Information Arts & Technologies

Doctorate in Communications Design

Core Course Descriptions:

IDIA 612-- Interaction and Interface Design
Explores electronic publication environments as fluid spaces where interactions among people, machines, and media (words, images, sounds, video, animations, simulations) must be structured for the unforeseen. The course focuses on planning, analyzing, prototyping, and integrating interaction design with interface design.

PBDS 720-- The Digital Economy
The impact of the digital revolution in a number of areas-how we make a living, how we govern ourselves, and how we create values for ourselves. The course has two goals: to provide students with an understanding of the way the digital economy creates a unique business culture and establishes (and reflects) a network of new economic values; and to prepare students to effectively invest their time, talent, and imagination in the new culture and economy of digital technology.

PBDS 810-- Pro Seminar
This course is an integrating experience designed to provide DCD students with the opportunity to discuss and probe the broader aspects of communication. During the course, students will develop and sharpen their DCD project ideas and do supporting research. Required of all DCD students prior to taking the Qualifying Examination.

IDIA 842-- Methods for User Research
Introduces user research methods such as contextual inquiry, ethnographic field studies, card sorting, image collaging, usability testing, and eyetracking that provide the foundation for user-centered interaction design.

PUAD 626-- Information Resource Management for Public Administration
The development and management of information necessary for decision-making in public organizations, including development of databases and use of software applications. (Prerequisite: computer competency exam or permission of instructor)

MGMT 764-- Commercial Start-up
Expands on MGMT 762 and 763 with emphasis on the skills and behaviors engaged in during the start-up process. Includes the search for capital, the negotiations of contracts, initial advertising and marketing, and the development of alliances. Discusses strategy implementation, alteration and revision. Prerequisite: MGMT 504, prior or concurrent enrollment in MGMT 763.