Graphic Communications Course Offerings

GRC 107 - Design Fundamentals

Foundation course in the application and appreciation of the basic principles and elements of design, including form, shape, value and spatial relationships. Emphasis will be placed on developing creative skills and working with the design process. Challenge by portfolio is available.

GRC 109 - Color and Design

Color theories, color technologies and the applications of color in art and design. Intermediate, two-dimensional design problems focusing on the compositional, optical and psychological aspects of visual communication.

GRC 110 - Drawing and Illustration

Foundation course for developing basic skills and techniques in visualizing and rendering images in 2D and 3D presentations. Projects will focus on manual techniques and their applications in print and digital media. Challenge by portfolio is available.

GRC 118 - Computer Graphics/Print Media

Foundation course that introduces computer systems and applications as they relate to graphic communication for print media. Class will present a project-based overview of vector-draw, image manipulation, page layout and electronic publishing software. Challenge exam is available.

GRC 119 - Digital Media

Foundation course that introduces computer systems and applications as they relate to graphic communications for digital media. Class will present a project-based overview of content creation, Web design, Web animation, digital video and 3D modeling. Challenge exam is available.

GRC 120 - Software Applications-Beginning Photoshop

Software workshop focusing on beginning techniques and applications of the current version of Adobe Photoshop. Class is taught hands on with software demonstrations. Class may be used toward the Graphic Communications Certificate but may not be used toward the AAS Graphic Communications Degree.

GRC 123 - Software Applications-Advanced Photoshop

Software workshop focusing on advanced techniques and applications of the current version of Adobe Photoshop. Class is taught hands on with software demonstrations. Class may be used toward the Graphic Communications Certificate but may not be used toward the AAS Graphic Communications Degree.

GRC 124 - Software Applications-Beginning Illustrator

Software workshop focusing on beginning techniques and applications of the current version of Adobe Illustrator. Class is taught hands on with software demonstrations. Class may be used toward the Graphic Communications Certificate but may not be used toward the AAS Graphic Communications Degree.

GRC 125 - Graphics Software Certification

Intermediate level graphic design software courses meant to prepare students for the Adobe Certified Associate (ACA) exams. Classes will include information on production processes, design principles and software specific instruction, as outlined in the current published Adobe ACA exam objectives. Please verify version of Adobe software in the current class schedule. Course does not include taking the ACA exam. This course may be repeated for up to eight credits.

GRC 126 - Software Applications-Advanced Illustrator

Software workshop focusing on advanced techniques and applications of the current version of Adobe Illustrator. Class is taught hands on with software demonstrations. Class may be used toward the Graphic Communications Certificate but may not be used toward the AAS Graphic Communications Degree.

GRC 127 - Software Applications-Beginning InDesign

Software workshop focusing on beginning techniques and applications of the current version of Adobe InDesign. Class is taught hands on with software demonstrations. Class may be used toward the Graphic Communications Certificate but may not be used toward the AAS Graphic Communications Degree.

GRC 128 - Software Applications-Advanced InDesign

Software workshop focusing on advanced techniques and applications of the current version of Adobe InDesign. Class is taught hands on with software demonstrations. Class may be used toward the Graphic Communications Certificate but may not be used toward the AAS Graphic Communications Degree.

GRC 129 - Software Applications-Beginning Dreamweaver

Software workshop focusing on beginning techniques and applications of the current version of Adobe Dreamweaver. Class is taught hands on with software demonstrations. Class may be used toward the Graphic Communications Certificate but may not be used toward the AAS Graphic Communications Degree.

GRC 130 - Software Applications-Beginning Flash

Software workshop focusing on beginning techniques and applications of the current version of Adobe Flash. Class is taught hands on with software demonstrations. Class may be used toward the Graphic Communications Certificate but may not be used toward the AAS Graphic Communications Degree.

GRC 131 - Software Applications-Premiere/Soundbooth

Software workshop focusing on beginning techniques and applications of the current version of Adobe Premiere and Soundbooth. Class is taught hands on with software demonstrations. Class may be used toward the Graphic Communications Certificate but may not be used toward the AAS Graphic Communications Degree.

GRC 132 - Basic Principles of Animation

Introduction to the principles and techniques of 2D animation. Manual assignments will be completed for output to analog and digital formats for screening and portfolio. Course lectures and discussions will include professional production processes for TV, film, games and the Web, as well as potential strategies to gain employment in the field.

GRC 135 - Storyboarding

Introduction to techniques and strategies for visual storytelling. Visual language and syntax for narrative, non-linear, alternative and experimental storytelling methodologies will be explored. Story structure, character development, style, premise, genre, and format (commercial ad, interstitial, PSA, short, feature, music video, Web, games, etc.) will be discussed.

GRC 136 - Graphic Communications Fundamentals

Introduction to the fundamental theories, concepts and technologies of the graphic communications industry. Course will integrate basic business math and business communication instruction into an integrated, project-based curriculum.

GRC 137 - Graphics Content Development and Production Techniques

Introduction to the creation, development and production of static and dynamic content for use in Internet-based designs. Course will integrate basic business math and business communication instruction into an integrated, project-based curriculum.

