender

Guidance on individual thesis projects with emphasis on the thesis preparation and defense.

---

DSGN881: Knowledge Theory & Generation | J. Chewning

Exploration of the roles of research in design. Students will review Exploratory/Basic Research, Constructive/Translational research and Empirical /Evaluative research and evaluate their roles in knowledge generation. Students will understand how to formulate Theory from Research Findings. Study will occur in the context of forming a theory and reporting findings.

---

Marketing Courses

---

MKTG530: Branding | Michael Wintrob

This course will explore a range of issues related to the strategic management of Brands including an overview of Brands & Brands Management, brand equity/brand positioning, designing and implementing Brand strategies, and managing Brand Equities across geographic boundaries. Emphasis will be on applying the Strategic Brand Management theory to practical application/ case studies. The class will focus on Strategic Brand Management principles which are relevant across a wide range of Branding situations (consumable and non-consumable products, services, retail outlets, people, organizations, places, and even ideas like a political or social cause).

---

MKTG726: Applied Social Influence Strategies | Drew Boyd, Executive Director of the Master of Science in Marketing Program

Marketers invest time and energy to influence others—customers, colleagues, and beyond. This course, based on Dr. Robert Cialdini’s Influence: Science and Practice, teaches six proven tools of influence to enhance professional effectiveness. Emphasizing actionable skills and ethical persuasion, it helps participants apply science-backed principles authentically to create positive change and lasting relationships.

• Reciprocity: People feel obliged to return favors or kindness.
• Commitment & Consistency: Once individuals commit to something, they strive to remain consistent with that commitment.
• Social Proof: People look to others to guide their own behavior, especially in uncertain situations.
• Authority: Individuals tend to follow the lead of credible, knowledgeable experts.
• Liking: People are more easily persuaded by those they know, like, and find relatable.
• Scarcity: Limited availability or exclusivity increases perceived value and urgency.

---

MKTG844: Design Thinking | Cindy Tripp, P&G | Chris Allen, Professor of Marketing

This course introduces design thinking as a business problem solving approach. It overviews design thinking techniques and has hands on practice applying these to classic business challenges. It fosters creativity and teamwork in the increasingly ambiguous business world in which today’s business leaders must compete. These principles will be brought to life via a team project that runs through the entire class.

Project Topic: How to Engage the Design Community with The Brandery to deliver the potential of this entrepreneurial community.

---

Anthropology Course

---

ANTH504: Ethnographic Methods | Clement Jacobson

Introduction to ethnographic research. Survey of qualitative research methods, experience in skills such as interviewing, observation and record-keeping.

---

Fine Art Courses

---

ARTE551: Principles of Art | Kristopher Holland

This course explores arts-based research as both a method and subject of inquiry, questioning traditional epistemologies and scientific models of knowledge. Students will examine foundational theories, practices, and visualizations within the emerging canon of arts-based research, using artistic processes as interpretive and productive tools. Emphasis is placed on forms and functions, design, expression, and the creative process in the visual and plastic arts, approached through lecture, discussion, and laboratory work. Drawing on key moments in Western thought—from Plato to contemporary paradigms such as feminism and deconstruction—students will critically reflect on how knowledge is constructed, represented, and reimagined through the arts.

    

---

FAA747: Advanced Painting | Frank Herrmann

Personal development, invention, freedom of expression in all painting media.

---

Film and Media Studies Courses

---

FILM7001: Film & Media Studies Seminar | The American Gothic Film | Megan Boyd

This course focuses on aesthetic, historical, and theoretical developments across film, television, digital media, and related forms. It explores American Gothic Film, a genre that reflects fears of unsafe homes, broken trust, and shifting ideas of domestic life. Once overlooked, this genre has gained renewed relevance in a post-COVID era of isolation and uncertainty. Students will examine these themes while working with archival sources—from fan magazines and newspapers to screenwriting manuals—that illuminate often-neglected voices in film history.

My research examined relationship between Film Aesthetic and Associated Design—the parallel yet often asynchronous systems that shape audience perception, cultural memory, and the lasting image of cinema.