Design Foundations

Learn how to use your talents in creating visual images that communicate a message. Get the basics of graphic design and fuel your passion!

This course introduces students to the fundamentals of graphic design through analog and sometimes digital methodologies in a cross-disciplinary studio environment. In addition, students will be introduced to diverse techniques in visual research. Class exercises will enable students to explore the expressive use of various media and produce projects in design and visual communication.

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Learning Outcomes

• Conduct visual design research
• Understand the basic principles of visual communication
• Ideate and visualize basic concepts by applying the basic principles they learned in various basic design applications
• Document design work
• Present design projects
• Reflect on various design topics

Duration and Location

• July 28 - August 15, 2024
• Sessions will run daily from 9 am to 3 pm
• AUC New Cairo campus
• Fridays and Saturdays off

Fees

• $1,000 (price including field trips) - This amount is equivalent to half the price of a regular undergraduate course.
• 10% discount offered for siblings
• Egyptian students can pay the equivalent amount in Egyptian pounds

Egyptian students can pay the tuition using

Current AUC Equivalent

This course is a prerequisite for students interested to major in graphic design. 

Note: Program requirements may change by the time the student applies to AUC. If this course is no longer a requirement for the major, it will be counted as an elective course.

Course Transfer

• Upon taking this course, you will receive a certificate of completion from AUC.
• The course is equivalent to 3 credit hours. Only students who pass the course will be able to transfer these 3 credits when they enroll at AUC. In case transferring the course to other universities, their transfer assessments will apply. 

Requirements

• An English writing sample (at least 750 words): essay or reflection.
• A copy of your report card for the past two years of school.
• A recommendation letter from a high-school teacher within the past academic year, if available.

Note: Students are encouraged to submit any art or design project portfolios, like drawing, painting, illustration, graphic design, photography, or anything relevant.

Transportation 

The AUC bus service is available for extra fees. Details on the schedule will be shared before the program’s start date.

Accommodation 

Accommodation is offered at the University Residences in case needed.

About the Instructor

Mahy Mourad 
Mahy Mourad is a Cairo-based architect, independent researcher and multi-disciplinary designer. She lectures on design and architecture in several universities in Cairo. Mourad is the founder of Studio 39, a multidisciplinary research and design practice in Cairo. The studio design work has been previously exhibited in Cairo, Alexandria, Dubai and London. Mourad holds a BA in architecture and a dual master’s degree in urbanism and design with distinction. Mourad has been teaching at AUC since 2017 and has been contributing to the development of the graphic design program.

Tarek Abdelkawi
Tarek Abdelkawi is an illustrator and graphic designer with an architectural background, an educator in both fields, as well as a professional musician. He has worked for multiple local and international clients, with a special focus on cultural events such as Cairo’s Annual Jazz Festival and UK band Black Sabbath, among other clients. He has taught at the German University in Cairo (GUC) for a few years before he joined AUC in 2015 and has since been teaching and developing illustration and design foundations.

AUC Refund Policy

A 100% refund of the program fees will be offered in the following cases. If reported at least three weeks before the program's start date.

• Course cancellation 
• Medical withdrawal
• Visa denial