GRC 138 - Graphics Web Design I

Introduction to the creation, layout and production of web pages, including the integration of imagery, typography and color. Basic programming concepts, including HTML and CSS. Course will integrate basic business math and business communication instruction into an integrated, project-based curriculum.

GRC 144 - Electronic Layout and Typography

Introduction to typography and page layout software. Typographic theory, copy acquisition, proofreading and fundamentals of typographical layout and design.

GRC 153 - Commercial Printing Processes

An intermediate course in commercial printing processes including screen printing and offset lithography. Hands-on class will focus on electronic pre-press and printing methods used in commercial printing.

GRC 156 - Design with Illustrator

An introductory/intermediate class in the creation and execution of designs and illustrations in the digital environment. Class will focus on vector-draw software, including the tools and techniques required to produce professional-level artwork.

GRC 175 - Web Design and Publishing I

Introduction to authoring for the World Wide Web using industry standard software applications. Topics covered include planning, designing and building a Web site, aesthetics, creating and optimizing computer graphics for Web, information architecture, navigation and interactivity, Web publishing, Web hosting and site management.

GRC 182 - Digital Video Production

Introduction to the basic principles and practices of digital video production. The course covers every phase of introductory digital video preproduction, production and post-production processes from "concept to final output", including story and concept development, lighting, recording and capturing footage, importing and managing clips, editing methods, transitions, special effects, titles, and credits, sound design and output to different formats.

GRC 183 - Design with Photoshop

An intermediate course in the application of graphics software to create pixel based images using industry standard pixels based software. Class will cover digital camera and scanner operation and emphasize image manipulation and optimization processes for pixel images.

GRC 188 - Web Animation and Interactivity I

Introduction to animation and interactivity for use in CD-ROM, DVD or Web based interactive documents using industry standard software applications. Course content focuses on planning, design and building animated and interactive digital content. Topics include information architecture, interface design and navigation, introductory programming, drawing, audio, video, and publishing options.

GRC 198 - Special Topics in Graphic Communications

Various short courses and experimental classes covering a variety of subjects. The class will be a variable credit of one-half to six credits depending upon class content and number of hours required. The course may be repeated for up to six credits.

GRC 238 - Graphics Web Design II

Intermediate course in the creation, layout and production of web pages, including developing intermediate-level layout and design skills. Continued instruction in programming languages relevant to web design and production. Course will integrate human relations instruction into an integrated, project-based curriculum.

GRC 239 - Graphics Web Design III

Advanced course in the creation, layout and production of web pages, including developing advanced-level layout and design skills. Continued instruction in programming languages relevant to web design and production. Course will integrate human relations instruction into an integrated, project-based curriculum, including the development of a student portfolio website for employment in the industry.

GRC 244 - Electronic Layout and Typography II

Advanced studio covering typography, graphic design and advertising theories and techniques for print media. Class will focus on creativity and the creative process and how these principles affect communication of ideas. Topics include image/copy interaction, production techniques and the use of type in complex compositions as well as multipage documents.

GRC 256 - Advanced Design with Illustrator

An intermediate/advanced class in the creation and execution of designs and illustrations in the electronic environment. Class will focus on vector-draw software and more advanced principles of design to produce artwork for print and digital media.

GRC 275 - Web Design II

Advanced Web page design using industry-standard applications. Topics include planning and design, programming, interactivity, behaviors, animation, page weighting, meta tags, databases, Web hosting and site management.

GRC 282 - Motion Graphics for Video

The principles of animation and motion design applied to graphics production for use in time-based and interactive scenarios. An exploration of animated title sequences, time-based image composing, and audio design principles for applications in entertainment and advertising content creation.

GRC 283 - Electronic Imaging II

An advanced course in the application of graphics software to create pixel based imagery using industry standard pixel based software. Class will cover advanced image manipulation and optimization processes for pixel images as well as simple based animation and video manipulation.

GRC 284 - 3D Modeling and Animation

Introduction to basic 3 dimensional modeling and animation techniques and production processes. Topics include 3D modeling, texturing, lighting, animation and rendering using industry-standard 3D software.

GRC 288 - Web Animation II

Advanced animation and interactivity for the Web and CD-ROM using Macromedia Flash. The course extends the skills acquired in GRC 188: Web Animation and Interactivity I, and emphasizes methodology and problem solving.

GRC 290 - Internship in Graphic Communications

Supervised work experience with a selected graphic communications business, dependent upon students selected major emphasis. Course is designed to apply knowledge to real on-the-job situations in a program designed by a company official and a faculty advisor. Available to students entering their last semester of instruction for the GRC associates degree. Contact the department advisor for application, screening and required skills evaluation. 75 hours on the job per credit.

GRC 294 - Portfolio Workshop

Development of a portfolio for employment in the graphic communications or digital media or transfer to a four-year program. Class will deal with the professional and legal requirements of working in the graphic communications or digital media industry.

GRC 298 - Special Problems in Graphic Communications

Selected advanced topics and workshops relating to specific areas of graphic communications. The class will be a variable credit of one-half to six credits depending upon class content and number of hours required.

GRC 299 - Independent Study

This course is designed for advanced students to pursue work in a specific area of graphic communications. Students must submit a written proposal which becomes a contract for the course of study. Students must meet with a faculty advisor on a regular basis. Course may be repeated up to 6 credits.