OUTCOMES

 

COMMUNICATE EFFECTIVELY, including the ability to

 

• demonstrate effective oral communication skills (which could include the use of languages such as American Sign language for those who do not communicate orally);

• demonstrate effective writing skills;

• demonstrate effective nonverbal communication skills (which could include appropriate use of performance, design, or representations such as maps, tables, and graphs);

• listen actively and critically;

• present work effectively to a range of audiences; and

• effectively communicate original and creative ideas.

 

The Visualization program is all about communication.  Each assignment focuses on communicating an idea through design.  As students in the Viz program, we ultimately work towards a proficiency in communicating through mass media.  The studio environment of many of our classes allows for communication between peers and between student and professor on a daily basis.  We also take part in critique sessions at each stage of a project.  This opens up a forum for discussion and constructive input in which everyone can participate.  The creative and open atmosphere of my Viz classes has really encouraged the development of my communication skills over the past year.

 

 

DEMONSTRATE SOCIAL, CULTURAL, AND GLOBAL COMPETENCE, including the ability to

 

• live and work effectively in a diverse and global society;

• articulate the value of a diverse and global perspective; and

• recognize diverse economic, political, cultural, and religious opinions and practices.

 

In the world of animation and graphic design, paying heed to social and cultural trends is a must to be successful.  The diversity of Texas A&M's large student body exposes me to many different opinions and lifestyles from day-to-day.  There is also ample opportunity to experience other cultures firsthand through A&M's numerous study abroad opportunities.  At the beginning of the summer, I was able to go to Costa Rica on a study abroad trip sponsored by the College of Architecture.  The study abroad experience adds a whole new dimension and understanding to my education.  The Visualization curriculum also requires a semester away - either studying abroad or interning - in order to expose students to views and experiences beyond the A&M campus.  We live in a global age and are at the forefront of technological breakthrough.  We must therefore be mindful and strive to understand people of all cultures.

 

 

WORK COLLABORATIVELY, including the ability to

 

• participate effectively in teams;

• consider different points of view; and

• work with others to support a shared purpose or goal.

 

As a part of the Visualization coursework, students are required to take a studio class each semester.  In this studio class we all work side by side, praising and critiquing each other's work.  This past semester, we worked on our first true group project.  It was a very interesting and eye-opening experience - up to this point, we had each been responsible for our own project and accountable to only ourselves.  Communication and compromise became of utmost importance as we worked towards our final goal.  This is great preparation for the workforce, as the atmosphere in the animation and graphic design industries is definitely one of collaboration.