Design Foundation is an interdisciplinary program of introductory courses shared by the Animation, Fashion Design, Filmmaking, Graphic Design, and Interior Architecture Departments. Entry-level students are introduced to an appreciation of the visual arts processes shared across the art and design disciplines and are provided with a basis of study and skills to successfully continue their education within a specific major.

Design Foundation goals and learning outcomes are designed to gain a visual literacy and mastery of basic methods and techniques common to all the art and design disciplines; and, in that process, gain critical thinking skills that can be applied to design analysis and intellectual processes. Each student is encouraged to develop their own creative concepts for design problem solving in this challenging environment and to develop and maintain a commitment in energy, focus, and time management leading to the completion of successful projects. Many of the assignments have research or conceptual writing requirements and process work leading to future design development; but most importantly, we seek to sustain and expand on the passion and interest in the visual arts that students bring with them to the University.

The four designated Design Foundation courses are imbedded in the design majors and include FOUN 101 Beginning Drawing, FOUN 102 Design and Color Elements 1, FOUN 103 Design and Color Elements 2, and FOUN 104 Drawing & Composition. The intention is to provide an introduction to basic drawing skills, elements and principles of design, and the visual practices and understanding of color theory as they are applied to a broad understanding of art and design. The courses parallel and support the introductory studios of the design majors.

Design Foundation faculty have varied professional and educational experience in the visual arts and design professions. They engage students with a broad spectrum of viewpoints and expertise that prepares them to continue study within their major but also exposes them to ideas and methods based in other disciplines. This interdisciplinary experience creates awareness and appreciation not only for the similarities that the art and design professions share but also the unique differences that set them apart.

Woodbury University considers study abroad to be one of the most significant educational experiences available. The global perspective it engenders has become a critical ingredient of lifelong success no matter how it is measured. Just as we try to erase the limits to thought and creativity in our courses, we must, in some circumstances, move ourselves past our city limits and national borders.

Faculty members typically bring an entire class of students abroad to study a particular question or phenomenon that cannot be fully comprehended otherwise.  Each major has developed unique study abroad solutions that effectively synchronize with their program learning outcomes.

MCD is also affiliated with select universities around the world based on a careful study of their institutional vision and educational philosophy. We look for partners who are preeminent in single fields or have a broad mix of majors that resonate with our own. Various majors offer summer study abroad programs exploring the areas of design and culture. Woodbury also hosts international students, which promotes a vibrant cross-cultural discourse.

Communication Study Abroad
Netherlands

Communication students recently traveled to the Netherlands to participate in an intensive seminar on the European Union (EU) hosted by Hanze University. Through daily lectures by renowned content experts, they gained insights into the many different communication and cultural practices of the 28 EU member nations. Visits to the global corporate headquarters of several Dutch and German companies in Amsterdam and Bremen provided real-world examples of the many ways intercultural competency can enhance business operations and aid in the identification of market-entry strategies for cross-border trade. Students left with a greater appreciation for communication as a vital field of study in an increasingly globalized world.

Fashion Design Study Abroad
London, Paris, Belgium

The Fashion Design program has a direct exchange program with the University of the West of England in Bristol, and also participates with American Intercontinental University in study abroad in London and Paris. Recently a group of fashion design students and faculty made a trip that included visits to England (London and Bath), France (Paris and Versailles), and Belgium (Brussels and Antwerp). Fashion Design students have also done semester abroad in Florence, Italy. The international study courses alternate with study trips to New York City.

Graphic Design Study Abroad
London, Paris

In the course, London: A Visual/Culture Experience, students researched, observed and immersed themselves in the art and culture of London through site visits, discussions, workshops, mapping, and the pure adventure of being in, and visually exploring, the city. The study was designed to merge photography, letterpress, journaling, and bookmaking techniques with the cultural experience of the city.

Check out their blog. http://londonteaparty.blogspot.com/ In ne.xt year’s summer study abroad course, students will have the opportunity to explore Paris through a visual/culture experience.

Our location in the hub of Southern California’s entertainment, fashion, and advertising industries provides students with unique internship opportunities. Internships provide an important bridge between a student’s major course of study and the career options most strongly related to it. By providing a real-world context, they help to frame the theory, knowledge, and practice found in academic disciplines. We encourage the use of internships as a way to particularize the educational experience in the belief that no two students will benefit the same way from the same internship. Faculty advisors in the school work closely with students to find internship opportunities that match their aspirations. Sponsoring companies have included: