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BIS Areas of Concentration

The two areas I chose to focus on during my BIS degree program are Business, with an emphasis on Marketing, and Interior Design History.

 

Business and Marketing

 

Business and Marketing is the complete process of systemically identifying the particular wants and needs of a target market.  This involves research methods that actually help to define a particular market and its customers through demographics.  Business and Marketing also strive to make strategic decisions regarding product design, pricing, promotion, manufacturing, and distribution in order to reach a selected audience.

 

Interior Design History

 

Interior Design History is the complex study of the various trends, periods and styles seen in the design fields throughout the course of history.  In order to accurately study and critique the outcomes of what is now considered “good” historical design, one much familiar with the cultural, political and technological occurrences of a particular period in history.  Research into historical styles teaches us many things about how people “lived” in the past, as well as what is used from the past to influence the works of today.

 

I also chose to add a Minor in Architectural History to complement my BIS degree.  Architectural History is similar to that of Design History in that it also looks to past civilizations, political occurrences, cultural, social and economic trends, science and technological discoveries to try and understand and critique how certain buildings and building methods have influenced what we now call “architecture.” 

 

Course of Study

 

Business

 

FIN380 Personal Financial Management

This class emphasized that financial planning does not only contribute to the quality of a business, but to one’s personal life as well.  This class taught how to effectively plan for a strong financial future, how to read common stock reports and how to analyze common tax problems.

 

LES380 Consumer Perspective Business Law

This class examined the various areas of law and governmental regulations imposed on businesses.  It also explored personal legal rights as a citizen.

 

MGT380 Management Strategies

This class taught effective leadership and management skills that are not only useful in business, but in personal relationships as well.  Real-life examples were explained and analyzed for example and critique.

 

REA380 Real Estate Fundamentals

This class explored the basics of the real estate market.  It looked at factors such as the economy, cycles of cities, and growth opportunities to predict successful real estate choices. 

 

 

MKT382 Advertising and Marketing Communications

This class went through the process of creating a marketing plan for real-life products.  Emphasis was placed on research, branding and creative skills. 

 

MKT394 International Marketing Strategies

This class was an international study abroad experience.  The class focused on researching the global strategies of many top companies and offering suggestions and comments with their top executives.

 

 

Interior Design

 

INT105 Introduction to Interior Design

This class was the foundation for all design study classes.  Emphasis was placed on theory, vocabulary, design process and color.

 

INT223 Theories and Issues in Interior Design

This class allow for critical thinking concerning certain styles and how they were developed.  It also forced critique about those design trends that are popular today.

 

INT310 Interior Design History I

This class explored ancient ways of living.  It focused on how techniques and technologies were developed in ancient times and how they were modified until the late 1800’s.

 

INT311 Interior Design History II

This Design History class was a continuation of INT310.  It focused on modern era designers and architects.

 

INT412 History of Decorative Arts in Interior Design

This class explored how people throughout history have produced and used decorative arts to signify important events in their culture.  Emphasis was placed on techniques and technologies developed by craftsmen all over the world, and how it is still being refined today.

 

INT413 History of Textiles in Interior Design

This class focused on the importance of historical fabrics and what makes certain weaving and dying techniques more important than others.  It explored how textile decoration evolved and how it influenced interior design as a whole.