grc courses
The Graphic Communications (GRC) program offers classes that lead to an Associate degree or a Certificate of Achievement. Instruction includes the use of industry standard graphics software, and GRC computer labs are equipped with the latest Macintosh computers with support scanners, printers, a sound recording facility and a complete prepress/print shop facility.
For complete credit requirements, please refer to the program worksheets:
Core Requirements
GRC 107
Design Fundamentals
Prerequisites: None
3.00-4.00 Credits
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
Prerequisites: None
3.00-4.00 Credits
Color theories, color technologies and the applications of color in art and design. Intermediate, two-dimensional design problems focusing ton the compositional, optical and psychological aspects of visual communication.
GRC 110
Rendering and Illustration
Prerequisites: None
4.00 Credits
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. This course may not transfer to a baccalaureate degree of art or science within the universities in the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE).
GRC 118
Computer Graphics/Print Media
Prerequisite: GRC 107 and GRC 109,
or approval of instructor.
3.00-4.00 Credits
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
Computer Graphics/Digital Media
Prerequisite: GRC 107 and GRC 109,
or approval of instructor.
3.00-4.00 Credits
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 294
Portfolio Workshop
PR: Minimum 24 credits of GRC classes
or approval of instructor.
1.00-3.00 Credits
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.
The Graphic Communications program offers a series of 0.5 - 1 credit professional level software applications classes that focus on one particular graphics software over a one- to four-week period. These short courses are tailored to meet the needs of industry professionals and may not apply toward the Associate of Applied Science degree in Graphic Communications. The following applications are currently being offered:
- InDesign (beginning and advanced)
- Illustrator(beginning and advanced)
- Photoshop (beginning and advanced)
- Acrobat
- Dreamweaver
- Flash Professional
- Premiere
Print Classes
GRC 144
Electronic Layout and Typography
Prerequisites: GRC 118
or approval of instructor.
3.00 Credits
Introduction to typography and page layout software. Typographic theory, copy acquisition, proofreading and fundamentals of typographical layout and design. This course may not transfer to a baccalaureate degree of art or science within the universities in the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE).
GRC 153
Commercial Printing Processes
Prerequisites: GRC 118
or approval of instructor.
4.00 Credits
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. This course may not transfer to a baccalaureate degree of art or science within the universities in the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE).
GRC 156
Computer Illustration
Prerequisites: GRC 110 and GRC 118,
or approval of instructor.
3.00 Credits
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 244
Electronic Layout and Typography II
Prerequisite: GRC 144 and 156
or approval of instructor.
3.00 Credits
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
Computer Illustration II
Prerequisite: GRC 122 and 156
or approval of instructor.
3.00 Credits
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 290
Internship in Graphic Communications
Prerequisites: None
1.00-8.00 Credits
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 across all emphases.
Web Classes
GRC 175
Web Design and Publishing I
Prerequisites: GRC 119
or approval of instructor.
3.00 Credits
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 188
Web Animation and Interactivity I
Prerequisites: GRC 118 and 119
or approval of instructor.
3.00 Credits
Introduction to animation and interactivity for use in CD-ROM, DVD or Web based interactive documents using industry standard software applications. Topics include information architecture, interface design and navigation, introductory programming, drawing, audio, video, and publishing options.
GRC 275
Web Design and Publishing II
Prerequisites: GRC 175 and GRC 183,
or approval of instructor.
3.00 Credits
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 283
Electronic Imaging II
Prerequisite: GRC 183
or approval of instructor.
3.00 Credits
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 288
Web Animation and Interactivity II
Prerequisite: GRC 188 and 135
or approval of instructor.
3.00 Credits
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 298
Special Problems in Graphic
Communications
Prerequisites: None
1.00-8.00 Credits
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.
*Available across all emphases.
Video & Animation
GRC 132
Basic Principles of Animation
Prerequisites: GRC 107 and 110
or approval of instructor.
3.00 Credits
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
Prerequisites: GRC 107 and 110
or approval of instructor.
3.00 Credits
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 will be discussed.
GRC 182
Digital Video Production
Prerequisites: GRC 119 and GRC 135,
or approval of instructor.
3.00 Credits
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, editing, special effects and output to different formats.
GRC 282
Motion Graphics for Video
Prerequisite: GRC 132 and 182
or approval of instructor.
3.00 Credits
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 284
3D Modeling and Animation
Prerequisite: GRC 132 and 119
or approval of instructor.
3.00 Credits
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 299
Independent Study
Prerequisite: None
1.00-6.00 Credits
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.
*Available across all emphases.
Truckee Meadows Community College
7000 Dandini Boulevard | Reno NV 89512-3999
Information: 775-673-7000 | Comments: webmaster@tmcc.edu
Current Students | Future Students | For Faculty/Staff
About TMCC | Online College Tour | Library
Copyright © 2013 TMCC. All rights reserved.