COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

GNST 0400 — 0 UNIT WRITING SKILLS

GNST 1450 — 3 UNITS COLLEGE MATHEMATICS

GNST 1040 — 3 UNITS ENGLISH COMPOSITION

A review of basic written communication techniques in preparation for English Composition (GNST 1040), with emphasis upon grammar, word use, punctuation, capitalization, and the composition of clear, well-organized, well-developed paragraphs and essays. This course is graded Pass/Fail.

In this process-oriented course, students combine deep, disciplined research with careful writing and revision to produce a thoughtful, creative, and personally meaningful research essay. They learn to formulate focused research questions, identify and investigate credible sources, and synthesize expert opinion with their own insight in support of a clearly defined, complex thesis. The emphasis is on curiosity, exploration, and discovery. As part of the process, students also gain confidence and compe-tency in two primary areas of written expression: organization and mechanics.

GNST 1080 — 3 UNITS DRAWING FUNDAMENTALS

GNST 1600 — 3 UNITS EFFECTIVE SPEAKING

A course in oral communication designed to give students poise, speaking confidence, and the ability to develop and produce a focused, well-organized speech that holds the audience’s attention through effective delivery methods. Presentational skills and audience-centered communication are emphasized.

GNST 1620 — 3 UNITS THE CREATIVE PROCESS

A course in which students learn to communicate quickly and effectively through the medium of the sketch, a graphic means for recording and transmit-ting a visual experience or mental image. In master-ing the fundamentals of line, form,composition, and perspective, students acquire the techniques of a visual language which are useful in many endeavors.

GNST 1170 — 3 UNITS HISTORY OF COSTUME GNST 1650 — 3 UNITS CRITICAL THINKING

This course provides an overview of costume his-tory in Western culture from ancient civilizations to the present. Students examine cultural, social, and historical events and analyze their effect on the history of costume and apparel, including the influence of historical costume on fashion today. Students develop a broad fashion vocabulary and become familiar with period costume terminology.

GNST 1200 — 3 UNITS 20TH CENTURY DESIGNERS

GNST 1900 — 0 UNIT PROFESSIONAL SKILLS

GNST 1230 — 3 UNITS COLOR & DESIGN THEORY

An exploration of major designers who have had a sustained impact, in both couture and ready-to-wear, on today’s fashion. Students analyze how key figures in fashion design have in-fluenced the styles and trends in line development of each decade since 1850, with emphasis on the last 30 years.

An introductory study of the principles and elements of color and design theory. Students critique aspects of a visual representation by analyzing the compo-nents of design and the use of color by the artist.

This course explores financial and consumer math, the geometry of flat and 3-dimensional spaces, and the basics of statistical analysis. Integrating mathematical equations and concepts in the context of problem solving and discovery, students complete projects and assignments demonstrating the effective use of quantitative tools to support their conclusions.

This course explores concepts of creativity with emphasis on a methodological, practical, and socio-cultural approach. Students analyze creativity in a variety of art forms and develop an understanding of the creative process through research and quar-ter-long design projects.

Designed to foster independent thinking, this course strengthens students’ capacity to reason clearly, critically, and creatively, including the ability (1) to analyze the arguments of others, (2) to synthesize effective arguments of their own, and (3) to solve problems skillfully. Students also gain experience in reading closely and conducting purposeful, imaginative research—skills essential to the examination of demanding social, moral, political, and personal issues.

This course facilitates a comprehensive under-standing of the tools and techniques necessary to effectively navigate the complexities of the job market. Students explore critical components of employment in order to prepare for their job search; the ultimate result is placement in their desired career. Students learn how to build a meaningful resume, navigate career sites including FIDM Career Network and LinkedIn, effectively research desired industry and organizations, and perfect interviewing techniques and skills. This is a Pass/Fail class necessary for FIDM graduation. In addition to nine (9) hours of class work—comprised of three consecutive classes, three (3) hours each— students should be prepared for an additional three (3) hours of homework for each of the three weeks.